how to write a great commencement speech

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How to Write a Graduation Speech (Graduation Speech Examples)

Have you been asked to deliver a commencement speech? Or have you worked your butt off to become valedictorian or salutatorian, and now you have to deliver a graduation speech? In this post, we will cover one of the more challenging types of presentation creation: How to Write a Graduation Speech . (By the way, I have also included a few popular graduation speech examples as a guide for you.)

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This post is a continuation of our How to Create a Presentation series. We are going to break this post down into three parts, though. We will show you how to create a commencement speech in this post. Next week, I’ll show you how to write a valedictorian speech and how to deliver a salutatorian speech. Each of these graduation speeches has a slightly different purpose, but all of them need to be inspirational and funny.

How to Write a Commencement Speech

The commencement speech is often the keynote speech of the graduation ceremony. This presentation should be uplifting and entertaining, but this graduation speech should also teach a life lesson to the graduating students. If you do a search on YouTube of the best graduation speeches, many of these speakers will be famous comedians. When a comedian delivers a commencement speech, and the speech is posted on YouTube, it will always get a ton of views. The humor alone will make people want to watch the video. Three of the most popular of these speeches are by Conan O’Brien, Will Ferrell, and Ellen DeGeneres. The interesting thing about the speeches from these famous comedians is that, yes, they are funny, but the inspiration comes from what they learned from their failures.

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life life trying to push you in another direction.” Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University Commencement Speech

A Good Structure When You Write a Commencement Address

Thank the crowd.

Start with Something Funny

Be Inspirational

The inspirational part of your commencement speech will come from the theme of the graduation speech . (For Sample Graduation Speech Themes , see the section below.) The easiest way to develop a theme is to look for an inspirational famous quote about success. You can do this by just going to Google and type in “success quotes”. Once you come up with a great quote, you can either paraphrase the quote and make it your own or quote the original speaker.

Tell Stories from Your Own Experience Related to Your Quote (Theme).

This the most important part of how to write a graduation speech. The stories and examples are what the audience will remember. These stories add emotion and inspiration to your graduation speech. They also help you build rapport with the audience. Finally, these stories make your delivery much easier. You don’t have to memorize a lot of material. Instead, just play the video in your head of what happened and describe the incident to the graduates.

For a great example of this, watch the YouTube video on Stanford University’s channel where Steve Jobs gives the commencement speech. I love this speech, because Jobs skips the introduction and the funny stuff and starts his speech with the following. “I’m going to tell you three stories.” It’s simple, and the crowd loves him.

End with an Inspirational Call to Action.

So as you go on to the next stage in your life and you experience failure… because you will experience failure, use that as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere. Don’t rest on that success. Use it as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere, and you will experience a series of successes and failures that will allow you to accomplish something great!”

Use this outline to create a simple 20 to 30 minute speech. (The shorter the better… No one gets a diploma until you finish.)

Sample Graduation Speech Themes

If you are having trouble coming up with a theme for your graduation speech, here are a few Sample Commencement Speech Themes. As you read through them, think about which them or quote has been most applicable in your career? Once you choose a graduation speech them, use the outline above to create your speech.

• Hard Work Leads to Success

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” — Coleman Cox

• Create Your Own Path.

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” — Herman Melville

• Make Things Happen.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

• Don’t Settle for Average. Strive for Greatness.

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” –John D. Rockefeller

• Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity. Look for a Way to Create Your Own Opportunity.

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser/blockquote> The Road Ahead is Hard, But It Leads to Success. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” — Jim Rohn

• Focus on Your Dream.

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” — Bruce Lee

• Learn from Every Mistake to Move Toward Success.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” — Conrad Hilton

• When Your Why is Big Enough, Your How Will Appear.

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” — Jim Rohn

• Happiness is the Key to Success.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

Use the Speech Creator as a Guide to How to Create a Graduation Speech

Once you have chosen a them, and you have a few stories to inspire your audience, use our Online Speech Writer to help you organize your thoughts. (It’s free.)

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How to Write and Deliver a Memorable Graduation Speech: Tips, Examples, and Techniques

• The Speaker Lab
• March 7, 2024

Table of Contents

The goal of any graduation speech is to find words that capture the essence of years spent learning and growing. Today, we’ll guide you through that process and help you craft a memorable graduation speech . You’ll learn to weave gratitude with shared experiences, and balance humor with wisdom. We’ll even help you find quotes that strike a chord and deliver them in a way that resonates.

But that’s not all! Dive into proven strategies for public speaking , managing stage fright , and drawing inspiration from iconic commencement speeches. Discover how personal growth stories add depth to your message and explore themes that leave a lasting impact on your peers as they step forward into new beginnings.

Crafting Your Graduation Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to marking the end of your high school or university journey, a graduation speech can capture the essence of this pivotal moment. But how do you start such an important address?

Opening with Impact

The first words of your graduation speech are crucial. They set the stage for what’s to come and grab your audience’s attention. Think about starting strong by sharing a personal anecdote that ties into the broader experience of your class or drawing from Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech , where he began with, “Today I want to tell you three stories from my life.” This technique instantly piques interest because it promises narratives that have shaped who you are.

An impactful opening also acknowledges shared experiences. Perhaps you could reflect on how moments in classrooms turned strangers into lifelong friends. Or for university commencements, consider touching upon those late-night study sessions that tested perseverance but ultimately led to academic achievements worth celebrating today.

Building the Body of Your Graduation Speech

In crafting the body content, intertwine lessons learned throughout high school years or during university courses with aspirations for what lies ahead. For instance, share how overcoming obstacles like balancing extracurricular activities and academics taught valuable time management skills.

To add depth, incorporate quotes from luminaries like Oprah Winfrey or draw parallels between classroom learnings and real-world applications. Dive deeper by discussing milestones achieved together as a graduating class and recognizing the hard work everyone put in to make it to this monumental occasion.

Concluding with Inspiration

Your conclusion should leave fellow graduates feeling inspired while helping them celebrate high school memories one last time—or honor those unforgettable college years if addressing higher education grads.

Closing remarks could include heartfelt gratitude towards teachers’ support and parental guidance. You might even crack a joke or two. It’s these personalized touches paired with universal truths that resonate most deeply as students step forward into new chapters post-graduation.

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Delivery Techniques for Confident Speaking

Standing in front of a crowd can turn even the most composed student into a bundle of nerves. But fear not, with some smart strategies, you’ll be able to channel your inner orator and deliver your graduation speech with confidence.

Practicing Your Graduation Speech

Becoming familiar with every word of your speech is key. Rehearse it out loud until the words feel like second nature. This practice does more than just help you remember what comes next; it lets you find the natural rhythm and pace of your delivery. Consider recording yourself to catch any quirks or stumbling blocks—you might be surprised at how much this helps refine your presentation.

A trick often overlooked is practicing in different environments. If possible, stand on the actual stage where you will deliver your commencement address. Familiarity breeds comfort, making that once daunting podium seem like an old friend when graduation day arrives.

Overcoming Nervousness and Stage Fright

Nervousness is normal but doesn’t let it dictate your performance. Before stepping up to speak, take deep breaths to steady yourself—a calm body encourages a calm mind. An effective method for easing anxiety is visualization. Imagine delivering each line perfectly and receiving an enthusiastic response from listeners—envisioning success can make it so.

Maintaining Eye Contact

The power of eye contact cannot be overstated. It connects speaker and listener on a personal level that amplifies engagement significantly. Scan across different sections of the audience periodically without lingering too long on any one individual.

Incorporate these techniques diligently when preparing for the big day. In doing so, they become part of muscle memory and help build confidence. With confidence and plenty of practice on your side, your graduation speech is sure to conclude to applause leaving you to celebrate yet another milestone achieved.

Analyzing Renowned Graduation Speeches for Inspiration

When crafting a commencement speech , it’s often helpful to look at the giants whose words have echoed through auditoriums and across campuses. Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Commencement Speech is a classic example of weaving life lessons into an address that connects deeply with graduates. Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard University Commencement Address showed how stumbling blocks can become stepping stones if we learn from them.

Steve Jobs’ Storytelling Mastery

Jobs had a knack for turning personal anecdotes into universal truths. In his Stanford address, he shared three stories from his own life without sounding self-indulgent. These stories worked because each one carried a broader message relevant to every graduate: finding what you love, dealing with loss, and facing death head-on. Jobs famously urged students to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” encouraging them not just to pursue success but remain curious about life despite challenges. This advice is especially poignant for today’s graduating class.

Like Jobs, you too can craft narratives around moments that speak volumes about perseverance and passion.

Oprah’s Unflinching Honesty

Much like her television persona suggests, Oprah did not shy away from discussing her setbacks in front of Harvard’s graduating class. Instead, she confidently laid bare the challenges faced by anyone who dares greatly because failure is part of achieving greatness. As she reminded students, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point you are bound to stumble.”

In doing so she forged an instant connection with listeners grappling with their fears about what the future holds post-graduation. It was a powerful reminder that even icons like Oprah are not immune to trials but emerge stronger through them.

The power behind these speeches lies not just in their content but also in their delivery. These speakers mastered the art of speaking confidently before crowds, maintaining eye contact, and conveying authenticity—techniques any speaker should aspire to replicate on graduation day.

Themes and Messages That Resonate with Graduates

Facing a sea of caps and gowns, the right words can turn a graduation ceremony from mundane to memorable. When crafting your commencement speech, focusing on themes like overcoming obstacles and perseverance connects deeply with graduates who have hurdled high school or college challenges.

Overcoming Obstacles

Talking about stumbling blocks is not just relatable; it’s inspirational. Think Steve Jobs at Stanford University or Oprah Winfrey at Harvard—both shared personal tales of setbacks turned into comebacks. Beyond simply telling their stories, they showed how those hurdles were stepping stones to success.

Weave your narrative around the potholes you’ve navigated during your high school years. This doesn’t mean airing every bit of dirty laundry, just highlighting that one significant moment where everything seemed against you yet failed to defeat you.

The Power of Perseverance

Perseverance is more than sticking to something—it’s pushing forward when every fiber wants to quit. It resonates because everyone, including your fellow graduates, has felt that urge to give up but chose to persevere instead.

Incorporate this theme by using vivid examples that mirror collective experiences—the all-nighters before exams or balancing sports stars ambitions with academics—to illustrate perseverance isn’t just an idea but lived reality for many students.

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Life Lessons Shared During Graduation Speeches

In addition to sharing content that fellow graduates will find relatable and inspirational, you should also consider sharing life lessons with your audience. Whether young or old, everyone has a unique perspective on life and sharing your wisdom can steer graduates toward a fulfilling path.

The Power of Kindness

Making a positive impact doesn’t require grand gestures; sometimes it’s found in small acts of kindness or an innovative idea that simplifies lives. This message sticks because everyone wants their work to mean something—to know they’ve left footprints on society’s vast canvas.

True Grit and Tenacity

Embracing failure and resilience is another powerful theme echoed by commencement speakers across podiums. Let’s face it; not all endeavors lead straight to success. But as Oprah Winfrey once said during her Harvard University commencement address, “It doesn’t matter how far you might rise… At some point, you are bound to stumble.” Her words remind us: How we pick ourselves up matters more than how we fall.

Making a Positive Impact

A graduating class stands poised on tomorrow’s threshold ready to mold history—and speeches should fuel this transformative fire within them. Memorable graduation speeches show individuals that ovation-worthy achievements are possible if you believe your actions count.

As you prepare your graduation speech, consider including one of these life lessons or one of your own. Don’t be afraid to share your hard-won insights to your fellow graduates—you just might inspire them to make history.

Celebrating Achievements and Acknowledging Contributions

Graduation is not just a ceremony. It’s a tribute to the academic achievements and extracurricular activities that have shaped students into who they are. The acknowledgment of teacher support and parental guidance also plays a pivotal role in these speeches, as they’re the scaffolding upon which student successes are built.

Academic Achievements, Extracurricular Activities

Acknowledging academic prowess goes beyond GPA scores or honor societies; it’s about highlighting unique intellectual journeys. Similarly, shining a light on extracurricular triumphs—be it sports stars setting records or artists winning competitions—adds depth to your speech. Remembering these moments isn’t merely recounting victories but celebrating the relentless spirit of your fellow graduates.

Diving deeper into personal anecdotes helps you connect with peers by reminding them of their growth through challenges faced together—from late-night study sessions to championship games. It’s these stories that make graduation memories stick with classmates long after commencement ends.

Teacher Support, Parental Guidance

The unsung heroes behind every graduate deserve their moment in your address too. Teachers’ dedication can turn classrooms into launch pads for dreams, while parents’ unwavering belief often fuels aspirations during tumultuous times like the pandemic.

In weaving tales of mentorship from teachers or wisdom imparted by parents, you remind everyone that success is rarely a solo act—it’s supported by many hands and hearts along the way. Celebrate this collective effort because each person has contributed uniquely to shaping graduating classes across America, including yours.

Common Issues in Writing and Delivering Graduation Speeches

Staring at a blank page as the clock ticks down to graduation day can rattle even the most seasoned speech writers. Overcoming writer’s block is about finding your message stick—the core idea that you want to leave with your peers. Remember, this isn’t just any talk; it’s one that marks a significant transition for both you and your audience.

Overcoming Writer’s Block

Finding yourself stumped on how to write a speech ? Don’t sweat it. Start by jotting down memories from school years or powerful life lessons that resonate. Think of Steve Jobs’ Stanford University commencement speech where he shared personal stories, which became an inspirational backbone for many other speeches.

If inspiration doesn’t strike immediately, step away from the computer. Take a walk and reflect on high school experiences or browse through commencement speeches archives—like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s address at the University of Pennsylvania. They might spark ideas you hadn’t considered yet.

Navigating Technical Troubles

A great speech can stumble over technical hiccups. To avoid glitches, check all equipment beforehand—a simple but crucial task often overlooked due to nerves or excitement about graduating class celebrations.

Prior rehearsals will also let you handle these issues like a pro should they pop up during delivery. Make sure any videos or slides complement rather than overshadow what you’re saying. After all, graduates aren’t there for bells and whistles—they’re there for meaningful words.

Handling Stage Fright

Your knees may shake thinking delivering in front of proud parents and peers—it’s no small feat, after all. Before you step on stage, visual your success until it feels more real and attainable.

And don’t forget to watch your body language . During your speech, maintain eye contact—not stare-downs—to connect genuinely with fellow students. And if anxiety creeps up despite practice sessions? Take deep breaths to steady yourself and keep going. You’ve handled high school—you can handle this.

FAQs on Writing and Delivering a Graduation Speech

What do i say in my graduation speech.

Share heartfelt stories, acknowledge support from others, and inspire your classmates to chase their dreams boldly.

How do you write a 3 minute graduation speech?

Keep it tight: hit the high notes with gratitude, shared memories, a dash of humor, and wrap up with punchy inspiration.

How do I start a graduation speech?

Kick off with thanks. Give props to family and mentors. Set the stage for reflecting on past adventures together.

What is the most important message of a graduation speech?

The core should spark hope—urge peers to leap into tomorrow equipped with lessons learned during these formative years.

Master your moment with a graduation speech that turns heads and warms hearts. Remember the power of gratitude and connect with your audience through stories, those shared adventures that bind you to your classmates. Don’t be afraid to add a few jokes and quotes to your speech either, as well as personal growth stories to inspire.

When you hit the stage, stand tall, make eye contact, and speak from your heart—the podium’s yours. If butterflies invade, breathe deep and know everyone’s rooting for you. Writer’s block didn’t stop you and neither will this.

Your graduation speech is not just words—it’s a battle cry for your graduating class as you prepare to conquer what lies ahead!

• Last Updated: March 5, 2024

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Anatomy Of A Great Commencement Speech

Cory Turner

Right now, roughly 7 million students in the U.S. (plus their parents) are sitting through commencement speeches. iStockphoto hide caption

Right now, roughly 7 million students in the U.S. (plus their parents) are sitting through commencement speeches.

It's that time again — graduation season. And that means next week or last week or right this very minute, some 7 million students in the U.S. and lots of doting parents have to sit through a commencement speech.

If you're stuck listening to a particularly bad one — or just need an inspiration infusion — the NPR Ed Team has sifted through hundreds of past speeches (going all the way back to 1774) and built an online database of the very best.

In the process of building this massive hub of hope and optimism, we noticed a few patterns among the best speeches.

Rule #1: Be Funny

Comedian Amy Poehler's 2011 address to Harvard grads is a model of inspirational fun, forcing us to coin a new term: "Funspirational." Actually, a quick Google search suggests we've come late to the "funspirational" party. Oh, well. We do our best — as did Poehler when she kicked off her Harvard speech with this zinger:

"I can only assume I am here today because of my subtle and layered work in a timeless classic entitled Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo. "

Funny? Check. Poehler also manages to cover Rule #2.

Rule #2: Make Fun Of Yourself

This rule applies to presidents as well as to comedians. When then-President Ronald Reagan addressed Notre Dame grads in 1981, he used this masterful bit of self-deprecation:

"I thought the first degree I was given was honorary."

We say "masterful" because he's head of the free world. He can't meet the Poehler bar for self-mockery: utter humiliation. It wouldn't be proper. So he finds this crafty little jab to poke fun at himself. And the crowd loved it. In fact, the line was such a hit that Reagan used it again the next year on the Eureka College class of '82.

Comedian and actress Amy Poehler addresses Harvard University's graduating class of 2011 on the school's campus, in Cambridge, Mass. Steven Senne/AP hide caption

Comedian and actress Amy Poehler addresses Harvard University's graduating class of 2011 on the school's campus, in Cambridge, Mass.

Rule #3: Downplay The Genre

See, good speakers can never seem to remember the speeches when they graduated:

"Among the many things that I am unable to remember about the speaker that spring morning: name, gender, age, race, physical build and voice. I've run out of fingers."

That's novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, speaking last year at Middlebury College. He, like Poehler, checks two boxes at once: He downplays the genre, and he's funny about it.

But let's get to the heart of the commencement speech:

Rule #4: You Must Have A Message

And here's where things get tricky — because these days there are two very different kinds of speeches. On one side is the traditional message:

"You have to trust in something," Steve Jobs told graduates at Stanford in 2005. "Your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path."

Comedian Ellen DeGeneres said much the same thing to grads at Tulane in 2009 (while also crushing Rule #1 on her head like a beer can):

"Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else's path — unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path, then by all means you should follow that."

Let's call this the "You're Special" speech. Message: Follow your heart because life is about you and yourspecialness .

Then comes this insidious other kind of speech:

"You're not special."

So said English teacher David McCullough Jr. — son of the great historian — addressing the Wellesley High School class of 2012. He then elaborated:

"Even if you're one in a million, on a planet of 6.8 billion, that means there are nearly 7,000 people just like you," he told the crowd.

The goal of the "You're Not Special" speech is to say to grads: As hard as you've worked, you also lucked into plenty, including your parents and your country.

The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever

"And with luck comes obligation," author Michael Lewis told the Princeton class of 2012. "You owe a debt, and not just to your gods. You owe a debt to the unlucky."

Not quite the message grads are used to hearing as they take a victory lap. Besides, they're in debt enough. But how do they repay this debt, to Lewis' unlucky?

"You must find a way to serve."

That's Oprah Winfrey's advice, speaking at Spelman College a few weeks before Lewis. Side note: 2012 was a big year for the "You're Not Special" speech.

"Martin Luther King said that not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service," Winfrey told the Spelman grads.

Service. That word comes up a lot in "You're Not Special" speeches. But, sometimes, the message isn't even about what you do for the world but how you view it. In short: Are you empathetic? Are you kind?

In 2005, writer David Foster Wallace spoke at Kenyon College. And, in a speech that went viral long ago and seems to find a fresh audience online every year, he challenged grads to step outside of themselves, to imagine the value and richness of every life — even when they're stuck in line at the supermarket.

"It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down," Wallace said.

Torn by this fight for the soul of the commencement speech? Never fear. Oddly enough, these two kinds of speeches — as different as they seem — complement each other. Taken together, they say:

Congratulations. You are special. Just remember ...

So is everyone else.

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How to Write the Best Commencement Speech – Tips & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

So, the school principal announced that you’d graduate as the class valedictorian. She also asked you to prepare a commencement speech to send off your classmates with wisdom.

Your commencement speech makes up a substantial part of the graduation ceremony, so you have to make it worth your audience’s while. Here’s a complete guide on how to write a commencement speech with examples.

The Purpose of a Commencement Speech

The purpose of a high school or college commencement speech is to celebrate past experiences from the school and look forward to the future. This is usually given by a graduate. But in some schools, celebrities, politicians, and other notable people also give commencement speeches at graduations.

Like any other speech, a commencement speech also includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. But the body should discuss the following:

• Past memories at school
• The present (graduation ceremony)
• Future dreams and plans

How to Give a Good Commencement Speech

Here are some senior speech ideas and tips to prepare you for graduation.

Pick a Theme

To make your graduation speech more significant to your fellow graduates, try building it around a central message or theme. What do you think is essential to your classmates? Here are some examples.

• Embracing failures in life
• Following your dreams and working for them
• Education is the key to success
• Learning from your mistakes
• Keeping your friendship
• Lifelong learning
• The importance of having big dreams
• Building a community dedicated to wisdom
• Overcoming adversity
• Facing change with grace
• Taking responsibility for your future
• Staying grateful

Once you have picked a theme, it will be easier to outline your address. It’s also more convenient to select the best quotes and stories associated with the idea.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

For example, share stories about your hardships in school if you’re talking about overcoming adversity. Then, research quotes that talk about not giving up.

Start By Thanking Everyone

Learning how to start a commencement speech is essential to catch the audience’s attention. Before sharing life goals, life advice, and your favorite story, begin by thanking the people for their time.

Show appreciation to the graduation class for making it to the end of their high school or college experience. Thank the parents and teachers for their support and everyone for being present at the commencement ceremony.

Another nice thing to do is publicly thank a specific person. Think about a person who helped you at school. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Smith, for that wonderful speech, and thanks to all the parents, teachers, classmates, and everyone in this room for attending the 56th commencement ceremonies of St. Jude High School. But most of all, I would like to thank my mom for being present today and in every important event of my life.”

Don’t Make It All About You

Valedictorians are usually tasked to give commencement speeches because they represent the whole class. If you’re the valedictorian, congratulations on being on top. But that doesn’t mean you’ll speak only about yourself onstage.

No one wants to hear about why you made it to the podium and the rest of your classmates didn’t. Remember that you represent them. So, you have to speak about them, too.

Talk about your incredible peers and other notable people in high school or college. Share their personal experiences if they allow you. But you can still include personal stories and observations from high school. Balance is key! Consider this example.

“Today, Regis High School has produced another batch of successful graduates. You are the Class of 2022. You finished high school at a historical time. You are born educated in technology… born to be problem solvers… and born to change the world.”

Introduce Yourself

Being the class valedictorian doesn’t mean everyone in the room will instantly know you. For instance, some of your classmates’ parents might not be familiar with your face. You might also need to introduce yourself to VIPs and special guests at the event.

Your self-introduction doesn’t have to be complicated. State your name and why you were chosen to give the speech. For example:

“Good afternoon, everyone. I am Reena Guerrero, Class 2022’s valedictorian.”

Watch Famous Speeches

You can learn a lot from watching famous commencement speeches on YouTube or listening to them on different applications.

Also, consider watching other types of insightful speeches so you can receive guidance on speech writing. Or watch a hilarious speech so you can take inspiration from their jokes.

But make sure to refrain from copying even a single sentence of the speech. Otherwise, you can get accused of plagiarism. Live your life with integrity and understand that your educational experience differs from the speaker you’re watching.

Reflect on the Past

Make your graduation speech memorable by looking back on your favorite memories with the incredible student body. Consider fun memories like your prom, homecoming, and other parties. But make sure these stories are relevant to your theme.

For example, if you have a primary message about courage, talk about classmates who never gave up on a group project. Share a story about a school organization that stood up to bullying.

Recognize your strong friend for continuing his studies despite challenges. This is also the right time to thank a special teacher for being a compassionate person.

After taking a trip down memory lane, it’s time to focus on the future. Imagine your classmates’ next career step and everyone’s professional life after school. Don’t leave them sad about the past. Make them excited about their future. Below is an example.

“North Salem High School was a rollercoaster of experiences. We went through so much during the last four years. We often debated trivial situations, such as basketball games and prom dresses. But despite the fighting, we’ve always known we had each other’s backs. No one leaves the class until everyone understands the lesson. No one also gets left behind in terms of all the fun!”

Use a Motivational Quote

Your graduation speech is an opportunity to insert your favorite quotes. Make sure they still align with your key messages.

Famous Quotes from Business Leaders and Other Public Figures

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” – Fred DeVito “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” – Barack Obama “If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do.” – Michael Phelps “Keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will always fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Arleen Lorrance

Hilarious Quotes for College Students

“I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re goin’, and hook up with them later.” – Mitch Hedberg “The best advice I can give anybody about going out into the world is this: Don’t do it. I have been out there. It is a mess.” – Russell Baker “The main difference for you, between life yesterday and life tomorrow, is you can go to the bathroom whenever you want. It’s a pretty big responsibility, but you’ve earned it.” – Eugene Mirman “Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next, and you are mostly just making things up as you go along.” – Stephen Colbert “So be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. And if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise, and then just behave as they would.” – Neil Gaiman

Create a Call to Action

One of the best graduation speech ideas during the graduation ceremony is to motivate your classmates to chase the real dream. For example, convince those attending medical school to heal poor communities. If you have classmates pursuing liberal arts education, ask them to uplift marginalized sectors, such as immigrant communities.

Inspire Your Fellow Graduates

While the school’s already out, you still have a huge task to finish: your commencement speech. Writing one for your graduation ceremony is both an honor and a responsibility, so make sure to prepare in advance.

Public speaking can be challenging. But I hope these tips and examples help you write the best commencement speech.

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10 Steps For Writing An Unforgettable Graduation Speech

• Pick A Theme
• Begin With Gratitude
• Motivational Quotes
• Get Personal
• Add Your Personality
• Avoid Cliches
• Create A Call To Action

School is almost out, but for many students, there’s one more major task to complete before summer: graduation. Whether you’re graduating from high school or earning a college degree, a graduation ceremony is a huge milestone. And, if you’ve been asked to speak at graduation, you might be feeling the pressure right now.

Graduation speeches of all kinds date back to at least the 1600s, and though a lot has changed since then, these kinds of speeches still contain similar key elements that help make them effective, inspiring, and something every graduating student and their loved ones look forward to.

Public speaking can be nerve-racking in any setting, particularly when you know the audience is filled with people’s cousins and grandparents who are likely to remember this day forever, but fear not! We’re here to help with these 10 key steps to follow to write and deliver a truly unforgettable graduation speech.

1. Pick a theme.

If you want the audience to feel moved and inspired by your speech (Who doesn’t, right?), then it helps to build your speech around a central theme or message. Think about what’s important to you as the speaker and what you’d like others to take away from your words. Once you have a theme, it will be easier to select the quotes and anecdotes that tie back to that central idea and create a speech that leaves your audience in awe.

🎓 Here are some popular themes to consider:

• Embracing failure.
• Overcoming adversity.
• The importance of having big dreams.
• Facing change with grace.
• Taking responsibility for your future.
• Learning from past mistakes.
• The importance of friendship.
• Becoming a lifelong learner.

2. Begin with gratitude.

When you step up to the mic on graduation day, you’ll need to begin with a few formalities. First, thank the previous speakers, as well as everyone in attendance. Then, express your feelings about the privilege of being asked to address the audience on this momentous occasion. Go ahead and write this part down so you don’t forget to do it on the big day. Here are some examples:

Thank you, [name of previous speaker], and thank you, friends, family, faculty, and fellow graduates for being here today. It’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with you as your valedictorian.

Thank you, [name of previous speaker]. Graduates, loved ones, and distinguished faculty members, it is an honor to be here with you today. I’m so grateful to [name of school or university] for the privilege of being your [type of speaker].

3. Use a motivational quote.

The greatest commencement speeches typically include a motivational quote, whether it’s from a famous person, a beloved teacher, or something your grandfather taught you. The right motivational quote will tie into your theme and serve as a thesis statement for the message you hope the audience will take from your words. Consider these celebrity quotes from other powerful commencement speeches:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.” — Steve Jobs , Stanford University, 2005

“You must lead. You’re never too young to lead. You’re never too old to lead. We need your leadership now more than ever before.” — John Lewis , Harvard, 2018

“The day you graduate, you do not arrive. This is not the end. This is the beginning for you. To graduate is to change gradually.” — Rita Moreno , Northeastern Illinois University, 2015

“Ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.” — Jessica Lange , Sarah Lawrence College, 2008

“You are full of complexities and wonders that haven’t even begun to surface. Life’s unpredictability will draw these out and what defines you now will be mere shades and hues of a more vibrant you over the next five, 10, 50 years. Honestly, I can’t think of anything more liberating than that, knowing that life will look differently than you think it will.” — Octavia Spencer , Kent State University, 2017

4. Get personal.

When Conan O’Brien delivered the commencement speech at Dartmouth University in 2011, he talked about being fired from his dream job and what that failure taught him. Some lauded it as one of the best graduation speeches of all time.

Sharing personal anecdotes, even ones that mention failures or humiliations, is a powerful way to connect with your audience and drive your message home in a personal way. When writing your speech, draw on your experiences as a student and be clear about how those experiences shaped and prepared you for what lies ahead.

Learn how to a sensational graduation card here.

5. Infuse your personality.

Graduation speeches may follow a formula, but that doesn’t mean they need to be boring! Use your personal sense of humor, unique story, and life experiences to give the speech character and charm. What does this look like in action?

In 2016, author John Green brought levity to his commencement speech when shared with the graduating class at Kenyon College that the best life advice he ever got was, “You’re a good kid, but you need to learn when to stop talking.”

At the University of Virginia in 2016, late night host Stephen Colbert joked that people should leave their cell phones on because “I wouldn’t want you to miss a text or a tweet while I’m giving my speech.”

You may not be a famous comedian or author, but being uniquely yourself can help your speech shine.

6. Reflect, then look ahead.

You and the rest of your graduating class are sharing a major life milestone, and you’ve all worked hard to get to this point. What has life been like during your years in school? What experiences have you shared, and how have those shaped you as people moving forward into the next phase of your life?

In your speech, include real-life examples of the things you’ve faced in your time as students. Put those events in context in your life, and remind your audience that you have all learned so much more than just what was on the course syllabi.

7. Avoid clichés

The tricky part of writing a graduation speech is being inspiring without resorting to clichés. If you use personal anecdotes and weave personality into your speech, it’s unlikely that you’ll fall back on tired, overused statements. But, sometimes they still sneak in. If that’s the case, try to swap them out with a fresher take.

Here are some ideas:

• Instead of talking about the “real world” as a future destination, talk about how you already live there and you’re ready for whatever life throws at you.
• Instead of defining a typical graduation word (like courage or future ), talk about the words that come to mind when you think about school and what they mean to you.
• Instead of talking about what you’re “leaving behind,” talk about what lessons and people you’re taking with you.

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8. Create a call to action.

Graduation speeches serve two important purposes: celebrating everything that came before graduation day and building excitement for everything that will come after it. The easiest way to leave people inspired is to include a call to action. This doesn’t mean providing strict instructions for some task they must complete. Think of it more as broad instructions for how to meet the challenges ahead.

Your call to action should restate the theme of your speech and give the audience a clear takeaway message to carry with them. Need some examples? We have a few:

“Whatever you want to do, do it now. For life is time, and time is all there is.” — Gloria Steinem , Tufts University, 1987

“Let excellence be your brand.” — Oprah Winfrey , Spelman College, 2012

“Fight for the job you want, fight for the people who mean the most to you and fight for the kind of world you want to live in.” — Elizabeth Warren , Suffolk University, 2016

9. Keep it brief.

While you surely have a lot of great things to say, no one wants to sit through a 12-page speech. Graduation ceremonies are already long, and the audience is usually asked to listen to multiple speeches. Keep this in mind, and say what you’d like to say in the briefest way possible. Aim for a speech that falls between 500 and 750 words, and time yourself to make sure you don’t exceed 10 minutes during delivery.

10. Practice, practice, practice.

The only way to ensure your speech flows, makes sense, and holds people’s attention is to practice reading it out loud. Practice by yourself in front of a mirror, being careful to notice and edit any places where you trip over words or have awkward pauses. Once you’ve perfected the solo read-aloud, ask a parent or friend to serve as an audience. This will help you test out your jokes and polish your anecdotes based on their reactions. By graduation day, you’ll be ready to take to the stage like a pro.

Need more inspiration? These graduation quotes should do the trick.

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Graduation Speech: Complete Guide & Inspiring Graduation Speech Examples

Ready to toss your caps in the air and bid farewell to the hallowed halls of academia? 

Not so fast…There’s one final thing left to learn about: graduation speeches!

Sure, they might seem like just another routine part of commencement, but graduation speeches are much more than just a formality. 

From tear-jerking tales to laugh-out-loud lessons, the best graduation speeches can be vehicles to share wisdom, life lessons, and unforgettable memories. 

Maybe you’re feeling uncertain about how to craft a graduation speech that people actually want to hear… Or wondering what can turn a good one into a great one…Or, simply looking for inspiration on memorable graduation speech examples. 

Read on to explore all of the above and more in this comprehensive guide on graduation speeches. 

• What is a graduation speech?
• What is the purpose of a graduation speech?

What makes a great graduation speech?

• Steps to Write a Student Graduation Speech [7 Steps]
• Inspiring Graduation Speech Examples [8 Examples]

What is a graduation speech? 

First things first: Let’s define what a graduation speech is exactly. 

A graduation speech is more than just a ceremonial tradition —it’s a speech that combines a heartfelt send-off, a final farewell, and a celebration of achievement all rolled into one.

These speeches are typically delivered by a selected speaker, such as a notable figure, a faculty member, or a student representative, at the commencement, or graduation ceremony.

But what exactly is the purpose behind these speeches, and why do we place such importance on them?

A graduation speech serves as a symbolic bridge between the academic journey and the adventures that lie ahead. It’s a chance for speakers to reflect on the accomplishments, challenges, and growth experienced by graduates throughout their academic careers. And most importantly, it’s an opportunity to share some wisdom, inspiration, and encouragement as graduates embark on their next chapter.

What is the purpose of a graduation speech? 

The purpose of a graduation speech varies depending on the context and the goals of the speaker. But generally, it serves several key purposes:

Let’s break it down:

• Celebrate: Graduation is a big deal, right? So, the speech is a way to celebrate all the hard work and sweat equity that graduates have contributed towards their student experience. And its graduation is a huge achievement worth celebrating!
• Inspire and Motivate: Many graduates feel nervous and apprehensive about what comes next after graduation. As happy as they may be to finally be graduating, many students feel a sense of confusion and discouragement about the future. Graduation speeches are meant to motivate and encourage the graduating class as they wrap up their student experience. It’s all about making them feel inspired as they look towards their future.
• Reflect: Remember all those fun times you had in school? Even the monotonous and routine hustle of being in school will become times you can look back on, joke about, and reminisce on for the rest of your life. Graduation speeches offer a chance to look back on the graduating class memories and once-in-a-lifetime experience.
• Bringing Everyone Together: Graduation is a time for friends, family, and teachers to come together and cheer the graduating class on. The speech helps everyone feel connected and proud of what’s been achieved.
• Closure: Graduation speeches offer closure to the academic journey, providing a symbolic farewell and a sense of completion to graduates as they bid farewell to their alma mater. 
• Legacy: Graduation speeches leave a lasting legacy for graduates, offering timeless wisdom, inspiration, and guidance that they can carry with them as they embark on their future endeavors. They serve as a reminder of the values, lessons, and aspirations that define the graduate experience and shape the path forward.

Overall, the purpose of a graduation speech is to leave a lasting impact on the audience, imparting valuable insights, encouragement, and inspiration that resonate long after the ceremony has ended.

Great graduation speeches captivate audiences by weaving together universal themes, inspiring messages, and deep reflection to create a memorable and inspiring experience.

So what makes a graduation speech great ? While every speech is unique in itself, there are some common elements that all great speeches have.

Here are some key elements that contribute to a great graduation speech:

• Authenticity: A great graduation speech is authentic and genuine, reflecting the speaker’s personality, values, and experiences. 
• Personal Touch: Incorporating personal anecdotes, stories, and reflections adds depth and emotional resonance to a graduation speech. Sharing personal experiences allows the speaker to connect with the audience and make the speech more engaging.
• Inspiring Message: A great graduation speech delivers an inspiring and uplifting message that motivates graduates to embrace their potential, pursue their passions, and make a difference in the world. The message should be positive, empowering, and filled with hope for the future.
• Relevance: A great graduation speech is relevant to the occasion and the audience, addressing the unique challenges, triumphs, and experiences shared by graduates. It acknowledges the journey they’ve been on and offers guidance as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
• Clear Structure: A well-structured graduation speech flows smoothly from one point to the next, with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Engaging Delivery: A great graduation speech is delivered with passion, energy, and enthusiasm, capturing the attention and interest of the audience from start to finish. 
• Humor and Wit: Incorporating humor and wit into a graduation speech can lighten the mood, break the ice, and make the speech more enjoyable for the audience. Humorous anecdotes, clever wordplay, and well-timed jokes can add charm to the speech, making it more entertaining.
• Universal Themes: A great graduation speech explores universal truths that resonate with all graduates, regardless of their background or experiences. It touches on timeless values such as perseverance, resilience, gratitude, and the power of human connection, inspiring graduates to embrace these principles as they navigate life’s challenges.

By incorporating these elements into your own graduation speech, you can create memorable, inspiring, and impactful words that leave a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.

Steps to Write a Student Graduation Speech

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of writing a graduation speech? That’s normal! 

Even for famous and/or notable figures, writing a commencement or graduation speech can be a nerve-wracking experience.

And while writing a commencement speech may seem like a daunting task, breaking it down into basic steps can make the process more manageable and enjoyable.

Here’s a simple guide to help you craft a memorable and inspiring graduation speech:

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

Before you begin writing your speech, take some time to understand your audience. That is, the graduating class, faculty and staff, and family and friends of everyone involved in the ceremony. 

Consider the demographics of the graduates, their interests, experiences, and the significance of the occasion.

Tailoring your speech to resonate with the audience will make it more relatable and impactful.

Step 2: Choose a Theme or Message

Every great speech has a central theme or message that ties everything together. 

Think about what you want to convey to the graduates—whether it’s words of wisdom, encouragement, or reflections on their journey.

Choose a theme that resonates with the occasion and reflects your personal values and experiences.

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas and Stories

Once you have a theme in mind, brainstorm ideas, stories, and anecdotes that support your message.

Reflect on your own experiences, lessons learned, and moments of inspiration that you can share with the graduates.

Consider incorporating personal stories, quotes, or examples that illustrate your points and make them more memorable.

Step 4: Create an Outline

Organize your ideas into a clear and coherent outline for your speech.

Start with an introduction that grabs the audience’s attention and introduces your theme. Then, outline the main points you want to cover in the body of the speech. Use supporting stories and examples to illustrate each point.

Finally, conclude your speech with powerful closing remarks that reinforces your message and leaves a lasting impression.

Step 5: Write the Speech

With your outline as a guide, start writing your speech , focusing on clarity, conciseness, and authenticity.

Write in a conversational tone, as if you’re speaking directly to the graduates, and use concise language.

Be sure to include transitions between sections to help the speech flow smoothly and keep the audience engaged.

Step 6: Edit and Revise

Once you’ve written a draft of your speech, take time to edit and revise it for clarity, coherence, and impact.

Cut out any unnecessary or repetitive information, and refine your language to make it more concise and compelling.

Pay attention to pacing, tone, and rhythm, and make sure your speech is well-balanced and engaging from start to finish.

Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice

Finally, practice delivering your speech aloud multiple times to ensure smooth delivery and confident presentation.

Pay attention to your pacing, timing, hand gestures , and body language, and make adjustments as needed. 

Practicing your speech will help you feel more comfortable and confident on the day of the graduation ceremony.

Here are some tips to help you write a memorable speech:

• Share Your Journey: Reflect on your time in school, highlighting challenges you overcame, lessons you learned, and accomplishments you achieved.
• Inspire with Stories: Share inspiring anecdotes or life lessons that have shaped you and can resonate with your peers.
• Express Gratitude: Thank teachers, family, and friends for their support and guidance throughout your academic journey.
• Offer Encouragement: Provide motivation and encouragement to your fellow graduates as they embark on their future endeavors.

By following these basic steps and tips, you can write a graduation speech that is memorable and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on graduates and audience members for years to come.

8 Inspiring Graduation Speech Examples

If you’re looking to get inspired or need some examples to work from, check out some of the most memorable graduation speeches delivered by today’s notable figures. 

These speeches showcase how some of the world’s most influential people have delivered impactful messages of change, hard work, success, and life lessons to graduating classes throughout the years.

By incorporating personal stories, motivational quotes, and heartfelt advice, these examples showcase the profound impact a well-crafted speech can have on any audience.

While we’ve only featured eight graduation speech examples here, please note that there are countless other inspiring speeches that you can learn from throughout history. A quick online search will help guide you in the direction of more examples if you don’t find what you’re looking for in this list. 

#1 – Steve Jobs’ Stanford University Graduation Speech (2005)

Jobs’s speech is a classic for a reason. He challenged graduates to “stay hungry, stay foolish,” and to never lose sight of their dreams. 

#2 – Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard University Graduation Speech (2013)

Oprah Winfrey reflects on her own journey to success, emphasizing the importance of finding purpose, serving others, and remaining true to oneself in the face of adversity.

#3 –  Chadwick Boseman’s Howard University Graduation Speech (2018)

The late Chadwick Boseman, shortly before his passing, delivered an inspiring speech about the power of purpose and never giving up on your dreams.

#4 – J.K. Rowling’s Harvard University Graduation Speech (2008)

J.K. Rowling shares insights on the benefits of failure and the importance of imagination, empathy, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges and achieving success.

#5 – Michelle Obama’s CCNY Graduation Speech (2016)

Michelle Obama reflects on the power of education and the importance of resilience, determination, and hope in overcoming obstacles and achieving one’s dreams.

#6 – David Foster Wallace’s Kenyon College Graduation Speech (2005)

David Foster Wallace’s speech, titled “This is Water,” is a profound meditation on mindfulness and empathy. Wallace delivers a thought-provoking speech about the value of mindfulness, empathy, and perspective in leading a meaningful and fulfilling life.

#7 – Satya Nadella’s University of Chicago Graduation Speech (2018)

The CEO of Microsoft spoke about the future of technology and the need for human-centered innovation. Nadella shares insights on the role of empathy, curiosity, and continuous learning in driving innovation and success in today’s rapidly changing world.

#8 – Ken Burns’ Stanford University Graduation Speech (2016)

The documentarian urged graduates to be curious, to challenge themselves, and to fight for what they believe in.

Learn From Graduation Speech Examples From Notable Figures

As we’ve seen from speeches like the ones listed above, throughout history, famous individuals have delivered impactful speeches that resonate with audiences and offer valuable lessons for graduates.

So how do these notable figures inspire through their speeches?

• Emphasizing Change: Notable figures often highlight the importance of embracing change and adapting to new beginnings in their speeches.
• Hard Work and Success: Through personal anecdotes, they stress the significance of hard work and determination in achieving success.
• Life Lessons: Graduation speeches by renowned figures are filled with insightful life lessons that guide and motivate graduates on their journey ahead.
• Words of Encouragement: Notable graduation speeches give encouragement, confidence, and hope to the audience as they move ahead.

Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how these speeches are more than just a routine part of commencement—they’re opportunities to share wisdom, life lessons, and unforgettable memories.

Whether you were feeling uncertain about crafting a speech that resonates or curious about the secrets behind turning a good speech into a great one, we’ve covered it all.

As you step onto the stage to deliver your graduation speech, remember the power you hold. Inspire, uplift, and connect us all! 

Here’s to making your mark and leaving a lasting impression as you embark on the next chapter of your journey!

Whether you’re giving a graduation speech or a TEDx talk, this free guide will help expand your reach.

Check out more great articles from the Thought-Leader Blog covering TEDx Talks, success mindsets, and everything else in between

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This writer analyzed 100 graduation speeches — here are the 4 tips they all share

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Steve Jobs has been credited over the years with popularizing any number of other people’s inventions, from the personal computer to the tablet to the mobile phone. But none of these gifts may be as enduring as one of his rarely credited contributions to contemporary life — popularizing the viral commencement address.

On June 12, 2005, Jobs stood before the graduating class of Stanford University and reminded them that he had never graduated from college. “Truth be told, this is the closest I’ve ever gotten to a college graduation.” He then told three stories about his life. “That’s it. No big deal. Just three stories.”

That speech , coinciding as it did with the rise of internet virality (the first TED Talk would be posted on TED.com exactly 12 months later; the iPhone was introduced exactly 12 months after that), launched a global obsession with pithy, inspirational talks. Jobs’s speech has since been viewed more than 40 million times on YouTube.

Graduation speeches, long viewed as the burdensome interruption before diplomas were granted and mortar boards were tossed, have since become big business. Kurt Vonnegut, Ann Patchett, Carl Hiaasen, J.K. Rowling, Mary Karr, David Foster Wallace and many others have all had their commencement speeches published as books.

I’ve been fortunate to give a handful of commencement addresses over the years, and I confess to a fascination with the genre. The internet has been a boon this hobby. There are thousands of commencement speeches on the web. Can we learn anything from their messages?

I’ve spent the last few years gathering and coding hundreds of life stories, looking for patterns and takeaways that could help all of us live with more meaning, purpose and joy. I decided to put some of my coding tools to work, analyzing 100 of the most popular recent commencement speeches.

Here are the four tips they all contain:

1. Dream big

“I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition. There are so few people this crazy that I feel like I know them all by first name. They all travel as if they are pack dogs and stick to each other like glue. The best people want to work the big challenges.” — Larry Page at University of Michigan , 2009

“We don’t beat the reaper by living longer. We beat the reaper by living well and living fully. For the reaper is always going to come for all of us. The question is: What do we do between the time we are born, and the time he shows up? Because when he shows up, it’s too late to do all the things that you’re always gonna, kinda get around to.” — Randy Pausch at Carnegie Mellon University , 2009

“Graduates, we need you. We need you to run companies and make decisions about who has access to capital. We need you to serve at the highest levels of government and determine our country’s standing in the world. We need you to work in our hospitals and in our courtrooms and in our schools. We need you to shape the future of technology. We need you because your perspective — the sum total of your intellect and your lived experience — will make our country stronger.” — Kamala Harris at Tennessee State University , 2022

2. Work hard

“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” — Steve Jobs at Stanford University , 2005

“I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director’s chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career.” — Natalie Portman at Harvard University , 2015

“When you’re doing the work you’re meant to do, it feels right and every day is a bonus, regardless of what you’re getting paid … But make it your life’s work to remake the world because there is nothing more beautiful or more worthwhile than working to leave something better for humanity.” — Oprah Winfrey at Stanford University , 2008

3. Make mistakes

”Fail big. That’s right. Fail big … It’s a new world out there, and it’s a mean world out there, and you only live once. So do what you feel passionate about. Take chances, professionally. Don’t be afraid to fail. There’s an old IQ test with nine dots, and you had to draw five lines with a pencil within these nine dots without lifting the pencil, and the only way to do it was to go outside the box. So don’t be afraid to go outside the box.” — Denzel Washington at University of Pennsylvania , 2011

“The world doesn’t care how many times you fall down, as long as it’s one fewer than the number of times you get back up.” — Aaron Sorkin at Syracuse University , 2013

“My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best thing in my life. Being embarrassed when you mess up is part of the human experience of getting back up dusting yourself off and seeing who still wants to hang out with you afterward and laugh about it. That’s a gift. The times I was told no or wasn’t included wasn’t chosen, didn’t win, didn’t make the cut, looking back it really feels like those moments we’re as important if not more crucial than the moments I was told yes.” — Taylor Swift at NYU , 2022

“Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” — Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth College , 2011

“Empathy and kindness are the true signs of emotional intelligence.” — Will Ferrell at the University of Southern California , 2017

“So here’s something I know to be true, although it’s a little corny, and I don’t quite know what to do with it: What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded … sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly. Or, to look at it from the other end of the telescope: Who, in your life, do you remember most fondly, with the most undeniable feelings of warmth? Those who were kindest to you, I bet. It’s a little facile, maybe, and certainly hard to implement, but I’d say, as a goal in life, you could do worse than: Try to be kinder.” — George Saunders at Syracuse University , 2013

So what can we learn from these themes?

Every era in American life has its own standards of what it means to be a success. Shortly after America’s founding, success was all about character. Led by Benjamin Franklin, Americans embraced virtue, industry, and frugality. In the twentieth century, success was all about personality. Led by Dale Carnegie, Americans embraced salesmanship, reinvention and charisma. Today, led by Steve Jobs, Americans are embracing meaning, authenticity and bliss. Or, as Kermit the Frog put it in a 1996 commencement speech at Southampton College , “May success and a smile always be yours … even when you’re knee-deep in the sticky muck of life.”

Dream, work, fail and smile are as good a foursome of American identity today as I know. And if those ideas don’t inspire you, you can always embrace the far more practical advice erroneously attributed to Kurt Vonnegut in a commencement speech that he never gave at MIT, but was instead delivered by Chicago Tribune columnist Mary Schmich in an imaginary speech to graduates she published in an old-fashioned newspaper, “Ladies and gentlemen of the class of ’97: Wear sunscreen.”

This post was adapted from one published on his newsletter The Nonlinear Life; go here to subscribe.

Watch his TEDxIEMadrid Talk now:

About the author

Bruce Feiler is the author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including The Secrets of Happy Families and Council of Dads, both of which became the subject of TED Talks. His latest book, Life Is in the Transitions: Mastering Change at Any Age, from which this post and TEDx Talk are adapted, describes his journey across America, collecting hundreds of life stories, exploring how we can navigate life’s growing number of transitions with more meaning, purpose and joy. To learn more, visit brucefeiler.com, follow him on Twitter (@brucefeiler), or sign up for his newsletter The Nonlinear Life. 

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How to Write a Memorable Graduation Speech

by Sue Weems | 0 comments

If you're lucky enough to be asked to speak at a commencement ceremony, at any level, you know the pressure of writing a memorable speech with broad appeal that fits within the time constraints. But how to write a graduation speech that doesn't bore, drag, or flop? Here's a secret: use your storytelling skills to write a great graduation speech.

As a teacher, I have probably heard close to a hundred commencement speeches—those five to twenty minute addresses full of life lessons, inspirational quotes and if we're lucky, funny stories. But more often than not, they fall pieced together clichés and motivational quotes. Forgettable.

The secret to writing a memorable graduation speech? Storytelling. Today let's look at how to use storytelling to write a memorable graduation speech.

A Speech to Remember

Out of all those school graduation speeches I've heard, I can honestly say I only remember one or two. One in particular always leaps to my mind.

A few years ago, a high school senior who had been selected by his peers as a graduation speaker told a story about playing a game with a childhood friend—a game where they pretended to be construction workers. A game they called “builders.”

He recounted their exploits in the sand box: moving dirt, building small stick structures, and working together to make something new. We laughed at his vivid imagery, each remembering our own toy trucks and shovels and play. 

He shifted from that childhood game to the class memories they had built together as students through the years, continuing to develop the theme of building a life.

And then he revealed that his childhood friend—his fellow builder—should have been sitting with their graduating class that day. He'd died in an accident a year before. The speaker closed with a challenge to his fellow students to remember their peer and to be builders—people who create things that outlast them.

The entire stadium went wild as the student graduation speech ended. I couldn't stop the tears flowing down my cheeks. When I saw the student speaker later, I thanked him for his speech, for sharing his love for his friend, for his story that struck such a hopeful note. 

It reminded me that human experience is best related not in quippy inspirational quotes strung together, but in stories. If you're asked to be a commencement speaker, here are a few storytelling principles that will help you write a great graduation speech. 

5 Steps to Write a Memorable Graduation Speech

1. consider the occasion and audience.

A speech for an elementary promotion ceremony has a much different focus and audience than one for a post-graduate ceremony. Just like when you write a story, take time to think about the target audience. 

Who are they? What are they celebrating? How can you meet their expectations for the day and commemorate them in a special way?

When my student gave his speech about his builder friend, he knew he was speaking to his peers, but he had an awareness that their families and teachers were also present. 

2. Choose a story

Here's where most speeches go wrong: they don't ground the remarks in a story. Sure, a lot of speeches rely on favorite quotes, but those are easily forgettable. Stories are how the human brain makes sense of the world; we're hardwired to remember stories.

Dig into your personal experiences, school memories, or other life experience. Usually, you want a true story, a personal story for this kind of speech.  

How do you choose?

When I help students with speeches or any kind of personal narrative writing, I always ask them to make a list of moments where they made a choice that changed their lives for better or worse. 

If you can't think of one, consider a time you watched first-hand as someone else made a significant choice and what it taught you. 

A story depends on a goal and a tough choice (remember dilemma ?)—that's what creates the significance. But you'll also want to choose a story that will emotionally connect with the audience. 

What story can you tell using vivid images that left you changed or taught you something valuable that would resonate with this audience? That's the story to choose.

3. Build a structure and tell the story

Once you know the story you want to tell, use what you know about premise to structure and tell the story first and then build out the rest of the speech around it. 

A premise outlines a character with a goal who meets conflict and has to act until they reach a crisis point and must make a tough decision creating a resolution. 

The length of the story will depend on the time constraints, but you won't be able to delve deeply into backstory or give a prologue. You're going to have to set the scene quickly and get the story in motion. 

An example: I once gave a speech to a group of students (and their families) who were being honored for their resilience and hard work. Most had found themselves  with failing grades and low confidence at one point in the year, but with their hard work and the help of their families and teachers, they had turned it around.  I told the story of a time my daughter was in middle school taking a challenging math class. We would sit at the kitchen table while she insisted she couldn't do the work, it was too hard, etc. It went on for a couple weeks, and we were both so frustrated. I realized I had a choice: I needed to remind her that this was her challenge and that SHE had a couple of different routes (or choices) to solve it.  She could drop the class. She could spend all year crying at the table, slogging through the work and pass it somehow. Or, she could remember that anytime something is new, it's hard, and she could do her best, knowing it would get easier with time—just like riding her bike.

Once I had told the story, I connected it to their experience. I congratulated them on learning so early that they could do far more than they first believed and that hard work and practice makes new tasks easier.

At the end, I told them I hoped they would remember this moment of recognition the next time they thought something was hard. 

Once you know the story you want to tell your audience, build a simple intro to connect it to their experience. After the story, draw out the insight and connect to the event (in this case, their graduation). 

4. Lean into theme

The student who gave the memorable builder speech I shared above leaned into a key theme : building something that lasts. It was the point of his story and he used it as an illustration across different ages to show how the childhood lessons they learned had staying power.

You can choose a common theme , but know that your story will make the application unique. Also, don't feel like you have to state the theme over and over. If the story and insight are strong, stating the theme once might be enough. 

5. Revise to get clear and concise

To revise a speech, I look at two things: the time it takes to deliver and the clarity of the story. I always try to err on the side of speaking for LESS time than I am allotted. This gives space in the speech for audience reaction. 

I typically write speeches out in short chunks of text, and I go through and group them:

• connection or insight
• call to action and close

Then, look at every sentence and get brutal with the cuts. Where have I spent too much time describing something? Where have I fallen into unnecessary details? Which sentences are not needed? 

I look at verbs and sentence length too, making sure that the sentences read aloud in a natural and even musical way. Try to vary sentence length and choose the most precise, coherent language. 

Run through the speech a few times aloud, noting where you have to stop and reread to revise. 

A speech doesn't have to be perfect to meet the audience where they are and show both respect for the moment and joy in the celebration. 

Writing a graduation speech that inspires and remains with the audience long after the event doesn't have to be a daunting task. Use these storytelling tips to write and deliver a great speech on that special day. 

Have you ever heard a graduation speech that stayed with you? What did the speaker say that was especially memorable? Share your best tips in the comments. 

For today's practice, write a graduation speech. It might be for a real graduation, or you could also use it as a way to develop a character for a work in progress, since their voice and backstory will be different from your own. 

Set the timer for fifteen minutes . Write the speech and then share a draft in the Pro Practice Workshop , offering feedback to a few others writers. 

Sue Weems is a writer, teacher, and traveler with an advanced degree in (mostly fictional) revenge. When she’s not rationalizing her love for parentheses (and dramatic asides), she follows a sailor around the globe with their four children, two dogs, and an impossibly tall stack of books to read. You can read more of her writing tips on her website .

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Write and Deliver a Commencement Speech (With example)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

A commencement speech is one of the highlights of commencement days. It is given either by a graduating student or a notable personality , or an alumnus of the university.

Graduation day, also known as Commencement day is one of the most crucial and emotional moments in a student’s life. It is a day when everyone who played an important role in shaping their education comes together to celebrate their accomplishments and the future that stands in front of them.

The history behind why this day is called commencement day is interesting. The word commencement comes from Latin ‘inceptio ’ which means a beginning or a start. It is believed that in medieval Europe, students who entered the university as appetencies, after completing their education would commence in their professions. And hence the inception day of new graduates came to be known as Commencement Day.

Commencement speeches are given to instill hope and inspire the students towards a brighter future. A commencement speech is a type of keynote speech that is usually not too formal in nature.

Commencement speeches should ideally be 5-10 mins long . However, you are free to choose the time limit for your speech as long as it doesn’t exceed 18-20 minutes . Keeping it unnecessarily lengthy would only ruin the celebratory mood of the people present.

Things to keep in mind while writing a commencement speech.

1. length of your speech.

As discussed, keep the length of your speech in that sweet range of 5-10 minutes. And try not to exceed it beyond 18-20 minutes.

The reason why we emphasize this so much is that,

First, the audience has a limited capacity to pay attention . Second, and most importantly, the day isn’t about you and your speech only .

Students and their families and friends are gathered to celebrate and you must not forget that.

2. Understand the diversity of your audience

It is important to understand that your audience will be more diverse than you can think.

With people coming from different backgrounds, ethnicity, and even professions; using a simple and understandable language would be ideal.

Also, it would be advisable not to add any jokes or quotes that that has the potential to hurt anyone’s feelings.

3. Avoid quantifying success

Success has as many definitions as the number of people on this planet. This means that what success might mean to you might be very different than what it means to someone else.

Since inspiring the students is one of the major elements of any commencement speech, it is important to never quantify success in your speech . Quantifying success would include statements like

“10 years from now, when you have so and so amount in your bank account, you’ll realize how much this institute has given to you. ”

“You will recall these days when you are sitting on the porch of your Beverly Hills house.”

4. Share a personal experience

Sharing personal experiences in a commencement speech is the best way to give the student’s a chance to relate to you.

If you have been an alumnus of the college, you can go on to describe a few experiences that are common to all, like visiting the cafeteria, attending a particular professor’s lecture, etc.

A good example here will be the commencement speech by Admiral McRaven at the University of Texas.

He begins his speech by sharing his experience of attending the commencement day when he was graduating. He says “I remember I had a throbbing headache from a party the night before.” The crowd’s reaction clearly indicated a similar festivity they might have attended.

It is also one of the most spectacular speeches. He goes on to share not only his personal experiences but the experiences of other people as well. His use of humor and command of the language is something worth noting.

However, while sharing your experience try not to make the speech about yourself.

5. Include the university slogan or mention famous alumni of the university.

Often university students relate to the university slogan which is chanted as a way to cheer for the university.

Including the slogan in your speech would show your dedication and knowledge about the university, especially if you aren’t an alum of the college.

The commencement speech given by Will Ferrell at the University of Southern California is an amazing example of this. He not only begins with university cheer but also recalls the university’s famous alum. He describes how his present self would have described himself to his younger self by saying,

“I can tell you that you will become one of the famous alumni of USC mentioned in the same arm as John Wayne, Neil Armstrong, and Rob Kardashian.”

6. Maintain an equilibrium in your speech

Commencement speeches with a balance of inspirational advice and humor hit the perfect spot in the viewer’s hearts.

Humour is that element in your speech that quite conveniently engages and entertains your audience. Using too much humor or making your commencement speech too informatic, carries the potential of annoying the audience.

The few times when heavy use of comedy in commencement speech was appreciated was when it was given by a comedian, in which case everyone expected to laugh their heart out.

Funniest commencement speeches by comedians

1. andy samberg.

If you have watched Brooklyn 99 then you are already familiar with Andy Samberg’s humor. Famous actor-comedian, Andy Samberg gave the Harvard commencement speech in 2012 and he sure did justice to his art.

One of the absolute blunders that he included in his commencement speech which later went on to famously be turned into an internet meme was,

Class of 2012, you are graduating from college. That means this is the first day of the last day of your life. No, that’s wrong. This is the last day of the first day of school. Nope, that’s worse. This is a day.

2. Ellen DeGeneres

One of the most hilarious beginnings of any commencement speech I could get my hands on was this one.

Popular talk show host, Ellen begins her commencement speech by discussing how she had no idea what commencement meant and so she introduced her own definition of the word.

“I had to break the word down myself to find out the meaning. Commencement. Common and cement. Commoncement.”

Other hilarious statements that she used in her speech were:

• “I didn’t go to any college at all. And I’m not saying you wasted your time or money, but look at me, I’m a huge celebrity. ”
• “By the time I was your age I really thought who I was. I had no idea. For example, when I was your age, I was dating men. So what I’m saying is that when you are older most of you will be gay. ”

3. Jimmy Kimmel

Another popular talk show host, Jimmy Kimmel took over the Keck School of Medicine with a laughter-filled commencement speech.

He chose to hit the med students hard with the brutal reality of their profession that was waiting for them.

The most hilarious statement of his speech was:

“Believe me I’m not here to depress you. If they wanted the speaker to depress you, they would’ve asked a neurologist to speak here today.”

Formatting and delivering your commencement speech

Commencement speeches have a very simple format. While there are no rules that you must compulsorily follow the pattern, it might give your speech a better structure and likeability.

Before we jump into formatting your main content comes the question,

How to start a commencement speech?

While there are no rules on how to begin your commencement speech, most people tend to start by either thanking the concerned people or by introducing themselves.

1. Thanking concerned people

It is advisable to start your speech by addressing everyone present and conveying your thanks.

You can start your commencement speech with something like “Thank you Mr.Xyz for such an amazing introduction. Thank you to the students, teachers, staff members, and parents, who made the last 4 years in this institute worth cherishing forever.”

Another statement you can use to start your speech is “ (person who introduced you) Thank you for the introduction. It is my pleasure to welcome you students, teachers, family, and friends to the commencement day today.”

2. Introduce yourself.

No matter how popular or famous you may be, there is always a thin chance that someone in the crowd might not know you. After all, it doesn’t hurt to introduce yourself.

You do not have to go into intricate details about yourself, Just a couple of lines should be enough.

You can also start with a quote, a joke, an inspirational statement, or a personal memory , Whatever suits you best.

A good example of beginning your commencement speech is the one by Taylor Swift at New York University.

She begins by sharing how the last time she was at the stadium, she was performing. And then she goes on to give her thanks to the people concerned.

The content

This is the main part of your speech. Feel free to add the points that you feel are relevant but don’t exceed the time limit.

However, it is the way in which you format all your ideas that will determine the impact your speech will leave on the audience.

Two of the many ways of structuring your content are the PPP format and the pointer format.

PPP (Past, Present, and Future)

PPP format involves structuring your speech in a manner that talks about the past first which would include sharing experiences growing up or in the institute.

Present includes talking about the present day or the year.

And future is where you instill hope and inspiration, talking about the opportunities that come with the future.

Pointer Format

Pointer format is where you clarify to the audience that you’ll be speaking on let’s say 5 or 6 points in the speech and then highlight them while speaking.

A way in which you can add this format to your speech is by saying

There are 4 main points I would like to speak about today. First , Do not compare yourself to others. Second, Life is too short to be in your comfort zone. Take calculated risks. Third , Do not forget where you come from. And lastly Be open to change, as change brings growth.

An example of this is Tim Minchin ’s commencement speech wherein he talks about 9 life lessons.

How to end your Commencement speech?

The end of your commencement speech might be more important than the rest of your speech. Because of the recency effect, people tend to remember what was spoken in the ending better.

You can end your speech with a joke, a quote, or even a restatement of the main idea of your speech.

Avoid ending your speech with a lengthy closing remark. Also, try not to end it with a mere thank you.

Ending your speech with a takeaway that inspires people and is easy to remember is something that you should try to include.

One of the most famous ending lines in a commencement speech of all time was given by Steve Jobs in his commencement speech for Stanford University.

Stay Hungry, Stay foolish.

To know more about the dos and don’ts of closing remarks, check out closing remarks for commencement speeches

Best Harvard Commencement speeches

2. bill gates (2007).

Bill Gates gave a commencement speech at the same university he dropped out of.

He begins by sharing his experience at Harvard, the dorm life, and sitting for classes he didn’t even sign up for.

One of the striking features of his speech was the takeaway. Bill Gates advises the students on how they can contribute to making the lives of less privileged people better. He asks them to use their intellect and privilege to change the lives of people, rather than quantifying their own success.

His last few lines summarise the idea.

I hope you will judge yourself not on your professional accomplishments alone but also on how well you have addressed the world’s deepest inequalities.

3. Oprah Winfrey (2013)

Oprah Winfrey ‘s commencement speech to the class of 2013 has been featured in a number of short videos on youtube. the reason?

Because of how stunningly inspirational the speech is.

Besides the humor and stories , and the idea of a brighter future ahead, Oprah reminds the students that the future doesn’t stay bright forever.

She talks about failure and how there is no failure but just guidance to change your course.

3. Mark Zuckerberg (2017)

Mark Zuckerberg , CEO of Meta gave the commencement speech to Harvard students in the year 2017.

The speech was given at a time when it was pouring and so he went on to begin his speech by addressing the situation and assuring the audience that “We’ll make it worth it.”

His sense of humor includes attacking himself when he says “Let’s face it, you have accomplished something I never could.”

However, the focal point of his speech was the idea that “Having a purpose for yourself isn’t enough.” He stressed the challenge that was in front of them, of creating a world where everyone has a sense of purpose.

Commencement speeches by students

1. donovon livingstone (harvard).

Donovon, a student at Harvard University made headlines with his commencement speech. The reason you ask?

His speech was unlike any other, it was spoken word poetry in the form of a speech.

Apart from the excellently written poem, the way he uses his expressions and gestures is commendable.

Another notable feature of this speech is the way he chooses to end it with an altered quote .

No! sky isn’t the limit, it is just the beginning.

Tessa Otto (Phillips High School)

Tessa Otto’s high school commencement speech has made it to this blog because of the absolutely fun way in which it was delivered.

She points out the peculiar behaviors of certain students that everyone had witnessed, which immediately made the crowd laugh.

Another interesting feature of her speech is the way in which she uses a poll while adding humor to it.

“I ask that you raise your hand if you have ever been personally victimized by (Student’s name) in the gym or in the classroom as a result of her dangerously competitive lifestyle.”

Best Commencement speeches for High school students

1. barack obama.

Barack Obama ‘s commencement speech for high school students was held online as it was given in the year 2020.

We already know how great of a speaker Obama is, but the reason this speech particularly stood out was because of the way he uses the pointer format .

He offers 3 pieces of advice (or takeaways) for high school graduates

• Don’t be afraid (Pandemic circumstances)
• Do what you feel is right
• Build a community

Check out the full transcript of Barack obama’s commencement speech .

2. Zander Morciz (Pine View high school)

The commencement speech by Zander Moricz is worth watching.

Zander was the first openly gay president of Pine View (class 2022). The reason his speech made news was that he used the word “Curly hair” every time he wanted to refer to “gay.”

After he was warned not to use his activism toward LGBTQ+ during his commencement speech, he euphemized “curly hair” to determine his sexual orientation.

There are going to be so many kids with curly hair who need a community like Pine View and they won’t have one… Instead, they’ll try to fix themselves so that they can exist in Florida’s humid climate

Commencement speech Example

Commencement speech sample for students.

Thank you, Mr. XYZ, for the introduction.

I am ABC, A climate activist and graduating art student of this esteemed university.

I would like to welcome all the faculty members, friends, and family of all the graduating students to this wonderful day. And to the class of 2022, I’d like to say; that we did it .

4 years have passed by in a blink. I remember sitting in the cafeteria, talking to my friends about how we couldn’t wait to graduate. Well, the day is here.

And as much as I am proud of the person I have become, all thanks to the University for the Amazing Experiences it has provided; I am equally overwhelmed with the thought of parting my way from the place where I first realized my purpose.

And this might sound heavy but we are all millennials, isn’t figuring out an answer for this question what are we doing in our free time ?

During the first climatic conference that I attended in the year 2019, I had seen it as an opportunity to get extra credits while I daydream at the conference.

Credits for dreaming, are pretty, good aren’t they?

But that is not what happened that day. As Miss QPR started her speech, I’m not sure if it was the way she had command over her language or the content of her speech itself that intrigued me the most. She talked about the amount of plastic pollution in the water bodies. For me, it was an eye-opener.

And this was the point where I gained my purpose.

I am going to take this opportunity to share a few pointers in an attempt to open your eyes to the issue we are all familiar with. Plastic pollution.

Now I know that you are already aware that the amount of damage plastic has done to our planet is immeasurable. But here is what you might not know. Did you know that humans can no longer be the first to reach any newly discovered place or depth? Because plastic has already done that.

Recent estimates by experts and scientific models have found 128 million pieces of space debris aimlessly bobbing around in outer space, A plastic bag recently made its way 36,000 feet underwater inside the marina trench. If you are a sneakerhead then you must be aware of Futurecraft Loop, the new shoes that Adidas is developing using plastic bottles and ocean pollution. I guess that would make you believe the abundance in which this man-made thing has polluted the natural bodies and we are now paying for (quite literally).

But we are humans; we have always cared a little less when something wasn’t harming us directly, right?

Well, guess what? A 2019 WWF report revealed an average person consumes about 1,769 microplastic particles each week.

I won’t sugarcoat and say we still have time to fix it. All we have is now. Now Is the time to take action.

You can wait for government bodies and big corporates to do something about it. Cause what difference will it make if you as one person try to work towards it, right?

If you have a similar thought then I am here to tell you, that you can make a difference.

And when every individual makes takes small steps like avoiding buying more plastic goodies, and recycling the ones you already have; the collective effort will surely make a huge difference.

I believe the university will agree with me here for it has preached us the same;

I will and I can , our university motto.

The misplacement of words always intrigued me until I understood their essence and meaning.

It is not because of your ability to do something that you shall do it but your willingness to do something that ultimately helps you get the work done with ease.

As Mark Zuckerberg had said in one of the commencement speeches he gave “Finding your purpose isn’t enough. The challenge is to create a world where everyone has a sense of purpose” so if you haven’t figured out your purpose yet, I’m here to offer you one.

Take action for your planet. After all, it is as much your home as it is mine.

Final words.

Commencement speeches are given to appreciate their achievements so far and to inspire them for the future that they will be stepping into. The idea is to keep it short, humorous, and informative.

Most people don’t remember the commencement speeches they hear, but they do remember how they felt while listening to them.

So don’t try to make your commencement speech memorable for its content but for the feeling it creates.

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Guide to Writing an Excellent Commencement Speech

Table of Contents

Graduation is a key part of any person’s life. It is a transition from academic life to a more vital stage, be it higher education or professional life. As with all forms of change, the transition can be a scary phase. Learning  how to write a commencement speech  is crucial to any authority figure.

Not only is it a way to calm the nerves of graduates, but it’s also an opportunity to inspire a new generation. If you want to master the art of writing an impactful speech, read on. 

What is a Commencement Speech?

 It is an inspiring address given to graduating students to motivate and encourage them as they transition into the next stage of their lives. It provides insight into success, offers advice for challenges, and encourages graduates to pursue their passions. 

A good commencement speaker utilizes anecdotes from personal experiences, humor, and powerful language to captivate the audience and impart a timeless message. 

The writer’s expertise can be demonstrated by presenting pertinent facts alongside humorous stories to drive home key points. 

Using uncommon words, he can create an impactful narrative that resonates with the audience and remains memorable well beyond the moment of delivery.

Esteemed leaders usually give commencement speeches not just because of their authority.

The Significance of a Commencement Speech

 A commencement speech is an important opportunity to advise and guide those beginning a new chapter in their lives . As such, you should craft your speeches carefully and imbue them with the speaker’s experience and wisdom. A commencement speech serves as both a source of knowledge and a vehicle for inspiring others. 

Personal experiences and examples relevant to the audience allow the speaker to impart essential lessons that will help guide graduates into their future. 

Commencement speeches are significant to the audience because they help mold and direct the potential in each individual. The following section will show readers how to write a moving commencement speech.

How to Write a Commencement Speech

Prepare thoroughly.

Before starting to write a commencement speech, take time to research and reflect on the topic. Gather as much information as possible about the school’s culture, values, and goals so that you can incorporate these elements into your address. Additionally, preparation is essential because it grants you the confidence needed for effective delivery.

Choose your ideas carefully, and make sure to keep your speech short and inspirational. Long speeches tend to be tedious. 

Invoke Emotion

Try to evoke emotions in your audience while maintaining professionalism. Emotional stories, inspiring quotes, and anecdotes are great ways to engage listeners with your message. Few things can move people the same way that emotions do.

Emotions also make your speech more memorable. Many principles of Psychology point out that people are likelier to remember the feelings introduced by an experience than specific details. 

Speak From Personal Experience

To make your words more meaningful and authentic, draw upon personal experiences. For example, share moments of success or lessons learned along the way that demonstrates your knowledge and insight.

Personal anecdotes come across as authentic and credible, thus creating a deeper connection with your audience. 

Balance Humor and Seriousness

While it’s important to keep things lighthearted, remember to be serious. Use well-crafted jokes and humorous comments when appropriate but avoid going off-topic. Again, it’s a matter of tact and context. 

End with a Powerful Closing Statement

After delivering an impactful message, end strong by tying together all of your points. A memorable conclusion will inspire and motivate audiences, thus fulfilling the main purpose of your speech.

Sample Commencement Speech

Good morning everyone, and congratulations to the Class of 2021! Today is a day for celebrating all that you have achieved. However, as someone who experienced the hardships, successes, and lessons life can bring, I want to leave you with some key advice. 

 First, be bold in your endeavors and take calculated risks. Life is full of challenges, but don’t let them paralyze you; look for opportunities to grow. As Teddy Roosevelt said, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” Second, don’t just strive to succeed – strive to learn. By proactively seeking out knowledge and wisdom, you’ll reap the rewards far beyond those of monetary gain. Finally, never forget the power of self-reflection and introspection. In an age of immediacy, it’s easy to get caught up in distractions. Take time to observe yourself objectively, so you can identify areas of improvement and further develop personally. 

 I am confident that each one of you will make use of these values and go forth to achieve greatness. Thank you, and congratulations once again – my heartiest felicitations to the Class of 2021!

A commencement speech is a structured message that imparts wisdom and words of comfort to graduates . Effective speeches can leave lasting impressions and may even influence the outlook and behavior of your audience. This is why you must learn how to write a commencement speech.

The same principles apply if you’re writing a graduation speech for college or high school graduates. Use these tips to set an example for a younger audience.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to Craft a Memorable Graduation or Commencement Speech

Navigating the challenge of delivering a captivating graduation speech can be a daunting task. Did you know, commencement speeches have become an integral part of graduation ceremonies, often delivered by notable figures like Steve Jobs at Stanford University? This blog will guide you through crafting an impactful and memorable address that not only celebrates milestones but inspires graduates as they embark on new journeys.

Ready for the applause? Continue reading!

How to Deliver an Inspiring and Motivating Graduation Speech

To deliver an inspiring and motivating graduation speech, reflect on past experiences, address the challenges and opportunities that await graduates, acknowledge their achievements, express gratitude and appreciation, and use storytelling to leave a lasting impression.

Reflecting on past experiences

Casting your mind back, weaving a rich tapestry of triumphs and trials, emerges as an essential ingredient in crafting a compelling graduation speech. TV mogul Shonda Rhimes emphasized this approach when she advised graduates to be doers rather than dreamers, drawing from her own experiences.

Contemplating past experiences doesn’t just stir nostalgia – it injects vital context and authenticity into your message, resonating with many who have charted the same journey. From acknowledging failures to celebrating successes; each story serves as a shining beacon illuminating the path for new graduates.

After all, every lesson learned contributes significantly to shaping an inspiring oration akin to  Horace Mann’s timeless address  in 1859 that stressed achieving victories for humanity before one’s death.

It’s about more than just reflecting on memorable high school moments: it’s understanding how these tales underpin today’s accomplished person – you!

Addressing the challenges and opportunities that await graduates

Nailing the section of your speech that shines a light on the challenges and opportunities that await graduates is key in delivering an inspiring and motivating commencement address. Begin by acknowledging how graduating from an educational institution does more than bestow a degree, it equips students with valuable tools for navigating life’s twists and turns.

Discuss how resilience, overcoming adversity, not fearing failure, and taking risks are all fostered through education.

Next, pivot to illuminating future possibilities stemming from their educational achievements. Highlight the exciting potential inherent in each graduate’s unique capabilities and interests.

The world needs their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to continue progressing forward. Expound on how these attributes can be leveraged for personal growth while also contributing positively towards societal development.

Always opt for a tone of optimism encased in realism – letting your audience know that they have reason to celebrate today but also plenty of hard work awaits them tomorrow.

Acknowledging the achievements of graduates

In crafting your keynote addresses for graduation ceremonies, it’s crucial to spotlight the achievements of your graduates. Validate their hard work and perseverance that led them to this celebratory milestone.

This can range from individual academic achievements to collective strides made by the class as a whole.  Steve Jobs’ commencement speech  comes to mind; he saluted students’ tenacity, not just scholastic accomplishments.

Pay attention also to the personal growth and character development they’ve undergone during their journey in school or college. Commend them on stepping outside their comfort zone, dealing with life lessons head-on, and overcoming challenges bravely.

As you celebrate these authentic displays of grit and resilience, ensure that you speak with honesty while articulating these accolades—lending significant weight to your words and making your commencement address truly memorable.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation

One key aspect of delivering an inspiring and motivating graduation speech is expressing gratitude and appreciation. Graduates have achieved a significant milestone in their lives, and it’s essential to acknowledge the support and encouragement they’ve received along the way.

By thanking those who believed in them, supported them, and helped them succeed, graduates can create a sense of connection and gratitude within their speech. This recognition not only shows humility but also inspires others to appreciate the people who have played a role in their own achievements.

Expressing genuine appreciation goes beyond just saying thank you – it creates a heartfelt connection with the audience , leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Using storytelling to leave a lasting impression

Crafting a memorable graduation speech involves using storytelling to leave a lasting impression on the graduates. Storytelling has a unique ability to captivate an audience, evoke emotions, and make key messages more relatable.

By sharing personal anecdotes or inspiring stories of individuals who have achieved great things, public speakers can connect with their audience on a deeper level. These narratives not only entertain but also provide valuable life lessons and insights for the graduates as they embark on their future journeys.

Incorporating storytelling into a graduation speech helps create an engaging and impactful experience that will resonate with the listeners long after they leave the ceremony.

Tips for Engaging and Entertaining Graduates

Incorporate humor and address the emotions and feelings of graduates to keep them engaged and entertained throughout your speech.

Incorporating humor

Humor is a powerful tool in engaging and entertaining an audience , especially during graduation and commencement speeches. Incorporating wit and humor into your speech not only brings life to traditional celebrations but also appeals to young attendees who appreciate a lighthearted approach.

Research has shown that the use of humor in college classrooms has numerous benefits for students, such as enhancing their learning experience and fostering a positive classroom atmosphere. When delivering your speech, striking the right balance between humor, self-awareness, advice, and empowerment is crucial for leaving a memorable impact on the graduates.

Just like  Will Ferrell’s USC commencement speech  aimed to both congratulate and inspire the graduates, infusing humor into your address can help you connect with the audience on a deeper level while still conveying important messages.

So why not have some fun with your graduation speech? Break through the serious barriers by incorporating funny anecdotes or witty one-liners that will keep everyone entertained throughout the ceremony.

Addressing the emotions and feelings of graduates

One essential aspect of delivering a memorable graduation speech is addressing the emotions and feelings of graduates. As they stand on the cusp of a new chapter in their lives, it’s crucial to recognize the mixture of excitement, uncertainty, and nostalgia that may be coursing through them.

By acknowledging these emotions and speaking directly to them, you can establish an immediate connection with your audience. Sharing personal experiences that resonate with their own struggles and triumphs can further deepen this emotional bond.

Whether it’s emphasizing the importance of embracing change or offering words of encouragement for navigating the challenges ahead, tapping into their emotions will help create a lasting impact on their hearts and minds.

Techniques for Creating a Memorable and Impactful Graduation Speech

Create a memorable and impactful graduation speech by inspiring and motivating graduates, leaving a lasting impression, and engaging and entertaining them throughout the address.

Inspiring and motivating graduates

Crafting a memorable and impactful graduation speech is all about inspiring and motivating graduates to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. By reflecting on past experiences, addressing the challenges graduates may face, and acknowledging their achievements, you can create a speech that resonates with your audience.

Incorporate storytelling to leave a lasting impression and connect with graduates on a deeper level. Research shows that sharing important life lessons in commencement speeches is an effective way to inspire and motivate individuals as they embark on their next chapter.

Look for inspirational quotes about success to add weight to your message. For inspiration, consider analyzing influential commencement speeches from the 21st century like  Steve Jobs’ powerful address at Stanford .

Leaving a lasting impression

Crafting a graduation speech that leaves a lasting impression is crucial for any public speaker. The goal is to inspire and motivate graduates as they embark on their next chapter. Incorporating impactful storytelling techniques can captivate the audience and make your message resonate deeply.

By acknowledging the achievements of the graduates, addressing their challenges and opportunities, expressing gratitude, and using humor strategically, you can create a memorable experience for everyone present.

Remember, a well-delivered speech has the power to uplift spirits, ignite aspirations, and celebrate this significant milestone in life.

Engaging and entertaining graduates

To truly engage and entertain graduates during a commencement speech, it’s important to incorporate elements that connect with their emotions and feelings. Adding humor is one way to break the ice and create a lighthearted atmosphere.

Sharing personal stories can also help establish a connection with the audience, making the speech relatable and memorable. Additionally, using inspirational themes or incorporating local references can further engage graduates by making the speech relevant to their experiences.

By combining humor, emotion, storytelling, and relatability in your graduation speech, you can captivate and entertain your audience while leaving them inspired for their future endeavors.

In conclusion, graduation and commencement speeches play a crucial role in inspiring and motivating graduates as they embark on their next journey. By reflecting on past experiences, addressing challenges and opportunities, acknowledging achievements, expressing gratitude, using storytelling techniques, incorporating humor, and engaging emotions, speakers can create memorable and impactful speeches that leave a lasting impression.

These speeches serve as a foundation for personal growth, character building, defining success, and celebrating accomplishments. Remember to step outside your comfort zone when delivering these speeches and always strive to inspire with authenticity and honesty.

Graduation ceremonies are not just about receiving diplomas; they are about providing valuable life lessons that resonate with students at any stage of their education. So go out there and deliver an unforgettable speech filled with inspiration, motivation, laughter – making it the highlight of every graduation ceremony!

1. What is the purpose of a graduation or commencement speech?

The purpose of a graduation or commencement speech is to inspire and motivate graduating students as they transition into the next phase of their lives. It aims to provide guidance, advice, and encouragement for success in both personal and professional endeavors.

2. Who typically delivers a graduation or commencement speech?

Graduation or commencement speeches are often delivered by notable individuals such as successful entrepreneurs, influential leaders, renowned academics, industry experts, celebrities, or even fellow graduates who have achieved significant accomplishments.

3. How long should a graduation or commencement speech be?

The duration of a graduation or commencement speech can vary depending on the event’s schedule and the speaker’s allotted time. Generally, these speeches range from 10 to 20 minutes in length but can extend up to 30 minutes on certain occasions.

4. Can I find examples of famous graduation or commencement speeches online?

Yes! Many famous graduation or commencement speeches are available online through platforms like YouTube and various websites dedicated to inspirational content. These speeches offer valuable insights that can serve as inspiration for crafting your own memorable address.

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How to Craft An Outstanding Commencement Speech

Are you tasked with writing a commencement speech? Though it may have you stumped, crafting an outstanding speech is not mission impossible. Here are some tips.

Delivering a graduation speech is a great honor. But, writing one can be tough.

You want to capture the attention of your audience, commemorate your experiences, and impart a bit of wisdom. You want to make the speech your own without making it all about you.

You don't need to have all the answers. Be yourself and focus on the great memories you share with your classmates. 

If you are tasked with writing a commencement speech, we can help! Take a look at these tips to help you prepare for the big day.

Seek Inspiration

For a little inspiration to get you started, watch and read some examples of great commencement speeches of the past. Think about your school and what it means to you.

Make a list of notable memories from your years there and pull those special moments into your speech. Include some insight into how these experiences have changed you.

What has inspired or challenged you during your years at school? Think about the main point you would like to impart to your fellow classmates.

Most of all, it's your classmates' big day. Remember to honor them and the occasion.

Catch Their Attention

At the beginning of any speech, you need to catch the attention of your audience. If not, you will ramble on for a few minutes with only your family listening. 

The stage is yours, so make it count. Find some way to command their attention. 

You can  use humor , an anecdote, or a startling fact. You can raise their curiosity about a particular subject.

You can talk about something personal or something that affects you all. There's no right way to begin. You just have to find a way to draw them in and keep them listening.

Stick With a Theme 

You may have watched speeches in the past where the speaker drones on and on without a central point. You don't want to make this common mistake.

Your message should be one that resonates with everyone. And it should be simple and universal.

Don't choose the value of education as your theme. At this point, your audience know this already. Go with some words of inspiration and avoid overly obvious truths.

Give It Structure

A good speech, like a good story, has a beginning, middle, and an end. Plan your speech to grab people's attention in the beginning, keep their attention through the middle, and tie it together in the end.

Focus the body of your speech on telling a story, offering some insight, or sharing lessons learned. At the end, summarize your main points and give them a call to action regarding their own life. 

Giving a speech some structure doesn't make it formulaic. It makes it easier for people to understand and follow.

Infuse Some Personality

Your classmates don't want to see a know-it-all on stage. They want to see the real you.

Emotional honesty is always a good idea. It makes for a more intriguing speech.

You don't have to know all the answers to life's complex issues. Instead, be honest, kind, and empathetic.

Speak from the heart. When you feel deeply and speak passionately, others listen. Keep this in mind as you write your speech. 

If your audience connects with you on an emotional level, they are more likely will listen and remember what you have to say.

Keep It Short

No one wants to sit through a long speech, even an outstanding one. If you want to impress your audience and keep their attention, keep your speech short and sweet.

You have something important to say, but don't repeat yourself or drone on and on. Ten to fifteen minutes is a good mark to shoot for.

Once you write your speech, edit it, and practice reading it to others. Consider their feedback and edit your speech until you're satisfied with the message and the timeframe.

Show Gratitude

No matter where you are in life, you didn't get there by yourself. Show your humility and thank someone in your speech.

You can acknowledge your parents, teachers, coaches, friends, or any significant person in your life. You may choose to focus on one individual who has been a particular inspiration in your life.

There are no rules about thanking someone in a commencement speech, but it's a nice to include some gratitude in your address. You can encourage your audience to be grateful as well.

Inspire Your Audience

Earning a diploma is a reason to celebrate. But a commencement speech should do more than honor the occasion. 

Focus on what's to come and what life has in store for you and your fellow graduates. No matter what's going on in the world, leave your audience with  some inspiration  and hope for the future.

Focus on Them

You will be on stage because of  your amazing accomplishments . That's great, and you've earned it. 

But remember that your audience doesn't want to hear about all the reasons you're on stage instead of them. Of course, you should talk about yourself, but be sure to turn the focus to your audience.

Recognize them, their accomplishments, and the bright path ahead.

Giving a graduation speech is an honor, and you want it to be a fun experience. Remember that your audience doesn't expect perfection.

Be yourself, relax, and drink in the moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you've earned with your hard work and determination. 

Relax and make it a fun, memorable experience for you, your family, and your peers.

Tips for an Awesome Commencement Speech

As the commencement speaker, you're on center stage for a few minutes. Make those moments count with some positive insight and inspiration for your fellow classmates and friends. 

Following a few basic tips can help you craft a commencement speech you and your audience will treasure. 

Be sure to take a look at our website and the amazing opportunities  our organization  offers for high-achieving students like you. 

Keyword: commencement speech

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You don't need to have all the answers. Be yourself and focus on the great memories you share with your classmates. 

At the beginning of any speech, you need to catch the attention of your audience. If not, you will ramble on for a few minutes with only your family listening. 

The stage is yours, so make it count. Find some way to command their attention. 

You can  use humor , an anecdote, or a startling fact. You can raise their curiosity about a particular subject.

Stick With a Theme 

Don't choose the value of education as your theme. At this point, your audience know this already. Go with some words of inspiration and avoid overly obvious truths.

Focus the body of your speech on telling a story, offering some insight, or sharing lessons learned. At the end, summarize your main points and give them a call to action regarding their own life. 

Speak from the heart. When you feel deeply and speak passionately, others listen. Keep this in mind as you write your speech. 

Earning a diploma is a reason to celebrate. But a commencement speech should do more than honor the occasion. 

Focus on what's to come and what life has in store for you and your fellow graduates. No matter what's going on in the world, leave your audience with  some inspiration  and hope for the future.

You will be on stage because of  your amazing accomplishments . That's great, and you've earned it. 

Be yourself, relax, and drink in the moment. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you've earned with your hard work and determination. 

As the commencement speaker, you're on center stage for a few minutes. Make those moments count with some positive insight and inspiration for your fellow classmates and friends. 

Following a few basic tips can help you craft a commencement speech you and your audience will treasure. 

Be sure to take a look at our website and the amazing opportunities  our organization  offers for high-achieving students like you. 

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by Laura Jones

Updated on January 3, 2024

6 tips to write a great graduation speech (with examples) 

Being chosen to write a speech for a graduation ceremony is exciting, but also utterly terrifying, for many people. It’s not just your classmates in the audience, it’s parents and faculty too. And with some incredible student graduation speech examples out there (not to mention the perfection that was Steve Jobs’ speech ), there’s a lot to live up to. With that in mind, here are some tips and graduation speech examples to help you create the perfect commencement speech.

• Pick a theme
• Write an outline
• Pen a catchy introduction
• Write a thank-you paragraph
• Look back and look ahead
• End your graduation speech

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1. pick a theme.

The overall goal of graduation speeches is to inspire and move your audience. But there are lots of ways to do this, and picking the right theme is a big part of it. Popular themes are the importance of friendship; perseverance and overcoming adversity; having big dreams and imagination; making a difference. Once you have your theme, it will be easier to choose anecdotes, quotations , and examples to put into your speech.

2. Write an outline

The next step for any commencement speech is to write an outline. Breaking it up into manageable parts not only makes it feel less overwhelming, but it helps to give your speech structure, making it easier for the audience to follow. A good speech will have the following: 

• A catchy introduction
• A look back
• A look ahead
• A pithy ending

3. Pen a catchy introduction

Begin by thanking everyone for attending and for choosing you to be their speaker. Then, grab your audience’s attention from the very start with a hook. Lots of people choose to begin with a quotation that captures the theme of the whole speech. 

Example: I want to begin with a quotation from Nora Ephron: “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” 

Other ways to hook your audience are by telling a short, personal story that your classmates can relate to, or by giving a statistic or question that fits with your theme. And never shy away from humor. A speech by James Glaser at Tufts University contained only questions , one being: “Would you believe that my 5’1” sister met her 5’4” husband in a short story class?” This would be a very funny way to begin a speech about meeting special people. 

4. Write a thank-you paragraph

Now your audience is paying attention, it’s time for gratitude. Thank your teachers and other staff at the school who have made a difference and tell an anecdote about someone to personalize this. 

Example: “I know I speak on behalf of all of my classmates when I thank the catering staff, who have made sure we fuel our brains with more than just fries and soda during exam times.”

Now’s the time to thank the families in the audience too. You can do a personal shout-out to your mom and dad, but be inclusive and remember that your classmates will have received support from a range of people. 

5. Look back and look ahead

The bulk of your speech will be spent talking about your time at the school and about how you see the future unfolding. Now is the time to focus on the theme that you chose, and to include stories about your shared experiences. 

If you chose to focus on overcoming adversity , recall a challenge you faced that you know a lot of other people did too. Share how a lesson you learned at school will help you after you leave, and remind everyone that you have learned much more than what was on the syllabus. 

Example: As Rita Moreno said, “The day you graduate, you do not arrive. This is not the end. This is the beginning for you. To graduate is to change gradually.” I know we’ve all changed so much already and we will continue to do so.

6. End your graduation speech

End with some advice and a call to action. Lots of people end with a quotation, and this can be from someone famous or from you. 

Example: 

• George Saunders said, “Do all the other things, the ambitious things—travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes…but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness.”
• C.S. Lewis told us that “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” So let’s go find them.

Writing a great graduation speech

Beginning with a theme and an outline helps focus your speech, which should make it easier for you to write with clarity and to find the right stories and quotations to use. Telling personal stories that everyone can relate to, sprinkled with humor, is a wonderful way to keep people engaged throughout your speech. And, ending with a bang in the form of an amazing quotation will help inspire your audience and leave them feeling upbeat. 

Laura Jones

Laura is a freelance writer and was an ESL teacher for eight years. She was born in the UK and has lived in Australia and Poland, where she writes blogs for Lingoda about everything from grammar to dating English speakers. She’s definitely better at the first one. She loves travelling and that’s the other major topic that she writes on. Laura likes pilates and cycling, but when she’s feeling lazy she can be found curled up watching Netflix. She’s currently learning Polish, and her battle with that mystifying language has given her huge empathy for anyone struggling to learn English. Find out more about her work in her portfolio .

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Back to Graduation

10 Tips for Writing the Best Graduation Speech

Good afternoon everybody….

We won’t sugar coat it. Writing a speech is tough. It’s why people get paid big bucks to do this as ghostwriters for others. It’s why great lines from great speeches get passed down from one generation to the next.

But relax. You’re not the President of the United States addressing the nation trying to keep things calm after alien spacecraft have just landed on the White House front lawn.

Odds are, instead, you’re one of two things. You’re either the valedictorian (congrats by the way) or you’re the person who submitted their name and speech idea to the graduation committee and was selected to speak at graduation as well (so congrats to you, too.)

Now, about the speech. While it’s certainly up to you what you can say, we just thought that we’d pass on a few tips on how to not make your speech the kind that doesn’t have lines getting passed from one generation to the next – because of how awful it was.

So, with that said here are our top 10 tips for writing a graduation speech. And, some bonus tips for giving a virtual graduation speech.

1: Start out by thanking someone. The fact is you probably didn’t make it through high school all by yourself.  Very few people, if any, do anything without a lot of help from someone else. So, show a little humility.

It’s always good to recognize parents, teachers and friends. But what might be nice to do instead is to publicly thank a specific person. One person who helped you, who made a difference and believed in you. Maybe it’s a coach, a counselor, a teacher or your dad. Whoever. Thank them in front of everybody. And then encourage everyone else to find someone who was instrumental in helping them make it to graduation and tell them to thank them as well.

2: Don’t make it all about you. If you’re the valedictorian, then once again, congratulations. You did well.  But nobody really just wants to hear about why you made it to the podium and they didn’t. That’s not to say you can’t infuse personal observations in your speech, just don’t turn this into a “My life in high school” speech.

Matter a fact, instead of just crafting your speech in the cold confines of your bedroom, why not instead go out and talk to your classmates. Find out what they’re interested in. What has inspired them and what they’ll remember most. Your class’ graduation should be about all of the students, not just you. It’d be nice if your speech recognized all their collective memories.

3: Google it. That’s what it’s there for.  Looking up famous speeches online is a great way to get inspiration. Whether it’s a YouTube video of comedian Seth MacFarlane’s commencement speech at Harvard (hilarious!) Or reading Winston Churchill’s famous “We shall never surrender” speech (goosebumps!) Seeing how other people have done things well in the past is a good point of reference for how you should be doing it today.

4: Keep it short and sweet. Yes, your speech is important, or you wouldn’t have been asked to give it. But don’t go overboard. People aren’t there to see you drone on and on. They’re there to either celebrate their own accomplishments or the accomplishments of family and close friends. You don’t want people to be checking their watches during your speech or hoping you’ll hurry things up.

Therefore, don’t ramble on forever. Your speech should be no more than 10 minutes unless you’ve been given instructions otherwise. Think about how long do you usually sit still for a YouTube video? There’s a reason the more popular ones aren’t very long. Learn from that.

5: Don’t say anything you’ll regret in 20 years. Matter of fact, let’s amend this to, “Don’t say anything you’ll regret 10 minutes after saying it.” Most kids who are selected to be graduation speakers are the kind who have always set a good example. That said, every year, there’s always a few who want to take a controversial stand, call out a teacher or administrator, or make an inappropriate joke. Hint: Don’t be that kid . Instead, write a speech you can show to your own son or daughter 20 years from now and say, “See, that’s how it’s done.”

6: Inspire your fellow students. Commencement isn’t just about celebrating the fact that you finally earned your diploma. It’s also about looking forward to all the places life will take you after graduation. You want your fellow students to leave your speech feeling as though they’ve got the world by the tail and can do anything now that they’re graduates .

7: Don’t use famous quotes. Famous quotes are great for yearbook entries, not graduation speeches. So, put the famous quotes book away. You  are the graduation speaker. People want to know what  you  have to say.  The crowd doesn’t want to hear what Nietzsche or President Kennedy or King Ferdinand has to say.

8: Don’t write “what’s expected.” If you write a speech that’s expected, then what’s the point in anyone showing up? If it’s something we’re all expecting to hear, then the odds are we’ve already heard it and there’s no need to hear it again. Be original.

9: Be specific. Details make things interesting. There’s nothing particularly original or interesting when you say something like, “You know during our freshman year, we were somewhat unsure of ourselves, lost in this big school, and apprehensive about the future.”

But the details that can make it far more personal and relatable.

Example: “You know, it’s amazing how much we’ve all changed in the last four years. On my first day here at school, I could barely reach my locker. I remember thinking most of the senior football players probably were at least 28-years-old. And sadly, I got lost trying to find Freshman English and had to ask for directions – twice. Today, I’m proud to report that I can reach my locker, the football players don’t look older than I do, and I can find any class on this campus. And if all that’s true, just imagine how different will we all be two, four, or ten years from now.”

10: Make your final point your most important point. There’s a reason we’ve saved this for last. Obviously. But the contents of your speech should all along be leading up to the final point of the speech – which will be the most important part. This should be the line that people remember, and that people take away from your speech. You can end it with a quote (not someone else’s famous quote – we already discussed that), a memory, or words of wisdom to impart on your class, just as long as you end it with a punch. The punch can be a funny story. It can be a snappy re-cap, or a call to action. Such as Kennedy’s inauguration speech where he said, “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”

BONUS TIPS! The Virtual Graduation Speech

Given the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools have either cancelled their graduation plans, or postponed them. Others, however, have chosen to do them virtually . If that’s the case with your school, here are a few tips to help your virtual speech go as smoothly as possible.

First of all, you’ll probably want to change your speech to state the obvious. That it’s being given virtually. Whether or not that changes the rest of your speech will be up to you.

You’ll also want to make sure you look your best. Be sure your light source is in front of you or to your side. If the light is behind you it will make you look too dark. Keep the background clear of distractions. Look at your web cam when you speak, not the screen, and finally use the same gestures and mannerisms you would when normally speaking.

From a technical standpoint, be sure your microphone is turned on and, if it is at all possible, do a rehearsal to make sure your equipment is working properly. Also, place your camera (computer) on a level surface that’s not going to shake or wobble.

Whether you stand or sit down is up to you. However, this is one instance where YOU get to determine the atmosphere when giving a speech, so simply do what makes you feel the most comfortable.

In the end, your speech shouldn’t be overwhelming or daunting. Instead, just think of it as connecting with your graduating class one last time before you all go your separate ways. And, as a plus, if you’re planning a career which will involve public speaking, you can think of this as a great way to practice.

SHOP GRADUATION

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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

Some of the most impactful and inspiring sentiments are shared during graduation speeches delivered by the leaders we look up to. Graduation speeches from celebrities , entrepreneurs, authors and other influential thinkers are motivational, inspiring, thought-provoking and just might make you reach for the nearest tissue. After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off.

Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation speeches of all time, including words of wisdom from Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

"I've found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. Because no matter what happened, I had the piece of mind knowing that all of the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting...all of it was just noise. It did not define me, it didn't change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn't hold me back."

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

"I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director's chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career."

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

"What I have discovered is this: You can't do it alone … Listen. Say 'yes.' Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often."

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

"This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change."

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

"Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about quote the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master."

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

"You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes."

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

"You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell."

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized. Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality … Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

"I stopped pretending to be anything than what I was. My greatest fear had been realized. I had an old typewriter and a big idea. Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

"Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go."

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

"You have, which is a rare thing, that ability and the responsibility to listen to the dissent in yourself, to at least give it the floor, because it is the key—not only to consciousness–but to real growth. To accept duality is to earn identity. And identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself."

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things … Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness."

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

"As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way."

16. Admiral William H. McRaven: University of Texas at Austin, 2014

"If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."

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How to write a great graduation speech

Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology

• By Edwin Battistella
• May 10 th 2015

It’s graduation time at many of the nation’s schools and colleges. The commencement ceremony is a great exhalation for all involved and an annual rite of passage celebrating academic achievements. Commencement ceremonies typically feature a visiting dignitary who offers a few thousand inspirational words.

Over the years, I’ve heard more of these speeches than I care to admit and have made my own checklist of suggestions for speakers. For those of you giving commencement speeches or listening to them, here’s my advice:

1. Be just funny enough

The best speakers are knowingly wry and a bit self-deprecating. Here’s Michael Bloomberg, opening his 2014 Harvard Commencement address, with a typical opening:

I’m excited to be here, not only to address the distinguished graduates and alumni at Harvard University’s 363rd commencement but to stand in the exact spot where Oprah stood last year. OMG.

Compare that with President Kennedy, speaking at Yale in 1962, who invoked the Cambridge-New Haven rivalry to tease his hosts a bit:

Let me begin by expressing my appreciation for the very deep honor that you have conferred upon me. As General de Gaulle occasionally acknowledges America to be the daughter of Europe, so I am pleased to come to Yale, the daughter of Harvard. It might be said now that I have the best of both worlds, a Harvard education and a Yale degree.

Then again, presidents can get away with that sort of thing, but most speakers can’t.

2. Be like Shakespeare

Keep the diversity of your audience in mind. You are speaking to students, but the students are not all the same.  There are honor students—summa, magna, and cum laude–as well as those who are still sweating out a few grades. You are also speaking to families and to the university faculty.  Shakespeare had that same problem—needing to address those in the Lord’s room, the galleries, and the ground pit. He solved it by repeating himself, expressing ideas in both the Latinate phrases and in plain Anglo-Saxon, as when he combined unfamiliar words like incarnadine with familiar ones like red .

Here is Ellen DeGeneres, giving the commencement speech at Tulane in 2009. Talking about the honorary degree she is receiving, she plays with the languages of her audience:

I thought that you had to be a famous alumnus – alumini – aluminum – alumis – you had to graduate from this school.

She speaks to both the people who are not quite sure of the singular of alumni , and to those who are.

3. Think about bite-sized ideas

Your speech is likely to come up as a topic of discussion later in the day at lunch or dinner, if only to deflect attention from other topics like job interviews and loan repayment. What will the different audiences take away from your speech? What will students say when Grandma asks, “So what did you think of the speaker?”

As you develop your theme, try to have a memorable, quotable line for each segment of your audience—the grads, the families, and the faculty. And remember that your audience can’t rewind your speech or mark it with a yellow highlighter, so be sure to illustrate your easily-recognizable theme with smaller, easily-digestable examples.

Neil de Grasse Tyson did this in his 2012 speech at Western New England University.  His theme was the prevalence of fuzzy thinking and the desire for choices rather than fresh thought. He touched on the theme repeatedly, with examples ranging from a lunch date with his sister, to a spelling bee, to a job interview, throwing in an allusion to Plato (for the faculty) and ending up with the point that thinking is painful hard work. Journalist Sharyn Alfonsi also did it in her commencement address to the journalism school at Ole Miss in 2013, as she talked about work and perseverance, and illustrated those values through her own career’s challenges, including job applications, tough days, and bad bosses. Choose examples that everyone can relate to and can talk about over lunch.

4. Avoid the “Real World” and other clichés

Be careful when using clichés in your speech. Tempting as it may be to tell the graduates that they are about to enter the “Real World” (where you have thrived), you should avoid that. Savvy students will see you as out of touch, since many of them have been working all along and are often managing any number of real life issues.

You may want to avoid talking about the value of their education as well. They know the value. That’s why they went to college. (It’s the cost they are worried about.)

And don’t tell them they are going to die. What if someone had just died on campus? Steve Jobs could get away with talking about death at Stanford in 2005 (“And yet death is the destination we all share”), but he had cheated death at the time.

On a rare occasion, though, you can subvert the clichés. Jon Stewart, speaking at William and Mary in 2004, presents the so-called “Real World” this way:

Let’s talk about the “Real World” for a moment… I don’t really know to put this, so I’ll be blunt: we broke it… But here’s the good news: you fix this thing, you’re the next greatest generation, people.

David Foster Wallace took the liberal arts cliché by the horns in his 2005 speech at Kenyon College, telling the audience:

So let’s talk about the single most pervasive cliché in the commencement speech genre, which is that a liberal arts education is not so much about filling you up with knowledge as it is about “teaching you how to think.”

Wallace then used that to suggest a new perspective—that education is about choosing what to think about.

And screenwriter Joss Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame, tricked up the death theme at Wesleyan in 2013, opening with a reference to the horror genre and the live-life-to-the-fullest cliché:

What I’d like to say to all of you is that you are all going to die.

5. Keep it short

Unless you are a national leader using the speech to announce a major policy, you won’t need more than 20 minutes, tops. Twelve minutes would be even better. The average speaker reads about 120 words a minute, so that’s about 1,400-2,400 words or 9-15 pages (double spaced, 16 point font). Sitting in the sun, the students, families, and faculty will all appreciate brevity.

Here is Poet Laureate Billy Collins speaking at Colorado College in 2008:

I am going to speak for 13 minutes. I think you deserve to know that this will be a finite experience. It is well-known in the world of public speaking that there is no pleasure you can give an audience that compares to the pleasure they get when it is over, so you can look forward to experiencing that pleasure 13 minutes from now.

One of the most memorable commencement addresses at my institution was given by a retired speech professor, Leon Mulling. It was just one-minute long, consisted entirely of verbs (Go. Do. Create. Laugh. Love. Live . ) and received thunderous applause.

6. Above all: relax and enjoy yourself

To do well as a commencement speaker, you need gentle humor, Shakespearean universal accessibility, something memorable for each audience, both a theme and relatable examples, an awareness of clichés, and brevity. And if it makes you nervous to think that college graduates, families, faculty, and even YouTube will be scoring your speech, remember—there’ll be another commencement speaker up on the stage next year.

Image Credit: “Graduation Day” by Md saad andalib. CC BY 2.0 via Flickr .

Edwin L. Battistella teaches linguistics and writing at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he has served as a dean and as interim provost. He is the author of Sorry About That: The Language of Public Apology  (OUP, 2014),  Do You Make These Mistakes in English? (OUP, 2009), Bad Language (OUP, 2005), and The Logic of Markedness (OUP, 1996).

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Recent Comments

Very good advice and a fun article to read. My graduation speaker 45 years ago was the president of an African country and he spoke about something relating to Africa. It was memorable. The “it” was the weather that afternoon. It was hot and humid and the gowns were an extra layer on top of regular clothes. Oh, the campus political environment was also memorable. I wore an “equal” sign stenciled on a white cloth armband, urging equal admissions of men and women; the university was concerned that admitting more women would reduce long term importance of the college (useless nonworking women) plus eventual lower alumni donations. Oh, yes, and there was Carling Black Label beer at the reception afterward, chosen because it was donated by an alumnus. My father attended. My girlfriend’s parents were there, watching her graduate, and they had some suspicions about us, but thought we were being really careful. Yeah, that was pretty much it.

I loved it thanks

Really good

I will be a commencement speaker this spring at a Pennsylvania university and I thought your article was a great start for me as I prepare. Thanks!

Comments are closed.

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Table of Contents

How to write a graduation speech .

Writing a graduation speech can be daunting. It’s natural to want to give the best speech possible to commemorate such an important milestone in your life. But How to write a graduation speech that is worthy of the day?

This page will be a comprehensive step-by-step guide for how to write a graduation speech that inspires and motivates. It will walk you through everything you need to know, how to write a graduation speech that leaves your audience teary-eyed. 

At the end of this page, I have written a sample graduation speech using this guide. 

I have spent days asking how to write the perfect graduation speech. I remember the banging of my head on my desk in frustration when I was preparing for my graduation speech. The reason for this paranoia was that I too, just like everyone else, wanted to give the best speech possible to commemorate such an important milestone of my life. 

The amount of time and energy I had spent in preparation for my graduation speech prompted me to put up this page. 

So here it is:

LET’S UNPACK with the No. 1 problem in How to write a graduation speech? 

The number 1 problem which everyone faces when setting out to write a graduation speech is where to start?

Well naturally before you start preparing your speech you will need to know what you want to talk about. You can call this a theme, a topic, an idea, or the subject of your speech. At this stage, it can be a one-liner or even a word that describes what you want to talk about. 

Again I know it is easier said than done. That’s why I have listed some approaches to help you figure out the topic of your graduation speech.

There are different approaches you can go by, but I will write a few which helped me.

How to find the subject of your graduation speech?

How to write a graduation speech around your core beliefs..

The first place I will recommend you to look for inspiration is your core beliefs. If you very strongly believe in something then talk about it. This could be what you stand for. Or what you will always stand for? Or what do you advocate? Maybe these beliefs are human rights protection, prevention of female objectification, and child labor, or maybe you believe in socialism or the importance of family structure.

The idea behind talking about your core beliefs is that you are genuinely passionate about them, and you will most likely have enough to talk about them. 

How to write a graduation speech based on Timeline.

I like to call this a timeline-based approach in deciding what to talk about during your graduation speech. Evident by the name you will pick up a moment or time and will talk about that time and how great or challenging that period was in your life. 

You can pick a period from your past to describe a challenge or a beauty of it and how it impacted your life and what lesson it has for others as well. 

You can pick a goal in the future which you want to accomplish and what motivates you in selecting this goal and how it will impact your life or people at large. 

To help you better understand, I have listed some examples. These examples sound generic but the actual events which happened to you will be unique for your audience. 

For the past based graduation speech, some ideas are: 

• A problem you faced to get to this position

• You had a certain difficulty, but you didn’t give up

• You faced trauma but still, you graduated or accomplished a goal.  

• What drove you, who motivated you, who built your passion, who never lost hope in you, who built your character and gave you confidence?

• What was your journey to get to this point?

• What took you to get here? 

• What were your expectations?

Remember: The purpose is not to tell your biography or how great you are. The purpose is to inspire with the underlying qualities which kept you going.

If you don’t want your speech to be sentimental you can always talk about:

• How fun your experience was

• How you will miss partying 

• How greatly have you lived your life here

• How amazing your friends, teachers, and institute were.

• How helpful everyone’s contribution was in your graduation. 

• You can go with funny events or can make very light fun at the expense of the audience. (Never insult.) 

• How has this time here changed you into a better person?

• How do you overcome your shortfalls

These are some past-based graduation theme approaches. Similarly, you can decide to talk about the future:

• Your goals

• Your optimism and how you plan to change the world.

• You always dream to follow your passion, and now you are one step closer

• You have an ideal personality who inspired you; now you can follow the lead.

• How you will miss this time, place, and people. 

• How you have learned to dream big and now explore

• No one is perfect, how you make mistakes, you will keep making mistakes, but this place taught you how to learn lessons from mistakes. 

• You look forward to stepping into the world.

• How guest of honor is your ideal and why do you appreciate them and want to follow the lead?

These are some of the examples I call a time-based approach in deciding how to write your graduation speech. 

Note: you don’t have to pick only one. You can relate a past event to achieve a future goal. 

How to write a graduation speech based on characteristics of value.

This one is simple really. When I was deciding how to write my graduation speech I came across this approach. In this approach of deciding your graduation speech theme, you can pick a characteristic and talk about it. In this case, you pick a characteristic value, and you start building your thoughts around it. 

• Value of Truth

• Importance of love

• Need of Courage

• Humbleness in sacrifice

• Lessons in failures

• Struggle for passion 

• Never giving up

How to write a graduation speech on the beauty of your passion. 

Here you find anything you are good at. It doesn’t have to be some sophisticated idea or any well-praised concept. It can be anything you are good at. 

It could be: 

• Any creative idea

• Participation in social causes

• Spirituality

• Gardening

Maybe you are passionate about gaming, or you have an interest in building stuff, or you like to experiment, or you have a sense of empathy and want to participate in social causes, or you have a knack for health and well-being. 

The point is it could be anything you like to do, which gives you happiness or a sense of fulfillment. You have to find out the good sides of this passion and talk about it. Link your source of happiness to real-world scenarios.

I mean there is a legendary speech about making a bed every day and how this one task is so great. 

How to write a graduation speech on delivering a point or argument.

The last approach I would recommend is delivering a point approach. Here you decide an end goal of your speech first then you build your argument around that goal. You have seen something wrong, or you would like some practice to change. Or in your view, a certain thing is not value-added but time-consuming or a method is not creative but laborious, and you would like it to change. 

You get the idea of what I am talking about. You may want to talk about human rights, and freedom of speech, you want to sound an alarm and talk about the environment, or you want to talk about any other modern-day problem. 

Here you have a point which you want to make. You will build your speech around that point. For example, you believe that home assignments are a waste of time. 

These are some approaches you can use to decide what you want to talk about. You can be creative and mix them or stick to one area. 

Now that you have your main idea, let’s start planning your graduation speech.

The planning stage of how to write a graduation speech.

Before you start writing your graduation speech there are some factors you need to know and understand when you are planning to write your graduation speech. We will figure those out during the planning process of the graduation speech together. 

Time and place

What time is your speech.

The first thing you need to know is which day, and where you will be delivering your speech. Usually the place of your graduation ceremony. It may be on campus grounds or in any other venue. 

But you need to know the time in a different context as well. 

Here you formally need to know at least three times for your graduation speech. Write that down for your reference. 

• First: Obviously what time is the speech?

• Second: how much time is allotted to your speech?

• Third: how much time do you have until your speech? 

How much time is allotted to you? 

You need to know how much time is allotted to your speech. You need to know that to prepare your speech. You need to know to create enough material to cover that time slot. Not too short, not too long.

My rule of thumb is at the planning stage when you are writing a rough draft for your speech your draft should have enough material to cover at least double the allotted time. You will need to consult with the organizers or graduation committee about how much time is allocated to you?  

How long should a graduation speech be?

Ideally, a graduation speech should be between 5 and 7 minutes long. That’s just enough time to deliver some inspiring words without dragging on (or putting your audience to sleep!).

Of course, each situation is different. If you’re the valedictorian or salutatorian, you may have a little more time to speak. And if you’re speaking at a smaller graduation ceremony, your speech may be shorter.

No matter how long your speech is, make sure you spend some time thinking about what you want to say. A well-written and well-delivered speech can be a memorable way to end your time as a student and start your new chapter as a graduate!

How much time do you have to prepare for your graduation speech?

The third and most important one is to know how much time you have for planning. You know this by allocating your time to your daily most important tasks. 

Know the Audience

This is tricky and an important factor to know before you write your graduation speech. Audiences come in all shapes and sizes. Know your audience before you start talking so that they feel welcome at the ceremony. You need to know who you will be addressing during your graduation speech. 

The common attendees are:

• Graduates

• Top students

• Faculty 

• And special guests

But keep in mind that among the audience all these people can also be 

• Media Personalities

• Influencers

• Potential employers

• Govt. officials

• Ethnic or minority groups

Beware of those who are attending, You don’t want to sound insensitive or hurt someone or a group of people’s feelings. For example, with a religious audience, you don’t want to talk against religion. Or might want to omit any jokes about physical features, or people with disability conditions if you have the same people in your audience. 

The second important thing to know about your audience is that you do not want to be specific to a small group of people. People of all ages and beliefs can be there, so avoid making specific cultural references to target only a small group of people. Instead, talk in broad general terms. 

There could be potential employers among the audience. You don’t want to sound cocky or to be remembered as arrogant. I mean it is entirely possible that a month later you are attending an interview and find out that the interviewer knows you already from your graduation speech with a bad impression. 

Tone when delivering your graduation speech.

This is important to know and decide. What will be your tone of speech? Do you want to sound formal or informal? Passive or assertive? Passionate or optimistic? Humorous or serious or do you want to keep it conservative or motivating? 

This might sound overwhelming but it is not. A lot of this has to do with the theme of the speech.  What I suggest is to choose according to your personality. Do you like to convey your message through humor or are you an optimistic person? But whatever you choose please keep it consistent. 

Having said that When practicing your graduation speech, it is a good suggestion to keep the tone upbeat. This is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates, so the speech should be motivating and inspirational. 

However, it is also important to be respectful and sincere. The graduation speech is an opportunity to thank the teachers, staff, and administrators who have helped the graduates along the way. It is also a chance to offer some advice and words of wisdom to the graduating class or future graduates. Whatever tone is used, it should be genuine and reflect the speaker’s excitement for the future of the graduates.

Avoid Cliches during your graduation speech

The Next thing in your planning stage is to avoid cliche. Everything has a place and time. Not everything should be said at all sittings. You might want to go political, or you might want to go activist. Even Though nothing is wrong with it, you don’t want your whole speech blaming others. 

In my opinion, if you can avoid it please do avoid it. The reason is not to discourage you from speaking up regarding social issues, but the reason is you just “graduated”. You have a diverse, more senior audience in front of you. Do, if you have to, refer to a certain issue or show your commitment towards it. But please do not give a lecture to your audience and make them feel responsible. You just freshly graduated and most likely you have not done anything substantial to change the problem you are talking about. 

Some other cliches are:

1. “This is the best day of my life!”

While it’s certainly an exciting time, your graduation isn’t necessarily the best day of your life. There are many other great days ahead, so try to avoid this clichéd line.

2. “Follow your dreams!”

This is another well-meaning but overused piece of advice. While it’s important to have dreams and goals, be realistic about what you can achieve.

3. “You’re the future!”

This may be true, but it’s also a bit daunting. Instead of putting pressure on yourself, try to focus on enjoying the present moment.

4. “It’s not goodbye, see you later!”

This may be the case for some people, but others are moving on to new chapters in their lives. Don’t try to force a sentimental moment if it doesn’t feel genuine.

5. “You’re going to change the world!”

This is a lot of pressure to put on someone. Instead, encourage your fellow graduates to focus on making a positive impact in their communities.

By avoiding these clichés, you can make your graduation speech more unique and personal. Instead of giving empty platitudes, focus on sharing your own experiences and lessons learned. This will make your speech more meaningful and memorable for both you and your audience. 

Distribution of your graduation speech

One thing which you need to consider is that your speech will be part of the record. It might be printed in a college journal, yearbook, or newspaper and will most definitely be recorded. It will be part of the internet or your collection. It is such a prestigious opportunity that you would want these words to be simple but memorable. You don’t want to waste this opportunity just for being funny or by roasting your friends or school. 

Be very careful if you are using facts and quotes in your graduation speech.

Make sure that you know your facts and stats if you are using them in your speech. Make sure you know the authenticity and origin of quotes if you are using them. Make sure you attribute the quotes and facts to the right person or institute.  

Start your graduation speech With a hook statement.

You only have a few minutes to make an impression, so you’ll want to start strong! Grab your audience’s attention with a compelling story, quote, or statistic related to the topic of your speech. Idea is to use bait to hook your audience with you throughout your speech. They would want to know how your story will relate to what you are saying. 

P.S – Hook statements are super fun, super engaging and can really turn the mood of the audience. This is a quality everyone should know regardless of this particular context of graduation speech. This article of American express explains it beautifully with examples.

A video example of using a hook statement.

An excellent example of this is this speech. 2015 World Champion: ‘The Power of Words’ Mohammed Qahtani, Toastmasters International

Note how the speaker’s first words and actions hooked the audience before he said a single word.

Write your graduation speech as You Talk

One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing speeches is trying to sound overly formal or ‘preachy’. Remember, this is YOUR graduation speech—it should reflect YOUR unique voice and perspective. It should bring out your persona.

Use Personal anecdotes in your graduation speech.

A great way to connect with your audience is by sharing personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate the main point of your speech. For example, if you’re giving a speech about resilience, you could share a story about a time when you faced adversity and how you ultimately overcame it. Just be sure not to make your stories too long—remember, you want to keep things concise! 

A video example of using personal anecdotes.

Watch this video for a brilliant speech and notice how the speaker used little personal experiences to draw conclusions and delivered his speech brilliantly.

End your graduation speech on a High Note 

Just like you want to start strong, you’ll also want to end strong! Leave your audience with something memorable—a call-to-action, inspirational quote, or final thought that sums up the main point of your speech perfectly. 

Edit, Edit, Edit!  

Once you have a draft of your speech written out, take some time to edit it for grammar errors and clarity issues. Then, ask a friend or family member to read it aloud, so you can get feedback on how it flows and sounds before delivering it on graduation day! 

Alternate the source of information

The fact is you are not the first person to give the graduation speech and most likely will not be the last person ever. Hundreds before you have been to the place where you are now. They had to prepare for their graduation speech and where did they go for inspiration or to get the idea? 

The same place where you are, The Internet. 

The point is most of the things which are on the internet have been said and done. Most of the stories have been told, and most of the quotes have been said. So what should you do? 

Change the source. 

Get your inspiration from another source. From a real event, an incident, a book you like, a poem you used to sing, or a song stuck in your head. Anything which no one has thought about. 

One of the great sources of inspiration for me is my older relatives, Grandparents, or uncle. Take a break, sit with them, and listen to their stories. They have lived years of more life than you. You can simply let them talk about their golden days or ask them specifically about an idea.  

The good news is that there are plenty of places to look for inspiration when it comes to writing a graduation speech. Here are just a few of them:

Your life up to this point: 

One of the best places to start when it comes to writing a graduation speech is by looking back at your life up to this point. What have been some of the biggest highlights? What lessons have you learned along the way?

Your future goals: 

Another great source of inspiration for your graduation speech is to look ahead at your future goals. What do you hope to accomplish in the next phase of your life? How can you inspire others to pursue their dreams?

Your favorite quotes: 

Another great way to get inspiration for your graduation speech is to look at some of your favorite quotes. Whether it’s a motivational saying or something more lighthearted, a great quote can often capture the essence of what you want to say in your speech.

Your favorite books: 

If you’re a reader, then one of the best places to look for inspiration for your graduation speech is in your favorite books. What messages do they convey that you feel are significant for your fellow graduates to hear?

Your favorite movies: 

Like books, movies can also be a great source of inspiration for your graduation speech. What scenes or dialogue from your favorite films can you use, to illustrate the points you want to make in your speech?

These are just a few of the many places you can turn to when you’re looking for inspiration. 

So here we are. We have our main theme. We have the necessary attributes for our speech. It is time to brainstorm and put words on paper. 

The way I recommend is that I divide the speech into a set formatted structure. 

Structure of Graduation speech

Just like any speech, I divide the speech into three main parts. 

1. Introduction

·         Acknowledgement

·         Hook statement

·         Transition

·         Main Point/ Passion statement/ Struggle/ achievement/ Goal/ Issues of Society etc. (depending on your topic)

·         Supportive argument/ Outcome/ process of achievement/ Benefits/ suggestions etc. 

·         Supportive argument/ your future goal based on main point/ plea for change etc. 

3. Conclusion

·         Reaffirmation/ wrap up your speech around the main point. 

·         Thanks and best wishes

Let’s write an actual graduation speech using this guide

As I mentioned at the start of this page when writing a graduation speech our number 1 problem will be what to talk about. What will be our central idea or theme of speech? 

To find a suitable theme for the speech let’s brainstorm for some inspiration. We will have to introspect : 

Let’s see, some of the Ideas I believe in are as follows. 

What Do I Believe in	Favorite Movies & Books	What I am passionate about	Future Ideas
Education for all No objectification of Women Individuals should have an upper limit on wealth Food security for all. etc	Harry Potter Independence day The Great Gatsby To kill a mockingbird	Maths Personal growth Empathy Cause against child labor	Journalists free from economic interests Fair distribution of wealth A world without borders

These are just some ideas. You can add as many boxes at the bottom and list all the brainstormed ideas. Now we have a list of ideas that we can go through with our friends, family, and peers. A Great way for some thoughts on your ideas is to discuss them with your parents. Remember this is not just your big day, it is a very proud day for your parents as well. 

The key is to choose the topic in which you are comfortable speaking, and you have enough to speak about it. 

As I’m a big fan of the Harry Potter books, let’s see if we can find some inspiration from the story of Harry Potter. The tale of Harry Potter is an instant classic. There can be so many points to talk about. This is a story of friendship, sacrifice, courage, redemption, hope, and good vs evil. I always believe in the one quote from the books. That is “love is the greatest magic”. 

This is a good topic. It is not controversial, it’s not political and love truly is one of the key attributes to living a happy life. 

Ok, Now we have a quote from our favorite book. Let’s turn that into a moving speech for our audience. My introduction will be something like this: 

“Good evening/morning, Distinguished guests, faculty members, staff, families, friends, and fellow graduates. Today we stand here in our fancy gowns and caps to celebrate one of the precious chapters of our lives. It is barely over, and it is already becoming nostalgic but that’s the talk of later times.

Today I am here to tell you a very peculiar thing I have come to learn in recent years. I know you won’t believe it when I tell you, that in the past few years, I have met some magicians and have seen some real magic. I am saying this in every non-fictional sense.  As for the past few years, We all have walked through the halls of this institute growing together, making memories but always under the protection of magic, rarely knowing about it. 

Ladies and gentlemen, I am talking about “love”. As another headmaster Albus Dumbledore, somewhere else in another universe puts it, that love is the greatest magic of all. As we are one foot into the next chapter of our lives, I want to talk about the most powerful magic and how it shaped us.

Alright, this is our introduction paragraph. As you can see it has three distinct parts colored differently. There is a clear acknowledgment/ introduction, followed by a very important Hook statement, and then followed by a transition line into the body of the speech. 

Let’s work on the body of the graduation speech. 

Ladies and gentlemen, As I look back, I cannot help but agree that often taken for granted and almost always overlooked, this simple yet most magical emotion was always there. It was there when our families supported us, our friends encouraged us, or even when our mentors disciplined us. All of these great magicians capable of loving us in our lows, have provided us with a strong foundation to build on. 

And that is just not it, Love was also there in us for our passion, love shaped our activities and the subjects we chose which in turn sparked our curiosity and allows us to grow our talents. 

To be truthful I have been thinking a lot in recent weeks, and I concluded that love is not just a feeling, I mean it has to be a forceful action. The willingness I have seen in my parents to sacrifice their comforts for me was not just a feeling, they did act on it. The steadfast support of my friends in every hour of need was more than just a boastful announcement, they actually stood with me. The promise of my mentors to go above and beyond to help me was not just a promise, they actually put extra effort to share their wisdom with me. How can it be just a feeling when all these wonderful people went beyond and actually acted and actually helped me to be here where I am? 

As we look ahead to the future, we can be confident that love will continue to guide us and will always help us to go through new opportunities and challenges. And I am 100% sure that we not only need the support of love to succeed in real life, but we also need love to get to the best version of ourselves. 

In all of our life up until now, we have been at the receiving end of this magical spell. Having said that it is also paramount that we learn to cast this spell now. Let’s be there for our family and friends as they were. Let’s just not sit back and hope that things will work out. Let’s take action to make sure that things do work out. Let’s promise to go out of our way to support and care for them, even when it’s difficult or inconvenient. Let’s listen to them when they need to be heard and offer a shoulder when they need it. 

Let’s cultivate a sense of love for ourselves as we strive to navigate through life and let’s extend the love to the precious people around us as we attempt to build a world that is more just, compassionate and beautiful. This is my resolution in life.  

In conclusion, today is a day to celebrate the power of love, and a day to express our gratitude to the beautiful magicians around us. We have accomplished a great deal, but we could not have done it alone. It is the love of those around us that have supported and sustained us through this journey. We are truly indebted to our teachers, this prestigious institute, our parents and family, and our friends. Thank you for your unconditional Love. As we move forward, let us hold onto the truth that love is the greatest magic of all. Let us be guided by the power of love, as we seek to make a positive impact on the world and to live lives that are full of purpose and meaning. 

Congratulations to every one of you on this incredible accomplishment, and may the magic of love continue to light our way into the future. Thank you

It is finally finished. 

P. S: I cannot show the whole work which I did to write this speech. Just so you know, a lot of editing and back-and-forth re-writing went into it just in case you are struggling to write it and want to give up. Don’t worry this is part of the process. 

Conclusion:  

Writing a graduation speech may seem daunting at first, but following these simple steps will help ensure that yours is one that will be remembered long after the tassels have been turned! And remember: this is YOUR story—so don’t be afraid to let YOUR unique voice shine through!

Read Also: How to fast track your bachelor’s degree.

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Graduation Speech

A Graduation Speech Writing Guide with Examples

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Standing on the edge of a new chapter, filled with a mix of excitement and nerves? If you're about to graduate, that's probably how you feel.

With the big day approaching, you might be thinking, "How do I write my graduation speech? Can I get some help with it?"

Don't worry! In this blog, we'll show you how to write a graduation speech that resonates with your audience and makes a lasting impression.

You will get to learn the tips and tricks to create a speech that not only captures attention but also inspires your fellow graduates. So, let's turn your nerves into confidence as we explore the art of writing and delivering a graduation speech.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• 1. What is a Graduation Speech? 
• 2. How to Write a Graduation Speech? 
• 3. Graduation Speech Examples
• 4. Graduation Speeches From Famous Figures
• 5. Best Graduation Speech Ideas - 2024 
• 6. Graduation Speech Writing Tips

What is a Graduation Speech? 

A graduation speech is a short address given by a graduating student or guest speaker during a graduation ceremony. This type of speech is a chance to reflect on the journey through school, share memorable experiences, and offer words of wisdom and encouragement for the future. 

Basically, it's a way to celebrate achievements, express gratitude, and inspire fellow graduates as they step into the next phase of their lives.

Basic Elements of Graduation Speech 

Here are the vital elements you should consider:

	Start with a compelling opening. Use a quote, anecdote, or question.
	Express gratitude to teachers, parents, and peers for their support.
	Reflect on school experiences and share impactful stories.
	Offer words of encouragement and motivation for the future.
	Share practical life lessons related to goals, challenges, and positivity.
	Emphasize the importance of shared experiences and friendships.
	Discuss hopes and dreams for the exciting possibilities ahead.
	Wrap up with a memorable and inspiring closing message.

How to Write a Graduation Speech? 

Writing an inspiring graduation speech that stands out isn't as tough as it seems. With a bit of structure and creativity, you can deliver the best special occasion speech that leaves a lasting impact on your audience. 

 Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create an impressive graduation speech:

Step 1: Begin with a Memorable Opening

Start with an attention-grabbing quote, a personal story, or a thought-provoking question. This sets the tone for your speech and captures your audience's interest right away.

Step 2: Express Gratitude

Show appreciation to your teachers, parents, and fellow students. Acknowledge how their support and contributions have played a crucial role in your academic journey. This adds a positive and grateful touch to your speech.

Step 3: Reflect and Inspire

Share personal stories and school experiences that have had a significant impact on you and your classmates. Use these anecdotes to connect emotionally with your audience. Then, provide words of inspiration and motivation, encouraging your fellow graduates to embrace the future with confidence and courage.

Step 4: Share Advice and Emphasize Unity

Offer life lessons and insights you've learned during your academic journey. Talk about pursuing goals, overcoming challenges, and maintaining a positive outlook on life. 

Highlight the importance of unity and the bonds formed with your classmates, emphasizing the strength of shared experiences and friendships.

Step 5: Discuss Dreams and Conclude

Talk about your hopes and dreams for the future, both for yourself and your fellow graduates. Paint a vivid picture of the exciting possibilities ahead. 

Conclude your speech with a memorable message that resonates with your audience, leaving them with a lasting impression or a call to action that inspires them to face the future with enthusiasm.

Graduation Speech Examples

Looking for inspiration for your own graduation speech? Here is a short graduation speech:

Ladies and gentlemen, faculty, parents, and, of course, my fellow graduates, Today, we stand on the cusp of an exciting new chapter. Our time here has been filled with challenges and triumphs, laughter and tears, and countless memories we will carry with us. As we move forward, let's remember the lessons we've learned, the friendships we've made, and the potential we hold. Let's embrace the future with open hearts and open minds. Our journey has just begun, and the world is waiting for us to make our mark. I have no doubt that each one of us has the power to shape a brighter tomorrow. So, let's march forward, together, and create a future that we can all be proud of. Congratulations, Class of [Year]!  Our adventure begins now!  Thank you.

Read some more diverse graduation speech samples to spark your creativity:

Graduation Speech for Kindergarten - Example

Graduation Speech for Kids

8th Grade Graduation Speech

High School Graduation Speech

Explore a collection of inspiring graduation speeches, each offering a unique perspective on this momentous occasion.

Graduation Speech by Students - Example

Graduation Speech for Parents - Example

Graduation Speech by Teacher - Example

Graduation Speech by Principal- Example

Graduation Speech Thanking Teachers

Graduation Speeches From Famous Figures

Notable figures, from celebrities to accomplished professionals, often deliver inspiring graduation speeches, sharing their wisdom, experiences, and advice with the graduates. 

In this section, we explore some remarkable graduation speeches that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

• Taylor Swift's Graduation Speech : Taylor Swift, known for her music, encouraged graduates to fearlessly pursue their dreams and see challenges as opportunities.
• Rory Gilmore's Graduation Speech : Rory Gilmore, from "Gilmore Girls," reflected on her academic journey and the role of family and friendships in her success.
• Ree Drummond at Oklahoma State University : Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, emphasized perseverance, passion, and staying true to oneself in achieving goals.
• Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Speech 2005 : Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, shared personal stories of setbacks and successes. He urged graduates to follow their passions and make a difference.

Best Graduation Speech Ideas - 2024 

Here are some interesting and fun graduation speech ideas.

• Talk about a current school event.
• Try something new like poetry or metaphors to make your speech interesting.
• What was the driving force of the class of 2023.
• Use graduation speech quotes from famous and classic books.
• Use lyrics from the class anthem.
• Be inspirational and share an inspirational story.
• Share a humorous experience.
• Convey a memorable message.
• If appropriate, add a song with meaning.
• Appreciate a fellow classmate or a teacher.
• Connect your speech with your 1st day at school.
• Significant events that took place in the school.
• A professor that made you fall in love with a major subject.
• The long time you spent in the school library.
• Tell me about who inspired you the most in your life. 

Graduation Speech Writing Tips

Crafting a memorable graduation speech can be a rewarding yet challenging task. Here are some essential tips to help you write an impactful and engaging speech for your big day:

• Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is crucial to tailor your speech effectively.
• Start Strong: An attention-grabbing beginning sets the tone for your speech.
• Tell Personal Stories: Personal anecdotes and experiences create a meaningful connection.
• Inspire and Motivate: Your speech should encourage confidence about the future.
• Share Practical Advice: Offering practical life advice adds value to your speech.
• Embrace Humor: Appropriately used humor can engage your audience.
• Be Concise: Keeping your speech at an appropriate length is essential to maintain interest.
• Practice and Rehearse: Preparation ensures confidence in your delivery.
• End on a High Note: A memorable conclusion leaves a lasting impression.

As you take that first step forward, congratulations on your graduation, and we wish you the best of luck in whatever comes next. We hope this graduation speech guide has given you some pointers for what to say in your speech.

If you need further help, you can avail of our assistance and get your speech before the big day. Whether you have a ' write my essay online ' or speech writing request, we’re here to ensure you’re ready to shine.

At MyPerfectWords.com , one of the best essay writing services for college and high school, we help new graduates make their day memorable by delivering quality speeches.

Buy speech from us and get ready to make a lasting impression.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to say in a graduation speech.

In a graduation speech, you should typically express gratitude, reflect on memorable moments, offer words of inspiration, share practical advice, and end with a meaningful conclusion that resonates with your audience.

What is a good start to a graduation speech?

A good start to a graduation speech can be with an attention-grabbing quote, a personal anecdote, or a thought-provoking question that sets the tone for your speech and captures the audience's interest right from the beginning.

For example; "Have you ever stood at the edge of a mountain, looking out at the vast horizon ahead, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty? Today, graduates, we stand at our own metaphorical mountain peak, ready to conquer new heights. As we gather here to celebrate our achievements, let us reflect on the journey that brought us to this moment of triumph."

How do you write a 3-minute graduation speech?

To write a 3-minute graduation speech, focus on brevity and clarity. Outline your main points clearly, use simple language, and avoid going into too much detail. Practice your speech to ensure it fits within the time limit while effectively conveying your message.

What is a good quote for a graduate?

Here's a quote that's often used for graduates: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." – Henry David Thoreau

This quote encourages graduates to pursue their dreams fearlessly and with confidence.

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Commencement Speech

Commencement speech generator.

A commencement speech is a powerful address given during graduation ceremonies, drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as beautiful landscapes, kind words, or even life’s challenges. It marks a pivotal moment as graduates transition from academia to adulthood, embarking on new journeys. Whether pursuing careers, further education, or personal growth, graduates use inspiration to navigate their paths. This speech celebrates achievements, offers wisdom, and provides motivation to balance professional and personal life, guiding graduates as they begin their journey into the real world.

What is a Commencement Speech?

A commencement speech is a motivational address given during graduation ceremonies to inspire graduates. It reflects on achievements, acknowledges challenges, and encourages embracing the future with resilience, gratitude, and purpose.

20 All Time Great Commencement Speeches

1. steve jobs’ 2005 stanford commencement address.

Summary: Steve Jobs, in his speech at Stanford, reflects on his personal life experiences and the lessons he learned from them. He structures his address around three stories from his life, each highlighting different lessons that are pivotal to his personal and professional growth. These stories revolve around the themes of ‘connecting the dots’, ‘love and loss’, and ‘death’.

Main Points:

• Jobs discusses his decision to drop out of Reed College, which initially seemed like a failure but allowed him to drop in on classes he was interested in, such as calligraphy. This, he explains, was crucial in developing the distinctive aesthetics of Apple products. He emphasizes that while one cannot predict the future, the dots will somehow connect down the road.
• He narrates his journey with Apple, from starting it in his parents’ garage to being fired from it after it had grown into a multi-billion dollar company. Despite the painful experience of being ousted, Jobs shares how this led him to enter one of the most creative periods of his life, leading to the creation of NeXT and Pixar, and eventually bringing him back to Apple. This story underscores the importance of finding what you love and persevering through challenges.
• Jobs talks about his diagnosis with pancreatic cancer and facing the reality of death. This confrontation with mortality served as a crucial reminder to live fully and to not waste time living someone else’s life. He stresses the importance of following one’s own heart and intuition.

2. Jeff Bezos, Princeton University, 2010

Summary: Jeff Bezos’ speech at Princeton revolved around a series of questions he learned to ask from his grandfather, emphasizing the impact of our choices. He shared anecdotes from his life, including his decision to start Amazon, to illuzstrate how these choices shape our futures. He urged graduates to be adventurous, bold, and kind in their life choices.

• Bezos recounts a story from his childhood, where his grandmother was upset about his grandfather’s smoking habit. Instead of scolding him, his grandfather imparted a lesson about how we choose to react to situations, teaching young Bezos about kindness and perception.
• He distinguished between gifts (talents we are born with) and choices (decisions we make that reflect our character). Bezos emphasized that while we may have natural talents, our choices are far more important in shaping our lives.
• He described his decision to start Amazon, highlighting how he left a comfortable job to pursue what was then just an idea. This move was driven by a desire to avoid regret for not having tried something new and challenging.
• Bezos introduced a series of questions to challenge the graduates, including whether they would choose a life of ease or a life of service and adventure. These questions aimed to provoke thoughts on integrity, regret, and personal responsibility.
• Throughout his speech, Bezos stressed the importance of being kind and maintaining integrity. He posited that these qualities are choices that define who we truly are beyond our innate abilities.
• He offered a decision-making framework focused on minimizing future regrets. Bezos advocated for a bold approach to life’s choices, suggesting that our most significant regrets tend to be acts of omission rather than commission—things we did not do rather than things we did.

3. J.K. Rowling Harvard Commencement Speech, 2008

Summary: In her address, Rowling described her own early failures and how these setbacks paved the way for her success as an author. She spoke about the benefits of failing and how hitting rock bottom was foundational in allowing her to focus on what she truly valued. Rowling also emphasized the power of imagination not just in storytelling but in fostering empathy and making impactful changes in society.

• Rowling discussed her own post-college failures, including a short-lived marriage and a career that didn’t meet her expectations. These experiences, she said, stripped away the inessential, leaving her to pursue her true passion—writing. She considered her early adult failure as liberating rather than defining.
• She described rock bottom as the solid foundation on which she rebuilt her life. This part of her life was crucial because it freed her to focus on writing, the only work that truly mattered to her, without distraction.
• Beyond its role in creating fictional worlds, Rowling highlighted imagination’s power to foster empathy. She urged graduates to use their capacity to envision other people’s lives, particularly those who are suffering, to drive change and make better ethical decisions.
• Drawing from her experiences working at Amnesty International, Rowling shared stories of people who endured incredible hardships and used their imaginations not to escape but to empathize with others and to change their circumstances.
• She encouraged the graduates to not just strive for a successful life in conventional terms but to consider the importance of living a meaningful life. This, according to Rowling, involves introspection, ethical living, and compassion towards others.
• Rowling stressed the importance of having the courage to follow one’s beliefs against the odds. This could mean standing up for what is right, even when it is not easy, and making decisions that reflect one’s values and moral compass.

4. David Foster Wallace, Kenyon College, 2005

Summary: Wallace opened his speech with a short parable about two young fish who do not understand what water is. He used this story to illustrate the point that the most obvious and important realities are often the hardest to see. His address then focused on the day-to-day choices that define a life and the default settings of thinking that everyone battles against.

• Wallace argued that a default setting of how we construct meaning from experiences often goes unquestioned. This setting dictates that we interpret everything in the world as it relates to ourselves, often leading to a narrow, self-centered point of view.
• The core of his message was the importance of being well-adjusted to think critically and consciously choose how to perceive and respond to others. He emphasized that the real value of education isn’t just about learning how to think, but learning how to exercise control over what you think about and how.
• Wallace discussed the significance of stepping outside oneself to empathize with others, especially in mundane and frustrating life scenarios. He highlighted that true freedom involves attention, awareness, discipline, and effort—not just the capacity to think, but the choice of what to think about.
• He pushed the graduates to be aware of others, to exercise patience, and to maintain a conscious awareness of the world around them, even in the most ordinary moments. He suggested that the default human settings lead to loneliness and isolation, but being aware can lead to a more fulfilling and compassionate life.
• Wallace warned against unconscious living where people end up worshipping the wrong things like money, power, or beauty—things that will not fulfill the deeper need for purpose and meaning. He stressed that the kind of freedom that really matters involves being critically aware and making informed, moral choices.

5. Barack Obama, Howard University, 2016

Summary: Obama’s speech celebrated the achievements and progress of black Americans, acknowledged the challenges that still persist, and emphasized the responsibilities that come with being a beneficiary of the civil rights movement. He provided guidance on how to navigate the complexities of modern society and contribute positively to the country.

• Obama highlighted the progress made in America in terms of race relations and civil rights. He cited examples like the increase in black elected officials and improvements in educational attainment for minority students as indicators of positive change.
• He stressed the importance of political engagement and the power of voting. Obama argued that disengagement from the political process leads to a vacuum that does not help in making changes necessary for progress.
• While acknowledging progress, Obama also discussed the persistent problems of systemic racism, economic inequality, and mass incarceration. He emphasized that these issues require continuous effort and innovative solutions.
• Obama called on the graduates to take responsibility not just for themselves but for their community and country as well. He inspired them to be role models and leaders who can uplift others and fight for justice and equality.
• He advised the graduates to engage in constructive criticism. Obama noted that change requires listening, compromise, and reconciliation with those who have different views. He encouraged thoughtful discourse and engagement, even with opponents.
• A recurring theme in his speech was the importance of empathy. Obama urged the graduates to understand and relate to the experiences and hardships of others, both within and outside their own communities.
• Finally, he emphasized that achieving justice and equality requires persistent action and optimism. Obama inspired the graduates to lead the way in making America a better place for future generations.

6. Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University, 2013

Summary: Oprah’s speech wove together her personal experiences of setbacks and comebacks, emphasizing the lessons learned from failures. She encouraged the graduates to face challenges head-on, embrace the inevitable failures, and use them as stepping stones for growth. Oprah also highlighted the importance of living a life of substance that contributes positively to the lives of others.

• Oprah discussed her own professional setbacks, particularly the initial struggles of launching her cable network, OWN. She talked about how these failures were instrumental in teaching her valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.
• She urged the graduates to find their purpose and align it with service to others. Oprah stressed that personal success becomes more meaningful when it positively impacts others and contributes to a greater good.
• A major theme of her speech was the power of belief in oneself. Oprah emphasized the importance of maintaining self-belief in the face of challenges and setbacks. She encouraged the graduates to hold onto their convictions and to always trust their gut.
• Oprah advised the audience to learn from every experience, good or bad. She highlighted that every encounter and every incident provides a learning opportunity that should be valued.
• Reflecting on her personal and career achievements, Oprah highlighted the fulfillment she derives from giving back to the community and making a difference in others’ lives. She encouraged the graduates to look for ways to give back and to always extend a helping hand.
• Oprah spoke about cultivating inner strength and resilience. She stressed that while it is impossible to avoid difficulties, the ability to get back up and continue forward is crucial.
• She closed with a call to live life with integrity and to ensure that one’s personal values align with their actions, making a point that integrity is the cornerstone of a life well-lived.

7. Sheryl Sandberg, UC Berkeley, 2016

Summary: Sandberg shared her personal journey of coping with her husband’s unexpected death, and how this tragic event taught her lessons about resilience, gratitude, and finding joy in the face of adversity. She used her own experiences to inspire the graduates to persevere through their own challenges, and to build resilience for the difficult moments they would inevitably face in life.

• Sandberg opened up about the depth of her grief following her husband’s death, describing it as a challenge that initially seemed insurmountable. She shared these personal details to connect with the audience on a very human level.
• She discussed psychologist Martin Seligman’s theory that resilience can be built by addressing personalization, pervasiveness, and permanence. She emphasized not taking setbacks personally, not allowing setbacks to affect unrelated areas of life, and remembering that hardships may not last forever.
• Sandberg spoke about the importance of gratitude even in the darkest times. She shared how consciously counting her blessings each day helped her find deeper appreciation for life, even amidst her grief.
• She encouraged the graduates to find joy and meaning in their lives, stressing that it is possible to find growth and happiness after great loss. Sandberg quoted a psychologist who found that people who were able to find meaning in terrible times were more resilient.
• Sandberg talked about the importance of communication in overcoming adversity. She described her own experiences returning to work at Facebook, where addressing her pain openly with colleagues helped to alleviate it.
• She advised the graduates on how they could support others facing adversity, emphasizing the importance of showing up, acknowledging others’ pain, and offering personal and heartfelt support.
• Sandberg concluded with a call for collective resilience, urging the audience to lean on and support each other. She highlighted the importance of community and shared strength in overcoming personal and collective challenges.

8. Conan O’Brien, Dartmouth College, 2011

Summary: O’Brien addressed the graduates by reflecting on his public departure from NBC’s “The Tonight Show,” using his own experiences to discuss the broader themes of disappointment and recovery. He emphasized the transformative power of setbacks and the importance of perseverance, while interlacing his message with humor and wit.

• O’Brien shared his own story of perceived failure when he lost “The Tonight Show.” He discussed how this setback, while initially devastating, taught him invaluable lessons about resilience and the unexpected paths life can take.
• He advised the graduates that while their Plan A might not always work out, there is great value in a Plan B that is often hard-earned through adversity. O’Brien emphasized that adapting to changes can lead to even better outcomes.
• O’Brien cautioned against cynicism, describing it as a choice that can negatively impact one’s perspective on life. He encouraged the graduates to remain optimistic and open to possibilities, regardless of the challenges they face.
• He shared how his career upheaval provided him with unexpected clarity and focus, helping him to identify what was truly important in his life and career, beyond fame and conventional success.
• Beyond just achieving personal success, O’Brien stressed the importance of being kind and considerate. He highlighted that true achievement includes how one treats others and impacts the world positively.
• He concluded by reminding the graduates to find joy in the journey, not just the destination. O’Brien emphasized that success is not just about reaching a set goal but also about the experiences and growth along the way.

9. Michelle Obama, City College of New York, 2016

Summary: Michelle Obama’s speech focused on the historical significance of City College as a beacon of opportunity for immigrants and students from all walks of life. She shared stories of students who overcame significant obstacles to achieve their educational goals. The First Lady encouraged graduates to take pride in their heritage and background, and to use their education to effect positive change in their communities and beyond.

• Michelle Obama highlighted the strength found in diversity, noting how City College’s legacy of inclusivity has contributed to its vibrant community. She urged graduates to continue embracing and celebrating diversity in their future endeavors.
• She acknowledged the societal and personal challenges that students had to overcome to graduate, such as financial hardship and discrimination. Her message was one of resilience—encouraging students to continue overcoming barriers and to support others facing similar challenges.
• The First Lady emphasized the transformative power of education, not just as a personal achievement but as a tool for societal change. She inspired graduates to use their education to challenge injustices and contribute to their communities.
• Michelle Obama called on graduates to actively participate in democracy and to not be bystanders. She stressed the importance of voting, engaging in community service, and standing up against discrimination and inequality.
• She spoke about the moral responsibility of the graduates to take on challenges bigger than themselves, to aim for high ideals, and to strive for honesty, integrity, and a commitment to justice.
• Despite acknowledging the complexities and challenges of the world, Michelle Obama delivered a message of hope and optimism. She encouraged the graduates to remain hopeful and to believe in their ability to make a difference.

10. Ellen DeGeneres, Tulane University, 2009

Summary: Ellen DeGeneres’ speech focused on her personal journey of self-acceptance and the courage to be true to oneself. She shared her struggles and successes, highlighting the importance of staying true to one’s values and finding one’s own path in life. Ellen’s speech encouraged graduates to embrace who they are, face challenges with humor, and impact the world positively.

• Ellen shared her experiences of coming out as gay in the mid-90s when it was less accepted, emphasizing how difficult yet liberating it was to embrace her true self. She stressed the importance of authenticity and the courage it takes to live openly.
• Reflecting on the backdrop of Hurricane Katrina, Ellen praised the resilience of the students and the city of New Orleans. She highlighted how adversity can lead to strength and renewal, and used this as a metaphor for personal challenges.
• Throughout her speech, Ellen emphasized the importance of finding joy and humor even in difficult times. She encouraged the graduates to approach life’s challenges with a positive attitude and laughter.
• Ellen urged the graduates to use their lives to make a difference in whatever way they can. She spoke about the impact of small acts of kindness and the importance of contributing to the community and the world.
• She discussed her unconventional path to success, which included various odd jobs and setbacks before finding her true calling in comedy and television. This highlighted her message that there is no set path to success and that each person must find their own way.
• Ellen encouraged the graduates to be open to change and to be willing to take risks for what they believe in. She mentioned that embracing change is crucial for growth and can lead to unexpected opportunities.

11. Neil Gaiman, University of the Arts, 2012

Summary: Neil Gaiman’s speech centered on his experiences as a young writer who ventured into the world with no formal education in writing or plan, but with a clear goal of becoming a professional author. He discussed the virtues of making mistakes, learning from them, and using imagination and creativity to forge one’s own path. His address was both a celebration of creative life and a practical guide to navigating the challenges associated with a career in the arts.

• Gaiman’s central message was to encourage the graduates to “make good art.” He advised using the creation of art as a response to both good and bad times—whether experiencing success or failure, the answer should always be to make good art.
• He recounted how his ignorance of the rules and norms of the publishing industry was a blessing in disguise. It allowed him to explore creative paths and opportunities that might otherwise have seemed impossible or inappropriate.
• Gaiman provided insights into the life of a freelancer, stressing the importance of delivering work on time and being easy to get along with. He noted that even if one’s work isn’t the best, being pleasant and punctual can significantly boost a career.
• He emphasized the importance of living a life that provides material for art. Gaiman encouraged the graduates to say yes to opportunities that would help them gather experiences to feed their creative processes.
• Gaiman shared his belief that mistakes are inevitable and essential. He highlighted that failures are often where one learns the most, and therefore, should not be feared but embraced as valuable learning opportunities.
• Reflecting on his own career, Gaiman urged the graduates to take risks and be bold. He pointed out that some of his greatest successes came from projects that initially seemed like they might be disastrous.
• He touched on the feeling of impostor syndrome, which many creatives experience, and discussed the importance of overcoming these doubts and continuing to create regardless of them.

12. Bill Gates, Harvard University, 2007

Summary: In his speech, Gates spoke about how his exposure to global health disparities profoundly affected him. He urged the graduates to consider how they could use their education, skills, and energies to tackle global issues such as poverty, disease, and inequity. Gates emphasized the power of technology and innovation in making a significant impact and highlighted the need for a more equitable distribution of health and educational resources worldwide.

• Gates shared his and his wife Melinda’s experiences with global health crises and poverty, which shifted their focus towards global philanthropy. He stressed how his travels and the data he encountered expanded his worldview, making him more aware of stark global inequalities.
• He pointed out that with privilege comes responsibility, particularly for those who have benefited from excellent educations and resources. Gates challenged the graduates to think about how they could use their advantages to effect positive change in the world.
• Gates encouraged the new graduates to innovate and take action against global issues. He emphasized that many of the greatest challenges in health and education do not receive enough attention and should be the focus of their efforts to apply their knowledge and skills.
• Reflecting on his background in technology, Gates discussed how innovations could lead to solutions for global problems. He highlighted the role of new technologies in improving health outcomes and educational access across the world.
• He expressed a strong moral imperative for helping those less fortunate, stating that inequity should be offensive to all who have the means to help. Gates implored the graduates to not turn away from suffering and to act to alleviate it.
• Despite the daunting challenges he described, Gates remained optimistic about the ability to make a difference. He inspired the graduates with hope that each person could change the world, drawing from his own experiences of seeing impactful results from his foundation’s work.

13. Admiral William H. McRaven, University of Texas at Austin, 2014

Summary: McRaven’s speech revolved around the concept that small actions and moments of discipline and resilience can have a massive impact on the world. He used vivid anecdotes from his SEAL training to illustrate these points, delivering a powerful message of leadership, perseverance, and the influence of individual actions on a larger scale.

• McRaven emphasized the importance of starting the day with a completed task, such as making your bed. He argued that this small achievement sets a positive tone for the day and can provide a sense of pride and accomplishment.
• He highlighted the necessity of teamwork and collaboration. During SEAL training, paddling exercises require precise coordination and mutual support, underscoring the idea that you cannot go through life alone.
• McRaven recounted lessons about the importance of respecting everyone regardless of their size or position. In training, smaller, seemingly weaker recruits often had the most heart—teaching him that the measure of a person is not based on physical attributes.
• He shared stories of “circus” punishments—extra challenges for failures—which taught him perseverance. The lesson was that life isn’t always fair, but one must keep moving forward regardless of the setbacks.
• McRaven discussed the inevitability of failure and the importance of embracing the lessons that come from it. He pointed out that every failure is a step toward success if you learn from it.
• Drawing from a harrowing training exercise called “The Mud Flats,” where trainees endured harsh conditions, McRaven spoke about the power of hope and fighting spirit when facing the most difficult challenges.
• He urged graduates to confront injustices and stand up for what is right, drawing parallels to training exercises where standing up to the “shark” was a literal challenge.
• McRaven emphasized that one should be their very best in the darkest moments. He shared how critical operations often occur under the worst conditions and how true character is revealed in such times.
• He spoke about the importance of giving hope to others, using an example from SEAL training where a simple song lifted spirits during a grueling test.
• Never Give Up:
• Concluding his speech, McRaven reiterated the importance of never giving up, no matter the odds. This was a recurring theme in every story and lesson he shared from SEAL training.

14. George Saunders, Syracuse University, 2013

Summary: Saunders’ speech explored the idea that the things we regret most in life are failures of kindness—those moments when we could have been nicer, more generous, or more compassionate but chose not to be. He argued that kindness becomes increasingly important as we age, and he encouraged the graduates to strive towards becoming kinder over time. His address was both a personal reflection and a universal call to action, urging the graduates to value kindness above all else in their interactions.

• Saunders shared personal anecdotes from his own life, particularly from his youth, where he failed to extend kindness to others. These memories, he noted, linger as his most significant regrets, not professional or material failures.
• He discussed the notion that as we get older, our desire for wealth or fame tends to diminish, but our appreciation for moments of kindness grows. Saunders suggested that kindness enriches our lives and the lives of those around us, making it the most valuable attribute to cultivate.
• Saunders pointed out that kindness is often something we grow into. He proposed that it is achieved through a series of decisions and efforts to be more loving and generous, particularly when it’s difficult.
• The speech highlighted the importance of empathy as a way to foster kindness. Saunders encouraged the graduates to strive to understand others, to imagine their lives and their struggles, as a pathway to caring more deeply about them.
• Saunders discussed the various barriers that prevent kindness, such as fear, prejudice, and the pressure to conform to unkind behaviors. He emphasized the importance of overcoming these barriers to lead a more fulfilled life.
• Reflecting on the rewards of being kind, Saunders mentioned not only the impact on others but also how acts of kindness enrich and give meaning to our own lives. He stressed that kindness returns to us, enhancing our sense of connection and happiness.
• Saunders concluded with a call to action, urging the graduates to begin immediately to increase their kindness, suggesting that even small increments matter. He advocated for a deliberate effort to be kinder as a daily practice.

15. Tim Minchin, University of Western Australia, 2013

Summary: Minchin’s speech was a mix of personal anecdotes, humorous observations, and serious life lessons. He used his platform to challenge traditional narratives about success and happiness, advocating for a more thoughtful and scientifically-minded approach to life. His speech was both an entertaining performance and a deep, meaningful set of guidelines for living a fulfilling life.

• Minchin advised against the common notion that you need a big, lifelong dream. Instead, he suggested having a broad set of passionate interests and pursuing short-term goals passionately, which can lead to an equally fulfilling life.
• He encouraged the graduates to focus on short-term goals and to work hard at whatever is in front of them, arguing that excellence in small tasks leads to potential major achievements.
• Minchin highlighted the importance of understanding that luck plays a significant role in success. Recognizing one’s luck can foster gratitude and a humble perspective.
• He stressed the importance of physical exercise, not just for health, but for its psychological benefits, including its impact on creativity and mental health.
• Minchin encouraged the audience to regularly question and reassess their opinions. He warned against the human tendency to look for evidence that supports pre-existing beliefs, a cognitive bias known as confirmation bias.
• He emphasized the nobility and importance of teaching, urging everyone to share knowledge and enthusiasm and to be proud if they choose to be educators.
• Minchin advised defining oneself by the things one loves rather than the things one opposes. He suggested listing the things you love in conversations and embracing positivity.
• He reminded the graduates to respect and be kind to those who have less power, suggesting that how one treats subordinate individuals is a true measure of character.
• Finally, Minchin warned against the urgency and pressure of the modern world, advocating for taking life slowly to ensure making thoughtful decisions and appreciating everyday experiences.

16. Andy Samberg, Harvard University, 2012

Summary: Samberg’s address at Harvard was predominantly comedic, aiming to entertain the audience with impersonations, playful jabs at prominent figures, and humorous reflections on his own career. Despite the jests, he managed to subtly incorporate advice about embracing life’s unpredictability and the importance of pursuing one’s passions with a sense of humor.

• Samberg encouraged the graduates to maintain a sense of humor regardless of the life path they choose. He emphasized that humor can be a valuable tool for coping with life’s challenges and for connecting with others.
• In his unique way, Samberg reminded the graduates to take pride in their accomplishments at Harvard, one of the world’s most prestigious universities, and to remember the hard work that got them there.
• While his speech was less direct about career advice, his own career trajectory—transitioning from comedy sketches on the internet to becoming a celebrated comedian and actor—served as an implicit example of pursuing one’s passion relentlessly and finding success through perseverance.
• Samberg’s humorous anecdotes about his own experiences in the entertainment industry subtly highlighted the importance of adaptability and staying open to where life might lead you, especially in fields as volatile as the arts.
• He touched on the idea that everyone has the potential to make an impact, whether through their career, personal life, or by simply spreading joy and laughter, as he has chosen to do.
• Between jokes, Samberg alluded to the importance of kindness and decency, which can often be overlooked but are crucial for building meaningful relationships and a fulfilling life.

17. Stephen Colbert, Northwestern University, 2011

Summary: Colbert used his time on stage to entertain and enlighten the graduating class, intertwining jokes with serious reflections on his personal journey and broader life lessons. He drew from his experiences in improv comedy to emphasize the importance of saying “yes” to life’s opportunities and adapting to change with optimism and creativity.

• Colbert stressed the importance of embracing change and uncertainty. He shared how his career in improvisational comedy taught him the value of adapting to unexpected situations and turning them into opportunities.
• He urged graduates to say “yes” as much as possible, drawing parallels between improv scenes, where progress is made by building on each other’s ideas, and life, where saying “yes” opens up new possibilities.
• Reflecting his role as a political satirist, Colbert encouraged the graduates to stay informed about the world and actively engage with issues that matter. He emphasized the importance of understanding one’s role in a larger community and participating in civic life.
• Colbert highlighted how humor can be a powerful tool for resilience. He discussed how finding the humorous side of challenging situations can provide relief and a way to cope with difficulties.
• He advised the graduates to find what they love doing and pursue it with passion. Colbert shared his own experiences of following his passion for comedy, despite initial uncertainties and challenges.
• Colbert also touched on the impact of technology and social media on contemporary life, urging the graduates to use these tools wisely but not let them replace genuine human interactions.
• Finally, Colbert commended the value of hard work and perseverance. He reminded the graduates that while luck plays a role in success, consistent effort and dedication are crucial to achieving long-term goals.

18. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Wellesley College, 2015

Summary: Adichie’s speech focused on the importance of feminism, the complexities of gender equality, and the broader social issues affecting women worldwide. She shared personal anecdotes and reflections on identity and culture, urging the graduates to think critically about their roles in the world and to strive for a deeper understanding of issues related to gender and social justice.

• Adichie highlighted the importance of feminism, defining it in simple terms as the belief in the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes. She encouraged the graduates to embrace and advocate for feminism and to challenge the structures that propagate gender inequality.
• She discussed the need for cultural awareness and self-reflection. Adichie urged the audience to understand their own positions within various cultural contexts and to critique societal norms and expectations that reinforce inequality.
• Drawing on her background as a writer, Adichie emphasized the power of storytelling in shaping views and changing opinions. She encouraged the graduates to tell their own stories and to seek out and listen to the stories of others, especially those who are marginalized.
• Adichie advised the graduates to be willing to challenge the status quo and to take risks for the sake of building a more just society. She emphasized that real change often comes from not simply doing what is expected, but from questioning and revising established norms.
• She spoke about personal responsibility and the importance of making deliberate choices that reflect one’s values and aspirations. Adichie encouraged the graduates to think critically about the impact of their actions and to live intentionally.
• Adichie also touched on the need for empathy and the willingness to understand perspectives different from one’s own. She stressed that true progress in issues of gender and equality requires a deep empathy for the experiences and challenges of others.
• Finally, Adichie called on the graduates to be agents of change in whatever capacity they can. She urged them to apply their education and privilege towards advocating for and implementing changes that advance equality and justice.

19. Robert De Niro, Tisch School of the Arts, 2015

Summary: De Niro opened his speech with a humorous but blunt statement: “You made it — and you’re f*cked,” highlighting the uncertain and competitive nature of the arts. He used this direct approach to both amuse and prepare the graduates for the real world. The speech was a realistic portrayal of the difficulties artists face, but it also conveyed encouragement and the value of persistence.

• De Niro didn’t sugarcoat the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts. He pointed out that unlike more conventional career paths, the arts require navigating a landscape filled with intense competition and frequent rejection.
• Despite the harsh realities, De Niro affirmed the value of an arts education. He emphasized that the skills and experiences gained at Tisch would serve graduates not only in artistic pursuits but in life in general.
• He stressed that passion and commitment are essential for success in the arts. De Niro encouraged graduates to stay true to their art, regardless of the obstacles they might face.
• Reflecting on his own experiences, De Niro spoke about resilience and the necessity of adapting to overcome setbacks. He shared that setbacks and failures could be profound learning experiences.
• He advised the graduates to embrace the journey of their careers, including the highs and lows. De Niro highlighted the importance of enjoying the process and finding satisfaction in the work itself, rather than just the outcomes.
• De Niro assured the graduates of the support they would always have from their community at Tisch. He reminded them that they were not alone in their journeys and that their peers and faculty would continue to be a source of strength and inspiration.

20. NYU’s 2022 Commencement Speaker Taylor Swift

Summary: Swift’s address celebrated the graduates’ achievements and resilience, particularly noting the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared lessons from her own career, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness, handling criticism, and the value of making mistakes. Her speech was both an encouragement to the young graduates and a reflection on the universal challenges and triumphs that define personal growth and success.

• Taylor stressed the importance of embracing one’s quirks and imperfections, suggesting that what makes each person different is what makes them brilliantly themselves. She encouraged the graduates to accept both their strengths and vulnerabilities.
• Drawing from her own experiences in the spotlight, Swift discussed handling criticism constructively. She advised the graduates to differentiate between feedback that is helpful and criticism that is merely noise.
• She emphasized the value of resilience and the lessons learned from making mistakes. Swift shared how each setback has been a pivotal part of her growth and urged the audience to not fear failure but to learn from it.
• Swift highlighted the importance of passion in pursuing one’s goals. She reminded the graduates that hard work is essential, and that pursuing what one loves requires both dedication and resilience.
• She spoke about the importance of self-acceptance and continuously working on oneself. Swift encouraged the graduates to keep evolving and to embrace change as a constant.
• Taylor acknowledged the significant achievement of graduating, especially after the students navigated the complexities of completing their degrees during a global pandemic. She celebrated their hard work and perseverance.

How to Write a Commencement Speech

1. acknowledge notable people.

Start by acknowledging notable people such as top university officials, local politicians and maybe even the student class president. However, the downside to this is it can become a missed opportunity to mention someone.

According to Daniel Benaim, a professor from New York University and also a speechwriter for former Vice President Joe Biden and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, you need to find a way to make your acknowledgement personal. “If you know people, don’t give them a compliment anyone could find on a Hallmark card. If you can, say something specific and uniquely true about them. If you’re not sure, start Googling,” says Benaim.

2. Congratulate the students

Congratulate the students on their achievements. They deserve a decent acknowledgment of the fruits of their hard work. Recognize the fact that because they worked extraordinarily hard, they are now able to graduate and harbor the fruits of their labor.

In case you don’t have a personal connection with the school, it’s okay. “Researching (students’) experience is a sign of respect, and when someone outside their community knows their favorite bars and inside jokes, that can be an easy source of humor and a way to connect,” Benaim said.

At the same time, congratulate the parents of the graduates. They, too, have worked really hard in order to support and encourage their children to finish their studies.

3. Share some wisdom

Wise words you’re about to share will either greatly impact the students or they forget it right after you share them. You can share some wisdom through personal stories of success and defeat. Share something the students can relate to when they venture out there in the real world, how you found hope amidst the adversities and how you came up victorious or how you handled loss. Give them something to remember through your experiences. Let them live through those moments with you in just a short span of time, give them something remarkable.

4. Leave them with a challenge

Lastly, you challenge the students do something specific. Challenge them to something they can be proud but remind them that it is okay to take baby steps– small steps that can still make a difference. This can also be something you wish you’d known before when you were in their shoes.

Commencement Speech Format

1. introduction.

Greeting and Acknowledgments

Good morning, graduates, faculty, families, and friends. It is an honor to be here today to celebrate this significant milestone with all of you. I would like to acknowledge President Smith, the esteemed board members, and our distinguished guests for their presence today.

Personal Introduction

For those who don’t know me, my name is Dr. John Doe. As an alumnus of this institution and a lifelong advocate for education, I feel a deep connection to today’s ceremony and the incredible journey you’ve all undertaken.

2. Opening Remarks

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” These words by Winston Churchill resonate deeply today as we gather to celebrate your achievements and look forward to your bright futures.

Today, we are here to honor your hard work, celebrate your achievements, and prepare you for the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Inspiration

During my time at this university, I faced many challenges, from rigorous exams to personal setbacks. One story that stands out is when I failed my first major exam. It was a humbling experience, but it taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. I hope my story inspires you to face your future with the same determination.

Celebration of Achievements

You have all worked incredibly hard to get to this point. From late-night study sessions to group projects, you have shown dedication and commitment. Today, we celebrate your success and the countless hours you’ve invested in reaching this milestone.

Reflection on the Past

Think back to your first day here. You were filled with a mix of excitement and nerves, unsure of what lay ahead. Over the years, you’ve faced challenges, made lifelong friends, and grown both academically and personally. Reflect on those moments and be proud of how far you’ve come.

Guidance for the Future

As you step into the next chapter of your life, remember that learning doesn’t stop here. Embrace new opportunities, seek out challenges, and never stop growing. One piece of advice I hold dear is to always stay curious and open-minded. This mindset will serve you well in both your personal and professional lives.

Emphasis on Values

As you move forward, remember the values that have been instilled in you: integrity, empathy, and a commitment to community service. These values will guide you and help you make a positive impact in the world.

4. Connection with the Audience

Relatable Content

I remember sitting where you are now, feeling a mix of excitement and uncertainty. It’s a shared experience that binds us all together. Use this bond and the friendships you’ve formed here to support each other as you move forward.

Acknowledgment of Support Systems

None of us achieve success alone. Take a moment to thank your parents, teachers, mentors, and friends who have supported you throughout this journey. Their encouragement and support have been invaluable.

5. Vision for the Future

Encouragement

Imagine the impact you can have on the world. Whether you become leaders in your fields, innovators, or compassionate community members, you have the potential to make a significant difference. Pursue your dreams with passion and dedication.

Challenges and Opportunities

You will face challenges, but remember that each obstacle is an opportunity to grow and learn. Embrace these moments and use them to build a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.

6. Conclusion

In summary, today we celebrate your achievements, reflect on your journey, and look forward to your future. Remember the inspirational stories, the values you’ve learned, and the support systems that have helped you along the way.

Closing Remarks

As you step into the next phase of your life, carry with you the courage to pursue your dreams, the wisdom to learn from your experiences, and the strength to overcome any challenges.

Well Wishes

Congratulations, Class of 2024! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May you find success, happiness, and fulfillment in everything you do.

High school Commencement Speech Examples

High school commencement speech examples offer inspiration and guidance for delivering memorable graduation speeches. These examples highlight key themes such as perseverance, growth, and future aspirations. They often include personal anecdotes, motivational quotes, and heartfelt messages. Reviewing these speeches can help you craft a speech that resonates with your audience, leaving a lasting impact on graduates and attendees.

• Celebrating Achievements and Embracing the Future
• The Power of Unity and Perseverance
• Gratitude and New Beginnings

College Commencement Speech Examples

College commencement speech examples provide inspiration and guidance for delivering memorable graduation speeches. These speeches often emphasize themes like resilience, opportunity, and kindness. Reviewing examples from influential speakers like Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, and David Foster Wallace can help you craft a speech that resonates with graduates and leaves a lasting impact.

• Michelle Obama at Tuskegee University, 2015
• Sheryl Sandberg at UC Berkeley, 2016
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie at Wellesley College, 2015

Short Commencement Speech Examples

Here top short commencement speech examples that inspire graduates with themes of change, kindness, and resilience. Perfect for leaving a lasting impact, these speeches are concise yet powerful, motivating students to embrace their future with confidence and purpose.

1. “Embrace Change and Opportunity”

Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and, most importantly, the remarkable graduating class of 2024, Today, we gather to celebrate your incredible achievements and the bright future that lies ahead. This moment marks both an end and a beginning—a time to reflect on the past and to embrace the future with open arms. As you step out into the world, remember that life is full of change and opportunity. Don’t fear the unknown; instead, welcome it. The world needs your energy, your passion, and your unique perspectives. Use the knowledge and skills you’ve gained here to navigate through challenges and create new paths. Stay curious, stay passionate, and never stop learning. Believe in yourself, and always strive to make a positive impact on the world around you. The future is yours to shape. Go out and make it extraordinary. Congratulations, Class of 2024! The world awaits your brilliance. Thank you.

2. “The Power of Kindness”

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you to the faculty, parents, and the extraordinary Class of 2024. As you leave this institution and embark on your new journeys, I want to share a simple yet powerful message: kindness matters. In every interaction, every decision, choose kindness. It’s a strength that will guide you through life’s ups and downs and build bridges where there are divides. Your education has given you knowledge, but it’s your compassion that will make a difference. Carry kindness with you in all you do. Treat others with respect and empathy, and you will find success in ways you never imagined. Congratulations, graduates! Go out and make the world a better place. Thank you.

3. “The Importance of Resilience”

Hello, everyone. It’s an honor to address the resilient and brilliant Class of 2024. Life is filled with unexpected challenges and opportunities. What defines your journey is not how many times you fall, but how many times you rise. Resilience is the key to overcoming obstacles and achieving your dreams. Remember, setbacks are not failures but lessons. Each challenge you face is an opportunity to grow stronger and wiser. Keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get. Your resilience will be your greatest asset. As you step into your future, be resilient, stay hopeful, and never give up on your dreams. Believe in your ability to overcome and to thrive. Congratulations, and may you always find the strength to rise. Thank you.

More Commencement Speech Templates & Samples

Sample commencement speech.

College Commencement Speech

Standard Commencement Speech

Superintendent Commencement Speech

Student Reflection Commencement Speech

Graduation Commencement Speech

Commencement Speech for the Math Department

Why is it Called a Commencement Speech?

By definition commence means “To begin or start,” but why is the end of a school year is called commencement?

Some may think it is an official welcome to their new life after university. A gentle reminder that their professional life is beginning. But if you look at it historically, during the medieval times a student entered the university as an apprentice and emerged as commenced university master of doctor.

According to the book  The Founding of Harvard College, the initiation of apprentices in the masters of art guild were initiated by teachers during the middle ages. Candidates or apprentices having received a license to teach were ceremonially admitted the masters’ or teachers’ guild. They were then confirmed with a new title: Master of Art.

So technically, it is called a commencement because it marked the beginning of a person’s career as a master of arts at the university, meaning, the beginning of a career as a university teacher.

Therefore, we still call the end of the university years of a student a commencement because of the above mentioned reason. It is the ceremony in which degrees or diplomas are conferred upon graduating students.  Now, the speech made during the said event is called a commencement speech in honor of the students’ ceremonial admission to the professional world.

A commencement speech is commonly given by notable figures in the society. Colleges or universities usually invite politicians, experts in a specific field, important citizens and other noted speakers to be their commencement speaker. Also see  Narrative Speech Examples & PDF .

Purpose of a Commencement Speech

A commencement speech serves several key purposes, marking the end of an educational journey and the beginning of a new chapter. Here are the primary purposes of a commencement speech:

1. Inspire Graduates

A commencement speech aims to inspire graduates as they embark on their future endeavors. The speaker shares motivational stories, lessons learned, and valuable advice to encourage graduates to pursue their dreams and face challenges with confidence.

2. Celebrate Achievements

Commencement speeches celebrate the achievements of the graduates. They acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and perseverance required to reach this milestone. This celebration instills a sense of pride and accomplishment among graduates and their families.

3. Reflect on the Journey

Reflecting on the educational journey is another important purpose. The speaker often recalls significant moments, challenges overcome, and growth experiences that have shaped the graduates. This reflection helps graduates appreciate their journey and the personal and academic development they have undergone.

4. Offer Guidance

Commencement speeches provide guidance for the future. Speakers often share practical advice and wisdom that can help graduates navigate their personal and professional lives. This guidance is aimed at helping graduates make informed decisions and approach their futures with a positive mindset.

5. Emphasize Values

A key purpose of a commencement speech is to emphasize important values such as integrity, perseverance, and community. Speakers highlight these values to encourage graduates to lead lives of purpose and contribute positively to society.

6. Foster a Sense of Community

Commencement speeches foster a sense of community and belonging. They remind graduates that they are part of a larger network of alumni and that their connections with their peers and institution will continue to be valuable throughout their lives.

7. Provide Closure

Finally, commencement speeches provide closure to the educational chapter of the graduates’ lives. They mark the end of one phase and the beginning of another, helping graduates transition smoothly from student life to the next stage of their journey.

Features of a Commencement Speech

A commencement speech is a significant part of graduation ceremonies, encapsulating the essence of the occasion. Here are the key features of a commencement speech:

1. Inspirational Message

A core feature of a commencement speech is its inspirational message. The speaker often shares personal anecdotes, motivational stories, and wisdom that inspire graduates to pursue their goals with determination and optimism.

2. Celebration of Achievements

Celebrating the achievements of the graduates is essential. The speech highlights the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of the students, acknowledging their journey and the milestones they have reached.

3. Reflection on the Past

Reflecting on the past is another important feature. The speaker reminisces about significant moments, challenges, and triumphs experienced by the graduates during their educational journey. This reflection helps graduates appreciate their growth and development.

4. Guidance for the Future

Providing guidance for the future is crucial in a commencement speech. Speakers offer practical advice, share lessons learned, and provide insights to help graduates navigate their upcoming personal and professional lives.

5. Emphasis on Values

Commencement speeches often emphasize core values such as integrity, perseverance, empathy, and community service. These values are highlighted to encourage graduates to lead meaningful and impactful lives.

6. Connection with the Audience

A strong connection with the audience is vital. The speaker engages with graduates, faculty, families, and friends, making the speech relatable and inclusive. This connection fosters a sense of unity and shared celebration.

7. Humorous Elements

Incorporating humor can make the speech more engaging and memorable. Light-hearted anecdotes, jokes, and humorous reflections help to balance the serious and celebratory tones of the speech.

8. Acknowledgment of Support Systems

Acknowledging the support systems that have helped graduates succeed is important. This includes thanking parents, teachers, mentors, and friends who have provided guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the educational journey.

9. Vision for the Future

A commencement speech often paints a vision for the future, encouraging graduates to envision their potential impact on the world. This vision inspires graduates to think ambitiously and embrace the opportunities ahead.

10. Concluding Remarks

The speech typically concludes with powerful and memorable remarks. These closing words aim to leave a lasting impression, reinforcing the key messages and inspiring graduates as they move forward.

Tips on How to Start a Commencement Speech

Starting a commencement speech effectively sets the tone for the rest of your address. Here are some tips to help you begin your speech in a memorable and engaging way:

1. Begin with a Strong Hook

• Use an inspirational or thought-provoking quote related to the theme of your speech.
• Example: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
• Share a personal story or experience that relates to the graduates’ journey.
• Example: “When I first walked onto this campus, I was filled with excitement and a bit of trepidation, much like many of you. One moment that stands out is my first exam failure, which taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance.”
• Pose a question to the audience to engage their curiosity.
• Example: “Have you ever wondered what defines success and how we measure it in our lives?”

2. Greet the Audience

• Acknowledge and greet the graduates, faculty, families, and friends.
• Example: “Good morning, graduates, faculty, families, and friends. It is an honor to stand before you today.”

3. Acknowledge the Occasion

• Recognize the significance of the day and the hard work of the graduates.
• Example: “Today, we gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of the Class of 2024, who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone.”

4. Introduce Yourself

• Briefly introduce yourself and mention any relevant connection to the institution or graduates.
• Example: “For those who don’t know me, my name is Dr. John Doe, an alumnus of this esteemed university, and a lifelong advocate for education.”

5. Set the Tone

• Clearly state the purpose and theme of your speech.
• Example: “Today, I want to share some lessons I’ve learned along my journey and offer a few words of wisdom as you embark on the next chapter of your lives.”

6. Use Humor Wisely

• Incorporate a light-hearted joke or humorous observation to relax the audience.
• Example: “I remember sitting where you are now, thinking, ‘How many more speeches do I have to sit through before I get my diploma?’ Don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief!”

7. Express Gratitude

• Thank the institution, faculty, and support systems that have helped the graduates succeed.
• Example: “Let’s take a moment to thank the dedicated professors, supportive families, and loyal friends who have been instrumental in your journey to this day.”

Example Opening

“Good morning, graduates, faculty, families, and friends. It is an honor to stand before you today. ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,’ Nelson Mandela once said. This quote resonates deeply as we gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of the Class of 2024, who have worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. For those who don’t know me, my name is Dr. John Doe, an alumnus of this esteemed university, and a lifelong advocate for education. Today, I want to share some lessons I’ve learned along my journey and offer a few words of wisdom as you embark on the next chapter of your lives. I remember sitting where you are now, thinking, ‘How many more speeches do I have to sit through before I get my diploma?’ Don’t worry, I’ll keep it brief! Let’s take a moment to thank the dedicated professors, supportive families, and loyal friends who have been instrumental in your journey to this day.”

Tips on How to End a Commencement Speech

Ending a commencement speech effectively is crucial for leaving a lasting impression on the graduates and audience. Here are some tips to help you conclude your speech memorably:

1. Summarize Key Points

Recap Main Themes

• Briefly summarize the main points of your speech to reinforce your message.
• Example: “Today, we’ve talked about the importance of perseverance, the value of integrity, and the power of community.”

2. Offer Encouragement

Inspire Confidence

• Provide words of encouragement that inspire confidence and hope for the future.
• Example: “Believe in yourselves, embrace the challenges ahead, and know that you have the strength to overcome any obstacle.”

3. Share a Final Anecdote or Quote

Relatable Story or Inspirational Quote

• End with a personal anecdote or a powerful quote that ties together the themes of your speech.
• Example: “As you move forward, remember the words of Maya Angelou: ‘You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.’”

4. Call to Action

Motivate Graduates to Take Action

• Encourage the graduates to apply what they have learned and make a difference in the world.
• Example: “Go out into the world and make your mark. Use your education, your passion, and your determination to create positive change.”

5. Express Well Wishes

Best Wishes for the Future

• Extend your best wishes to the graduates for their future endeavors.
• Example: “Congratulations, Class of 2024! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May you find success, happiness, and fulfillment in everything you do.”

6. End with a Memorable Closing Statement

Powerful Closing

• Conclude with a memorable and powerful statement that resonates with the audience.
• Example: “As you leave here today, remember that the future is yours to shape. Dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in yourselves.”

Thank the Audience

• Thank the audience for their time and attention.
• Example: “Thank you for allowing me to share this special day with you. It has been an honor and a privilege.”

Example Closing

“In summary, we’ve reflected on the importance of perseverance, integrity, and community. As you move forward, remember the words of Maya Angelou: ‘You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.’ Go out into the world and make your mark. Use your education, your passion, and your determination to create positive change. Congratulations, Class of 2024! I wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May you find success, happiness, and fulfillment in everything you do. As you leave here today, remember that the future is yours to shape. Dream big, work hard, and never stop believing in yourselves.”

Commencement Speech vs. Graduation Speech

	A formal speech delivered during the commencement ceremony, often by a notable guest.	A speech delivered during the graduation ceremony, typically by a student or faculty member.
	To inspire, motivate, and provide wisdom to graduates as they transition to the next phase of their lives.	To celebrate and reflect on the graduates’ experiences and achievements.
	Often a distinguished guest, such as a successful alumnus, celebrity, or public figure.	Typically a valedictorian, class president, or a chosen faculty member.
	Broader life lessons, inspirational messages, and future guidance.	Specific memories, achievements, and experiences of the graduating class.
	Inspirational, motivational, and aspirational.	Celebratory, reflective, and personal.
	Primarily the graduates, but also includes families, friends, faculty, and guests.	The graduating class, families, friends, and school community.
	Usually longer, around 15-20 minutes.	Typically shorter, around 5-10 minutes.
	Formal, often with a clear beginning, middle, and end, including anecdotes and quotes.	Less formal, more personal and anecdotal, often with humor and specific references to the class.
	Inspirational stories, quotes, life advice, acknowledgment of support systems.	Personal experiences, class achievements, future hopes, and thanks to supporters.
	Usually the highlight of the commencement ceremony, often toward the end.	Delivered during the graduation ceremony, can be either at the beginning or end.
	Influential figures like politicians, successful business people, or notable alumni.	Top-performing students, class leaders, or respected teachers/professors.
	To leave a lasting, positive impact and motivate graduates for their future endeavors.	To celebrate the class’s journey and share memorable moments and achie

How to Give a Great Commencement Speech

• It is important that before you write and deliver your speech, you must first know your audience. The audience in the commencement ceremony is comprised of professionals and lay persons. With it’s diversity comes a large threat of offending someone with the words you say. Always get to know who are you talking to to avoid offending and becoming an awful commencement speaker.
• You should be able to fully understand what the ceremony is about and what it’s not. Your speech must be uplifting and inspiring to the students. Do not talk about yourself too much; it’s okay to use your experiences as reference for some words of wisdom but don’t overdo it. The ceremony is not about you, but it’s about the graduates and their guests.
•  Avoid controversial topics such as religion, race, creed, sexual orientation, political opinions, negative view of other professions etc. These topics and so much more can cause conflict and controversy. Different people have different opinions about these topics, so it is much better to leave it as is. Like how you normally avoid it in normal conversations, it is more likely if you don’t talk about it in your speech as well.
• Balance the serious with the humorous. Don’t overdo by sounding like a hip and happy person as forcing it can easily can become annoying. Plus, the main goal of your speech is to inspire and challenge the graduates in their new journey.
• Don’t dwell in the past and don’t get too technical. A little bit of history about the university and profession is acceptable but too much of it, as of everything else, blurs the message. If you want to share some technicalities, make sure you use terms that lay persons can understand.
•  It is distasteful and inappropriate to talk about success in terms of money or high volume practices. Such talk contradicts the virtue that success is not measured by material things but how others react and respond to a person.
• Finally, keep it short and simple. Long speeches end up being forgotten; short but insightful speeches are remembered even after the ceremony itself. Five to 10 minutes is just about the right duration for a speech. Speakers who carefully choose their words, who quickly gets to the point, and concludes enthusiastically are greatly appreciated during times like this.

A commencement speech is not meant to give a lecture or sound preachy, it is meant to sound like a normal conversation where you share a little about yourself. The main goal is to deliver a speech that can captivate the hearts of the audience. The moral of the stories you share should ultimately be how to become a better human being.

What is a commencement speech?

A commencement speech is a speech given during graduation ceremonies, aiming to inspire and motivate graduates as they embark on their next life chapter.

Who typically gives a commencement speech?

Commencement speeches are often delivered by notable figures such as successful alumni, celebrities, politicians, or other influential individuals.

What is the purpose of a commencement speech?

The purpose of a commencement speech is to celebrate graduates’ achievements, offer wisdom and advice, and inspire them for future challenges.

How long should a commencement speech be?

A commencement speech typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, ensuring it is engaging and concise.

What are common themes in commencement speeches?

Common themes include perseverance, lifelong learning, embracing failure, pursuing passions, and making a positive impact on the world.

How should I start a commencement speech?

Conclude with a powerful message or call to action, and express best wishes for the graduates’ future endeavors.

How do you conclude a commencement speech?

Can a student give a commencement speech.

Yes, valedictorians, class presidents, or other selected students often give commencement speeches to represent their peers.

How do I write a memorable commencement speech?

Focus on authenticity, personal stories, clear structure, and a strong, inspiring message that resonates with the audience.

What should I avoid in a commencement speech?

Avoid controversial topics, overly long speeches, and clichés. Stay positive, relevant, and respectful to the graduating class.

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• Speech Writing /

Commencement Speech: Samples and Tips

• Updated on  
• Sep 25, 2024

Have you ever given a commencement speech on any occasion? Do you find it difficult to prepare such a speech? So, the answers to all of your questions are here. Commencement means “beginning,” and these speeches are usually delivered to motivate and inspire people before they start their new journey. Commencement speeches are a special kind of communication that is usually delivered during one of the most memorable times in a graduate’s life. The goal of delivering these speeches is to inspire, motivate, impart wisdom and celebrate achievements. However, you must craft your speech to the needs of diverse audiences. In this blog, we will cover samples of commencement speeches and tips for writing a good one.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 Short Commencement Speech
• 1.2 High School Commencement Speech
• 1.3 College Commencement Speech
• 2 Tips to Write a Commencement Speech
• 3 FAQs 

Also Read: 2-Minute Graduation Day Speech in English

Commencement Speech: Examples of Speech about Graduation

Here we have mentioned some of the sample speeches for different purposes to help you understand it better. Continue reading for the samples on commencement speech.

Short Commencement Speech

Good morning to all the students, families and faculty. Today is a day to celebrate all of your hard work and challenges that got you this far. It is a day to honour achievements and reflect on the journey. As I move forward, I’d like to convey this thought: embrace uncertainty. The future will not always go as you planned, but that is okay. Life is full of surprises and unexpected challenges happen. When life throws challenges at you, remember that each challenge is an opportunity to grow, and some of the best opportunities come from unexpected twists. Take failure and rejection as stepping stones to a better opportunity.  You always showed your strengths and resilience. Always remember that you are surrounded by people who believe in you, and now is the time for you to believe in yourself. You’ve already shown your effort and determination to get to where you are. Carry that grace with you as you follow your passion. Face challenges with confidence, knowing that every experience is a part of your journey. No matter what, each chapter adds meaning to your journey, and you have the ability to shape your own life. As you leave today, remember that every experience is taking you somewhere meaningful. Congratulations to all of you! Your future is bright and I cannot wait to see what you will achieve.

High School Commencement Speech

Good morning, everyone! To all the esteemed teachers parents, friends and family and of course, the amazing students. Congratulations! Today is a day we all have been waiting for and it’s finally here: Your Graduation Day. As I stand here looking at all of you, I feel a sense of pride and nostalgia. We spent time together discussing classes, projects and study sessions, as well as creating memories that will last a lifetime. And now we’re all here at the start of the next chapter in our lives. High school is a unique stage in our life. From the first-year introduction to pulling off the final projects at the last minute, this journey is full of wonderful memories. Just think back to your days as a freshman, when everything seemed new.  And now, after all those years, you all stand here as graduates, confident and ready for the future. All of you have come a long way and learnt lessons that go beyond the classroom. Some of the lessons we’ll remember for the rest of our lives include the value of friendship, how to deal with pressure and how to manage our time. This was a difficult and challenging road, but you showed courage, dedication and determination throughout. Life will not always be easy, but how we respond to difficulty is what matters most. High school is a time for personal and academic growth. Some of us pursued our passions, while others went outside of their comfort zones. But growth does not end here. In reality, it’s only the beginning. As we graduate high school, our future is both exciting and unknown. Everyone is going on different ways. But no matter where we’re going, one thing is certain: we are ready. The future will be filled with challenges, but I am confident that each of us is capable of achieving great things. Before we leave today, it’s important to thank those who helped us get here. Thank you to our parents, family, teachers and friends for their support and for making these years special. Today marks the beginning of the rest of your life. So, everyone, congratulations! We did it. Now let us go out and show the world what we’re made of. Thank you.

Also Read: Welcome Speech in English for Learning and Growth of School Students

College Commencement Speech

Good morning to all the faculty, proud parents, esteemed guests and most importantly the graduating class. It is an honour to stand before you today on this important day. Today is an important turning point in your lives and we celebrate your hard work and dedication. At this stage, we stop to reflect on what we have achieved so far. College is an amazing journey that allows you to discover yourself, explore new ideas and grow beyond of your comfort zones.  Remember your first day in college, when you felt excited and confident about your future skills. But now you are standing here as a college graduate. You’ve learnt not only from textbooks but also from experience. Each of these experiences has helped shape you into the people you are today. Throughout these years, you have experienced many challenges, both personal and academic. It is during these times that your true personality emerges. Each challenge you have overcome has taught you essential life skills that will serve you well beyond the classroom. As you stand to begin this new chapter, the future is full of opportunities. You are entering a world full of challenges and possibilities. You have been taught to think critically, contribute and remain open-minded. These are qualities that will benefit you in any path you take. Today is more than simply a celebration of your accomplishments; it is also an opportunity to thank those who have helped you along the way. This is an opportunity to thank your family, friends, teachers and classmates for their unwavering support and guidance throughout your journey. As we close this ceremony, I would like to leave one more thought: embrace uncertainty. Life is unexpected and the way ahead may not always be clear. With courage, determination and an open heart, you can find your path. The world is waiting for you. Dare dream big, take risks and never stop learning. Congratulations to all! The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to watch what you achieve along the way.  Thank You!

Tips to Write a Commencement Speech

Writing a commencement speech can be challenging since you need to inspire a huge group of people. Whether you are writing for high school or university students, your speech should leave an impression. Here are some pointers to help you prepare a great commencement speech.

• Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience is the first step in creating a memorable speech. Knowing your audience’s thinking, as well as their backgrounds and challenges, can help you design your speech to meet their needs.
• Strong Opening: Capturing the audience’s attention from the start will keep them engaged for a longer period. Using a quote, a surprising fact and a personal tone can engage listeners and make them want to hear more.
• Make it Relatable: Adding a personal touch to your speech might help it resonate with your audience. Sharing your personal experiences, challenges and struggles can help people become motivated in their journey and act as a connection between you and the audience.
• Inspire and Motivate: An effective commencement speech should leave the audience feeling inspired and motivated. Encourage the audience to take action and accept failure as a part of growth. A call to action offers a sense of direction for the future.
• Use Simple Language: The audience will find it easier to learn and understand a simple language. To highlight your message, use powerful sentences instead of complex terms. Remember that the speech should sound conversational rather than too formal.
• Uplifting Ending: Your ending is your final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the audience, so use it wisely. End with an inspiring message and a positive vision for the future. The goal is to leave the listeners with a sense of purpose.
• Practice, Practice, Practice!: Even a well-written speech can be considered ineffective if not delivered with the right tone and emotions. Practise your speech till it sounds more natural and confident. Pay attention to your pauses and body language to ensure that your message is effective.

Ans: Commencement speech is a special kind of communication that is usually delivered during one of the most memorable times in a graduate’s life. The goal of delivering these speeches is to inspire, motivate, impart wisdom and celebrate achievements. 

Ans: Commencement speeches hold significant importance because they celebrate certain achievements, inspirational guidance and reflection on the journey. 

Ans: Good morning to all the faculty, proud parents, esteemed guests and most importantly the graduating class. It is an honour to stand before you today on this momentous occasion.

Ans: Here is one of the best examples of Speech about Graduation: Good morning esteemed teachers, proud parents, and my fellow graduates, Today is a day to celebrate! We’ve all worked hard to reach this moment, and now we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our lives. This journey hasn’t always been easy—there were challenges, late-night study sessions, and times we doubted ourselves—but through it all, we persevered. Graduation is not just the end of our school years; it’s the beginning of endless possibilities. It’s a reminder that with determination and the right support, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. As we move forward, let’s remember to be curious, stay kind, and embrace the opportunities that come our way. To our teachers, thank you for your guidance and patience. To our parents and families, thank you for your unwavering support. And to my fellow graduates, congratulations! This is just the beginning of our story, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each of us. Thank you!

Popular English Speech Topics

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Bhumika Sharma

A writer with a fresh perspective on thoughts, I have an year of experience in writing the blogs on various topics. Here, you will find my blogs for the students and education purpose.

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Google co-founder Larry Page’s 2009 University of Michigan commencement speech transcript

Tells grads "it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams".

Google co-founder Larry Page delivers May 2, 2009 commencement address to University of Michigan graduates. Here’s the transcript

May 2, 2009, University of Michigan

Class of 2009! First I’d like you to get up, wave and cheer your supportive family and friends! Show your love!

It is a great honor for me to be here today.

Now wait a second. I know: that’s such a cliché. You’re thinking: every graduation speaker says that — It’s a great honor. But, in my case, it really is so deeply true — being here is more special and more personal for me than most of you know. I’d like to tell you why.

Google’s latest conquest: Commencement speeches

Read Bill Gates’ 2007 Harvard University commencement speech

A long time ago, in the cold September of 1962, there was a Steven’s co-op at this very university. That co-op had a kitchen with a ceiling that had been cleaned by student volunteers every decade or so. Picture a college girl named Gloria, climbing up high on a ladder, struggling to clean that filthy ceiling. Standing on the floor, a young boarder named Carl was admiring the view. And that’s how they met. They were my parents, so I suppose you could say I’m a direct result of that kitchen chemistry experiment, right here at Michigan. My Mom is here with us today, and we should probably go find the spot and put a plaque up on the ceiling that says: “Thanks Mom and Dad!”

Everyone in my family went to school here at Michigan: me, my brother, my Mom and Dad — all of us. My Dad actually got the quantity discount: all three and a half of his degrees are from here. His Ph.D. was in Communication Science because they thought Computers were just a passing fad. He earned it 44 years ago. He and Mom made a big sacrifice for that. They argued at times over pennies, while raising my newborn brother. Mom typed my Dad’s dissertation by hand. This velvet hood I’m wearing, this was my Dad’s. And this diploma, just like the one you’re are about to get, that was my Dad’s. And my underwear, that was… oh never mind.

My father’s father worked in the Chevy plant in Flint, Michigan. He was an assembly line worker. He drove his two children here to Ann Arbor, and told them: That is where you’re going to go to college. Both his kids did graduate from Michigan. That was the American dream. His daughter, Beverly, is with us today. My Grandpa used to carry an “Alley Oop” hammer — a heavy iron pipe with a hunk of lead melted on the end. The workers made them during the sit-down strikes to protect themselves. When I was growing up, we used that hammer whenever we needed to pound a stake or something into the ground. It is wonderful that most people don’t need to carry a heavy blunt object for protection anymore. But just in case, I have it here.

My Dad became a professor at uh… Michigan State, and I was an incredibly lucky boy. A professor’s life is pretty flexible, and he was able to spend oodles of time raising me. Could there be a better upbringing than university brat?

What I’m trying to tell you is that this is WAY more than just a homecoming for me. It’s not easy for me to express how proud I am to be here, with my Mom, my brother and my wife Lucy, and with all of you, at this amazing institution that is responsible for my very existence. I am thrilled for all of you, and I’m thrilled for your families and friends, as all of us join the great, big Michigan family I feel I’ve been a part of all of my life.

What I’m also trying to tell you is that I know exactly what it feels like to be sitting in your seat, listening to some old gasbag give a long-winded commencement speech. Don’t worry. I’ll be brief.

I have a story about following dreams. Or maybe more accurately, it’s a story about finding a path to make those dreams real.

You know what it’s like to wake up in the middle of the night with a vivid dream? And you know how, if you don’t have a pencil and pad by the bed to write it down, it will be completely gone the next morning?

Well, I had one of those dreams when I was 23. When I suddenly woke up, I was thinking: what if we could download the whole web, and just keep the links and… I grabbed a pen and started writing! Sometimes it is important to wake up and stop dreaming. I spent the middle of that night scribbling out the details and convincing myself it would work. Soon after, I told my advisor, Terry Winograd, it would take a couple of weeks to download the web — he nodded knowingly, fully aware it would take much longer but wise enough to not tell me. The optimism of youth is often underrated! Amazingly, I had no thought of building a search engine. The idea wasn’t even on the radar. But, much later we happened upon a better way of ranking webpages to make a really great search engine, and Google was born. When a really great dream shows up, grab it!

When I was here at Michigan, I had actually been taught how to make dreams real! I know it sounds funny, but that is what I learned in a summer camp converted into a training program called Leadershape. Their slogan is to have a “healthy disregard for the impossible”. That program encouraged me to pursue a crazy idea at the time: I wanted to build a personal rapid transit system on campus to replace the buses. It was a futuristic way of solving our transportation problem. I still think a lot about transportation — you never lose a dream, it just incubates as a hobby. Many things that people labor hard to do now, like cooking, cleaning, and driving will require much less human time in the future. That is, if we “have a healthy disregard for the impossible” and actually build new solutions.

I think it is often easier to make progress on mega-ambitious dreams. I know that sounds completely nuts. But, since no one else is crazy enough to do it, you have little competition. There are so few people this crazy that I feel like I know them all by first name. They all travel as if they are pack dogs and stick to each other like glue. The best people want to work the big challenges. That is what happened with Google. Our mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. How can that not get you excited? But we almost didn’t start Google because my co-founder Sergey and I were too worried about dropping out of our Ph.D. program. You are probably on the right track if you feel like a sidewalk worm during a rainstorm! That is about how we felt after we maxed out three credit cards buying hard disks off the back of a truck. That was the first hardware for Google. Parents and friends: more credit cards always help. What is the one sentence summary of how you change the world? Always work hard on something uncomfortably exciting!

As a Ph.D. student, I actually had three projects I wanted to work on. Thank goodness my advisor said, “why don’t you work on the web for a while”. He gave me some seriously good advice because the web was really growing with people and activity, even in 1995! Technology and especially the internet can really help you be lazy. Lazy? What I mean is a group of three people can write software that millions can use and enjoy. Can three people answer the phone a million times a day? Find the leverage in the world, so you can be more lazy!

Overall, I know it seems like the world is crumbling out there, but it is actually a great time in your life to get a little crazy, follow your curiosity, and be ambitious about it. Don’t give up on your dreams. The world needs you all!

So here’s my final story:

On a day like today, you might feel exhilarated — like you’ve just been shot out of a cannon at the circus — and even invincible. Don’t ever forget that incredible feeling. But also: always remember that the moments we have with friends and family, the chances we have to do things that might make a big difference in the world, or even to make a small difference to someone you love — all those wonderful chances that life gives us, life also takes away. It can happen fast, and a whole lot sooner than you think.

In late March 1996, soon after I had moved to Stanford for grad school, my Dad had difficulty breathing and drove to the hospital. Two months later, he died. And that was it. I was completely devastated. Many years later, after a startup, after falling in love, and after so many of life’s adventures, I found myself thinking about my Dad. Lucy and I were far away in a steaming hot village walking through narrow streets. There were wonderful friendly people everywhere, but it was a desperately poor place — people used the bathroom inside and it flowed out into the open gutter and straight into the river. We touched a boy with a limp leg, the result of paralysis from polio. Lucy and I were in rural India — one of the few places where Polio still exists. Polio is transmitted fecal to oral, usually through filthy water. Well, my Dad had Polio. He went on a trip to Tennessee in the first grade and caught it. He was hospitalized for two months and had to be transported by military DC-3 back home — his first flight. My Dad wrote, “Then, I had to stay in bed for over a year, before I started back to school”. That is actually a quote from his fifth grade autobiography. My Dad had difficulty breathing his whole life, and the complications of Polio are what took him from us too soon. He would have been very upset that Polio still persists even though we have a vaccine. He would have been equally upset that back in India we had polio virus on our shoes from walking through the contaminated gutters that spread the disease. We were spreading the virus with every footstep, right under beautiful kids playing everywhere. The world is on the verge of eliminating polio, with 328 people infected so far this year. Let’s get it done soon. Perhaps one of you will do that.

My Dad was valedictorian of Flint Mandeville High School 1956 class of about 90 kids. I happened across his graduating speech recently, and it blew me away. 53 years ago at his graduation my Dad said: “…we are entering a changing world, one of automation and employment change where education is an economic necessity. We will have increased periods of time to do as we wish, as our work week and retirement age continue to decline. … We shall take part in, or witness, developments in science, medicine, and industry that we can not dream of today. … It is said that the future of any nation can be determined by the care and preparation given to its youth. If all the youths of America were as fortunate in securing an education as we have been, then the future of the United States would be even more bright than it is today.”

If my Dad was alive today, the thing I think he would be most happy about is that Lucy and I have a baby in the hopper. I think he would have been annoyed that I hadn’t gotten my Ph.D. yet (thanks, Michigan!). Dad was so full of insights, of excitement about new things, that to this day, I often wonder what he would think about some new development. If he were here today — well, it would be one of the best days of his life.

He’d be like a kid in a candy store. For a day, he’d be young again.

Many of us are fortunate enough to be here with family. Some of us have dear friends and family to go home to. And who knows, perhaps some of you, like Lucy and I, are dreaming about future families of your own. Just like me, your families brought you here, and you brought them here. Please keep them close and remember: they are what really matters in life.

Thanks, Mom; Thanks, Lucy.

And thank you, all, very much.

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হোম > ব্লগ > কিভাবে একটি বক্তৃতা লিখতে হয়: যে কোনো অনুষ্ঠানের জন্য টিপস

কিভাবে একটি বক্তৃতা লিখতে হয়: যে কোনো অনুষ্ঠানের জন্য টিপস

• Smodin সম্পাদকীয় দল
• প্রকাশিত: সেপ্টেম্বর 26, 2024
• সমস্ত বিষয়বস্তু এবং লেখা সম্পর্কে

কার্যকরভাবে একটি বার্তা জানাতে আপনার কি একটি বক্তৃতা লিখতে হবে? আপনার কোন অভিজ্ঞতা না থাকলে পাবলিক স্পিকিং কঠিন হতে পারে। যাইহোক, এই নিবন্ধে একটি বক্তৃতা কিভাবে লিখতে হয় তার টিপস আপনাকে উপলক্ষ যাই হোক না কেন আপনার শ্রোতাদের প্রভাবিত করতে সাহায্য করবে।

আপনি দেখতে পাবেন যে আকর্ষণীয় একটি উচ্চ-মানের বক্তৃতা লেখা সম্ভব। আসলে, আপনি পারেন লেখার প্রবাহ উন্নত করুন এবং বিভিন্ন প্রসঙ্গে যেকোনো বক্তৃতার জন্য সঠিক শব্দ পছন্দ পান।

কীভাবে একটি প্রভাবশালী বক্তৃতা লিখতে হয় তার জন্য শীর্ষ টিপস আবিষ্কার করতে পড়তে থাকুন।

কিভাবে একটি ভাল বক্তৃতা লিখতে হয়: 6 সেরা অভ্যাস

এখন আসুন কীভাবে একটি ভাল বক্তৃতা লিখতে হয় তার জন্য সর্বোত্তম সামগ্রিক অনুশীলনের দিকে আমাদের ফোকাস করা যাক। এই টিপস সব ধরনের বক্তৃতা জন্য প্রযোজ্য.

1. AI-ভিত্তিক টুল ব্যবহার করুন

আপনি শীর্ষ-স্তরের AI সরঞ্জামগুলির সহায়তায় একটি অসাধারণ উচ্চ-মানের বক্তৃতা নিয়ে আসতে পারেন। উদাহরণস্বরূপ, আপনি ব্যবহার করতে পারেন এআই লেখক Smodin AI-তে এমন বক্তৃতা তৈরি করতে যা খাঁটি শোনায়। এখানে বক্তৃতা লেখার জন্য এআই টুল ব্যবহার করার শীর্ষ সুবিধা রয়েছে:

• সময়ের দক্ষতা: এআই সরঞ্জামগুলি দ্রুত কাঠামোগত বিষয়বস্তু তৈরি করে বক্তৃতার খসড়া তৈরিতে ব্যয় করা সময়কে উল্লেখযোগ্যভাবে হ্রাস করে। এটি স্পিকারদের পরিশোধন ডেলিভারি এবং অন্যান্য গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কাজগুলিতে ফোকাস করতে দেয়। সামগ্রিকভাবে, প্রক্রিয়াটি আরও দক্ষ এবং পরিচালনাযোগ্য হয়।
• বিষয়বস্তুর গুণমান: ভাল-গবেষণা করা, সমন্বিত এবং প্রাসঙ্গিক বিষয়বস্তু তৈরি করতে বিপুল পরিমাণ ডেটা বিশ্লেষণ করে বক্তৃতা গুণমান উন্নত করতে আপনি AI টুল ব্যবহার করতে পারেন। তারা যৌক্তিক প্রবাহ বজায় রাখতে সাহায্য করে এবং নিশ্চিত করে যে মূল পয়েন্টগুলিতে জোর দেওয়া হয়েছে।
• লেখকের বাধা অতিক্রম করা: কার্যকর বক্তৃতা লিখতে শুরু করতে আপনার কি কখনও সমস্যা হয়েছে? কখনও কখনও আপনার একটি আকর্ষক বক্তৃতা আছে তা নিশ্চিত করার জন্য বাক্য গঠন সঠিকভাবে পেতে কঠিন হতে পারে। যাইহোক, AI সরঞ্জামগুলি আপনাকে সাধারণ লেখার ভুলগুলি এড়াতে সাহায্য করার সাথে সাথে মুহূর্তের মধ্যে এই সমস্যাগুলি কাটিয়ে উঠতে সাহায্য করতে পারে।
• ভাষা সমর্থন এবং অনুবাদ: AI সরঞ্জামগুলি ব্যাকরণ পরীক্ষা, ভাষা পরিমার্জন এবং অনুবাদ সহ ভাষা সমর্থন প্রদান করে। এটি বিশেষ করে এমন স্পিকারদের জন্য উপকারী যাদের একটি অ-নেটিভ ভাষায় উপস্থাপন করতে হবে।
• অভিযোজনযোগ্যতা: এআই দ্রুত বিভিন্ন পরিস্থিতিতে বক্তৃতা মানিয়ে নিতে পারে, যেমন আনুষ্ঠানিক বা নৈমিত্তিক শ্রোতার জন্য স্বর পরিবর্তন করা বা সময়ের সীমাবদ্ধতার উপর ভিত্তি করে দৈর্ঘ্য সামঞ্জস্য করা। এই নমনীয়তা স্পিকারগুলিকে স্ক্র্যাচ থেকে শুরু না করেই বিভিন্ন প্রয়োজন অনুসারে সামগ্রীকে সহজেই পরিবর্তন করতে দেয়।

2. একটি শক্ত খোলার কারুকাজ করুন

আপনার বক্তব্যের সূচনা সুর সেট করে এবং শ্রোতাদের মনোযোগ আকর্ষণ করে। অতএব, আপনাকে একটি বাধ্যতামূলক হুক দিয়ে শুরু করতে হবে, যেমন একটি উত্তেজক প্রশ্ন, আশ্চর্যজনক ঘটনা, উপাখ্যান বা উদ্ধৃতি। এটি অবিলম্বে শ্রোতাদের জড়িত করবে এবং সম্ভাব্যভাবে তাদের শেষ পর্যন্ত শুনতে থাকবে।

সামগ্রিকভাবে, একটি শক্তিশালী ওপেনিং বিশ্বাসযোগ্যতা স্থাপন করে, আগ্রহ বাড়ায় এবং দর্শকদের নিযুক্ত থাকতে উৎসাহিত করে। একটি ইতিবাচক প্রথম ছাপ তৈরি করার জন্য এবং আপনি আলোচনা করবেন এমন মূল পয়েন্টগুলি সেট আপ করার জন্য এটি অত্যন্ত গুরুত্বপূর্ণ। শ্রোতারা শুরু থেকেই মনোযোগী এবং গ্রহণযোগ্য তা নিশ্চিত করার জন্য আপনার আরও ভাল সুযোগ থাকবে।

3. আপনার বক্তব্য পরিষ্কারভাবে গঠন করুন

আপনার বক্তব্যকে স্পষ্টতা নিশ্চিত করার জন্য প্রয়োজনীয় কাঠামো দিতে আপনার কি সমস্যা হচ্ছে? তারপর আপনার বক্তৃতাটিকে তিনটি প্রধান বিভাগে সাজান, যেমন ভূমিকা, মূল অংশ এবং উপসংহার। এছাড়াও, যৌক্তিক অগ্রগতি এবং গ্রুপ-সম্পর্কিত পয়েন্টগুলি ব্যবহার করুন এবং বিভাগগুলির মধ্যে মসৃণ রূপান্তর নিশ্চিত করুন।

তদ্ব্যতীত, শরীরের কয়েকটি মূল পয়েন্ট কভার করা উচিত, যেখানে প্রতিটি প্রমাণ বা উদাহরণ দ্বারা সমর্থিত। এই কাঠামোটি আপনার বক্তৃতাকে অনুসরণ করা সহজ করে তোলে এবং কেন্দ্রীয় বার্তাকে শক্তিশালী করে।

একটি সুসংগঠিত বক্তৃতা শ্রোতাদের আপনার ধারণাগুলি উপলব্ধি করতে সাহায্য করে, তাদের নিযুক্ত রাখে এবং আপনার জন্য একটি আত্মবিশ্বাসী উপস্থাপনা প্রদান করা সহজ করে তোলে।

4. প্ররোচক ভাষা ব্যবহার করুন

কার্যকর বক্তৃতা শ্রোতাদের প্রভাবিত করার জন্য প্ররোচক ভাষা ব্যবহার করে। তাই, আপনি মূল বিষয়গুলির উপর জোর দেওয়ার জন্য পুনরাবৃত্তি, রূপক এবং উপমাগুলির মতো অলঙ্কৃত যন্ত্রগুলি ব্যবহার করতে পারেন। সাইড বোনাস হিসাবে, এটি আপনার বার্তাটিকে আরও স্মরণীয় করে তোলে।

তদ্ব্যতীত, সক্রিয় ভয়েস, শক্তিশালী ক্রিয়া এবং স্পষ্ট বাক্য প্রভাবকে বাড়িয়ে তুলতে পারে। অতএব, শ্রোতাদের সাথে অনুরণিত করার জন্য আপনার ভাষাটি তৈরি করুন। এটা বোধগম্য যে আপনাকে প্ররোচক ভাষা সঠিক পেতে অনুশীলনের প্রয়োজন হতে পারে। যাইহোক, পুনরাবৃত্তি ভাল বক্তৃতা লেখার অংশ, এবং সেরা ফলাফল পেতে আপনাকে রান-অন বাক্য এড়াতে হবে।

5. আপনার উদ্দেশ্য সংজ্ঞায়িত করুন

আপনার বক্তৃতার উদ্দেশ্য স্পষ্টভাবে সংজ্ঞায়িত করুন, তা জানানো, প্ররোচিত করা, বিনোদন দেওয়া বা অনুপ্রাণিত করা। বেশিরভাগ ক্ষেত্রে, আপনার উদ্দেশ্য বিষয়বস্তু, গঠন এবং স্বর নির্দেশ করে। আপনি কি নিশ্চিত নন যে আপনার বক্তৃতা লেখার প্রক্রিয়াটির উদ্দেশ্য কী? তারপরে আপনি একটি দুর্দান্ত বক্তৃতা তৈরি করার আগে আপনাকে এটি সম্পর্কে ভাবতে হবে।

অতিরিক্তভাবে, আপনার উদ্দেশ্য বোঝা প্রাসঙ্গিক পয়েন্টগুলি নির্বাচন করতে, একটি শক্তিশালী বর্ণনা তৈরি করতে এবং সর্বত্র ফোকাস বজায় রাখতে সহায়তা করে। এই স্পষ্টতা নিশ্চিত করে যে আপনার বক্তৃতা লক্ষ্যে থাকে। এছাড়াও, আপনার বার্তাটি কার্যকরভাবে যোগাযোগ করতে আপনার কাছে আরও সহজ সময় থাকবে।

6. আপনার শ্রোতা বুঝতে

শ্রোতাদের আগ্রহ, জ্ঞানের স্তর এবং প্রত্যাশা অনুযায়ী আপনার বক্তৃতা তৈরি করুন। এর অর্থ হল প্রাসঙ্গিকতা এবং সংযোগ নিশ্চিত করতে আপনাকে তাদের জনসংখ্যা, মান এবং উদ্বেগগুলি নিয়ে গবেষণা করতে হবে।

একটি ভাল-লক্ষ্যযুক্ত বক্তৃতা আরও গভীরভাবে অনুরণিত হয় এবং পাঠককে এমনভাবে সম্পৃক্ত করবে যা তাদের বক্তৃতা সম্পর্কে চিন্তাভাবনা করে। উদাহরণস্বরূপ, বক্তৃতার পরে আপনি ভাল বডি ল্যাঙ্গুয়েজ লক্ষ্য করবেন যদি এটি চিহ্ন হিট করে।

আপনার শ্রোতাদের প্রভাবিত করার জন্য একটি সেরা মানুষের বক্তৃতা কীভাবে লিখবেন

আপনি সঠিক ফলাফল পেতে একটি সেরা মানুষের বক্তৃতা লিখতে কিভাবে জানতে চান? তারপর আপনি একটি সফল বক্তৃতা জন্য প্রচেষ্টার জন্য এই বিভাগে শীর্ষ টিপস প্রশংসা করবেন. সেরা মানুষের বক্তৃতা লেখার সময় এখানে উল্লেখযোগ্য প্রধান বিষয়গুলি বিবেচনা করা উচিত:

• একটি শক্তিশালী সূচনা দিয়ে শুরু করুন: সবার মনোযোগ আকর্ষণ করার জন্য একটি হালকা কৌতুক, উপাখ্যান বা হৃদয়গ্রাহী উদ্ধৃতি দিয়ে শুরু করুন। নিজেকে পরিচয় করিয়ে দিতে, কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করতে এবং দিনের গুরুত্ব স্বীকার করতে ভুলবেন না।
• ব্যক্তিগত গল্প শেয়ার করুন: বরের সাথে আপনার সম্পর্ক সম্পর্কে মজার এবং হৃদয়গ্রাহী গল্পের মিশ্রণ অন্তর্ভুক্ত করুন। উপরন্তু, আপনি স্মরণীয় মুহূর্তগুলি হাইলাইট করতে পারেন যা তার চরিত্র, রসবোধ এবং গুণাবলী প্রদর্শন করে।
• স্বীকার করুন: আপনার সেরা পুরুষের বক্তৃতায় কনেকে আন্তরিকভাবে প্রশংসা করুন। উদাহরণস্বরূপ, বর কীভাবে তার জীবনে তার সাথে ভাল থাকে তা উল্লেখ করুন। এছাড়াও, তাদের সম্পর্কের যেকোনো পর্যবেক্ষণ শেয়ার করুন যা তাদের প্রেম, অংশীদারিত্ব এবং সামঞ্জস্যকে প্রতিফলিত করে।
• এটি সংক্ষিপ্ত রাখুন: একটি বক্তৃতা লক্ষ্য করুন যা প্রায় 5-7 মিনিট দীর্ঘ। এছাড়াও, অপ্রয়োজনীয় বিবরণ ছাঁটাই করার অভ্যাস করুন এবং প্রভাবশালী গল্প বা বার্তাগুলিতে ফোকাস করুন। একটি সংক্ষিপ্ত, ভালভাবে বিতরণ করা বক্তৃতা একটি দীর্ঘ বাতাসের চেয়ে বেশি স্মরণীয়।
• একটি টোস্ট দিয়ে শেষ করুন: দম্পতির ভবিষ্যতের জন্য আন্তরিক শুভেচ্ছা দিয়ে শেষ করুন। আপনি তাদের একসাথে ভ্রমণের জন্য আপনার উত্তেজনা প্রকাশ করতে পারেন এবং একটি উদযাপনের টোস্টে তাদের চশমা বাড়াতে সবাইকে আমন্ত্রণ জানাতে পারেন।

কিভাবে সম্মানিত বক্তৃতা একটি দাসী লিখুন

আপনি কিভাবে একটি লিখতে আবিষ্কার করতে আগ্রহী? সম্মানের দাসী বক্তৃতা? সামগ্রিকভাবে, এর মধ্যে রয়েছে আন্তরিক অনুভূতি, হাস্যরস এবং ব্যক্তিগত উপাখ্যানের মিশ্রণ যা কনে এবং বরের সাথে তার সম্পর্ককে উদযাপন করে।

নিজের পরিচয় দিয়ে শুরু করুন এবং আপনি কীভাবে কনেকে চেনেন তা সংক্ষেপে শেয়ার করুন। তারপর, বিশেষ দিনের অংশ হওয়ার জন্য আপনার কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করুন। সম্ভবত আপনার বন্ধুত্বের একটি স্মরণীয় গল্প শেয়ার করুন যা কনের চরিত্রকে হাইলাইট করে। এছাড়াও, শ্রোতাদের মধ্যে কাউকে বিচ্ছিন্ন করা এড়াতে স্বর হালকা এবং আকর্ষক রাখুন।

এরপরে, তারা কীভাবে একে অপরের পরিপূরক এবং বর কীভাবে কনের মধ্যে সেরাটি নিয়ে আসে তা উল্লেখ করে দম্পতির সম্পর্কের বিষয়ে কথা বলুন। তাদের ভালবাসা, অংশীদারিত্ব এবং তারা একসাথে যে সুখ পেয়েছে তা স্বীকার করা গুরুত্বপূর্ণ।

একটি আন্তরিক টোস্ট দিয়ে শেষ করুন এবং তাদের সামনের যাত্রার জন্য আপনার উত্তেজনা এবং তাদের ভালবাসার প্রতি আপনার আস্থা প্রকাশ করুন। প্রায় পাঁচ মিনিটে বক্তৃতা রাখার লক্ষ্য রাখুন। এটি নিশ্চিত করে যে এটি অর্থপূর্ণ হওয়ার জন্য যথেষ্ট দীর্ঘ কিন্তু দর্শকদের আগ্রহ বজায় রাখার জন্য যথেষ্ট সংক্ষিপ্ত।

অনুপ্রাণিত করবে এমন একটি স্নাতক বক্তৃতা কীভাবে লিখবেন

এখন আসুন একটি স্নাতক বক্তৃতা লেখার প্রক্রিয়ার দিকে আমাদের ফোকাস ঘুরিয়ে দেওয়া যাক যা শ্রোতা সদস্যদের কাছে আকর্ষণীয় হবে। আপনি যে কোনও স্নাতকের জন্য এই টিপসগুলি ব্যবহার করতে পারেন এবং তারা লেখার প্রক্রিয়াটিকে অনেক সহজ করে তুলবে। এখানে স্নাতক বক্তৃতা কিভাবে লিখতে হয় তার একটি সারসংক্ষেপ রয়েছে:

• যাত্রার প্রতি প্রতিফলন করুন: এই মুহুর্তের দিকে পরিচালিত যাত্রাকে স্বীকার করে শুরু করুন, এতে চ্যালেঞ্জ, বৃদ্ধি এবং অর্জন অন্তর্ভুক্ত থাকতে পারে। এছাড়াও, দর্শকদের সাথে অনুরণিত ব্যক্তিগত বা সমষ্টিগত অভিজ্ঞতা শেয়ার করুন। এই প্রতিফলন একটি নস্টালজিক কিন্তু আশাবাদী সুর সেট করে, প্রত্যেককে মনে করিয়ে দেয় যে তারা কতদূর এসেছে।
• হাস্যরস এবং হালকা মুহূর্তগুলিকে অন্তর্ভুক্ত করুন: এটিকে আকর্ষক এবং স্মরণীয় রাখতে হাস্যরসের সাথে আপনার বক্তৃতা যোগ করুন। এতে ভাগ করা অভিজ্ঞতা, স্কুল জীবন বা সাধারণ চ্যালেঞ্জগুলি সম্পর্কে হালকা হৃদয়ের উপাখ্যান বা কৌতুক অন্তর্ভুক্ত থাকতে পারে। তদ্ব্যতীত, নিশ্চিত করুন যে হাস্যরসটি উপযুক্ত এবং সকলকে বিনোদন বোধ করার জন্য অন্তর্ভুক্ত করে।
• কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করুন: যারা সাফল্যে অবদান রেখেছেন, যেমন শিক্ষক, পরিবার এবং বন্ধুদের ধন্যবাদ। এছাড়াও, তাদের সমর্থন, নির্দেশিকা এবং ত্যাগ স্বীকার করুন। কৃতজ্ঞতার এই অভিব্যক্তি হল সেই সম্প্রদায়কে চিনতে একটি শক্তিশালী উপায় যা যাত্রাকে রূপ দিতে সাহায্য করেছে৷
• সামনের দিকের বার্তা দিয়ে অনুপ্রাণিত করুন: উৎসাহ, পরামর্শ এবং অনুপ্রেরণা প্রদান করে ভবিষ্যতের দিকে মনোনিবেশ করুন। তদ্ব্যতীত, আপনি একটি ইতিবাচক প্রভাব তৈরি করার সম্ভাবনার উপর জোর দিয়ে সামনের সম্ভাবনাগুলি হাইলাইট করতে পারেন। একটি অনুপ্রেরণামূলক বার্তা শ্রোতাদের পরবর্তী অধ্যায় সম্পর্কে ক্ষমতাবান এবং উত্তেজিত বোধ করে।
• একটি স্মরণীয় উপসংহার দিয়ে শেষ করুন: একটি শক্তিশালী এবং স্মরণীয় সমাপনী বক্তব্য দিয়ে শেষ করুন। এটি একটি উদ্ধৃতি, কর্মের জন্য একটি কল, বা মূল থিমের একটি সারাংশ হতে পারে। এছাড়াও, আপনার সহকর্মীদের আত্মবিশ্বাসের সাথে ভবিষ্যতকে আলিঙ্গন করতে উত্সাহিত করুন। একটি সুনিপুণ সমাপ্তি বক্তৃতাকে একত্রিত করে এবং একটি স্থায়ী ছাপ ফেলে।

কীভাবে একটি অন্ত্যেষ্টিক্রিয়া বক্তৃতা লিখবেন যা সম্মানজনক

অন্ত্যেষ্টিক্রিয়ার বক্তৃতা লেখা কঠিন হতে পারে, তবে এই নিবন্ধের টিপসগুলির সাথে আপনার আরও সহজ সময় থাকবে। আপনি দেখতে পাবেন যে আপনি যখন সঠিক পন্থা অবলম্বন করেন তখন বেশিরভাগ ক্ষেত্রেই চিহ্নটি আঘাত করা সম্ভব। এখানে বিবেচনা করার জন্য শীর্ষস্থানীয় অন্ত্যেষ্টিক্রিয়া বক্তৃতা-লেখার টিপসের একটি সারাংশ রয়েছে:

• একটি চিন্তাশীল সূচনা দিয়ে শুরু করুন: আপনার সমবেদনা প্রকাশ করে এবং অনুষ্ঠানের তাৎপর্য স্বীকার করে শুরু করুন। আপনি নিজেকে এবং মৃত ব্যক্তির সাথে আপনার সম্পর্কের পরিচয় দিয়ে এটি করতে পারেন।
• ব্যক্তিগত স্মৃতি শেয়ার করুন: ব্যক্তিগত গল্প বা স্মৃতি অন্তর্ভুক্ত করুন যা মৃত ব্যক্তির চরিত্র, মূল্যবোধ এবং অন্যদের উপর প্রভাব তুলে ধরে। এই উপাখ্যানগুলি তাদের জীবন উদযাপন করে এবং দর্শকদের সাথে একটি সংযোগ তৈরি করে।
• কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করুন: যারা মৃত ব্যক্তি এবং তাদের পরিবারকে সমর্থন করেছেন, তাদের যত্নশীল, বন্ধুবান্ধব এবং প্রিয়জনদের ধন্যবাদ। কৃতজ্ঞতা প্রকাশ করা সম্প্রদায়কে স্বীকৃতি দেয় যা মৃত ব্যক্তিকে ঘিরে থাকে এবং যারা শোকাহত তাদের সান্ত্বনা দেয়।
• দুঃখ স্বীকার করুন: দুঃখ ও ক্ষতির কথা খোলাখুলিভাবে জানান, এবং একত্রিত হয়ে সম্প্রদায়ের শক্তি প্রদর্শন করতে ভুলবেন না। উপরন্তু, দুঃখ স্বীকার করা উপস্থিতদের আবেগকে বৈধ করতে সাহায্য করে।
• একটি উত্তোলনকারী উপসংহার দিয়ে শেষ করুন: একটি অর্থপূর্ণ উদ্ধৃতি, কবিতা বা বার্তা দিয়ে শেষ করুন যা মৃত ব্যক্তির জীবনকে প্রতিফলিত করে বা আশা দেয়। এটি শ্রোতাদের বন্ধ করার অনুভূতি এবং শ্রদ্ধার একটি দীর্ঘস্থায়ী স্মৃতি নিয়ে চলে যায়।

বক্তৃতা লেখার সময় যে বিষয়গুলো এড়িয়ে চলতে হবে

আপনার বক্তৃতা লেখার সময় আপনি যাতে বড় ভুল না করেন তা নিশ্চিত করার জন্য বেশ কিছু জিনিস এড়িয়ে চলাই ভালো। এটি নিশ্চিত করে যে আপনি তা করবেন না আপনার লেখায় মেজাজ আহ্বান করুন যে ভুল টোন সেট করে।

আপনার বক্তৃতাকে অত্যধিক তথ্য দিয়ে ওভারলোড করা এড়াতে ভুলবেন না, কারণ এটি আপনার শ্রোতাদের অভিভূত করতে পারে এবং আপনার মূল পয়েন্টগুলিকে পাতলা করতে পারে। পরিবর্তে, কয়েকটি মূল ধারণায় লেগে থাকুন এবং সেগুলিকে ভেবেচিন্তে বিকাশ করুন।

অতিরিক্তভাবে, নিশ্চিত করুন যে আপনার বক্তৃতার একটি ভূমিকা, মূল অংশ এবং উপসংহার সহ একটি পরিষ্কার কাঠামো রয়েছে। সংগঠনের অভাব শ্রোতাদের বিভ্রান্ত করতে পারে এবং আপনার সামগ্রিক বার্তাকে দুর্বল করে দিতে পারে।

খুব সাধারণ হওয়া এড়াতেও এটি অপরিহার্য। এটি ঠিক করার জন্য, আপনাকে নির্দিষ্ট শ্রোতা এবং উপলক্ষ্যের সাথে আপনার বক্তৃতা তৈরি করতে হবে। এটি এটিকে প্রাসঙ্গিক এবং সম্পর্কিত করে তোলে। উপরন্তু, ক্লিচ এবং অতি পরিচিত বাক্যাংশ থেকে দূরে থাকুন, যা আপনার বক্তৃতাকে অনুপ্রাণিত বোধ করতে পারে।

সচরাচর জিজ্ঞাস্য

আমি কিভাবে আমার বক্তৃতা গঠন করব.

একটি স্পষ্ট ভূমিকা, মূল অংশ এবং উপসংহার দিয়ে আপনার বক্তৃতা সংগঠিত করুন। ভূমিকাটি প্রসঙ্গ সেট করে এবং মূল অংশটি সমর্থনকারী বিবরণ সহ আপনার প্রধান পয়েন্টগুলিকে কভার করে। তারপর, উপসংহারটি আপনার বার্তাটিকে সংক্ষিপ্ত করে এবং শক্তিশালী করে।

এই যৌক্তিক প্রবাহ স্পষ্টতা নিশ্চিত করে এবং দর্শকদের অনুসরণ করতে সাহায্য করে। তদ্ব্যতীত, প্রতিটি অংশের বক্তৃতা জুড়ে একটি সুসংহত বর্ণনা বজায় রাখার জন্য মসৃণভাবে স্থানান্তর করা উচিত।

আমি কিভাবে আমার দর্শকদের নিযুক্ত রাখতে পারি?

আপনার টোন পরিবর্তন করে, অঙ্গভঙ্গি ব্যবহার করে এবং চোখের যোগাযোগের মাধ্যমে আপনার শ্রোতাদের জড়িত করুন। তদ্ব্যতীত, তাদের আগ্রহী রাখতে সম্পর্কিত উপাখ্যান, হাস্যরস এবং অলঙ্কৃত প্রশ্নগুলি অন্তর্ভুক্ত করুন।

আপনি শ্রোতাদের সরাসরি সম্বোধন করে বা ইন্টারেক্টিভ উপাদান ব্যবহার করে জড়িত করতে পারেন। সামগ্রিকভাবে, একটি আকর্ষক বক্তৃতা গতিশীল এবং প্রাণবন্ত এবং শ্রোতাদের সাথে আবেগগত স্তরে সংযোগ স্থাপন করে।

আমার বক্তৃতা কতক্ষণ হওয়া উচিত?

সংক্ষিপ্ত কিন্তু প্রভাবশালী একটি বক্তৃতা লক্ষ্য করুন এবং বিভিন্ন ব্যবহারের ক্ষেত্রে দৈর্ঘ্য পরিবর্তিত হবে। বেশিরভাগ বক্তৃতা পাঁচ থেকে 10 মিনিটের মধ্যে স্থায়ী হওয়া উচিত। আপনার বক্তৃতা এই সময়সীমার মধ্যে থাকে তা নিশ্চিত করতে অনুশীলন করতে ভুলবেন না।

আপনার বার্তা কার্যকরভাবে পৌঁছে দেওয়ার সময় একটি ভাল গতিশীল এবং ফোকাসড বক্তৃতা শ্রোতাদের সময়কে সম্মান করে। এছাড়াও, বিষয়বস্তু প্রাসঙ্গিক এবং উদ্দেশ্যপূর্ণ রাখতে বিশদ বিবরণের সাথে ওভারলোডিং এড়িয়ে চলুন।

কথা বলার সময় আমি কীভাবে নার্ভাসনেস কাটিয়ে উঠতে পারি?

আপনার বক্তৃতা একাধিকবার অনুশীলন করে নার্ভাসনেসের বিরুদ্ধে লড়াই করুন, যেহেতু আপনার বিষয়বস্তুর সাথে পরিচিতি আত্মবিশ্বাস বাড়ায়। এছাড়াও, শ্বাস প্রশ্বাসের ব্যায়াম, ইতিবাচক দৃষ্টিভঙ্গি এবং একটি হাসি দিয়ে শুরু করা স্নায়ুকে শান্ত করতেও সাহায্য করতে পারে।

মনে রাখবেন যে নার্ভাস বোধ করা স্বাভাবিক, এবং আপনি শুরু করার পরে এটি সাধারণত চলে যাবে। অনুশীলন নিখুঁত করে তোলে, তাই আয়নার সামনে পড়ার মাধ্যমে উন্নতি করতে থাকুন।

কিভাবে আমি আমার বক্তৃতা আরো স্মরণীয় করতে পারি?

শক্তিশালী গল্প, প্রাণবন্ত চিত্র এবং একটি শক্তিশালী সমাপনী বিবৃতি ব্যবহার করে আপনার বক্তৃতাকে স্মরণীয় করে তুলুন। তদুপরি, সম্পর্কিত উদাহরণ, সময়োপযোগী হাস্যরস এবং মানসিক আবেদনও সাহায্য করে।

একটি স্মরণীয় বক্তৃতা গভীর স্তরে শ্রোতাদের সাথে অনুরণিত হয়ে একটি স্থায়ী ছাপ ফেলে। অবশেষে, আপনার মূল বার্তাকে শক্তিশালী করার জন্য একটি কল টু অ্যাকশন বা একটি অনুপ্রেরণামূলক উদ্ধৃতি দিয়ে শেষ করার কথা বিবেচনা করুন।

Smodin AI দিয়ে আপনার বক্তৃতা লিখুন

বক্তৃতা লেখার এই নিবন্ধের টিপস আপনাকে ব্যাপক উন্নতি করতে সাহায্য করবে। যাইহোক, এটি নিখুঁত করার জন্য আপনাকে সম্পাদনা করতে হবে এবং জোরে জোরে পড়তে হবে। এছাড়াও, বক্তৃতা নিজেই বিতরণ সম্পর্কে ভুলবেন না. এর কারণ হল সেরা লেখা বক্তৃতাগুলিও খারাপ ডেলিভারির সাথে ভালভাবে গ্রহণ করা হয় না।

এখন আপনি কীভাবে একটি বক্তৃতা লিখতে জানেন তা আপনি কীভাবে চালিয়ে যাচ্ছেন তা দেখতে নিজের জন্য চেষ্টা করুন। বাধার সম্মুখীন হলে, ভালো ফলাফলের জন্য এই প্রবন্ধে উপদেশ দিতে ভুলবেন না। আপনি দেখতে পাবেন যে সামান্য অনুশীলনের মাধ্যমে আশ্চর্যজনক বক্তৃতা তৈরি করা সম্ভব।

বিজয়ী বক্তৃতা লিখতে আপনার কি আরও সাহায্যের প্রয়োজন আছে? তারপর স্মোডিন এআই ব্যবহার করুন সেরা টুলের জন্য বক্তৃতা লেখার জন্য যা যেকোনো লক্ষ্য শ্রোতাদের সাথে চিহ্ন হিট করবে। আমাদের AI টুলের একটি স্বজ্ঞাত ইউজার ইন্টারফেস এবং আশ্চর্যজনক নির্ভুলতা রয়েছে।

তাহলে তুমি কিসের জন্য অপেক্ষা করছ? Smodin AI আজই ব্যবহার করে দেখুন এবং যেকোনো অনুষ্ঠানের জন্য দুর্দান্ত বক্তৃতা লিখুন।

164th Augustana Commencement address, May 25, 2024

Remarks from President Andrea Talentino

Congratulations to all today’s graduates. Congratulations for all you have achieved over the last four years, and the many ways in which you have grown, developed, and defined yourself. This is an exciting and hard-earned day. Welcome to all the family and friends, faculty, staff, and trustees who have made this day possible in one way or another. Welcome also to our speaker and her family  and loved ones.

Today is a day of great celebration. Today is also a day to think soberly about the world you are now meeting as a full-fledged adult. It is a world of unrest, division, and confrontation. It is also a world in which democracy, what many of us think of as the bedrock of this nation and a beneficial trend for the world, is increasingly in decline. 

An article from earlier this year confirmed that democracy’s appeal around the world is ebbing. A majority of randomly chosen citizens surveyed in 24 countries expressed dissatisfaction with how democracy is working in their own country. Although a majority still said democracy was a good system of government, the number rating it as very good had declined (Ricardo, 2024). Websites warning of a threat to democracy, not just in the United States but around the world, are easy to find. The CIVICA alliance in Europe describes democracy in our era as volatile and declining in quality. At the same time, it argues that the potential for democratic reform is higher than ever. That is why I raise this topic today, because I know that you, the Augustana graduates of 2024, are precisely the people to grapple with this conundrum.

Almost 35 years ago, Samuel Huntington, a professor at Harvard, published a book titled The Third Wave: Democratization in the Late Twentieth Century , describing the rapid expansion of democracy in the last quarter of the twentieth century. Between 1974 and 1990 at least 30 countries had transitioned to democracy, roughly doubling the number of democracies in the world. The number increased even more between the year Huntington’s book was published, 1991, and the turn of the millennium in 2000. 

Huntington described the first wave of democratization as beginning in the 1820s with the widening of suffrage in the United States and continuing until 1926, producing 29 democracies in that time. A reverse wave briefly gripped the world over the period of the two world wars, reducing the number of democracies to 12 by 1942. But the aftermath of World War II saw a second great wave, driven primarily by decolonization, that peaked in the early 1960s and produced an additional 30 democracies worldwide by the early 1970s. 

The Third Wave began in the 1970s, fueled by economic growth, the decline in legitimacy of authoritarian regimes, and the Catholic Church’s increasing commitment to opposing authoritarianism. It gained strength at the tail end of the century as the end of the Cold War opened the potential for liberalizing transitions. Although scholars have continued to argue about Huntington’s thesis and definitions, the essential concept of democratic waves has been reaffirmed numerous times, as has the continuing, if gradual, expansion of democracies worldwide into the early 21st century. 

The wave concept is important because it means that democratic transitions tend to be clustered in space and time rather than occurring randomly. Unfortunately, based on Huntington’s findings, reverse waves are similar. Even by 2000, a little before most of our graduates today were born, there was evidence that we might be entering a reverse wave, a trend that is easily confirmed today. Freedom House defined 2023 as the “18th consecutive year of decline in global freedom” and estimates that only 20 percent of the world now lives in what are classified as free countries. 

This reverse wave has been long and consistent. Just as expanding economic prosperity once fueled democracy’s expansion, rising inequality and economic stagnation now contribute to its decline. Societies are fracturing, even in traditionally stable countries. Economic crisis is a significant contributor to the decline of pluralism, which Freedom House defines as the peaceful coexistence of people with different political ideas, religions, or ethnic identities, and identifies as the largest cause for democracy’s ebbing strength and appeal. 

As recently as 2005, Freedom House described the world as becoming consistently more free, with just over 80 countries that year improving their level of freedom. The trend since has been all negative, with freedom declining in 55 countries in 2023 and improving in only 20. 

The topic of how democracy rises and falls, not only around the globe but in the United States, should interest you because this is the primary question that your adult years are likely to engage, in one way or another. In the United States we have taken the solidity of our democracy for granted, believing that the commitment to our Constitution and rule of law will ensure sustainability. Yet we see almost daily how the questions that animated the creation of the Constitution remain deeply contested today, 235 years later. Combined with economic challenge and overall uncertainty, they can push us away from democratic behaviors as surely as we were once pushed toward them. 

Since the earliest days of our nation, before it even was a republic, we have grappled with the question of how to give government enough authority while not giving it too much. Our earliest attempt at government, the Articles of Confederation, failed in that regard by making the central government too weak, so that the new country was composed of states that were not united and could manage their affairs in ways that were detrimental to other states. The Constitution began the process of changing that by establishing a stronger central government, but even then, the balance of power between federal and state authority was a source of contention. It was not until 1819, in the case of McCullough v. Maryland, that federal law was clearly articulated as paramount over state law. It was not until a century later, in the 1920s, that a series of court cases asserted that the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, what we know as the Bill of Rights, could be enforced against state governments. 

Other pieces of American democracy evolved as well. The expansion of voting rights is one example. Rules preventing monopoly and establishing regulations that limit corruption in every area from corporations to transportation to business practices, are another. Landmark Supreme Court cases on topics such as civil rights, disability access, education, and the rights of the accused are yet another. In all cases we have tended to assume that the natural trend is to become more democratic, more open, more just, more equitable.

But the earliest articulations of political philosophy did not see democracy as a natural good, or a positive path of evolution. In the ancient Greek world, where democracy was born, two of the most seminal political philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, believed democracy was fundamentally flawed and even, in Aristotle’s view, a deviant form of more desirable systems. Although they recognized the potential benefits of democratic rule, they also viewed it as potentially dangerous. 

For Aristotle, the major problem with democracy was that it could too easily neglect community and commitment to serving the common good. While he clearly believed that the mass of citizens should have the right to rule a political entity, he also believed that the mass would pursue its own interests to the detriment of overall good. He feared the tyranny of the majority, particularly a majority without a strong public interest. 

Aristotle raised the central tension that we still struggle with, the issue of whether “justness” of rule resides in the system that produces it or the substantive elements it contains. 

Plato similarly had little faith in democracy because he believed it provided excessive freedom and catered too much to individual interests, which would likely lead either to anarchy or the rise of tyrants and demogogues. He warned that democracy would lead to ineffective and selfish leaders who were expert at catering to popular opinion but not at leading a nation, a criticism we may recognize today. 

And while Plato believed perhaps too much in the value of experts, he argued that effective leadership required both broad knowledge and particular understanding of the workings and needs of a polity, and for that reason he viewed democracy as dangerous. He did not trust that enough people had those skills and he doubted the ability of leaders to lead well. Aristotle was slightly more optimistic as he believed that democracy might be shaped and limited in some ways—he probably would have liked our Electoral College for example—but still considered its success unlikely because he believed few would accept or support limitation. 

The concerns of both philosophers recall Alexis de Tocqueville’s statement in his book Democracy in America , “Nothing is more wonderful than the art of being free, but nothing is harder to learn how to use than freedom.”   

This is the complex world you are entering as Augustana graduates. A world that is uncertain about and frustrated by the progress of democracy. A world in which many countries, not just our own, are questioning their social, economic, and political foundations and looking with trepidation at the accelerating impact of technology. It is also a world that you are more than ready for, and I for one am glad that you are the people who will take the lead, over the next decades, in addressing all these challenges. 

You have shown, over the last four years, not only the traits that we always expect from Augustana Vikings—a willingness to think deeply and carefully about issues, the curiosity to look beyond the easy answers, a sensitivity to those whose experience is different from your own and a desire to embrace different perspectives to build better solutions. But you have also shown, repeatedly, a commitment to work with and for others.

Your parents will be happy to know, and you will not be surprised to learn, that these are exactly the skills that employers seek, which is why I have faith in our future. Because as you step into your new roles, you will shape that future. I will also note that these are the habits that Aristotle and Plato most feared were lacking in citizens. Aristotle feared group think and Plato feared lack of ability. You are living proof that neither need be decisive in the progress of global democracy, because you are not only committed to the good of the whole but you also bring the expertise and depth of thinking that is needed to lead well. 

At the same time, you will be tested. As you already know, the pressures to endorse a particular view, to conform to a party line, to reduce complexity to the sharpest shades of black and white, are immense. You will need to continually orient those around you to accepting complexity when they crave simplicity. 

The difficult questions that we face today will not fade away. Whether considering the evolution of democracy or the most vexing questions of climate change, you will be faced constantly with the need to determine what you believe and why. Do not shy away from that. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “When you have decided what you believe, what you feel must be done, have the courage to stand alone and be counted.” Know that your expertise, and your commitment to community, and your leadership, are essential for the success of democracy and are needed now more than ever. 

Pauli Murray an activist, writer, attorney, and eventual Episcopal priest, once remarked that their personal quest for equality was never successful, but that “I have lived to see the thesis that I was operating upon vindicated.” Born in 1910, they were arrested 15 years before Rosa Parks for refusing to give up their seat on a segregated bus. They were denied admission to the University of North Carolina law school because of their race. They were rejected from Harvard because of their gender. 

So Murray went to Howard. They wrote a book, States’ Laws on Race and Color , that Thurgood Marshall used in preparing to argue Brown v Board of Education at the Supreme Court. Eventually they became the first black deputy attorney general of the state of California, the first black person to earn a JSD, Doctor of Juridical Science, at Yale University, and were appointed by President John F. Kennedy to the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women.

Like Pauli Murray, not every effort you undertake will be successful. But know that when it isn’t, you are still laying the groundwork for others to take up the cause, whatever it may be. Pauli Murray stood, sometimes alone, and they counted. Even when their efforts failed, they remained a tireless advocate for racial, gender, and what we now recognize as LGBTQ rights. They said, “Hope is a song in a weary throat,” and I encourage you to contribute to that song, no matter how weary your own throat may be, because your excellence will inspire others.

You know several things from your time at Augustana. First, that commitment to community makes us better. It may make solutions more complex, it may slow how we approach a problem, but envisioning how we can contribute to others is the backbone of a Lutheran education and the centerpiece of much that you have done here. Do not forget that. Second, that a strong community is composed of a variety of views and experiences, some of which are easy for us to understand and some of which are not. But the combination of the whole brings better ideas and better initiatives, so our commitment must be to embrace the unfamiliar and the different. 

And third, you know that the answers that count most are never easy. If it seems simple then your answer is probably simplistic, and not worthy of the problem. If the basic questions of democratic governance were easy, we would not have needed to debate them over thousands of years. 

We stand, globally, at a historic moment. Do we continue to slide backwards, focused on recrimination, division, and insularity, or do we move forward to revive the push for greater equality, greater freedoms, better societies? One thing is clear. Citizens matter. Each wave of democratization has been characterized by citizens stepping up to demand more and better, and holding their governments to account. Each reverse wave has been characterized by governments exerting increasing power at the expense of citizens, and citizens, in turn, both promoting and accepting that shift. 

Congratulations, Augustana graduates of 2024. You have done great things while on our campus. As you leave campus, remember this: Eighteen years of declining democracy is enough. Use your freedom wisely. The fourth wave of democratization is yours, as long as you stand to be counted. 

Thank you. 

Murray, P. 2018. Song in a Weary Throat . Liveright. 

Riccardi, N. 2024. Democracy’s appeal is slipping as nations across much of the world hold elections, a poll finds. Associated Press. Accessed 5/10/2024.

Roosevelt, E. The Eleanor Roosevelt Papers Digital Edition (2017) . accessed 5/15/2024.

De Tocqueville, A. 2002. Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop, translators. Democracy in America . Chicago: University of Chicago Press.