13 Best Phrases to End a Meeting, Plus the #1 Way You *Don't* Want to Close It Out, According to Psychologists
Parting can be such sweet sorrow (unless it's a meeting that could've been an email, and you have to pee). Either way, knowing how to end a meeting (in-person or on Zoom) is an underrated skill in the workplace.
"Ending a meeting on the right note or in a positive way can impact productivity and morale and boost relationships among team members, improve communication, and more," says Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "It is helpful to know how to end a meeting in a way that leaves people feeling positive—instead of negative—about the company, the task at hand [and the] boss."
Yet, knowing how to end a meeting doesn't come naturally to everyone. In fact, one psychologist says it can be worth preparing for, just like you readied a presentation or ideas for the meeting.
"It can be hard to end a meeting that seems to be going on forever if you aren’t prepared," says Dr. Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and executive coach.
Having some go-to phrases can help you with closing a meeting on the right note. Psychologists share their top 13 ideas.
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The 13 Best Phrases to End a Meeting, According to Psychologists
1. "Let’s pause here for today."
Consider this the business casual version of "TTYL."
"This can be used for meetings that are smaller in size, occur daily or have a more informal feel," Dr. Goldman says. "This statement gives the clear understanding that the meeting has come to a close and that you’re kindly being asked to disperse."
It also implies there will be a follow-up.
2. "Before we wrap up, let's recap the key takeaways."
Dr. McGeehan says this phrase can be handy at the end of meetings to discuss complex topics—it ensures people are aligned on action items.
"It helps reinforce key concepts and ensures that everyone leaves with a clear understanding of the outcomes," she explains.
3. "Thanks everyone for your valuable contributions today. Let's meet again next week to review our progress."
This phrase sends a clear message about when the next meeting will be, but that's not what one psychologist loves most about it.
Expressing gratitude and setting a future meeting fosters a sense of continuity and appreciation," says Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a clinical and neuropsychologist at Duality Psychological Services. "It's ideal for ongoing projects, reinforcing commitment and teamwork."
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4. "That was the last item on our agenda."
A formal and polished hint.
"This is a statement that communicates to everyone that without any further items to discuss, the meeting is over," Dr. Goldman says. "This statement can be helpful to use in meetings that commonly follow an agenda. It is not ideal in spaces that rarely or never follow an agenda."
5. "I appreciate everyone's contributions today. Let's break on a positive note."
Another phrase that exudes morale-building gratitude.
"This phrase...encourages a sense of camaraderie as the meeting concludes," Dr. McGeehan explains. "It leaves attendees with a positive impression and reinforces a culture of appreciation within the group."
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6. "With that, I'll bring today's meeting to a close. Thank you all, and have a great day."
This one is blunt but mixes in heaping helpings of gratitude and professionalism.
"It leaves a positive lasting impression and sets a friendly tone for future interactions," Dr. McGeehan says. "It's a versatile phrase that works well in various meeting settings, from formal business meetings to casual team gatherings."
7. "Let’s take 5 minutes between this and the next meeting."
Pull this one out when it's an "I'm in meetings all day" kind of day for you and your team.
"It clearly ends the first meeting and gives people permission to take a brief break before returning ready to begin a new meeting agenda," Dr. Goldman says.
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8. "This was a productive meeting today. Let’s go ahead and conclude here."
Dr. Goldman loves that this phrase peppers in a compliment.
"It includes the acknowledgment of how much was accomplished in the meeting while also showing signs of appreciation for those who participated," she explains. "It also clearly indicates that the meeting is over."
9. "Before we wrap up, does anyone have any last questions or comments?"
One of the reasons running an efficient meeting is so important is that it leaves time for this kind of question.
"This phrase invites last-minute input, ensuring all voices are heard before the meeting ends," Dr. Frank says. "It demonstrates inclusivity and can bring up valuable insights that might have been overlooked."
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10. "This is all we have time for. Thanks, everyone. Have a great week."
Dr. Goldman says these three short sentences make for polite but relaxed ways to end a meeting.
"This statement also includes the appreciation of the colleagues by thanking them for their contributions," she explains. "This can be used in spaces that are professional but not necessarily formal."
11. "I’m available to connect between meetings. If anyone needs anything, please feel free to reach out.”
The warm phrase is perfect for days jam-packed with meetings, especially tense ones.
"This gives the clear indication that the leader of the meeting is open and receptive, collaborative," Dr. Goldman says.
Just make sure it's authentic.
"This type of statement is not going to be possible in all workplaces, especially when the leader of the meeting has an exceptionally limited schedule," Dr. Goldman explains. "Only make this type of statement if the offer is genuine and the leader is willing to respond and meet with colleagues between meetings."
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12. "Let's wrap up our meeting and proceed with the next steps as discussed."
Short, sweet and straightforward.
"This direct yet polite phrase clearly signals the end while reaffirming the agreed-upon next steps," Dr. Frank says. "It helps maintain focus and ensure the meeting's purpose is fulfilled."
13. "Let's move to our closing remarks in the interest of time."
This phrase says the quiet part out loud (but softly).
"This phrase acknowledges the importance of respecting everyone's time and signals that the meeting is nearing its conclusion," Dr. McGeehan says. "It helps prevent discussions from veering off track or becoming unnecessarily prolonged. It's effective in meetings where time management is critical, such as when there are back-to-back appointments or tight schedules."
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The #1 Way You Shouldn't Conclude a Meeting
Abruptly.
"The worst way to end a meeting is abruptly [and] without closure or summary, which can cause confusion, wasted time and frustration among participants," Dr. Frank says.
Dr. Goldman agrees, adding a few more points.
"There are a few things to avoid when ending a meeting, but primarily, we want to avoid ending a meeting by being abrupt or rude, with an invalidating statement or by cutting someone off," Dr. Goldman says. "This can significantly impact employees, setting up the space to feel punitive or toxic."
Instead, try a statement like the ones above or craft your own that hits on some key points.
"Always conclude meetings with a clear summary, confirmed responsibilities and an invitation for final questions to ensure everyone leaves with a shared understanding and purpose," Dr. Frank recommends.
Up Next: An Etiquette Expert Shares the No. 1 Way To End a Convo Without Making It Awkward
Sources
Dr. Michele Goldman, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor
Dr. Brittany McGeehan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist and executive coach
Dr. Joel Frank, Psy.D., a clinical and neuropsychologist at Duality Psychological Services
