Here's why it's common and when it might not be:
Why summaries are often used in closings:
* Reinforcement: A summary helps to reinforce the key points of the speech and leave a lasting impression on the audience.
* Clarity: It can bring clarity to the overall message, especially if the speech was complex or lengthy.
* Transition: A summary can serve as a transition from the main body of the speech to the final call to action or concluding remarks.
When summaries might not be necessary:
* Short speeches: If the speech is very short, a summary may be redundant.
* Strong conclusion: If the conclusion is already a powerful and memorable statement, a summary might weaken its impact.
* Creative closings: Some speeches might end with a story, poem, or other creative element that doesn't require a traditional summary.
In general, a summary is a helpful tool for creating a clear and impactful speech closing. However, the best approach will depend on the specific context of the speech.