how to write your speech for class president

How to Write a Class President Speech

23 jul 2018.

If you are running for class president, you will need to write a speech to deliver to the student body. You will want your speech to be unique and different to set you apart from the other candidates. How do you figure out what to say in a class president speech? How should you organize it? How long should it be? Some of these questions will be answered by your principal or the student council sponsor, but general speech writing tips also apply to writing a campaign speech. Reviewing class officer speech examples online can also provide you with ideas for writing and organizing a standard campaign speech.

Explore this article

• Thank Your Listeners
• Use an Attention Grabber
• Suggest Possible School Improvements
• Present Possible Solutions
• Mention Impressive Accomplishment

1 Thank Your Listeners

Start with a thank you to those present. You will want to thank the student body, the principal, the faculty, your fellow candidates and any other guests who may be present before you begin your actual speech. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to share your views and ideas for their consideration.

2 Use an Attention Grabber

Tell a joke or story or present a quote to introduce your speech. You want to catch people's attention and show that your speech is not going to just be another boring, regular speech. Try to pick a story or quote that captures the spirit of your campaign.

3 Suggest Possible School Improvements

Introduce problems that you know are on the minds of the student body. What are the changes that your fellow classmates want to see in your school? The body of your class president speech should focus on these issues. For example, do students want juice machines available in between classes? Are students interested in organizing an after-school intramural league? The issues on which the students are focused should be addressed in your class president promises.

4 Present Possible Solutions

Offer solutions to the problems. Be careful -- you do not want to make a bunch of empty class president promises. For example, if students want 15 minutes between classes, but teachers and parents don't want to extend the school day, can you really do this? No. If problems exist that you have no answer or solution for, you may not want to list them in your speech. You could also make a statement indicating you are aware of these special problems, and you will brainstorm solutions or work toward a compromise with involved parties; however, you can't promise results at this time. It is better to be honest than to promise things you can't fulfill.

5 Mention Impressive Accomplishment

State your activities throughout the speech. You do not want to bore students with a long list of all your accomplishments and activities, but you do want to work them into your speech. For example, if you have played varsity basketball for three years, you could say something like, "Since I have played basketball during high school, I know how to work as a team. I want to put a team of students together to work on a recycling program in our school cafeteria." Just make sure to be yourself and be honest during your class president speech to show that you are genuine and sincere. Don't be shy in asking for their vote.

• Be sure not to offend anyone with your comments.
• 1 Best Speech Student Council Speech Sample
• 2 Write-Out-Loud: Student Council Speeches
• 3 Patrick Henry College: 5 Tips for Succeeding in Student Council Elections!

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, how to win a student election, by a former class president.

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Hoping to be your class president? Winning the position takes a lot of work, but you can absolutely make it happen. Why should you trust me? I was my Junior Class President and Student Government President my senior year, so I know what it takes to get there. In this article, I've outlined every step you need to take to become class president: starting with just getting on student council freshman year, all the way through running in a big election as a senior. 

Why Do You Want to Be Class President?

Before I talk about how to get elected, I want you   to think about why you want to become class president. Do you want to improve school dances? Do you want to have a wider variety of school lunch options? Create a class field trip? Start a fundraiser?

All of these reasons are legitimate. You need to figure out what your own goal is. If you're having trouble, sit down and brainstorm. Think about all the events your student government plans. Which did you attend? Were there issues at these events? What could have been done better? Is it something you could change? This brainstorming should lead you to some ideas of why you want to become president of your class or school.

Why do you need a reason to want to be class president? It'll keep you motivated during your campaign, and it'll help you explain to your classmates why they should vote for you. I'll delve into this in-depth later on in this article. 

First, I'll go over the two major steps you need to follow in order to run a successful campaign.

Step 1: Start Early

If you want to be president of your class or high school some day, you need to start working towards that goal early.

Plan to join student council your freshman year, but don’t expect to be elected president.  Freshman student council elections are usually a mess. Freshman elections typically happen within a month of starting school, so no one knows each other. The person elected president is usually the person whose name other students have heard the most. It’s not usually based on competence or trust.

My recommendation for freshman student council elections: Run for one of the “smaller” offices such as secretary or treasurer.  There is usually less competition for these positions, so you’ll have a better shot of being elected.  During freshman year, your aim should just be to get on the council. Once you're on it, you’ll be able to prove your effectiveness as a leader and can start the climb towards president. I was elected Freshman Treasurer, and then Sophomore Vice President, and then Junior Class President.

But by starting early, I don’t just mean joining the council early...

Step 2: Maintain Relationships

You need to work from the start to build relationships with your classmates so that they know and trust you. This is the most important step to becoming Class President.

Students want to elect someone they like and know is competent.  Be a leader in the classroom. Participate in class discussions and get good grades, it’s how you’ll prove your competence. Don’t be the class clown or the student who’s always on their cell phone or asleep.

Interact with the students around you.  Sit with different groups at lunch. Talk to them about their concerns and what changes they’d like to see happen at the school.

If you’re not currently on student council, ask if you can attend their meetings.  Some student councils allow students who’re interested in joining to sit in on their meetings, and some host an occasional meeting (monthly, bi-monthly, annual, etc.) for students who’re not on the council to voice their concerns and ideas.

Also, if you’re not currently on student council, ask members of student council if they need help with their events.  It’s a great way to test out student council to see if it’s right for you, and it's also a great way to show you’re fit to be on student council/leading student council.

With my advice, you won't be quite so lonely!

How to Run a Winning Election

The two steps I mentioned above will start you on the path to becoming president of your class, but to run a winning election you’ll need to do more.

#1: Get Your Name Out There

To win an election, you need to market yourself.  Start by creating a slogan, even if it’s as simple as “Lauren for Junior Class President.” You want to use one slogan for your campaign that will be used on all of your marketing materials so that your name becomes recognizable. If you don't come up with one slogan and instead use multiple slogans or designs, people may get confused. You want one good slogan that you'll use across all of your material to ensure a clear, focused campaign that'll create name recognition. Think about all of the US presidential campaigns; the posters always have one design from which they never stray.  

#2: Put Up Posters With Your Slogan

The posters can be super simple; even just a print out of the slogan on normal computer paper will work. However, you should have a lot of them.  The exact number will vary proportionally to the number of students in your class (or school, if you’re running for the overall Student Government President). What I mean by that is if your class has 100 students, 10 posters may be enough, but if you have 1000 students in your class, you may want to put up 50 or more posters. Count on some posters being ripped down or disappearing. Most schools have rules against this, but it’s hard to catch someone ripping down a poster. Plan on making extras.

#3: Create Something to Hand Out 

This can be a sticker, button, pencil, etc. You can make these super cheaply by buying labels, printing your slogan onto the labels, and handing them out as “stickers” or putting these labels onto pencils. Again, as I said for posters, the number of handouts you should make will vary based on the number of students in your class or school. If you can afford it, I’d recommend making at least one sticker/handout per student in your class.  The campaigns usually last multiple days, so try to make sure you have enough handouts to give a second sticker or pencil to other students who may misplace the first.

NOTE: You may not be able to use all of my suggestions above. Different schools have different campaign rules. For example, some schools don’t allow you to hand anything out. Check with a teacher or school administrator to make sure you know what the rules are.

What’s the Point of Marketing Yourself? 

You won’t win an election if people don’t know who you are and why you’re running. As I said before, students want to elect people they like and know are competent. Even if you’re a leader in the classroom and getting good grades, if you’re in a class of 1000, you may not know half of your classmates. You want the other half of students who don’t know you personally to know your name and to talk about you with their friends.

Posters help create name visibility.  People will start to recognize your name and will hopefully start to talk to their friends about you. 

Handouts (i.e. stickers or pencils) also help create name visibility and offer you an opportunity to meet more students you don’t know.  At lunch time, travel around your cafeteria, walk up to people you don’t know and ask if they’d like a sticker or pencil . It’s a GREAT excuse to talk to people and will give you an opportunity to convince them to vote for you. 

Make sure you tell them why you want to be president. As I mentioned earlier, whatever reason you decided to run (whether it was to improve school dances or improve the lunch menu) tell it to them! Ask them what they’d like to see happen at the school next year. Show them you’ll be a good listener as well as a good leader!

#4: Ace Your Campaign Speech

Some schools have candidates give speeches or debate.   My school did not. If your school allows you to give a speech, definitely do so!

Here are my recommended points to hit in your speech/debate.

• Introduce yourself (It may seem obvious, but it will help students who may not know you).
• “Hi, I’m Lauren Jones, and I’m running for Junior Class President.”
• Say why you want to be president and why you’re qualified. Your qualifications will be  a combination of personal characteristics and past experiences and successes.
• “I'm responsible and a good listener. I served as Sophomore Class VP and fundraised more than $1,000 for the Red Cross.”
• State your platform (what you plan to do differently).
• “I plan to move our school dance to the Marriott Ballroom instead of our gym.”
• Say how you plan to accomplish your goals.
• “I will raise the money to move our dance to the Marriott Ballroom by hosting a school-wide bake sale.”
• End with your campaign slogan.
• “Remember, Lauren for Junior Class President.”  

These should be the main points you hit, but I’d recommend injecting some humor into it to make it more interesting. However, your speech should not be too long (I’d recommend 2-3 minutes maximum).  Make it concise and to the point or you’ll lose your audience.

If you market yourself well along with starting early, building a solid reputation, and maintaining relationships, you'll have yourself a winning campaign!

What’s Next?

If you’re interested in becoming class president in part to put it on your college application, you should learn about what makes an amazing extracurricular activity for your college applications . Also, you should learn  how many extracurricular activities you need for college.

Interested in learning about other great extracurricular opportunities? Learn more about job shadowing , community service , and volunteer abroad programs.

Aiming to get into Harvard and the Ivy League? Read our  How to Get Into Harvard guide  for everything you need to know to get accepted.

As an SAT/ACT tutor, Dora has guided many students to test prep success. She loves watching students succeed and is committed to helping you get there. Dora received a full-tuition merit based scholarship to University of Southern California. She graduated magna cum laude and scored in the 99th percentile on the ACT. She is also passionate about acting, writing, and photography.

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Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

Whether you want to be president or head up PR, we've got you covered with tips and example student council speeches.

Lori personal and professional experiences have helped her cultivate a broad writing portfolio, spanning publications on subjects like education and parenting.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Kate is an experienced writer who has written hundreds of articles for publication.

Getting involved in student council is an amazing way to have a little extra influence in your school, but you have to win an election to get that influence. If you want to convince people to vote for you, you'll need a great student council speech that they'll remember on election day.

Serving on your school's student council gives you a say in student activities and a voice with the school administration, and that's a pretty big deal. It also looks good on college applications. However, to make it onto the student council, you'll first need to give a speech and gather votes from the other students. We've got you covered with writing tips, examples, and ideas to give you tons of extra confidence (and hopefully that win you want).

Winning Student Council Speech Ideas

You've probably done a little (or a lot) of persuasive writing in your classes, and you can totally build on that to write a great speech. You'll also want to make your speech memorable and fun to listen to since you need these kids to think of you when it's time to vote.

• Funny Student Council Speech Ideas to Help Everyone Relate to You
• Tips for a Winning Student Council Speech for Treasurer
• Self-Introduction Speech Examples & Tips to Help You Be Confident & Calm

Use these suggestions to help you craft a speech they'll never forget. It's important that you make sure your speech suits your school and position.

Open With a Humorous Story

Start your speech with something that will make everyone laugh . That can be a joke or a hilarious anecdote — there are no wrong answers as long as you amuse people and don't offend them.

• Funny Intro Ideas for Student Council Speeches

Tell What You've Done Already

Next, you need to establish your credibility. Why should people vote for you? Why are you awesome at this role already? Show off your leadership experience and your connections to people in the school or community.

Explain the Role You're Running For

At this point in the speech, you want to clearly state what you want people to do. Tell them what student council role you're hoping to get and that you will do well in this position.

Keep your speech short and to the point and be honest about why you'd like the position regardless of whether it's a big or smaller role. For smaller roles, such as sergeant-at-arms, auditors, or public relations, hone in on what qualifications you have and use vivid examples to keep your audience interested.

Clearly Ask for Their Vote

Finally, you need to make sure you clearly ask people to vote for you. Mention the election day specifically. It's also nice if you offer to answer any questions or chat with people one-on-one.

Make Your Student Council Speech Stand Out

While there are certain traits and promises the student body expects from every candidate's speech, they want to choose one person who stands out from the crowd. Even if you're running for a smaller position, such as a PR officer or sergeant-at-arms, you may need to make a great speech as well in order to get elected. Make your speech the most memorable one in the room.

• Grab a thesaurus and look for synonyms of common words used to describe the position you're running for. When all the other secretarial candidates talk about their attention to detail, you can use words like "meticulous" or "assiduous" to sound different.
• Include visuals like props, a themed outfit, or specific hand gestures to give your speech a multidimensional feel.
• Choose a speech theme to structure your presentation like a specific social media platform, a historical event, or a particular sport. Look for a theme that relates well to the role you want.
• Invent a catchphrase that captures the spirit of your speech to keep the student body talking about it all the way to the polls.
• Add sound effects, song lyrics, or music to give the speech more life.

Student Council Speech Examples for Each Role

Get inspired to write the perfect speech with these examples for each major role. Whether you're hoping to be president or secretary, these samples can help you get started writing your own speech.

Sample Speech for President

Hello, my name is John Doe and I'm a junior. I'm not the type of student who will lead a senior prank or skip class with you, but that probably isn't what you want in a class president anyway. What I do offer is steadfastness, hard work, and the ability to work with others even during difficult circumstances while still keeping a sense of humor.

Last year, when the cafeteria stopped serving the salad bar, I was able to get it reinstated by starting a petition, having many of you sign it, and taking it to Principal Smith. Because we worked together, we were able to bring the salad bar back, and now it's better than ever.

During the last three years at Sample High School, I've been involved in many activities. I've played basketball, spent a short time in the school band, worked on various committees, and helped tutor students after school. Last year, I was adopted into the National Honor Society and started an after school club for airplane enthusiasts that meets once a week.

As your student council president, I vow to end all homework. Just kidding. I can't do that, but what I can do is be your voice with the school administration and work to make this the best year Sample High has ever had. I will introduce ideas for events, such as dances after high school basketball games, and we'll work together to help the community through volunteer work and showing them just how dedicated the students at Sample High are.

I would appreciate your vote for president. If elected, I will continue to fight for the things that are important to students, no matter how big or small they might be. Let's work together to make our stamp on this community and on the world.

If you're running for the highest role in your class or school, your speech really needs to stand out. This is the most competitive race, so make sure you leave people with a clear idea of who you are and what you want to do.

Vice President Speech Example

Instead of starting with my name and what I'm running for, at which point you'll tune me out and start looking at the smudge on your left shoe, I am going to tell you my favorite memory so far from high school. On my first day at Sample High School, I had no idea how to get to my classes. This school is big, and I was lost.

On top of that, I was rushing around trying to find my class and tripped and fell flat on the floor in front of the cutest guy I'd ever seen. Not only was he nice enough to help me up, but several other students rushed to help me, got me to my classroom, and made me feel better about how goofy I was. That was the moment I fell in love with Sample High School. We all help each other and you don't find that just anywhere.

One of the reasons I'm running for Vice President of the student council is that I want to give back to the high school I love so much. I want to be that friendly face for new students coming in and a defender for students already here.

During the last two years, I've prepared myself to serve as Vice President by taking on extra work organizing a fan club for our football players to cheer them on when they play at home and make sure our school is represented in the stands at every away game. I've spent time as an office aid, learning about the everyday running of the school and silently taking notes on what we as students can do to improve things and how we can work with the administration.

As your Vice President, I will stand beside your president, offering support and stepping in when she is not able to be here or asks for some extra help. I'll sit on the student council and get actively involved in planning prom , graduation, and homecoming. I will always be here to listen to your concerns or to help you off the floor should you fall flat on your face like I did.

I am asking for your vote for VP of the student council. I love this school. I want to be helpful, and I want us all to build memories we'll remember and treasure forever. Now, if I can just get off this stage without falling on my face, I'll be in good shape.

A vice presidential speech needs to be highly effective to gain student confidence. This means you need to grab their attention and keep it throughout the speech, as well as clearly telling your audience what you want to accomplish.

Secretary Election Speech Sample

Today, I want to tell you something about me that you might not know. From the time I was five years old, I've been taking guitar lessons. I don't play in a band and I don't take music classes at school, but every night when I get home, I pick up my Fender and I relieve any stress from the day by playing a few of my favorite classic rock songs.

Learning to play a musical instrument takes a lot of time and stubbornness. There are times when I just wanted to quit because my fingers were raw from trying to learn a new chord or that song just didn't sound right. However, I stuck with it until I overcame the challenge and that is exactly what I'll do as your secretary. If there is an issue that needs to be solved, I won't quit until we figure out a solution. I will bring your concerns to the other council members, and like learning a new chord, I will stick with that concern until we figure it out.

I would like your vote for secretary of the student council. You never know, I may even bring my guitar to a student council meeting or two and just set it by my side as a reminder of why we need to work hard to achieve worthwhile things.

In your secretary speech, explain why you are perfect for the role. Highlight your organizational skills, perseverance, and ability to get along with everyone.

Treasurer Election Speech Example

Those of you who already know me probably know that math is my favorite subject. I'm proud of my inner geek, and I think it makes me perfect for the job of Treasurer. The student council treasurer is in charge of keeping track of money and numbers, so this role is a perfect fit for me and I've decided to run for the position.

I've been a member of Jackson High's Mathletes for the last two years. In case you're not familiar with this group, we are a group of students who love math and go out and compete in events. We've won state twice in the last three years. I also am a member of the orchestra. We perform throughout the school year and at school basketball games.

The student council treasurer has to be good at math to keep track of all those numbers. Vote for me, and I'll make sure our numbers add up. I'll also have fun doing it because I'm just crazy enough to love numbers.

• Example Student Council Speech for Treasurer & Tips to Write Yours

A class treasurer needs to show his or her trustworthiness and math abilities during the speech.

Example Speech for Any Student Council Role

Many of you probably know me best for tripping over my feet and falling face-first off the stage during prom. Once I got over that embarrassment, I decided I could face you here today.

From the first day I arrived at Sample High School, I knew I wanted to become more involved. From serving on the school newspaper as the Features Editor to helping plan prom last year, I consistently spend time in leadership roles and try to make this school an even better place than it already is. Many of you probably know me from my work with Key Club and the volunteer time I've spent at Sunnyvale Nursing Home and cleaning up our community park.

It probably won't surprise you that I have decided to run for student council for the role of ___________. As student council _________ (role), I will strive to continue to make improvements in the school for every student here at Sample High. The student council works side-by-side with the student body and the administration to ensure student events throughout the year are successful. As _______, I will ensure that you have a memorable year.

Today, I am asking for your vote for me on election day. Should you elect me, I will listen to your concerns and work hard for you. I'm happy to chat with anyone after this event to answer any questions you might have.

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Ways to Add Humor to Your Speech

One of the best election speech ideas for students is to work some humor into your speech. Infusing a bit of humor into your speech can help you better connect with your audience while making your speech really stand out. You can try using silly jokes, sarcasm, or inside jokes that only those who attend your school would get. These ideas might help. 

• Say in a serious tone, "Settle in, I've got about three hours' worth of material to get through."
• After your speech, say, "Okay, now for my speech."
• Use a teacher or principal as a funny example, such as, "I'm as passionate about our school as (insert teacher) and as energetic as (insert teacher) after he/she's finished his/her coffee."
• Say, "I care about this position as much as (teacher) cares about (insert book, movie, or learning principle that teacher speaks about a lot)."
• Say, "I was really nervous to give this speech, so I've been practicing a lot in front of my (insert pet). He/she/they said it could use some work, so I guess I'll just give this my best shot."
• Use self-deprecating humor by saying, "My annoying need to be organized and scheduled would make me a great fit for this position."
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Deliver the Speech With Confidence

Once you've prepared your speech, practicing a few times alone and in front of an audience can help you get ready to deliver your speech with confidence. Whether your speech is lighthearted and funny or serious and to the point, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Make eye contact with those you are speaking to and don't focus too heavily on one person.
• If you make a mistake, keep going. No one knows what your speech is supposed to sound like.
• Practice some deep breathing exercises or mindfulness beforehand to calm nerves. Remember to take deep breaths throughout your speech and speak a bit slower than you normally would, as nerves can cause you to speak more rapidly.
• Visualize yourself doing your speech well the morning of it.

Make Your Election Speech Memorable

Whether you use one of the samples listed here or write an entirely new speech, be sure to put a personal touch on the speech. By focusing on what makes you unique, your passions, and your skills, you will show confidence in front of your classmates and let them see a side of you they may not have seen before. Whether you win or lose the election, you can hold your head high and know you gave the speech your best.

Class President Speech

Outline for Class President Speech

• Warm and friendly welcome to classmates and teachers.
• Introduction of self as the candidate for Class President.
• Expressing the intention to run for Class President.
• Outlining specific goals and initiatives planned for the class.
• Emphasizing the importance of working together as a class.
• Pledge to listen to and represent the interests of all classmates.
• Urging classmates to get involved in class activities and decisions.
• Summarizing key points and expressing enthusiasm for the potential to lead.

Content for Class President Speech

“Hello everyone, teachers, and my dear classmates! I’m Emma Johnson, and today, I’m thrilled to announce my candidacy for the position of Class President.

Running for Class President is more than just a desire for a title; it’s a commitment to serve each one of you. My goal is to create an environment where we all can succeed and enjoy our time together in this school year.

I have several initiatives in mind that I believe will benefit our class. These include organizing better study groups, creating a class bulletin for news and updates, and planning fun and inclusive social events that bring us all together.

Collaboration is key. I want our class to be a place where everyone’s ideas are heard and valued. My role will be to ensure that we work together harmoniously and productively, making our class a model for others in our school.

I promise to be a Class President who listens. Your concerns, your hopes, and your suggestions are what will drive our class forward. I want to be your voice and ensure that our collective needs and interests are always represented.

I also want to encourage every one of you to participate actively in our class activities. Your involvement is what makes our class unique and vibrant.

In conclusion, I am genuinely excited about the possibility of serving as your Class President. I believe that together, we can make this school year one of our best yet. Thank you for considering me for this role, and let’s make this year unforgettable!”

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More than just a popularity contest, running for class president requires a candidate to connect with every student, regardless of their social status or clique. Winning over the student body with an effective, original and compelling class president speech could determine whether you get elected. A good speech will allow you to directly connect with your audience, while both informing the students of why you'd be a good president and entertaining them.

Campaign Promises

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In most schools, the class president's duties include organizing pep rallies, planning school dances and fund raising for class trips. Examine how these activities were received by the student body in past years. Identify what the students enjoy most about last year's prom and promise to bring those elements back to the dance this year, while pledging to change those things that the students did not enjoy. Outline some new pep rally activities that will help to generate more excitement about school spirit. Capture your audience's attention by informing students about what you will do for them that your opponent will not.

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If your school has a hated rival in sports, debate or other activities, play up that rivalry in your presidential speech. Attack your school's rival by making good-natured jokes at your rival's expense. Making fun of your rival's mascot, school colors, sport teams and campus could help engender support for you as a candidate. Tout how your school excels in comparison to your rival, and point out how your election to school president would further your school's dominance over its rival.

Class Clown

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Resist the urge to take your speech too seriously, and make yourself the butt of a few self-deprecating jokes. Let your audience know that you can take a joke by pointing out a few of your lesser moments. If you missed a game-winning shot, or dropped a sure touchdown pass in a game, mention those moments with a good-natured joke about how you could have done better. If you are involved in theater or band, make a joke about the ridiculous costumes or uniforms you have worn. A speech that laughs about these moments could help you to connect with students anxious over their own inadequacies.

School Spirit

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Write a speech that takes advantage of the student body's school spirit. Discuss all the things that make your school better than any other school in the district. If one of your school's sports teams just won state, bring up how much the victory meant to you and the student body. If the students have a favorite teacher, a person every student is excited by when they get a chance to take her class, mention that teacher by name and state how fortunate your school is to have her teaching there. Try winning over your audience by talking about how much the school means to you, and how, if elected, you will do everything you can to ensure it remains great.

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• The Accidental Communicator: Nelson Mandela's Tips on How to Customize Your Next Speech
• The Accidental Communicator: How to Write a Good Political Speech

Timothy Lemke has worked as a freelance writer since 2009 and has been published with such websites as Ask The College Guy. Lemke graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and possesses a Bachelor of Arts in European history.

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Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Being selected as a commencement speaker is a great recognition, but the responsibility can be intimidating. How do you know what kind of message will hit home for the graduates at this point in their lives? How do you make your message stand out from other words of wisdom that the graduating class has heard before?

Fortunately, there are many incredible graduation speeches from which you can pull information. We’ve gathered 15 of the best graduation speech examples here to make your research and brainstorming process easier. A little studying can give you ideas for the perfect graduation speech topic and help you write your speech efficiently.

In this article:

Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speech template.

Take note of the flow and structure of the examples, and let them guide you in creating your own graduation speech outline. Remember to practice your speech and memorize the bulk of it so you’re able to deliver with confidence. With a strong theme and plenty of practice, you’re sure to gain the audience’s attention and leave them inspired.

Here are 15 free graduation speech examples to gain inspiration from. If you like a style or message of a sample speech, use it as a model to create your own original version.

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1. Funny Valedictorian Speech

This valedictorian entertains the audience of his high school graduation speech with subtle, kind-hearted jokes that reflect the graduating class and the school faculty. The graduation speaker has a sentimental theme to his speech, but his light humor ensures that the presentation is both meaningful and memorable.

“You see, this is not goodbye. This is see you in two to 10 years when I’m significantly smarter, wealthier, funnier, and more handsome than I am right now.”

2. College Graduation Speech Example: Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth College

You don’t have to be a famous comedian to deliver a funny graduation speech, but let Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth College serve as a good model to create your own. Intertwining life advice and great jokes, O’Brien inspires graduates to get past failure and pave their own paths.

“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.”

3. Preschool Graduation Speech

This preschool graduation speech is a great example for teachers who need to give a commencement address. A speech for a preschool or kindergarten graduation is different, in that the speaker is mostly communicating to the parents of the graduates. This preschool teacher delivers a meaningful speech that explains the joy in her job, while touching on the humorous things the students have said over the months.

“Tomorrow I give you back your child, the same child you entrusted in my care last fall, except now I give them back to you pounds heavier, inches taller… I give them back to you a little smarter, a little more mature, and a little more responsible than they were 10 months ago.”

4. David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Speech

In what is recognized as one of the best graduation speeches of all time, David Foster Wallace affirms to a class of liberal arts students that their education taught them how to think and how to be self-aware.

“The only thing that’s capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it. This, I submit, is the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted. You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.”

5. Middle School Graduation Speech

A class president delivers a heartwarming message in a storytelling format at his middle school graduation ceremony.

“Once upon a time, three long years ago, a journey began. We were obedient little munchkins, climbing up stairs meant for giants, carrying heavy backpacks filled with every sort of colored pencil existing on this earth.”

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech 2017

Steven Levitan, creator of the award-winning show “Modern Family,” was the commencement speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the graduating class of 2017. This is a good example to follow if you’re an alum of the college you’re presenting to.

“It’s hard to believe I graduated here 33 years ago. I still have the official university photo of me receiving my diploma wearing only shorts under my cap and gown and holding a big bottle of champagne, as if to say, ‘Hey world, lower your expectations.'”

7. Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard University Commencement Speech

Successful people are often chosen as commencement speakers for university graduation ceremonies. See how the CEO and founder of Facebook is able to portray humility in relating to the 2017 graduating class at Harvard University.

“I’m honored to be with you today because, let’s face it, you accomplished something I never could. If I get through this speech, it’ll be the first time I actually finish something at Harvard. Class of 2017, congratulations!”

8. Al Roker’s Commencement Speech at Champlain College

Upon receiving his doctorate degree of humane letters, the “Today Show” weather anchor delivered an inspirational speech to the graduating class. Roker speaks to the class’s generation and relates his graduation speech topic back to his own upbringing.

“Be in the moment. Stop living through your screen. Experience it now.”

9. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford University

The Apple CEO’s commencement speech at 2005 to the graduating class at Stanford University is one of the classics. Jobs tells stories about his own experiences with dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer.

“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 the other opinion drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

10. Elementary School Graduation Speech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVOQVsbkmbM

This fifth-grade class speaker relates her teacher’s message to a lesson from her grandfather as her opening hook .

“To survive the fifth grade is not barely making it through. Instead, to survive means to perform with distinction.

11. Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University

The famous talk show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres’s commencement speech at Tulane University is a great example of how a guest speaker can identify with her audience.

“It was so important for me to lose everything because I found what the most important thing is. The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”

12. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address

Rear Admiral William H. McRaven aims to inspire his audience right from the beginning. The rear admiral encourages the graduating class to change the world, relating everyday life struggles to those of the people in the military.

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

13. Matthew McConaughey Commencement Speech

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey drew from his own personal story to deliver an inspirational commencement speech at the University of Houston. McConaughey gives the graduating class 13 life lessons, including to define success for yourself and find joy in your work.

“Prioritize who you are and who you want to be. Don’t spend time with anything that antagonizes your character.”

14. Commencement Address by Jim Carrey

In his commencement address at Maharishi University of Management, actor Jim Carrey tells an emotional personal story. Carrey uses emotion to encourage the graduating class to walk their own path and never settle in life.

“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.”

15. Stephen Colbert’s Commencement Speech at Wake Forest University

The famous comedian delivers a witty and funny graduation speech, offering students practical advice for the real world.

“And if there’s one thing you need even more, it’s your own set of standards. It may seem counterintuitive now, but once you leave here, you may miss being graded on all your work. Because when you’re out of school, there are no objective criteria for achievement anymore.”

16. Inspiring Graduation Speech

In this remarkable graduation speech, the class valedictorian makes a political statement by publicly revealing her status as an undocumented immigrant. The speech starts out with jokes, but turns into a moving performance that’s as powerful as it is fun to watch.

“To each and every single one of you, I say thank you. You taught me that it’s okay to be different and that there will always be people willing to overlook those differences and accept you for being yourself.”

17. Funny Graduation Speech

This class-elected graduation speaker has the perfect delivery of well-crafted jokes and one-liners throughout her speech. She keeps the whole class laughing and never misses a beat.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to pursuing an additional 4-year education – which I can’t afford.”

18. Moving Graduation Speech

This college graduation speech educates listeners about women’s education through the eyes of the speaker, who encountered resistance to seeking an education just because she was a woman. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this speech without feeling moved to take action.

“I couldn’t have imagined attending college, simply because we weren’t allowed to. My sisters weren’t allowed to; the girls before me weren’t allowed to.”

19. Funny Graduation Speech

This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.

“I know we can all agree that this class is resilient. We survived an earthquake, two blackouts, and Ebola.”

20. Short Graduation Speech

Graduation ceremonies can be long, but the speeches don’t have to be. This short graduation speech uses an “ABCs of life” format to pack a lot of power into a short amount of time. The class president gets wild applause from the audience for his quick but clever speech.

“We must Q – quit quitting, and R – run the race with patience.”

• Thank teachers and your parents or other family members for their support, encouragement, help, aid or personal assistance during your years of studying.
• Praise accomplishments and achievements of the class.
• Reflect upon the past years, what has changed and is interesting enough to share with all?
• Mention funny and exciting events, you can opt for funny oneliners or even small innocent jokes, poems or quotations from famous people if you like.
• Motivate your fellow students and teachers and professors to look to the bright future:
• I continue with the 10 most wanted and popular graduation speech topics:
• Give advice, but avoid boring cliches that are totally not surprising.
• Entertain by telling humorous anecdotes and vivid stories. Offer an account of an interesting or humorous incident.
• Express the feelings of the class. But do not go over the top.
• Say farewell to all attendees. This acknowledgment at parting is the warming-up for the next and final step
• Wish the graduates of your class all the best and thank them for listening.

Don’t forget to:

Thank the parents and family.  Have your class honor them with applause. Not only have they made sure you showed up to school, there’s a host of other responsibilities that parents have sacrificed to accomplish for you. Now is your moment to focus on them for a minute or so.

Thank the teachers and administrators.  Each teacher or professor works many long hours that you don’t see in the classroom, and many have poured their hearts and lives into teaching. Take this moment to make it worth it for them.

Use some of my vote of thanks example expressions to feed you imagination for topics for graduation speech a little bit.

Make the address personal. When you decide to make your graduation speech personal, you will experience much bigger success. It will also be more fun to write and deliver a talk that brings high school or college to a close with recognition of the small things in education life. The memories you will run across looking through yearbooks and talking about with friends will be priceless for you as well.

Calm the nerves.  It is very intimidating to address hundreds of people in the audience while delivering a graduation speech. Many of us have fear of public speaking. Before you proceed, do this test. And practice the tips.

Consider including:

STORIES Include stories about your school. These high school graduation speech topics can be about teachers and funny things that have happened over the year.

EVENTS Include motivational or moving events that may have happened – perhaps volunteer opportunities that have changed the students’ perspective. Make sure that any major events that have happened are recognized.

Sports and music events that have been important to the school need to be recognized, even if it happened in one of the prior years of your class and not the graduating year.

CLASS EXPERIENCE Bring the class experience alive for those attending the graduation. Grandparents and parents, as well as siblings, have heard the names from school.

Bring the people to the campus life that they have heard about.

DECEASED If a fellow student or teacher has died, mention that person. Make it not a funeral obituary eulogy but recognize them for the family who might be present.

PROJECTS Mention any projects that the school has undertaken; if you have been involved in a community garden or other volunteer organization give credit for the impact it has made.

Pet Peeve Speech Topics

Commemorative Speech

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Tips for Writing Better Class Officer Speeches

Table of Contents

To win your class leadership election or get unanimously chosen, you need to talk to your audience and win them to your side.

Writing a memorable class leadership speech can be daunting and challenging. There are many thoughts in your head. You want to make a good first impression on fellow students and show your capability. But it is possible to deliver an effective and impactful address with the right strategies and techniques in mind.

This article shows you how to write a class office speech that leaves a lasting impression on your audience.

How to Write a Class Office Speech

A class office speech is an essential part of a student’s journey in gaining leadership and inspiring others .

Knowing how to write a class office speech can be the difference between having a lasting impression on your peers or being forgotten quickly. To ensure that you deliver a speech that has an impact, below are five steps for writing a powerful class office speech. 

1. Introduce Yourself

First, start by introducing yourself and why you want to be a leader. It’s important to explain what sets you apart from other candidates and highlight your skills and qualifications. Don’t forget to include any experience relevant to the role.

Make sure to include why you’re passionate about leading the class and have clear goals in mind that will help develop the school environment. This introduction should capture the audience’s attention; use interesting and captivating language while conveying enthusiasm.

2. Connect With the Audience

Focus on connecting with your audience through stories, facts, and emotion. Showing genuine interest in them and understanding their experiences is key.

Illustrate ideas with examples that they can relate to and make them feel like you are speaking directly to them. Use simple language to explain complex concepts without overwhelming listeners, and keep your sentences concise for easy comprehension. 

3. Show Energy and Enthusiasm

Third, build excitement within your speech. Your content needs to flow naturally and reflect enthusiasm.

Use uplifting phrases such as “I’m excited to work together and achieve our goals!” and generate buzz by building suspense into your address. Additionally, avoid using jargon which may confuse your audience.

4. Express Your Gratitude to Stakeholders

Thank everyone who helped you along your campaign journey-from teachers and friends to family members and voters.

Demonstrate gratitude towards those around you and take the time to recognize volunteers and other leaders in the school community. Also, express appreciation for all students presents and acknowledge their support in choosing you as their leader.

5. Proofread

Like any other written piece, read your speech again to make sure there is no mistake. If you only have one person to read it to, that’s all the more important. While it may sound easy to write a speech, especially with the outline, the speech needs to be practiced over and over again.

Examples of Class Office Speech

Below are some examples of well-written class office speeches generated with the Hey INK tool.

Greetings students, 

I’m sure you all remember me from the student council last year. I am here again today to canvass for your votes to become your class leader. With my extensive experience in problem-solving and organizing school events, I believe I have the best qualities to become your class leader. 

I’ve been active in our school’s community since freshman year, where I gained invaluable knowledge about how to lead with humility and confidence. My time on the student council has provided me with a platform to be heard and amplify other people’s voices. As your class leader, I promise to continue being an advocate for those who feel unheard or discouraged by the current system of representation. 

I also recognize that we need to take tangible steps toward meaningful change. That is why, if chosen as your class leader, I will prioritize formulating policies that are both inclusive and equitable. We should strive to make our school environment more welcoming, safe, and respectful of all backgrounds. This means holding ourselves accountable when necessary and proactively creating measures that ensure fairness across the board. 

In conclusion, I ask you to please consider voting for me as your next class leader. My combination of enthusiasm, practicality, and leadership skills makes me the ideal candidate for this role. With every vote cast for me, you would be investing in making our school a better place for everyone. Thank you for taking the time to hear out my candidacy!

Greetings, everyone. I hope this day finds you all well! My name is [Name], and I’m running for class president. As we look to the future, there are a few things that stand out to me as integral components of our successful path forward. 

I have spent a lot of time considering how best to run and manage our school efficiently and effectively. After much deliberation, I believe it’s essential for us to emphasize developing strong leadership skills and building meaningful connections between students and faculty. 

I plan on leveraging my past experiences in order to bring forth initiatives to ensure an enriching environment for every student. Specifically, I will work to increase student participation in clubs and raise awareness about mental health issues. In addition, I plan to develop strategies to reduce bullying in the classrooms. 

As your class president, I can promise to always try to understand your needs and make decisions with those needs in mind. To me, success is only achieved when each individual has had their voice heard. With that being said, if elected, I will actively listen to the concerns and opinions of fellow classmates before making any important decisions. 

Overall, I am ready to take on the challenge of leading our class together toward a better tomorrow. It would be an honor and privilege to serve as your class president. Thank you for taking the time to hear my thoughts — let’s end this off by working together, so we can reach our full potential!

Greetings everyone! I’m standing here today with a question that needs an answer: who should be the class president? Let me tell you why it should be me. 

I have great experience in this field, having been a student leader for multiple years and serving as treasurer of our class last year. My tenure has allowed me to gain invaluable knowledge about how things work around here and how best we can propel our school forward. I think it’s important for any potential leader to have insight into the structure and dynamics of their position – something I am well-acquainted with. 

I’m also a personable individual, eager to help out my peers whenever they are in need. It is clear that there are certain problems that our school is facing which require immediate attention. Problems like low graduation rates and bullying in the hallways must be solved. I know these issues inside and out, so I can provide solutions that would not only benefit our community but also make tangible change. Plus, I’m committed to making sure everyone feels heard, respected, and valued regardless of race, gender identity, or sexual orientation. 

I believe I have all the necessary qualities to be a successful class president: expertise, empathy, and ambition. That’s why I invite you to join me in this endeavor. Together, we can find a way to create a brighter future for our beloved school. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Final Thoughts

If you are planning on giving a class election speech, you should follow our tips on  how to write a class office speech . The most important tip is to make a good case for your candidacy.

The speech should be enthusiastic, and you should show appropriate amounts of energy . Revising and proofreading your speech is crucial to making it as professional looking as possible.

Be creative when it comes to delivering your speech. Employ various methods of engagement, such as body movements, facial expressions, vocal variations, pauses, and hand gestures.

Vary the speed at which you speak and occasionally pause to emphasize key points in your speech. Doing this creates intrigue throughout your presentation and adds character to the words you say.

With a good speech, you can go into the election feeling confident about your chances of winning the election.

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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The Ultimate Go-To Guide to Prepare for Your Student Council Speech

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• Public Speaking , Speech Topics

Delivering a compelling student council speech is a crucial opportunity for students to make their voices heard and leave a lasting impact on their school community. The role of the student council is not only to represent the interests of fellow students but also to initiate positive change and contribute towards the overall development of the school.

Crafting an effective student council speech requires careful thought, preparation, and an understanding of what resonates with your audience. In this section, we will explore the importance of a student council speech and provide valuable insights on how to make a lasting impression that captures the attention and support of your peers.

Whether you are running for class president, vice president, treasurer, or any other position within the student council, your speech serves as an opportunity to showcase your leadership skills, articulate your vision for improvement, and inspire others to rally behind you. It is not just about winning votes but about demonstrating your dedication to serving the needs and aspirations of your fellow students.

Throughout this section, we will delve into strategies that can help you deliver a powerful student council speech that stands out from the rest. From crafting a strong opening statement to highlighting relevant experiences and outlining actionable plans for change, we will guide you through each step of the process.

Remember that every word you speak has the potential to influence opinions and shape perceptions. By mastering the art of delivering an impactful student council speech, you can become an agent of positive change within your school community. So let’s dive in and discover how you can make a lasting impact through your words!

• 1. Understand the Role of the Student Council and Identify Your Goals
• 2. Research the Audience and Tailor Your Message accordingly
• 3. Craft a Compelling Opening that Grabs Attention and Sets the Tone
• 4. Structure Your Speech Effectively with Clear Main Points and Supporting Details
• 5. Develop Persuasive Arguments and Present them with Confidence
• 6. Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse Your Speech to Build Confidence

Step 1: Understand the Role of the Student Council and Identify Your Goals

In order to deliver an impactful student council speech, it is crucial to first understand the role of the student council and identify your goals. By doing so, you can effectively communicate your vision and aspirations to your fellow students.

The student council plays a vital role in representing the student body and advocating for their needs and interests. It is a platform where students can voice their concerns, propose ideas for improvement, and contribute to the overall development of the school community.

When preparing your speech, take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve as a member of the student council. Identify specific goals that align with your values and address issues that are important to your peers. This could range from improving school facilities and promoting extracurricular activities- to fostering inclusivity and enhancing communication between students and faculty.

By clearly defining your goals, you will be able to convey a sense of purpose and passion in your speech. Your fellow students will be more likely to connect with your message if they see that you have a genuine desire to make positive changes within the school community.

Remember, being part of the student council is not just about holding a position or gaining recognition – it is about making a difference. So take this opportunity to inspire others with your ideas, motivate them with your enthusiasm, and demonstrate how you can contribute positively towards creating an inclusive and thriving school environment.

Step 2: Research the Audience and Tailor Your Message accordingly

When preparing a student council speech, it is crucial to understand your audience and tailor your message accordingly. By conducting thorough research on the interests, concerns, and aspirations of your fellow students, you can create a speech that resonates with them and effectively communicates your ideas and goals.

Understanding your audience allows you to speak directly to their needs and desires. Are they looking for more extracurricular activities? Do they want improvements in school facilities or policies? By delving into these questions, you can craft a message that addresses their specific concerns, making it more compelling and persuasive.

Additionally, tailoring your speech to the interests of your audience helps establish a connection with them. When students feel that you genuinely understand their challenges and aspirations, they are more likely to trust you as a candidate and support your ideas.

Researching the audience also enables you to anticipate any potential objections or counterarguments. By addressing these concerns proactively in your speech, you show that you have taken the time to consider different perspectives and are prepared to address them thoughtfully.

In conclusion, researching the audience is an essential step in crafting an impactful student council speech. By understanding their needs, tailoring your message accordingly, and addressing potential objections, you can deliver a compelling speech that resonates with your fellow students and increases your chances of success.

Step 3: Craft a Compelling Opening that Grabs Attention and Sets the Tone

The opening of your student council speech is your chance to capture your audience’s attention and set the tone for the rest of your presentation. A strong and compelling opening will make a lasting impression and encourage your listeners to pay attention to what you have to say.

Consider starting with a captivating anecdote or a thought-provoking question that relates to the issues you will address in your speech. This will immediately grab your audience’s attention and pique their curiosity. You can also use a powerful quote or statistic to emphasize the importance of your campaign and the changes you hope to bring about.

In addition to capturing attention, the opening of your speech should also establish a rapport with your audience. Share a personal story or experience that demonstrates your understanding of their concerns and shows them that you are genuinely invested in making a difference. This will help create a connection between you and your listeners, making them more receptive to your message.

Step 4: Structure Your Speech Effectively with Clear Main Points and Supporting Details

A well-structured speech is essential for conveying your ideas effectively and ensuring that your audience can follow your train of thought. To achieve this, it is crucial to organize your speech into clear main points and support them with relevant details and examples.

Start by outlining the main ideas or goals you want to communicate in your speech. These could be specific initiatives you plan to implement or broader themes you want to address. Once you have identified your main points, arrange them in a logical order that allows for a smooth flow of information.

For each main point, provide supporting details that substantiate your claims and add credibility to your speech. These could be statistics, personal anecdotes , or expert opinions that illustrate the importance and feasibility of your proposals. Remember to present this information in a clear and concise manner, using language that is accessible to your audience.

Additionally, consider using visual aids such as graphs, charts, or images to enhance your presentation. Visuals can help reinforce your main points and make complex information more digestible for your audience. However, use them sparingly and ensure they complement rather than distract from your speech.

Step 5: Develop Persuasive Arguments and Present them with Confidence

Persuasion is a key element of any successful student council speech. To persuade your audience effectively, you need to develop persuasive arguments and present them with confidence and conviction.

When developing your arguments, consider the needs and concerns of your audience. What solutions can you offer to address these issues? How will your ideas benefit the student body as a whole? By focusing on the needs of your audience and presenting practical and achievable solutions, you can make a compelling case for your candidacy.

To present your arguments with confidence, it is essential to practice your speech thoroughly. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with friends and family, paying attention to your body language, tone of voice, and overall delivery. This will help build your confidence and ensure that you come across as poised and prepared on the day of your speech.

Remember to maintain eye contact with your audience and speak clearly and audibly. Use gestures and facial expressions to emphasize key points and show enthusiasm for your ideas. By exuding confidence and passion, you will inspire trust and captivate your listeners, increasing your chances of winning their support.

Step 6: Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse Your Speech to Build Confidence

No matter how well-prepared you are, delivering a student council speech can be nerve-wracking. However, practicing your speech can help alleviate anxiety and build the confidence you need to deliver a compelling and impactful presentation.

Start by memorizing the key points of your speech. This will allow you to maintain a natural flow of information and engage with your audience more effectively. However, avoid memorizing your speech word-for-word, as this can make you sound robotic and less authentic.

Instead, focus on understanding the overall structure and flow of your speech. Practice delivering it in a conversational manner, using your notes as a reference rather than a script. This will help you adapt to different situations and respond to audience reactions, making your speech more dynamic and engaging.

Additionally, consider recording yourself during practice sessions. This will allow you to evaluate your delivery, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments. Pay attention to your pacing, intonation, and body language, and make conscious efforts to improve these aspects.

Lastly, seek feedback from trusted individuals, such as teachers or mentors, who can provide constructive criticism and help you refine your speech. Incorporate their suggestions and continue to practice until you feel confident and well-prepared.

Sample Speech:

“Good morning everyone! I am absolutely thrilled to be standing before you today as a candidate for the student council. This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in our school, and I am excited to share my vision with all of you. As a student, I have always been passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment for everyone. I believe that the student council plays a crucial role in representing the voice of the student body and advocating for their needs and interests. Through my involvement in various extracurricular activities and my dedication to academic excellence, I have developed the skills necessary to be an effective leader in this role.

One of my main goals as a member of the student council is to promote student engagement and participation. I want to ensure that every student’s voice is heard and that they feel empowered to contribute their ideas and opinions. By organizing regular town hall meetings and creating platforms for open dialogue, we can foster a sense of unity and collaboration within our school community.

Together, we can work towards making our school an even better place for everyone.”

Another area that I am very passionate about is enhancing the overall student experience. I believe that education goes beyond the classroom, and it is important to provide students with opportunities for personal growth and development. Through organizing workshops, seminars, and events that focus on various aspects of personal development, such as leadership, communication skills, and mental health, we can empower our fellow students to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, I am truly excited about the possibility of representing you all on the student council. With your support, I am confident that we can create a more inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment for every student in our school. Let’s work together to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

Preparing for your student council speech is a crucial step in your campaign journey. By understanding the importance of your speech, tailoring your message to your audience, crafting a compelling opening, structuring your speech effectively, developing persuasive arguments, and practicing your delivery, you can increase your chances of delivering a memorable and impactful presentation.

Remember, your student council speech is not only an opportunity to showcase your leadership qualities but also a chance to connect with your peers and inspire change. By following these steps and putting in the necessary effort, you can confidently deliver a speech that resonates with your audience and convinces them to vote for you. Check out our communication coaching for more tips!

Now, it’s time to put your preparation into action. Take a deep breath, step onto the stage, and deliver a speech that will make a lasting impression on your fellow students. Good luck!

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How to Run for Elementary School Class President

Senior Class President Duties

Running for school class president comes with a responsibility, but it also provides an early opportunity to see how basic government works. Some elementary schools give students the opportunity to partake in their student government or student council. Positions a student may get the chance to run for include president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. Running for a position like president might require responsibilities like running student council meetings, taking votes as well as being a middleman between faculty and students.

Become a representative for your class when you are in the lower grades. Most elementary school student councils will have student representatives from 4th, 5th and 6th grade. Some might even have representatives from 3rd grade. Becoming a representative early on will get you used to how Student Council works and how it is run.

Check the policy of the Student Council as to who may run for what positions. Some student councils will only allow 6th graders to run for vice-president and president, while others might allow 5th graders to run as well.

Sign up to run for president with your school. Student Council elections usually take place at the beginning of the year.

Campaign. Put up posters and get your name out there to the entire student body. Make your posters large and clear so that everyone can read them. Keep the posters simple by writing "Elect John Doe for President" or "John Doe President (year)." If you can come up with a way for students to remember your name, with a rhyme pertaining to your campaigning, include it.

Talk to students personally during your recess, and lunch time and let them know that you are running for class president. This way, the students can put a face to your name. Also, ask the students what they would like changed if you were to become president.

Write a simple, informative and entertaining speech. Include in your speech why you should be voted president and what you will try to change once president. Some of these items could include the quality of school lunches, longer recess periods, better playground equipment, more after-school activities and newer books.

Wait for the votes to come in to see if you made it as student president.

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Christina Martinez has been writing professionally since 2007. She's been published in the California State University at Fullerton newspaper, "The Daily Titan." Her writing has also appeared in "Orange County's Best" magazine. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and print journalism from California State University.

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Campus protests over the Gaza war

Biden says he supports the right to protest but denounces 'chaos' and hate speech.

NPR Washington Desk

President Biden gives remarks about student protests over the war in Gaza from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Thursday. Evan Vucci/AP hide caption

President Biden gives remarks about student protests over the war in Gaza from the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Thursday.

President Biden defended the protests roiling college campuses across the country, but also emphasized the importance of the rule of law and denounced hate speech of any kind.

The president gave the brief, hastily arranged remarks from the White House Thursday morning following days of colleges and universities struggling to contain pro-Palestinian protests.

House passes bill aimed to combat antisemitism amid college unrest

How some faculty members are defending student protesters, in actions and in words

"We've all seen images and they put to the test two fundamental American principles," Biden said. "The first is the right to free speech and for people to peacefully assemble and make their voices heard. The second is rule of law. Both must be upheld."

He said people have a right to get an education and freely walk across campus without fear. "There's the right to protest but no the right to cause chaos," he said.

Biden added that there is no place for antisemitism or hate speech of any kind in America.

Watch his remarks below.

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How to Write a Speech to Get You Elected

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 462,106 times.

If you possess leadership skills and want to make a change, you may want to run for office.To become an elected official, you must convince voters that you’re the best option by delivering a message that will win them over. Regardless of whether your goal is a seat in Congress or a position as school president, the basic principles remain the same when making an election speech.

Structuring Your Points into a Speech

• You should write the speech with phrases and words that you normally use when talking to people.
• For example, don’t write something like, “Voters and citizens, the abhorrent nature of my opponent while he assumed the position as treasurer saw that governmental coffers were drained to their lowest point in a decade!”
• Instead, write something like, “Can you really trust my opponent? When he was treasurer so much money went missing that we’re now at the lowest level in 10 years!”

• If you’re running for school president you can say something like, “Hey everyone. Today I’ll be talking about the important things that everyone here cares about, like the quality of our lunch, access to sports, and lack of programs and what faculty can do to fix it.”
• If you're running for city council or mayor, you can say something like, “Thank you to everyone who decided to come. Today I’ll be talking about how essential educational investment is and what we can do about bringing jobs and industry back to our town.”

• If you're running for school president your paragraph could start something like "We all know that school lunch is bad, but would it surprise you to find out it's actually unhealthy? I have a plan to work with facility to improve the quality of our lunches."
• If you're running for a federal office, you could write "There are many issues that face us today, but one of the most important things right now is access to healthcare. My plan for a single-payer system will ensure that everyone, regardless of income, will be able to afford high-quality health services in our state. I believe that healthcare is a human right, not a privilege."
• Jumping from point to point will only confuse the listeners.
• You don’t always have to stick to this structure but it's what usually works best and will keep your speech organized.

• For instance, if you are running for school president you could say something like, "Everyone knows Jeremy is an amazing basketball player. We've all seen the videos online and we know how dedicated he is to getting better. But we don't have a team here. And that needs to change!"
• For instance, if you’re talking about increasing the minimum wage, you could say something like, “I know a girl in my district named Gabby who is a single mother without her high school diploma. She’s one of the hardest workers and most genuine people I have ever met, but she is on government assistance because the only job she can get will only pay $8 an hour. This is just not an income that can sustain any sort of family, and it’s up to us to make sure that corporations reward workers who put in the effort and do the right thing. That’s why I’m proposing a major increase of the minimum wage over the next 5 years to $15 per hour.”

• For example, if you’re mainly campaigning on environmental justice and immigration reform, don’t talk about foreign relations or prison justice reform in your speech because it will make the speech long-winded and off topic.

• If you're running for office in school, you could say something like "We've talked about the lack of resources, unhealthy lunch food, and lack of decorations at the dances. And I've also layed out every way we can solve these problems together. If you want to do better for Freemondt Highschool, vote for me on November 8th!"
• For instance, you could say, “And if you vote for my opponent, nothing will change! That’s why on November 5th, you should vote for me.

• If you’re talking about a foreign country or including the names of people in your speech, make sure you know how to pronounce them correctly.

Delivering the Message

• You can ask your friend whether they thought the speech was moving or powerful, if they were bored, or if there was anything they didn’t understand.
• You can also memorize the speech so that you don’t have to read it when you’re delivering it. If you practice enough, you many naturally memorize parts of the speech.

• Often, people will think that they are speaking much quicker than they really are.
• Former U.S. President Barack Obama used pauses to emphasize points in his speeches frequently.

Creating a Platform

• Information about your voters can also be gained by reviewing polling information, past voter data, or by considering the location where you're giving the speech.
• If you're delivering the speech at a university, there's a high likelihood most of the audience will be college-aged people.
• Stay away from saying anything that may offend or upset your potential supporters.

• For instance, voters could be concerned about corruption or a lack of jobs.
• You can also ask people about their biggest concerns on social media.

• If there are not enough programs at your school, you could talk to the administration and the student body to develop new programs in your school.
• For instance, if there is a lack of jobs in your town, you could propose a plan to lower the corporate tax rate in your area to bring in new business.

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/14-1-four-methods-of-delivery/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/publicspeakingprinciples/chapter/chapter-8-outlining-your-speech/
• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-evidence/
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/conciseness/index.html
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-write-motivational-speech
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://sps.columbia.edu/news/five-ways-improve-your-body-language-during-speech
• ↑ https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/Module%207_Becoming%20a%20Powerful%20Communicator_EN.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ndi.org/sites/default/files/Political_Campaign_Planning_Manual_Malaysia_0.pdf
• ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/202004/how-win-election

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by Vice President Harris During the Nationwide Economic Opportunity   Tour

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History Detroit, Michigan

2:23 P.M. EDT

     THE VICE PRESIDENT:  Good afternoon, everyone.  Good afternoon, Detroit.  Good afternoon.  (Applause.)  It’s good to be back.  Good afternoon.  Please have a seat.  Please have a seat.      I want to thank Ron Busby.  We have — many of us have worked with him over the years and know: As president of the U.S. Black Chambers, he has been an extraordinary leader to an essential organization in our fight for economic empowerment.  Can we please hear it for Ron Busby and his courageous leadership?  (Applause.)      And I want to thank all of the extraordinary leaders who are here today.  Secretary of Energy and the former governor of this state, Jennifer Granholm — (applause) — who traveled with me today on Air Force Two from Washington, D.C.  She said, “I have got to be in Michigan.”  (Laughter.)      I want to thank Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su for all you do to fight for the working people of America.  (Applause.)       Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves, thank you for your extraordinary leadership.  (Applause.)      Representative Shri Thanedar, thank you for you and your being here.  And he is somewhere here.  Thank you.  (Applause.)      And I want to thank also Representative Steven Horsford, who is the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.  (Applause.)      And Lieutenant Governor of Michigan Garlin Gilchrist.  Thank you.  (Applause.)      So, Michigan, you know, I believe that America’s economy is powered by the ambition and the aspiration of her people — the ambition and aspiration to innovate, to create, and to prosper.       Therefore, to grow our economy, we must invest in that ambition and those aspirations.  I believe every person in our country, then, must have access to the opportunity to compete, to succeed, and to thrive; the ability to achieve what I call financial freedom, which means having enough not just to get by but to get ahead — (applause) — to be able to build a business, to own a home, to start a family, and to create intergenerational wealth.       Which is why, over the past three years, the President and I have invested now trillions of dollars in America’s infrastructure, in clean energy and a clean energy economy, in manufacturing, and in supply chains.       Our work is also guided by the understanding that there are certain communities that have faced, historically and currently, profound obstacles to acquire that opportunity.       And I’ll tell you over the last three years, both in the White House and at the Vice President’s Residence, where I live — (laughter) — I have convened Black entrepreneurs from around the country to solicit their advice and leverage their expertise as to how we can have the greatest impact with the billions of dollars that we are investing and to identify the challenges they face in building financial security and wealth, including disparities in access to capital and lending, disparities in homeownership and access to government contracts, to obstacles like student loan debt and medical debt.       President Biden and I have invested hundreds of billions of dollars to address these disparities.  And I launched, then, this national tour, the Economic Opportunity Tour, to bring together entrepreneurs, businessowners, and community leaders together with representatives from the United States Departments of Commerce and Energy and Housing and Labor and Treasury and the Small Business Administration — and the Undersecretary the SBA is with us as well — to make sure founders and families have the information and assistance to access the resources they need.       For example, on the subject of access to capital.  We all know Black entrepreneurs do not lack for ideas or ambition but often lack the capital that is necessary to turn an idea into a thriving business, to invest in inventory, hire employees, to scale up.       In fact, Black entrepreneurs are three times as likely to not apply for a loan, for fear they’re going to be turned away from a bank.       So, two years ago, I founded the Economic Opportunity Coalition — a group of 31 companies and nonprofits — including, for example, the Bank of America, MasterCard, and the Ford Foundation — that are working currently to invest $3 billion in community banks — banks which we know are uniquely designed to serve minority and women entrepreneurs.       And this builds on the work that I did when I was a United States senator in 2020 to invest $12 billion more in our community banks.  (Applause.)  Thank you.      And understand: This work is helping Black businesses receive loans not only for thousands of dollars, but for millions of dollars.       For example, I’m proud to announce we are investing $100 million in small- and medium-sized auto supply companies, many of which — (applause) — many of which are Black-owned and based right here in Michigan.  These grants will allow businesses to upgrade production and production lines to produce parts for electric vehicles.       I’m also pleased to announce the launch of a new program that will match government-backed loans with private equity capital to help small- and mid-size auto suppliers access loans from a quarter million dollars to 10 million dollars.  (Applause.)      The strength of America’s economy is also based on the strength of America’s supply chains.  We all learned that in the pandemic, if we weren’t clear before.       This investment will help to keep our auto supply chains here in America, which strengthens America’s economy overall, and keep those jobs here in Detroit.  (Applause.)      We are also axpending [sic] — expanding, excuse me, access to government contracts — government contracts.  At the beginning of our administration, President Joe Biden and I pledged to increase federal contracts for minority-owned small businesses by 50 percent, knowing that, traditionally and historically, folks didn’t necessarily have access to the relationships to get those contracts.       And we are on track to meet our goal by the end of next year, which means — (applause) — which means thousands more minority entrepreneurs with contracts worth hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars — contracts which can last up to five years with the option to renew for 10, 20, and 30 years.  Think about what that means in terms of a sustained investment and all of the folks that, over a period of time, will benefit.       Now, I also want to point out — because there is a contrast here between us and the last administration.  The last administration invested access to tax cuts for billionaires.  We are investing in access to capital for entrepreneurs.  (Applause.)      And this work and our overall perspective is that we must understand that if we want a great return on investment, we must understand the natural resources that are available and then see that and invest in those resources.       To strengthen America’s economy, we are also helping more people buy a home.  Homeownership is one of the most powerful engines of intergenerational wealth.  It builds equity, which can help pay for a child’s college education or provide equity that then can be used as startup capital to start a business.      But as a result of lasting legacies of structural inequities — such as segregation, redlining, and so-called urban renewal — today, Black Americans are 40 percent less likely to own a home.  And homeown- — this is a sad fact — and homeownership rates for Black men have been falling for three decades straight.  We’ve got to do something about that.       So, to help address these disparities in our budget, President Biden and I outlined a blueprint to provide folks who are first in their family to buy a home with $25,000 toward a down payment — (applause); to give families up to $400 a month to help with a mortgage; and to build 2 million units of affordable housing to lower costs for homebuyers and renters.  (Applause.)      We are also calling out and addressing the issue of racial bias in home appraisals.  (Applause.)  We all know the stories.  We’ve heard the stories.  The stories like of a Black family that gets a home appraisal and the valuation is much lower than they know what their home is worth.  So, they get a new appraisal, only this time they replace their photographs with photos of a family friend who is white, and they ask that family to bring in the appraiser.  And the new appraisal is much higher.  We’ve heard those stories.       Today, I’m proud to report that we have made it now easier for more homeowners to appeal home appraisals.  And we have reached a commitment that all licensed home appraisers be required to complete racial bias training.  (Applause.)      And, by the way, one of the people who is not present with us today that I want to thank is former Secretary of HUD Marcia Fudge — (applause) — all that she did to make sure this would happen.       So, the bottom line is that every family, I believe — every family, whatever their background, their race, their geographic location — has a right to the full and fair value of their home.       In addition to increasing opportunity, we have also focused on removing obstacles.  One big obstacle to wealth-building is debt.  While an issue for many people, Black Americans are twice as likely to have medical debt and more likely to struggle to repay student loan debt.       For anyone carrying debt, we know it is much more difficult, then, to save for a house, to grow a small business, to build intergenerational wealth.  And it just plain makes people feel like they can never get ahead.       So, President Biden and I have made debt forgiveness a central pillar of our economic agenda.  And we have already forgiven about $500 million of medical debt for hundreds of thousands of Americans across the nation.  (Applause.)      And in Wayne County, Michigan, we will forgive an additional $700 million of medical debt for as many as 300,000 people.  (Applause.)      And there’s more.  We are also implementing a rule — and this is critically important — we are also implementing a rule that medical debt cannot be used in calculating your credit score — (applause) — which means medical debt cannot be the reason someone is denied a car loan, a home loan, or a small-business loan.  (Applause.)      On the issue of student loan debt, we have also forgiven nearly $160 billion — billion — for more than four and a half million people.       On average, more than $30,000 per person and $70,000 for our public servants, like nurses, firefighters, and teachers — and God knows we don’t pay them enough as it is, so it’s only right.       And please, to everyone here, all the leaders, help us get the word out on the student loan debt issue.  Your student loan debt can be forgiven, even if you didn’t graduate.  Please help us get the word out because it’s only logical.  Think about it.  How many people have to drop out because they can’t afford tuition?  (Applause.)  They don’t graduate, and they still have the debt.       So, Detroit, I’ll end with this.  All of our work — whether it be debt forgiveness, affordable housing, government contracts, or access to capital — it is all guided by a fundamental principle.  President Biden and I believe in you.  We believe in the people of our country.       And so, we believe that it is a great return on the investment to invest in the people of America and to invest, as we have discussed today, in your business, in your financial security, and your wealth.       And this approach is working.  Since taking office, we have seen record Black small-business growth and we have created more than two and a half million new jobs for Black workers.  And since 2019, Black wealth is up 60 percent.       So, President Biden and I are clear.  These are not only our accomplishments, they are yours.  It is the result of your drive, your creativity, and your power.       And so, I’ll end with this, Detroit.  Together, let us continue to invest in the ambition and aspirations of our people — of the American people.  Together, let us continue to help folks create wealth and achieve financial freedom.  And together, let us continue to build a nation where every person has the opportunity to compete, prosper, and thrive.       Thank you, all.  God bless you.  And God bless the United States of America.  Thank you.  (Applause.) END                                 2:41 P.M. EDT

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