good ending quotes for a graduation speech

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Here are a few quotes for graduation speeches that may help to spark your imagination.

Oftentimes, a quote can inspire a whole graduation speech. Quotes for graduation speeches can be taken from anywhere, then woven into your speech to help make it more memorable for your audience.

So check out the graduation quotes below and see if any of them fire up your imagination. If you would like to submit a quote for a graduation speech that you think is brilliant, use the form at the end of this page and I will place it here with your name as the submitter!

"You don't have to be great to start but you have to start to be great."

- Zig Ziglar ( submitted by Swapna )

"Time and tide waits for none."

- Unknown ( submitted by Ibrahim )

"Reach for the stars, dream for tomorrow, live for today."

- Unknown ( submitted by Caltren )

"Translate the good things of your learning into the welfare of humanity."

- Unknown ( submitted by Bishwanath )

"Never say die."

- Unknown ( submitted by Siddharth )

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

- Winston Churchill ( submitted by Allie )

"We were all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid."

- Benjamin Franklin ( submitted by Joe )

"Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave."

- Prophet Mohammad ( submitted by Khulud )

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step."

- Confucius ( submitted by Jafar )

"Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today."

- Malcom X ( submitted by Liin )

"Life is a journey. Day by day we learn more and this is just the beginning of our journey." ( submitted by Jay )

"Make your dreams happen by working on them and believing in yourself."

( submitted by Mariah )

"Wisdom is power."

( submitted by Marilou )

"Work hard, have fun, make history."

- Jeff Bezos ( submitted by Rajesh )

"Success doesn't happen overnight, it is a product of long term diligence and perseverance."

( submitted by Elena )

"Cherish your education as if it was the last Oreo in the bag."

( submitted by Daniel )

"Never follow someone who is going nowhere."

( submitted by Zam )

"Our future depends on what we do in the present.."

( submitted by King )

"Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation."

- Robert F. Kennedy

"You cannot teach people anything. You can only help them discover it within themselves."

"It's choice - not chance - that determines your destiny."

- Jean Nidetch

"If we did the things we are capable of, we would astound ourselves."

- Thomas Edison

"Success is never final. Failure is never fatal. It is courage that counts."

- Winston Churchill

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

"You never achieve real success unless you like what you are doing."

- Dale Carnegie

"In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing."

- Theodore Roosevelt

"Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul; the blueprints of your ultimate achievements."

- Napolean Hill

"Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be."

- Grandma Moses

More quotes for graduation speeches

"Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do."

- Pope John XXIII

"Realize that the reason most people fail isn't because of the competition but because of the limits they place upon themselves, allowing defeat to take over. Take responsibility for your destiny. You can come up with a performance, if you can reach down and dig deep enough into your competitive soul. You can overcome tremendous obstacles."

- Bruce Jenner

"So long as there is breath in me, that long I will persist. For now I know one of the greatest principles on success; if I persist long enough I will win."

- Og Mandino

"You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

"As long as you're going to think anyway, think big."

- Donald Trump

"To accomplish great things we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe."

- Anatole France

"My father always used to say that when you die, if you've got five real friends, you've had a great life."

- Lee Iacocca

"If caterpillars can fly, so can you"

- Submitted by Juliet

I hope these quotes for graduation speeches have given you some ideas in helping you to write your graduation speech! If you feel so inclined, send in your own graduation quote using the form below.

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A sample high school graduation speech sent in by a visitor to Best Speech Topics. This speech honors all those who helped this student graduate and is an excellent example to follow when crafting a speech of your own.

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50 Speech Closing Lines (& How to Create Your Own) | The Ultimate Guide

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

While speech openings are definitely one of the most important components of a speech, something that is equally as important is the way you conclude your speech.

There are few worse ways to end your speech than with a terse ‘thank you’–no elaboration or addition whatsoever.

Speech endings are just as crucial to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening.

The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Speech endings can put even the most experienced speaker in flux, and increase their anxiousness manifold as they sit there attempting to figure out the perfect way to end your speech.

If you’re someone who’s in flux about your speech ending too, don’t worry. We’ve got some amazing ways to conclude your speech with a bang!

1. Circling Back To The Beginning

The idea behind circling back to the beginning of your speech is to reinforce the idea of your speech being a complete whole. By circling back to the beginning and connecting it to your ending, you let the audience understand that the idea of your speech is complete & standalone.

Circling back to the beginning of your speech also acts as an excellent way of reinforcing the central idea of your speech in the audience’s mind, and makes it more likely that they will remember it after the speech ends.

Need more inspiration for speech opening lines? Check out our article on 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines & Tips To Create Your Own.

How To Circle Back To The Beginning

The easiest way to do this is to set up your beginning for the conclusion of your speech. That is, if you’re saying something like, say, a story or joke in the beginning, then you can leave your audience in a cliffhanger until the ending arrives.

Another great way to circle back to the beginning is by simply restating something you said at the start. The added knowledge from attending the rest of your speech will help the audience see this piece of information in a new–and better–light.

1. Will Stephen

Ending Line: “I’d like you to think about what you heard in the beginning, and I want you to think about what you hear now. Because it was nothing & it’s still nothing.”

2. Canwen Xu

Speech Ending: My name is Canwen, my favorite color is purple and I play the piano but not so much the violin…

Think of a memorable moment from your life, and chances are you’ll realize that it involved a feeling of happiness–something that we can associate with smiling or laughter. And what better way to generate laughter than by incorporating the age-old strategy of good humor.

The happy and lighthearted feeling you associate with good memories is the kind of emotional reaction you want to create in your audience too. That’s what will make your speech stick in their memory.

Done incorrectly, humor can be a disaster. Done right, however, it can entirely transform a speech.

Humor doesn’t only mean slapstick comedy (although there’s nothing wrong with slapstick, either). Humor can come in many forms, including puns, jokes, a funny story…the list is endless.

How To Incorporate Humor In Your Speech Ending

The simplest way to incorporate humor into your speech ending is by telling a plain old joke–something that’s relevant to your topic, of course.

You can also tell them a short, funny anecdote–may be an unexpected conclusion to a story you set up in the beginning.

Another way would be by employing the power of repetition. You can do this by associating something funny with a word, and then repeating the word throughout your speech. During the end, simply say the word or phrase one last time, and it’s likely you’ll leave off your audience with a good chuckle.

1. Woody Roseland

Ending Line: “Why are balloons so expensive? Inflation.”

2. Andras Arato

Ending Line: “There are three rules to becoming famous. Unfortunately, nobody knows what they are.”

3. Hasan Minhaj

Ending Line: “And you want to know the scariest part? Pretty soon every country on the earth is going to have its own TLC show.”

4. Sophie Scott

Speech Ending: In other words, when it comes to laughter, you and me baby, ain’t nothing but mammals.

5. Tim Urban

Speech Ending: We need to stay away from the Instant Gratification Monkey. That’s a job for all of us. And because there’s not that many boxes on there. It’s a job that should probably start today. Well, maybe not today, but, you know, sometime soon.

6. Hasan Minhaj

Speech Ending: Showing my legs on TV is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done. And keep in mind last week I went after the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

3. Question

The idea behind posing a question at the end of your speech is to get the wheels in your audience’s minds turning and to get them thinking of your speech long after it has ended. A question, if posed correctly, will make your audience re-think about crucial aspects of your speech, and is a great way to prompt discussion after your speech has ended.

How To Add Questions To Your Speech Ending

The best type of questions to add to your speech ending is rhetorical questions. That’s because, unlike a literal question, a rhetorical question will get the audience thinking and make them delve deeper into the topic at hand.

Make sure your question is central to the idea of your speech, and not something frivolous or extra. After all, the point of a question is to reinforce the central idea of your topic.

1. Lexie Alford

Speech Ending: Ask yourself: How uncomfortable are you willing to become in order to reach your fullest potential?

2. Apollo Robbins

Speech Ending: If you could control somebody’s attention, what would you do with it?

Quotes are concise, catchy phrases or sentences that are generally easy to remember and repeat.

Quotes are an age-old way to start–and conclude–a speech. And for good reason.

Quotes can reinforce your own ideas by providing a second voice to back them up. They can also provoke an audience’s mind & get them thinking. So, if you add your quote to the end of your speech, the audience will most likely be thinking about it for long after you have finished speaking.

How To Use Quotes In Your Speech Ending

While adding quotes to your speech ending, make sure that it’s relevant to your topic. Preferably, you want to pick a quote that summarizes your entire idea in a concise & memorable manner.

Make sure that your quote isn’t too long or complicated. Your audience should be able to repeat it as well as feel its impact themselves. They shouldn’t be puzzling over the semantics of your quote, but its intended meaning.

1. Edouard Jacqmin

Speech Ending: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

2. Chris Crowe

Speech Ending: “It’s more certain than death and taxes.”

3. Olivia Remes

Speech Ending: I’d like to leave you with a quote by Martin Luther King: “You don’ have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

4. Tomislav Perko

Speech Ending: Like that famous quote says, “In twenty years from now on, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do.

5. Diana Nyad

Speech Ending: To paraphrase the poet, Mary Oliver, she says, “So, what is it? What is it you’re doing with this one wild and precious life of yours?”

5. Piece Of Advice

The point of giving a piece of advice at the end of your speech is not to pull your audience down or to make them feel bad/inferior about themselves. Rather, the advice is added to motivate your audience to take steps to do something–something related to the topic at hand.

The key point to remember is that your advice is included to help your audience, not to discourage them.

How To Add Piece Of Advice To Your Speech Ending

To truly make your audience follow the advice you’re sharing, you must make sure it resonates with them. To do so, you need to inject emotions into your advice, and to present it in such a manner that your audience’s emotions are aroused when they hear it.

Your advice shouldn’t be something extra-complicated or seemingly impossible to achieve. This will act as a counter-agent. Remember that you want your audience to follow your advice, not to chuck it away as something impossible.

Our article, 15 Powerful Speech Ending Lines And Tips To Create Your Own , is another great repository for some inspiration.

1. Ricardo Lieuw On

Speech Ending: “Learn something new, or a new way of approaching something old because there are a few skills are valuable as the art of learning.”

2. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Speech Ending: “If we want to improve the competence level of our leaders, then we should first improve our own competence for judging and selecting leaders.”

3. Sharique Samsudheen

Speech Ending: “Some people love money, some people hate money, some people crave money, some people even kill for money. But what they miss is they just need to learn how to manage money well, and that will give them financial freedom.”

4. Kate Simonds

Speech Ending: Teens, you need to believe in your voices and adults, you need to listen.

5. Melissa Butler

Speech Ending: When you go home today, see yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all your greatness that you embody, accept it, love it and finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you.

6. Iskra Lawrence

Speech Ending: Speak to your body in a loving way. It’s the only one you got, it’s your home, and it deserves your respect. If you see anyone tearing themselves down, build them back up And watch your life positively grow when you give up the pursuit of perfection.

6. Contemplative Remark

As the name itself suggests, contemplative remarks are intended to make your audience contemplate or mull over something. The ‘something’ in question should be the idea central to your speech, or a key takeaway that you want them to return home with.

The idea is to get your audience thinking and to keep them thinking for a long, long time.

How To Add A Contemplative Remark To Your Speech Ending

To add a contemplative remark to your speech ending, you first need to figure out your key takeaway or main theme. Then, you want to arrange that as a question, and propose it to your audience at the end of your speech.

Remember that your question shouldn’t be something too wordy or complicated to understand. As with the quotes, you don’t want your audience stuck on the semantics. Rather, you want them to focus on the matter at hand.

1. Lisa Penney

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to pay more attention to your thoughts & consider the legacy you leave behind.”

2. Grant Sanderson

Speech Ending: “Some of the most useful math that you can find or teach has its origin in someone who was just looking for a good story.”

3. Greta Thunberg

Speech Ending: “We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up & change is coming whether you like it or not.”

4. Bill Eckstrom

Speech Ending: Now, think about this: it’s not the complexity-triggering individuals or events you should fear the most, but it’s your own willingness to accept or seek discomfort that will dictate the growth of not just you, but our entire world.

5. Robert Hoge

Speech Ending: Choose to accept your face, choose to appreciate your face, don’t look away from the mirror so quickly; understand all the love, and the life, and the pain that is the part of your face, that is the art of your face. Tomorrow when you wake up, what will your choice be?

7. Personal Anecdote

Personal anecdotes, as the name suggests, are anecdotes that are personal to the speaker or instances from their life. Personal anecdotes are a great way to incorporate the magical powers of storytelling in your speech, as well as to make a personal connection with the audience. Using personal anecdotes, you can hit two birds with one stone!

How To Add Personal Anecdotes To Your Speech Ending

To add personal anecdotes to your speech ending, you need to filter through your life experiences to find out ones that directly relate to your topic at hand. You don’t want to include an anecdote, no matter how compelling it is, if it doesn’t relate to your topic.

Remember to not keep your anecdote too long. Your audience will most likely lose their attention if you do so.

1. Sheila Humphries

Speech Ending: “Why do you go work for these people?” My answer to them was, “If I could help one child make it in this world, it’ll be worth it all.”

8. Call To Action

A call-to-action is one of the absolute best ways to conclude a speech with a bang. A well-written speech should aim to alter the audience’s mind or belief system in some way and to make them take an action in that direction. One crucial way to assure your audience does this is by using a call to action.

How To Add A Call To Action To Your Speech Ending

A call to action comes right before the ending of your speech to provide your audience with a clear idea or set of instructions about what they’re supposed to do after your talk ends.

A call to action should provide a roadmap to the audience for their future steps, and to outline clearly what those future steps are going to be.

1. Armin Hamrah

Speech Ending: “So tonight, after you finish your Math homework & before you lay your head down on that fluffy pillow, bring a piece of paper and pen by your bedside…”

2. Graham Shaw

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to get your drawings out there & spread the word that when we draw, we remember more!”

3. Andy Puddicombe

Speech Ending: You don’t have to burn any incense, and you definitely don’t have to sit on the floor. All you need to do is to take out 10 minutes out a day to step back, familiarize yourself with the present moment so that you get to experience a greater sense of focus, calm, and clarity in your life.

4. Amy Cuddy

Speech Ending: Before you go into the next stressful evaluative situation, for two minutes, try doing this in the elevator…

5. Jia Jiang

Speech Ending: When you are facing the next obstacle or the next failure, consider the possibilities. Don’t run! If you just embrace them, they might become your gifts as well.

9. Motivational Remark

As the name clearly explains, a motivational remark motivates your audience to carry out a plan of action. It ruffles the audience’s mind and emotions and has a powerful impact on the steps that your audience will take after you’ve finished speaking.

How To Add A Motivational Remark To Your Speech Ending

The key to a good motivational remark is to inspire your audience. Your motivational remark should act as a ray of hope to your audience and positively inspire them to take a desired course of action.

Your motivational remark should not be negative in any way. You don’t want to guilt or coerce your audience into doing something or feeling a certain way. You want to leave them on a positive note to move forward with their life.

1. Khanh Vy Tran

Speech Ending: “No matter what you’re going through right now & no matter what the future holds for you, please don’t change yourself. Love yourself, accept yourself & then transform yourself.”

2. Mithila Palkar

Speech Ending: “Get a job, leave a job, dance, sing, fall in love. Carve your own niche. But most importantly: learn to love your own randomness.”

3. Andrew Tarvin

Speech Ending: “Anyone can learn to be funnier. And it all starts with a choice. A choice to try to find ways to use humor. A choice to be like my grandmother, to look at the world around you and say WTF–wow, that’s fun.”

4. Laura Vanderkam

Speech Ending: There is time. Even if we are busy, we have time for what matters. And when we focus on what matters, we can build the lives we want in the time we’ve got.

5. Julian Treasure

Speech Ending: Let’s get listening taught in schools, and transform the world in one generation into a conscious listening world, a world of connection, a world of understanding, and a world of peace.

6. Mariana Atencio

Speech Ending: Let’s celebrate those imperfections that make us special. I hope that it teaches you that nobody has a claim on the word ‘normal’. We are all different. We are all quirky and unique and that is what makes us wonderfully human.

10. Challenge

Much like a call to action, the aim of proposing a challenge at the end of your speech is to instigate your audience to take some desired course of action. A challenge should make an appeal to your audience’s emotion, and motivate them to meet it.

How To Add A Challenge To Your Speech Ending

To apply a challenge effectively to your speech ending, you need to make sure that it’s something relevant to your topic. Your challenge should drive the central topic of your speech forward, and make your audience engage in real-life steps to apply your idea in the real world.

While its always a good idea to set a high bar for your challenge, make sure its an achievable one too.

1. Jamak Golshani

Speech Ending: “I challenge you to open your heart to new possibilities, choose a career path that excites you & one that’s aligned to who you truly are.”

2. Ashley Clift-Jennings

Speech Ending: So, my challenge to you today is, “Do you know, would you even know how to recognize your soulmate?” If you are going out in the world right now, would you know what you are looking for?

11. Metaphor

Metaphors are commonly used as a short phrase that draws a comparison between two ideas in a non-literal sense. People use metaphors quite commonly in daily life to explain ideas that might be too difficult or confusing to understand otherwise. Metaphors are also great tools to be used in speech, as they can present your main idea in a simple and memorable way.

How To Add Metaphors To Your Speech Ending

To add a metaphor to your speech ending, you need to first decide on the main idea or takeaway of your speech. Your metaphor should then be organized in such a way that it simplifies your main idea and makes it easier for your audience to understand & remember it.

The key is to not make your metaphor overly complicated or difficult to retain and share. Remember that you’re trying to simplify your idea for the audience–not make them even more confused.

1. Ramona J. Smith

Speech Ending: “Stay in that ring. And even after you take a few hits, use what you learned from those previous fights, and at the end of the round, you’ll still remain standing.”

2. Shi Heng YI

Speech Ending: “If any of you chooses to climb that path to clarity, I will be very happy to meet you at the peak.”

3. Zifang “Sherrie” Su

Speech Ending: “Are you turning your back on your fear? Our life is like this stage, but what scares are now may bring you the most beautiful thing. Give it a chance.”

12. Storytelling

The idea behind using stories to end your speech is to leave your audience with a good memory to take away with them.

Stories are catchy, resonating & memorable ways to end any speech.

Human beings can easily relate to stories. This is because most people have grown up listening to stories of some kind or another, and thus a good story tends to evoke fond feelings in us.

How To Incorporate Stories In Your Speech Ending

A great way to incorporate stories in your speech ending is by setting up a story in the beginning and then concluding it during the end of your speech.

Another great way would be to tell a short & funny anecdote related to a personal experience or simply something related to the topic at hand.

However, remember that it’s the ending of your speech. Your audience is most likely at the end of their attention span. So, keep your story short & sweet.

1. Sameer Al Jaberi

Speech Ending: “I can still see that day when I came back from my honeymoon…”

2. Josephine Lee

Speech Ending: “At the end of dinner, Jenna turned to me and said…”

Facts are another excellent speech ending, and they are used quite often as openings as well. The point of adding a fact as your speech ending is to add shock value to your speech, and to get your audience thinking & discussing the fact even after your speech has ended.

How To Add Facts To Your Speech Ending

The key to adding facts to your speech ending is to pick a fact that thrusts forward your main idea in the most concise form possible. Your fact should also be something that adds shock value to the speech, and it should ideally be something that the audience hasn’t heard before.

Make sure that your fact is relevant to the topic at hand. No matter how interesting, a fact that doesn’t relate to your topic is going to be redundant.

1. David JP Phillips

Speech Ending: 3500 years ago, we started transfering knowledge from generation to generation through text. 28 years ago, PowerPoint was born. Which one do you think our brain is mostly adapted to?

14. Rhethoric Remark

Rhetoric remarks are another excellent way to get the wheels of your audience’s minds turning. Rhetoric remarks make your audience think of an imagined scenario, and to delve deeper into your topic. Rhetoric remarks or questioned don’t necessarily need to have a ‘right’ or one-shot answer, which means you can be as creative with them as possible!

How To Add Rhethoric Remarks To Your Speech Ending

Since rhetorical questions don’t need to have a definite answer, you have much freedom in determining the type of question or statement you wish to make. However, as with all other speech endings, a rhetorical question shouldn’t be asked just for the sake of it.

A rhetorical question should make your audience think about your topic in a new or more creative manner. It should get them thinking about the topic and maybe see it from an angle that they hadn’t before.

Rhetorical questions shouldn’t be too confusing. Use simple language & make sure it’s something that the audience can easily comprehend.

1. Mona Patel

Speech Ending: Pick your problem, ask “What if?” Come up with ideas. Bring them down. Then execute on them. Maybe you’re thinking, “What if we can’t?” I say to you, “What if we don’t?”

2. Lizzie Velasquez

Speech Ending: I want you to leave here and ask yourself what defines you. But remember: Brave starts here.

Another great way to end your speech with a literal bang is by using music! After all, if there’s something that can impact the human mind with just as much force as a few well-placed words, it’s the correct music.

How To Add Music To Your Speech Ending

To add music to your speech ending, you must make sure that the music has something to do with your speech theme. Remember that you’re not playing music in your concert. The piece of music that you choose must be relevant to your topic & work to have a contribution in your overall speech.

1. Tom Thum

Speech Ending: *ends the TED Talk with beat boxing*

16. Reitirate The Title

The title of your speech is its most important component. That’s why you need to pay careful attention to how you pick it, as it is something that your viewers will most likely remember the longest about your speech.

Your title will also act as a guiding hand towards how your audience forms an initial idea about your speech and is what they will associate your entire speech with.

By repeating your title at the end of your speech, you increase the chances that your audience will remember it–and your speech–for a long time.

How To Retierate The Title In Your Speech Ending

Your title is something that your audience associates your entire speech with. However, you don’t want to simply add the title in your speech end for the sake of adding it. Instead, make it flow naturally into your speech ending. This will make it seem less forced, and will also increase the chances of your audience remembering your entire speech ending and not just the title of your speech.

1. Ruairi Robertson

Speech Ending: I feel we can all contribute to this fight worth fighting for our own health, but more importantly, our future generations’ health by restoring the relationship between microbe and man. There is SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Need more inspiration for speech closing lines? Check out our article on 10 Of The Best Things To Say In Closing Remarks.

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To sum up, speech endings are just as imperative to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening. The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Still looking for inspiration? Check out this video we made on closing remarks:

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The 13 Best Lines from Graduation Speeches

Do you remember what the speaker said at your graduation ceremony? Maybe you were so excited that it was all a blur. Or maybe you tuned out, assuming it would just be the standard, boring stuff.

Or… maybe you were truly inspired. Often it’s just one little memorable line that strikes the right chord in your brain and your heart – and then you carry it with you forever. Often it’s a clever or funny line that catches us by surprise and snaps us to attention. Great example: “If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: Wear Sunscreen .” Or, we’ve always liked the one from Thomas Jefferson: “I find the harder I work, the luckier I get.”

As you venture out to tackle life’s next great adventure, perhaps these classic lines from graduation speeches will accompany you on your journey.

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito.”

~ Bette Reese, American officer and pilot

“Check your ego at the door and start checking your gut instead.”

~ Oprah Winfrey, talk-show host and empire builder

“The unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective.”

~ Jon Stewart, comedian, writer, producer, media critic

“If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of payments.”

- Earl Wilson, baseball player

“You get to make your own luck. 80% of success in your career will come from just showing up. The world is run by those who show up…not those who wait to be asked.”

~ Steve Blank, entrepreneur

“Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.”

- Will Rogers, actor, humorist and social commentator

“Have the wisdom to recognize the best in others while always demanding the best from yourself.”

Madeleine Albright, first female U.S. Secretary of State

“If your uniform isn't dirty, you haven't been in the game.”

~ Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

“Don’t let your fears overwhelm your desire… you will never know what you’re capable of unless you try.”

~ Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

And here’s a bonus quote from Ms. Sandberg, just because we think she’s awesome:

“Careers are not ladders – those days are gone. Careers are jungle gyms.”

“Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, never follow someone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path… then by all means you should follow that.”

~ Ellen DeGeneres. Everyone knows who Ellen is.

“I’ve seen a generation eager, impatient even, to step into the rushing waters of history and change its course.”

~ Former President Obama

“Life has no remote. Get up and change it yourself.”

- Mark A. Cooper, author

This next one doesn’t get a ranking, and we’re not even sure it’s from a graduation speech, but we figured no blog would be complete without advice from a frog:

“And once you get that map out, you won’t be able to refold it no matter how smart you are. So forget the map, roll down the windows, and whenever you can, pull over and have a picnic with a pig. And if you can help it, never fly as cargo.” 

~ Kermit the Frog, social commentator and expert on being green

And now… drum roll, please. When we started researching the best graduation advice, we assumed our #1 pick would come from a former president, Nobel Prize winner, or influential philosopher. Or maybe Oprah. We were wrong. The best line came from none other than rock legend, Bono. Which just goes to show – you can make a difference in people’s lives, no matter which career you choose.

Here’s our #1 Best Line from a Graduation Speech:

“This is the time for bold measures and this is the country and you are the generation… That degree of yours is a blunt instrument – go forth and build something with it.”

~ Bono, singer, musician, businessman and philanthropist

Of course, in a blog about graduation advice, we’d be remiss if we didn’t refer back to that classic “song” released in 1999, by  Baz Luhrmann , "Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen)." If you haven’t heard it, check it out on YouTube. Interesting fact: the song started life as an essay written by  columnist   Mary Schmich , for the Chicago Tribune . It went viral, and was often erroneously described as a commencement speech given by author  Kurt Vonnegut  at MIT. I guess you can’t believe everything you read on the Internet…

In closing, graduates: Congratulations! Now go out and build something, change history, picnic with a pig, and always wear sunscreen.

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101 graduation quotes to inspire the class of 2024

There are many transitions in life, but few as big as a graduation.

Whether it be kindergarten, high school or college, a graduation symbolizes an end of one chapter and the start of a new one. For graduates, it’s the culmination of years of hard work . And for their loved ones? A moment to celebrate the accomplishments and success of someone dear.

There’s no better way to mark the special occasion than a gathering filled with friends and family , as well as a thoughtful gift or memento that says, “Congratulations on your achievement!”

In recognition of graduates and their loved ones, we’ve gathered a list of the best graduation quotes to post on Instagram , send via text or write in a greeting card.

The ensure you find just the right thing to say, this comprehensive collection includes words by Eleanor Roosevelt, Maya Angelou , Mahatma Gandhi, Helen Keller and other luminaries.

There are also short quotes, funny quotes from the likes of Steve Martin, Tina Fey and Robin Williams, as well as notable quotes from the Dr. Seuss book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” a beloved classic often given to graduates as gifts.

Whatever message you’re looking for to celebrate someone special’s commencement, you’re sure to find it among the inspirational quotes below.

So, without any further pomp and circumstance ( pun totally intended ), here are the best of the best graduation quotes.

Best graduation quotes

• “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
• “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Let us make our future now, and let us make our dreams tomorrow’s reality.” — Malala Yousafzai
• "Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." — Mahatma Gandhi
• “Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get.” ― W.P. Kinsella

• “It is not where you start but how high you aim that matters for success.” — Nelson Mandela
• "The love of learning, the sequestered nooks, And all the sweet serenity of books." ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
• “Am I good enough? Yes, I am.” ― Michelle Obama, “Becoming”
• “The only impossible journey is the one you never begin.” — Tony Robbins
• “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller

• “When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.” — Carol Burnett
• “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’” ― Audrey Hepburn
• "I scorched the earth with my talent and I let my light shine.” — André Leon Talley
• “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” — Colin Powell
• “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am.” — Sylvia Plath, “The Bell Jar”

• “Be the best of whatever you are.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.
• “Forever is composed of nows.” — Emily Dickinson
• “The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.” — Steve Jobs
• “To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly.” ― Henri Bergson
• “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.” ― John Lennon, "Imagine"

• “A #2 pencil and a dream can take you anywhere.” — Joyce Meyer
• “Passion first and everything will fall into place.” — Holly Holm
• “You’re off to great places. Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So ... get on your way.” — Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
• “The beginning is always today.” — Mary Shelley
• “You don’t become what you want, you become what you believe.” — Oprah Winfrey
• “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne, “Winnie the Pooh”

Short graduation quotes

• “Celebrate endings — for they precede new beginnings.” — Jonathan Lockwood Huie
• “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” — Mahatma Gandhi
• “The harder the battle, the sweeter the victory.” — Les Brown
• “A star is a rock that never gave up on its dream to rise.” ― Matshona Dhliwayo
• “Success is loving life and daring to live it.” ― Maya Angelou

• “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” — Nora Ephron
• “Through discipline comes freedom.” — Aristotle
• “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ― Robert Collier
• “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” — Eleanor Roosevelt
• “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” ― John D. Rockefeller

• “Nothing is impossible. The word itself says, ‘I’m possible!’” — Audrey Hepburn
• “Be so good they can’t ignore you.” — Steve Martin
• “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” — Neale Donald Walsch
• “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.” — Mark Twain
• “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” — Nelson Mandela

• “Success is not the absence of failure; it’s the persistence through failure.” — Aisha Tyler
• “Accept no one’s definition of your life. Define yourself.” ― Harvey Fierstein
• “Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities.” — Robert H. Schuller
• “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” ― Mahatma Gandhi
• “Your education has prepared you for what lies ahead.” — Conan O’Brien, 2020 Harvard commencement

• “What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” — Alfred Mercier
• “The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.” — Arthur C. Clarke
• “It’s supposed to be hard. If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great.” — Jimmy Dugan, “A League of Their Own”
• “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

• “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” ― Theodore Roosevelt
• “Persistence is the most powerful force on earth, it can move mountains.” — Albert Einstein
• “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement; nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” — Helen Keller

Funny graduation quotes

• “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.” — Albert Einstein
• “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” — Ferris Bueller, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
• “I look to the future because that is where I’m going to spend the rest of my life.” — George Burns
• “Try not to have a good time ... This is supposed to be educational.” — Lucy Van Pelt, “Peanuts”

• “People don’t turn down money. It’s what separates us from the animals.” — Jerry Seinfeld
• “When all else fails, there’s always delusion.” — Conan O’Brien
• “Summer vacation does kind of set up an adulthood of disappointment. That first job, you’re like, ‘I have to go to work in July? What is this, Russia?’”— Jim Gaffigan, “Cinco”
• “Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they’re looking for ideas.”  —Paula Poundstone
• “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it is not open.” — Frank Zappa

• “Do not take life too seriously — you will never get out of it alive.” — Elbert Hubbard
• “You’re only given a little spark of madness, you mustn’t lose it.” — Robin Williams
• “You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the water slide overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.”   — Tina Fey
• “All my life, I always wanted to be somebody. Now I see that I should have been more specific.” — Jane Wagner
• “If at first you don’t succeed, then skydiving definitely isn’t for you.” — Steven Wright
• “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path; then, by all means, you should follow that path.” — Ellen Degeneres
• “You’re still here? It’s over. Go home. Go.” — Ferris Bueller, “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”

Inspirational graduation quotes

• “All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them.” — Viola Davis
• “That’s a great motto for all of us — find somebody to be successful for. Raise their hopes. Rise to their needs.” — Barack Obama, Arizona State University commencement speech 2009
• “Look back on the journey that brought you here. What moments challenged you most? When were you asked to step outside of your familiar territory in order to rise to the occasion of your potential? I want you to remember those moments because they will embolden you.” — Kerry Washington, George Washington University commencement speech 2013

• “Just because you don’t know what you want yet, it doesn’t mean that there’s nothing to want.” — Emily Henry, “The Love That Split the Wind”
• “You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” — Brigham Young
• “You’ll be on your way up! You’ll be seeing great sights! You’ll join the high fliers who soar to high heights.” — Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
• “Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” — Martin Luther King, March for Integrated Schools
•  “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” — Dr. Seuss, “Happy Birthday to You!”

• “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go...” — Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
• “A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” — Harvey Mackay
• “If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” — Henry David Thoreau, “Walden”
• “It is you, the young and fearless at heart, the most diverse and educated generation in our history, who the nation is waiting to follow.” — Barack Obama, Selma Anniversary speech 2015

• “It’s opener, out there, in the wide, open air.” ― Dr. Seuss, "Oh, the Places You’ll Go!"
• “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” ― Dr. Seuss
• “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” — Malcolm X
• “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!” ― Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
• “It is our failure to become of perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.” — Conan O’Brien, 2011 Dartmouth College commencement address

• “Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.” — Bill Bradley
• “There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.” — Ray Goforth
• “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney
• “Becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.” — Michelle Obama, “Becoming”
• “I am a firm believer that you don’t achieve greatness on your own. There is always someone there to lend a hand.” — Greg Louganis

Graduation quotes inspired by song lyrics

• “Tonight / We are young /So, let’s set the world on fire / We can burn brighter than the sun.” — Fun, “We Are Young”
• “I’ll spread my wings and I’ll learn how to fly / I’ll do what it takes ‘til I touch the sky / And I’ll make a wish, take a chance, make a change and breakaway.” — Kelly Clarkson, “Breakaway”
• “And I’ll be gone, gone tonight / The ground beneath my feet is open wide.” — One Direction, “Story of My Life’

• “You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine / Just own the night, like the Fourth of July.” — Katy Perry, “Firework”
• “It’s something unpredictable, but in the end, it’s right / I hope you had the time of your life.” — Green Day, “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)”
• “Ain’t about how fast I get there / Ain’t about what’s waiting on the other side / It’s the climb.” — Miley Cyrus, “The Climb”
• “I am unwritten / Can’t read my mind / I’m undefined / I’m just beginning / The pen’s in my hand / Ending unplanned.” —Natasha Bedingfield, “Unwritten”

• “As we go on, we remember / All the times we had together / And as our lives change / Come whatever / We will still be friends forever.” — Vitamin C, “Graduation (Friends Forever)
• “I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance / Never settle for the path of least resistance.” — Lee Ann Womack, “I Hope You Dance”
• “School’s out for summer / School’s out forever.” — Alice Cooper, “School’s Out”

Sarah is a lifestyle and entertainment reporter for TODAY who covers holidays, celebrities and everything in between.

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Home › Graduation Quotes

100 Graduation Quotes for All Grads

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Graduations are always special occasions and these graduation quotes will have you ready for commencement from any stage of learning.

Graduating from any level of school is an exciting milestone that deserves celebrating.

Aside from accomplishing past goals, graduations give us a chance to set new ones and move to bigger challenges.

So take time to enjoy commencement with these great graduation quotes and celebrate all you’ve accomplished in school.

Page Contents

Top 10 Graduation Quotes

Graduation isn’t the closing of a door. It’s the opening of a thousand. Daniel Schultz

Graduation is the beginning of knowing who you are, what you are, why you are, and always knowing where you are going. Lydia Patton

There is a good reason they call these ceremonies ‘commencement exercises.’ Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning. Orrin Hatch

The man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after. Newton D. Baker

Be excited about your college graduation and career opportunities! Paul B. Hudson

Graduation is not the end but the beginning of our bigger life and bigger challenges in life to face. May Ann

Graduation is the end of theoretical knowledge and the start of practical life. Geetha Laxman

Graduation, a conclusion of one chapter, a beginning of another. Catherine Pulsifer

Quotes about Graduation

Graduation is an important day. It is a significant achievement. Stephanie Ruhle

Graduation is a time to nod at the past and smile at the future, and we’d better smile at it because it’s quite a bit bigger than us. Noah MacDonald

Education is something we have to keep pursuing day after day. Premier Brian Gallant

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. Edmund Hillary

Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference. Arie Pencovici

Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today. Malcolm X

Having the right mindset is critical to graduation no matter at what age you decide to take the leap. Mike Finley

After years of daily effort and sleepless nights cramming for exams and finishing term papers, the day finally comes when you put on your caps and gowns to stand in line to receive the university diploma certifying that the time has come for you to make your entry into the real world. Maria C. Siccardi, A Graduation Gift

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant. Robert Louis Stevenson

And whether it’s a moment of graduation or some time of transition in one’s life, there’s this sense of being unmoored – what used to be isn’t any longer. Pema Chödrön

Commencement. These graduates go out to a new season and our paths will never cross again in the same way. Marsha Woodward

Now you have graduated and “commenced,” ending the last segment of your previous adventure, and now you begin your next adventure. Tom Swanson

Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed. Erma Bombeck

Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors! Louisa May Alcott

A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that “individuality” is the key to success. Robert Orben

Graduation is also the first time you are able to do what you want with your life, without anyone holding you back or telling you no. Michael Pipper

The learning that starts in school and used to end at graduation is now a vital and continual proactive process. Victor Hayek

God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations but commencements. Bernie S. Siegel

Remember, half the doctors in this country graduated in the bottom half of their class. Al McGuire

We have made hardly any changes in our conception of university organization, education, graduation, for a century – for several centuries. H.G. Wells

I wasn’t under any delusion that a single message would change their world, but I was determined to prepare something that would contribute to their lives beyond graduation day, something that would help them to choose a life that matters. Dennis Rainey

The road to graduation is a long, steep climb, so take a moment at the summit to be proud of your accomplishments. Sheryl Sandberg

As a lot of us have found out, graduation only means that you are ready to keep learning, to keep your skills advanced and growing because you never know when you will find yourself out on the street. Byron Pulsifer

I don’t remember at all what was said at my college graduation, and I think that’s the case for many people. Stephanie Ruhle

For many, graduation marks the end of formal student life, the end of long spring breaks and of thinking that a 10 a.m. class is far too early. Alexa von Tobel

When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy. Samuel Goldwyn

I believe that we must focus on graduation as the key accountability measure. Ruben Hinojosa

It’s more than a diploma. It’s more than graduation. It’s knowledge. Cardi B

Struggling to decide what to do after graduation is, and always will be, a sort of rite of passage to the next phase of your life. Gloria Davidson

At graduation, you get to wear a cap and gown, but it’s a good idea to also wear something underneath it. Greg Tamblyn

Words on Graduating

Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction. John F. Kennedy

The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match, each one of you is a fuse. Ed Koch

You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result. Mahatma Gandhi

Man’s greatness consists in his ability to do, and the proper application of his powers to things needed to be done. Frederick Douglass

It is better to know and be disappointed, than to not know and always wonder. Oscar Wilde

You can complain about the direction of your life all you want, but until you sit in the driver’s seat and begin to drive yourself, you aren’t going to get where you want to go! Les Brown

After graduating, the possibilities are infinite, but they are a lot harder to obtain and you don’t always end up where you thought you would be. Jenny Blake

The noblest question in the world is: What good may I do in it? Benjamin Franklin

As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Struggling to decide what to do after graduation is, and always will be, a sort of rite of passage to the next phase of your life. Gloria Davidson, When Graduation Spits You Out

To acquire knowledge, one must study; but to acquire wisdom, one must observe. Marilyn Vos Savant

You did it. You got through it. You’ve run the gauntlet of exams, essays, and the occasional all-nighter and come out of it reasonably unscathed. You’ve got a diploma, a gown, and a nifty tasseled cap. Alyssa Favreau, Stuff Every Graduate Should Know

Learning is not something that stops once you get out of school. Rather, it’s something that should be considered as a vital component of your day-to-day life. Rupert Johnson

What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. Ralph Waldo Emerson

To the graduates, you might think your time in education is done, but after you leave here today, I am asking you to let your actions out there in the world fuel the demand for better education. Pharrell Williams

Graduation day is not a victory to celebrate! But a day to start again another beginning! Mark Alonzo

It is indeed ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days waxing nostalgic about our school days. Isabel Waxman

If you walk out of here with a diploma in your hand, you better walk out of here with something these professors put in your heads, too. And retain it, or you’re going to be in bad trouble. Pearl Bailey

I’ve told my children that when I die, to release balloons in the sky to celebrate that I graduated. For me, death is a graduation. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

One half who graduate from college never read another book . G.M. Trevelyan

If you graduated from higher education, you should feel proud and not allow your grades to define who you are. Saaif Alam

Graduation Speech Quotes

Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated. Garry Trudeau

Each year at graduation, I am obliged to offer a few ‘brief remarks,’ which are usually not as brief as they should be. James E. Ryan

Without a doubt, the best graduation speeches captivate the audience, heart and soul. They enchant us without smothering. They advise us without being didactic. Randy Howe

I love graduation speeches. I have always loved them; I will always love them. Bruce Eric Kaplan

What I like about graduation speeches is that they’re an opportunity for someone to make sense of their life and to impart that wisdom to someone else. It’s like a sanctioned self-help moment. Bruce Eric Kaplan

No graduation speaker will ever tell you that the future is anything but uncertain. It never is. But graduations need not only be obsessed with looking ahead; a graduation can be a day on which we turn back and trace our steps to see how we ended up where we are. Taylor Mali

If these thoughts on commencement speeches have you ready for more inspiration, check out our 12 Inspirational Graduation Speeches to honor your education or even write a stirring remarks of your own.

Words for Graduates

Don’t live down to expectations. Go out there and do something remarkable. Wendy Wasserstein

Be the author, not the reader, of your own life. Paul Gibbons

Curiosity is the key to creativity . Akio Morita

Self confidence is the first requisite to great undertakings. Samuel Johnson

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. Robin Williams

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. A.A. Milne

Go into the world and do well. But more importantly, go into the world and do good. Minor Myers Jr.

Graduates, today your formal education begins! Here’s your first lesson. Find a wise mentor. Rick Rigsby, Lessons From A Third Grade Dropout

My dear terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives. The stories you are about to live are the ones you will be telling your children, and grandchildren, and therapists. Lin-Manuel Miranda

The important thing is not to stop questioning. Albert Einstein

Most graduates have a mixture of emotions at this time. You probably have a tremendous sense of relief and accomplishment for finishing a major course of study. Michael Farris

Every graduate here today has the training and the talent to succeed. But do you have the guts to fail? Denzel Washington

You are no longer students. You are no longer a work in progress. You are now citizens of the real world. You have a responsibility to become a person worthy of joining and contributing to society. Because who you are today, that’s who you are. Shonda Rhimes

That diploma you hold in your hands today is really just your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through life. Remember, you don’t have to be smarter than the next person. All you have to do is be willing to work harder than the next person. Jimmy Iovine

Then that same confident and mature high school graduate will be a very different person when they graduate college than when they entered. Four years can make a big difference in maturity. Lee Binz

Now that you’ve graduated, just remember, bosses don’t usually accept notes from your mother. Melanie White

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. Dr. Seuss

To those of you who received honors, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say you too may one day be president of the United States. George W. Bush

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car, but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad. Teddy Roosevelt

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. Eleanor Roosevelt

If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn’t lead anywhere. Frank A. Clark

As you start your journey, the first thing you should do is throw away that store-bought map and begin to draw your own. Michael Dell

You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world . Tom Brokaw

The college graduate is presented with a sheepskin to cover his intellectual nakedness. Robert M. Hutchins

The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you. B.B. King

We hope you enjoyed these graduation quotes and feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

From Kindergarten to a doctoral degree, graduations are always momentous occasions. They afford the time to look back on past journeys and look forward to new ones.

So wherever you are at in your educational process, don’t forget to take a breath and throw that cap in the air today. You did it!

Quincy Seale

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12 Powerful Quotes From Inspiring Commencement Speeches

On graduation day, you experience a lot of emotions: Pride because you’ve finally made it. Fear because you don’t know what’s next. And everything in between.

Except you don’t have to be wearing a cap and gown to feel these things. If anything is true in this world, it’s that nobody knows what they’re doing. We’re all just figuring it out as we go.

So when somebody successful is willing to share their advice, you take it and you run with it and you do everything humanly possible to make your own mark with it.

Here are some of our favorite quotes from some of the most inspirational commencement speeches by some of the most inspirational people to help you get started:

1. “We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.” – J.K. Rowling, Harvard University

2. “to those of you graduates sitting out there who have a pretty good idea of what you’d like to do with your life, congratulations. for many of you who maybe don’t have it all figured out, it’s ok. that’s the same chair that i sat in. enjoy the process of your search without succumbing to the pressure of the result. trust your gut, keep throwing darts at the dartboard. don’t listen to the critics and you will figure it out.” – will ferrell, university of southern california, 3. “the trick is to listen to your instinct, grab the opportunity when it presents itself and then give it your all. you will stumble and fall, you will experience both disaster and triumph, sometimes in the same day, but it’s really important to remember that like a hangover, neither triumphs nor disasters last forever. they both pass and a new day arrives. just try to make that new day count.” – helen mirren, tulane university, 4. “be present. i would encourage you with all my heart just to be present. be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. so don’t miss them by being lost in the past or anticipating the future.” – jessica lange, sarah lawrence college, 5. “you can go slow. allow your dreams and goals to change, but live an intentional life.” – kumail nanjiani, grinnell college, 6. “sometimes you find out what you are supposed to be doing by doing the things you are not supposed to do.” – oprah winfrey, howard university, 7. “i encourage you to live with life. be courageous, adventurous. give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” – maya angelou, university of california, riverside, 8. “the most important thing in your life is to live your life with integrity and to not give into peer pressure to try to be something that you’re not.” – ellen degeneres, tulane university, 9. “don’t be afraid of fear. because it sharpens you, it challenges you, it makes you stronger; and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.” – ed helms, knox college, 10. “you will be so many things, and the one thing that i wish i’d known and want to say is, don’t just be yourself. be all of yourselves. don’t just live. be that other thing connected to death. be life. live all of your life. understand it, see it, appreciate it. and have fun.” – joss whedon, wesleyan university, 11. “i’ve found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. fall forward. every failed experiment is one step closer to success. you’ve got to take risks. you will fail at some point in your life. accept it. you will lose. you will embarrass yourself. you will suck at something. there is no doubt about it. never be discouraged. never look back. give everything you’ve got. and when you fall throughout life, fall forward.” – denzel washington, university of pennsylvania, 12. “but my dear graduates, let me be frank, the best years are very much ahead of you. and they can be whatever you want them to be… as much as you’ve changed during your time here, more change is coming. you’re going to continue to evolve in unforeseen ways. you are full of complexities and wonders that haven’t even begun to surface. life’s unpredictability will draw these out and what defines you now will be mere shades and hues of a more vibrant you over the next five, 10, 50 years. honestly, i can’t think of anything more liberating than that, knowing that life will look differently than you think it will.” – octavia spencer, kent state university.

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110+ Inspiring Quotes About Graduation for 2022 Grads

Updated 08/10/2022

Published 06/12/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

High school and college seniors often face graduation with a mixture of anticipation, excitement, and trepidation. Their parents may share those complicated emotions as well. Regardless of how the graduates feel, it is common to celebrate this milestone with parties and gifts and even sharing a short quote about graduation.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Quotes for high school graduation, quotes for college graduation, short quotes for a graduation cap, funny graduation quotes, uplifting or hopeful graduation quotes, dr. seuss graduation quotes, graduation quotes from parents, graduation quotes for a niece or nephew, religious graduation quotes, graduation quotes for yourself, graduation quotes to put in a yearbook, graduation quotes for party announcements or invitations, graduation quotes to put in a card, religious or spiritual graduation quotes.

Here are some uplifting, inspiring, and encouraging quotes . Add them above your signature in graduation cards, use them as decorations, or write them in yearbooks. Reassure those scared seniors that they are ready for life on the other side of formal education.

Eighteen-year-olds are often excited to get the heck out of Dodge. They are ready for freedom, adventure, and life without their parents. At the same time, many older teens crave the comfort of being taken care of at home. These conflicting emotions can understandably cause quite a bit of angst. 

Here are some quotes to reassure those seniors. These quotes can also be used to teach seniors about some of the keys to a happy life. Share them on social media, or use them as filler when creating a memory board as a graduation party decoration.  

1. “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remind the graduate that character is a critical factor in succeeding in life. Having a good attitude may not give you riches, but it will provide you with peace of mind.

2. “What’s popular isn’t always right, and what’s right isn’t always popular!” — Unknown

You probably have said this until you are blue in the face if you are a graduate’s parent. Remind your child who is going to college to focus on what is right instead of acting as everyone else does.

3. “A person can succeed at anything for which there is enthusiasm.” — Charles M. Schwab

Enthusiasm is one of the keys to having a happy life. Apparently, Charles M. Schwab must have been very enthusiastic about money to have achieved the success that he enjoyed.

4. “What the human mind can conceive and believe, it can accomplish.” — David Sarnoff

This quote may only be partially right. No one has found an easy way to fold a fitted sheet. Perhaps this generation will accomplish that dream.

5. Triumph is just an “ump” ahead of “try.” — Unknown

Tell your graduate that success comes after taking chances and trying hard. 

College graduates may also face their futures with trepidation and worry. After all, many of them have student loans to pay off and no income in which to do it. Here are some quotes that offer advice and encouragement for those getting started in the working world.

6. “Hitch your wagon to a star.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you know anything about Ralph Waldo Emerson, you know that he was not encouraging people to rub shoulders with the Hollywood elite. The “star” Emerson wrote about was a person’s hopes and dreams.

7. “There exist limitless opportunities in every industry. Where there is an open mind, there will always be a frontier.” — Charles F. Kettering

Our great-great-grandparents would not have been able to fathom how we live today. It’s exciting to think about what the current generation will invent to improve the world.

8. “Enthusiasm reflects confidence, spreads good cheer, raises morale, inspires associates, arouses loyalty, and laughs at adversity. It is beyond price.” — Allan Cox

Share this idea with the college graduate, and you will be sharing the secret to a happy and productive life.

9. “Energy and perseverance can fit a man for almost any kind of position.” — Theodore F. Merseles

College graduates may face the job market with trepidation. They may wonder if their education really prepared them for the real world. Remind the young person to face new tasks with enthusiastic optimism, and they will be able to achieve anything.

10. “When I was a young man, I observed that nine out of ten things I did were failures. I didn’t want to be a failure, so I did ten times more work.” — George Bernard Shaw

George Bernard Shaw wrote Pygmalion , which later inspired the creation of the musical My Fair Lady . 

Before you bling your cap, make sure your high school or college allows the practice. If permitted, you may use the space to thank your parents for their love and support. Here are some quotes to consider. 

11. “It may be those who do most, dream most.” -- Stephen Leacock

Tell others at graduation that you have ambition and big dreams for your life. 

12. “You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” — John Lennon

Life is full of possibilities. It’s exciting to face a new adventure after completing a milestone in your life. 

13. “Little by little, one travels far.” — J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien was the author of the Lord of the Ring series. He wrote many amazing lines about life, travel, and adventure. 

14. “There is some good in this world, and it’s worth fighting for.”  — J.R.R. Tolkien

The fight for good can be done in many ways. You can do it by being an excellent example to others. You can do it with carefully chosen words. 

15. “Mischief managed.” — J.K. Rowling

Fans of Harry Potter will recognize this line from the book and the movies. This is a cute way to say goodbye to high school or college if the graduate participated in a few adventures along the way.

The quote you pick for a college graduate doesn’t have to sound like a Greek philosopher wrote it. Here are some pieces of advice written by people with a knack for words.

16. “An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes the tartar sauce with him.” — Zig Ziglar

Encourage the graduate you know to have a positive mental attitude in life. 

17. “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” — Albert Einstein

It may be cruel to share this wisdom with a college senior who spent thousands of dollars to earn a diploma. But if Albert Einstein said it, it must be true.

18. “Enthusiasm, like measles, mumps, and the common cold, is highly contagious.” — Benjamin Disraeli

The word “contagious” may have a bad rap, but not everything that is contagious is terrible.

19. “Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.”  — Robert Frost

Congratulations! You made it through high school! It’s harder to get through it then one could imagine. 

20. “Life is now in session. Are you present?” — B. Copeland

One of the keys to academic success is simply being present. Perhaps we could say the same about life. Are you present in your life or always on your phone or watching Netflix?

Make sure your quote has positive energy, similar to what you would write in a time capsule letter . 

21. “Attitudes are much more important than aptitudes.” — Unknown

Maybe your graduate wasn’t a member of the National Honor Society and received an average SAT score. Remind the young person that their attitude is more important than test scores and memberships in honor organizations. 

22. “The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” — Aldous Huxley

Remind the person who is on the brink of adulthood to keep the spirit of a child.

23. “It’s not where you are today that counts. It’s where you are headed.” — Arthur F. Lenehan

Even if the graduate had a less than stellar academic career, he or she could still achieve great things. 

24. “The intelligent man is always open to new ideas. In fact, he looks for them.” — Proverbs 18:15

Graduates must know that their education will continue through life, but only if they are open to learning and growing.

25. “I am an optimist. It does not seem to much use being anything else.” — Winston Churchill

Leave it to Winston Churchill to describe the secret of life in such simplistic terms. 

Not all of Dr. Seuss’s books are known for offering pithy quotes about life. For example, you won’t find words of wisdom in “Fox in Socks” unless “Socks on Knox and Knox in box” has a hidden meaning. Thankfully, the author wrote other children’s books (that are easier to read out loud) that offer lovely messages.

26. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting . . . so get on your way!”

Those who think Seuss’s work is nothing but fluff should re-read Oh, The Places You’ll Go! It offers a great message to people in every stage of life (but especially graduates).

27. “Kid, you’ll move mountains.”

This, again, is another quote from Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

28. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.”

Dr. Seuss is a pen name for Theodor Seuss Geisel. Geisel died in 1991.

29. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Graduations are sometimes tearful events. Share this quote with a graduate who isn’t ready to leave high school or college. 

30. “Think and wonder. Wonder and think.”

That’s good advice for anyone—if we could all just put down our phones, we would have the opportunity to think and wonder.

31. “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”

This quote isn’t from the often-quoted Oh, The Places You’ll Go! Instead, you can find this thoughtful line from One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish .

Some high schools and colleges allow their graduates to decorate their mortarboards at graduation. Here are a few more short phrases to use if cap decoration is allowed. 

32. “Swing for the fences.” —H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

This quote is found in Life’s Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown, Jr. Encourage those graduating around you to “give it their all” as they enter this new phase in life. 

33. “TPWK” —Harry Styles

Undoubtedly, those in your high school or college graduation class will know what “TPWK” means. However, for those who aren’t aged 12-25, “TPWK” stands for “Treat People With Kindness.” 

34. “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” —Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

Yes, this is a book title, and yes, it would make a great short quote for a graduation cap. Some graduation speeches are about how to achieve great things and the importance of working hard. This quote would lend a little balance to those messages.

35. “The best is yet to come.” —Carolyn Leigh

Although this phrase appears in many different places, it is the title of a song made famous by Frank Sinatra. This quote reminds fellow graduates that life doesn’t have to peak in high school.

36. “Adventure is out there.”

This phrase can be found in Disney’s Up , among other places. For those who don’t know the reference, we encourage you to watch the movie. But, we highly recommend that you have a box of tissues nearby. 

Graduation ceremonies bring out a wide variety of emotions: happiness, sadness, excitement, and . . . relief! These emotions ring true for both the graduates and their parents. 

Here are some graduation quotes that cover a wide variety of emotional states. 

37. “It takes a whole village to raise a child.” African Proverb

Some parents of graduates feel thankful on graduation day for all of the people who played an essential role in their child’s life. Their child’s village may have included teachers, school staff, bus drivers, coaches, youth ministers, neighbors, scout leaders, and friends.

38. “Go forth and set the world on fire.” —St. Ignatius of Loyola

Show your graduate that you are excited about their new phase of life. 

39. “I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living, my baby you’ll be.” —Robert Munsch

You may recognize these words as being from the best-selling children’s book, Love You Forever . If you view your graduate as your baby or chubby-cheeked toddler, you’ll connect with this quote.

40. “When they hand you your diploma, keep moving. Just in case they try to take it back.” —Unknown

Are you and your graduate relieved that this day has finally come? Then add a little levity to the situation by sharing this quote with your son or daughter. 

41. “Dance like nobody’s watching, because they are not, they are all checking their phones.” —Unknown

We love this bit of advice from an unknown source. Use the quote to remind your graduate that life is too short to worry about what others think about you.

If you are the aunt or uncle of the graduate, you may want to offer a bit of life advice as they go out into the world. So here are some quotes to share with your niece or nephew.

42. “People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do.” —Isaac Asimov

Remind your niece and nephew that you are still the smart one in the family, regardless of if they just graduated from high school or college.

43. “Congratulations on getting through the easiest part of life.” —Unknown

Maybe this isn’t the warm, fuzzy quote you were looking for, but it’s funny.

44. “The future is always uncertain, but we who celebrate what you have done, who celebrate all of your achievements, we are certain of one thing on this day: You will not let us down.” —Tom Hanks

Are you confident that your niece or nephew will make positive changes in the world? Then here’s a nice quote to share with the graduate in your family.

45. “Keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will always fall behind you.” —Walt Whitman

We know that this advice about staying positive is easier said than done, but it is a good reminder about how we should live.

46. “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” —Martin Luther King Jr.

In other words, tell your family member who just graduated to use their knowledge for good instead of evil.

If your faith is important to you, share it with the graduate. Here are some religious graduation quotes that will remind the young person that there’s more to life than school.

47. “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11

This quote is from the text of a letter Jeremiah sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles. 

48. “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” Proverbs 16:3

No matter what the graduate plans to do for a career, this is good advice to share.

49. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

This is one of our favorite quotes from the Old Testament. 

50. “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

The Bible is full of important messages for young people to hear, but this verse from 1 Timothy is an excellent reminder to adults. 

51. “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37

Reassure your graduate that they can achieve their dreams with this quote from Luke. 

Are you moving on from high school, college, grad school, or a doctoral program? Congratulations! These milestones are often times for reflection and thanksgiving (as well as celebration). 

Here are some quotes about having a positive outlook for your future and the importance of perseverance. 

52. “When things go wrong, as they sometimes will.  When the road you’re trudging seems all up hill, When care is pressing you down a bit,  Rest. If you must– but don’t you quit.” – Unknown

We aren’t sure who to attribute this quote to, but your accomplishments, plus these words, will surely inspire others.

53. “If you really want something, you can figure out how to make it happen.” – Cher

Here are words of advice from someone who never seems to age.

54. “You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try.” – Beverly Sills

This quote will inspire others to invest in their future.

55. “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

This would be a good quote to use in a graduation speech.

56. “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – Japanese Proverb

Your road to graduation may not have been smooth. However, you kept putting one foot in front of the other.

57. “The world is round and the place which may seem like the end may also be only the beginning.” – George Baker

Congratulations on your new beginning.

58. “Oh god, give us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed; courage to change what should be changed, and wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.” – Reinhold Niebuhr

Read this quote every day.

59. “Grant me the courage not to give up even though I think it is hopeless.” – Chester W. Nimitz

Face your challenges in life with this attitude.

60. “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” – Leo Tolstoy

You may serve others through your work or during your time away from work.

61. “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” – Mother Teresa

We love this quote. Dust it off and read it when you’re feeling small.

62. “What you think of yourself is much more important than what others think of you.” – Seneca

Remember this if you face rejection after graduation.

Choosing a yearbook quote is an important right of passage in some schools. The selection you choose is pretty important — after all, people don’t throw away yearbooks. Your quote will be there for all to see until the end of your life.

While you might be tempted to include a quote that includes a double entendre or inside joke, your choice might make you cringe later in life. Instead, here are some quotes to uplift or inspire you.

63. “Don’t compromise yourself. You are all you’ve got.” – Janis Joplin

Sometimes people choose a quote based on WHO said it instead of WHAT is said.

64. “All the wonders you seek are within yourself.” – Sir Thomas Brown

Sir Thomas Brown was a British polymath, defined as “a person of wide-ranging knowledge or learning.”

65. “We are the choices we make.” – Meryl Streep

So we must choose wisely.

66. “Everyone has talent. What is rare is the courage to follow the talent to the dark place where it leads.” – Erica Jong

We hope your talent and courage get you far in life.

67. “I celebrate myself, and sing myself.” – Walt Whitman

These lines, of course, are from Whitman’s work, “Leaves of Grass.”

68. “If you ask me what I came into this world to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud.” – Emile Zola

We love this quote about grabbing the bull by the horn.

69. “Seize the day, put no trust in tomorrow.” – Horace

70. “in the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins . . . not through strength, but through persistence.” – unknown.

This quote can be illustrated in some of the wonders of nature.

71. “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Chinese Proverb

This often-repeated quote should encourage those entering a new phase of life.

72. “Don’t wait for something big to occur. Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater.” – Mary Manin Morrissey

Mary Manin Morrissey is the author of “Building Your Field of Dreams.”

73. “The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” – Chinese Proverb

So get started!

74. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

Many self-help books have been written with this theme. We’ve saved you a lot of reading time by offering this short quote from Mark Twain. 

Finding a quote for a graduation announcement should be a relatively simple process. After all, you can use any inspiring quote or one that offers advice on living a good life. Here are some quotes to choose from as you design your invitations.

75. “I don’t want life to imitate art. I want life to be art.” – Carrie Fisher

Here’s a quote for the art majors.

76. “Life is a verb, not a noun.” – Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Here’s a quote for the English majors. Though, they may not choose to use it because it’s incorrect in the literal sense.

77. “So I, with eager voice and news-flushed face, cry to those caught in comas, stupors, sleeping: Come, everything is running, flying, leaping, hurtling through time! And we are in this race.” – Jessica Powers

Jessica Powers was an American poet.

78. “The important thing is to somehow begin.” – Henry Moore

Henry Moore was an artist known for semi-abstract bronze sculptures.

79. “Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step: only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find his right road.” – Dag Hammarskjold

Dag Hammarskjold was the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

80. “Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

You’ll see this quote on a lot of graduation websites.

81. “Be Here Now.” – Ram Dass

Read this quote again. Then put down your device.

82. “The way to happiness: Keep your heart free from hate, your mind from worry. Live simply, expect little, give much. Scatter sunshine. Forget self, think of others. Try this for a week and you will be surprised.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Hang this quote on your refrigerator or mirror.

83. “The purpose of life on earth is that the soul should grow — So grow! By doing what is right.” – Zelda Fitzgerald

Zelda Fitzgerald wrote this line in a letter to her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald.

84. “To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable” – Helen Keller

Here are words of inspiration for the graduate.

85. “Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.” – Karen Kaiser Clark

Karen Kaiser Clark writes books about going through changes.

86, “Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.” – Rose Kennedy

Rose Kennedy was the mother of JFK. 

87. “I am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.” – Laura Ingalls Wilder

Many graduation quotes are about achieving great things and living important lives. However, this quote may appeal to those who enjoy the simple parts of life.

Here’s your chance! Share what you have learned about life by writing a poignant quote in the graduate’s card.

88. “If I had my life to live over again . . . I would have more actual troubles and less imaginary ones.” – Nadine Stair

This is good advice for someone who may be anxious about their future.

89. “Life is like a ten-speed bike. Most of us have gears we never use.” – Charles Schulz

Of course, follow this quote with words to encourage the graduate to use all of their gifts.

90. “Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint on it you can!” – Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye was an actor, dancer, and singer.

91. “Remember, life is not what happens to you but what you make of what happens to you. Everyone dies, but not everyone fully lives. Too many people are having “near-life experiences.” – Unknown

What did you do today to show that you are fully living?

92. “Be glad of life because it gives you the chance to love, and to work, and to play, and to look up at the stars.” – Henry Van Dyke

This quote may help the graduate gain an essential perspective on life.

93. “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” – Marcus Antonius

Junk in — junk out.

94. “The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” – Joseph Addison

Everyone needs a reason to get up in the morning.

95. “We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” – Charles Kingsley

Charles Kingsley was an English priest and professor.

96. “Life is like playing a violin solo in public, and learning the instrument as one goes on.” – Samuel Butler

This quote is excellent on many levels. 

97. “If you want my final opinion on the mystery of life and all that, I can give it to you in a nutshell. The universe is like a safe to which there is a combination, But the combination is locked up in the safe.” – Peter De Vries

Peter De Vries wrote “The Tunnel of Love.”

98. “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill

This quote encourages the graduate to give back to society. 

Graduation is a milestone event, making it a time of reflection. Here are some quotes about the spiritual side of life. 

99. “This is the day which the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms 118:24

King David wrote many of the Psalms.

100. “Let your aim be the good of all.” 

This quote is from the Bhagavad Gita. 

101. “The only way to live is to accept each minute as an unrepeatable miracle, which is exactly what it is: a miracle and unrepeatable.” – Storm Jameson

Margaret Ethel Storm Jameson was an English journalist and author.

102. “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein’s quotes always surprise us.

103. “All the things of the universe are perfect miracles, each as profound as any.” – Walt Whitman

Walt Whitman lived from 1819 to 1892.

104. “There is a giant asleep within every man. When that giant awakes, miracles happen.” – Frederick Faust

Frederick Faust was an author known for creating the character Dr. James Kildare.

105. “They understand but little who understand only what can be explained.” – Marie Ebner-Eschenbach

 Marie Ebner-Eschenbach was an Austrian writer known for her psychological novels.

106. “Faith is like electricity. You can’t see it, but you can see the light.” – Unknown

Encourage the graduate to be a light in the world.

107. “Live your beliefs and you can turn the world around.” – Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau was known for writing Walden, his story about living in nature. 

108. “If a blade of grass can grow in a concrete walk and a fig tree in the side of a mountain cliff, a human being empowered with an invincible faith can survive all odds the world can throw against his tortured soul.” – Robert H. Schuller

Robert Schuller was an American pastor who died in 2015.

109. “Faith is not knowledge of what the mystery of the universe is, but the conviction that there is a mystery, and that it is greater than us.” – Rabbi David Wolpe

Rabbi David Wolpe is a weekly columnist for New York Jewish Week.

110. “Faith is knowing that there is an ocean because you have seen a brook.” – William Arthur Ward

William Arthur Ward was an American motivational writer. 

111. “Faith is not being sure where you’re going but going anyway.” – Frederick Buechner

This is a good quote for someone leaving school.

What Was the Best Advice You Ever Received?

As you read these inspiring, inspirational, and positive quotes, you may consider the best advice you have ever received. It may have been shared with you at your high school or college graduation. 

Was the advice about the importance of keeping a positive attitude? Perhaps it reminded you that you would need to work hard to achieve great things in life. Maybe it was a friendly reminder that the people you choose to surround yourself with will assist or hinder you in achieving your dreams.   

Take thought in the advice that you give to the graduate. Instead of merely writing “good luck” on the graduation card, share the best advice that you had ever received. Or tell the graduate some of what you have learned about life through the years.   

You never know how the power of your words could change a person’s life. 

If you're looking for more on what to do when a loved one graduates, read our guides on physical therapy (DPT) graduation gifts and medical school graduation gifts .

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10 Powerful Quotes from Famous Graduation Speeches

While many of us may not remember the commencement addresses we heard as we waited to officially graduate from high school or college, some of the most famous graduation speeches given over the years have become timeless words of wisdom that all may draw upon for inspiration and encouragement, at any season of life!

While many of these inspiring quotes convey familiar truths, such as the importance of perseverance, resilience, and kindness, they also offer a unique perspective and practical life lessons that will help kids and adults alike.

So here are excerpts from some of the most critically acclaimed and popular graduation speeches from the past several years:

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. … Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Steve Jobs ‘ 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

“If you choose to use your status and influence to raise your voice on behalf of those who have no voice; if you choose to identify not only with the powerful, but with the powerless; if you retain the ability to imagine yourself into the lives of those who do not have your advantages, then it will not only be your proud families who celebrate your existence, but thousands and millions of people whose reality you have helped change.”

J.K. Rowling’s 2011 Harvard Commencement Address

“Never give in. Never, never, never, never—in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in, except to convictions of honor and good sense.”

Winston Churchill ’s 1941 Harrow School Commencement Address

“It is unimaginably hard to do this, to stay conscious and alive in the adult world day in and day out. Which means yet another grand cliché turns out to be true: your education really IS the job of a lifetime. And it commences: now.”

David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Kenyon Commencement Address

“You are not born with a fixed amount of resilience . Like a muscle, you can build it up, draw on it when you need it. In that process you will figure out who you really are—and you just might become the very best version of yourself.”

Sheryl Sandberg’s 2016 University of California, Berkeley Commencement Address

“You have a choice. You can either be a passive victim of circumstance or you can be the active hero of your own life. Action is the antidote to apathy and cynicism and despair. You will inevitably make mistakes . Learn what you can and move on. At the end of your days, you will be judged by your gallop, not by your stumble.”

Bradley Whitford’s 2004 University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Address

“My last piece of advice—this is simple, but perhaps most important:  Persevere.  Persevere.  Nothing worthwhile is easy. No one of achievement has avoided failure—sometimes catastrophic failures. But they keep at it. They learn from mistakes. They don’t quit.”

President Barack Obama ’s 2012 Barnard College Commencement Address

“The future is not fixed, it’s fluid. You can build your own building, or hut or condo, whatever; this is the metaphor part of the speech by the way. But my point is that the world is more malleable than you think and it’s waiting for you to hammer it into shape.”

Bono’s 2004 University of Pennsylvania Commencement Address

“You can be as earnest and ridiculous as you need to be, if you don’t attempt it in isolation. The ridiculously earnest are known to travel in groups. And they are known to change the world . Look at you. That could be you.”

Barbara Kingsolver’s 2008 Duke Commencement Address

“What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness. Those moments when another human being was there, in front of me, suffering, and I responded…sensibly. Reservedly. Mildly. ….And so, a prediction, and my heartfelt wish for you: as you get older, your self will diminish and you will grow in love. YOU will gradually be replaced by LOVE.”

George Saunders’ 2013 Commencement Address at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences

Life after school can be full of challenges, but holding on to wise words such as those found in graduation speeches can be helpful reminders of what is really important!

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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

By Kristi Kellogg and Noor Brara

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

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

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

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

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

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

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

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

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

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

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

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

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

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

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

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

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

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

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

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

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

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

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

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

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

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

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

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

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

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

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the four tips they all contain:

1. Dream big

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

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

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

2. Work hard

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

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

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

3. Make mistakes

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

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

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

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

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

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

So what can we learn from these themes?

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

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

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

Watch his TEDxIEMadrid Talk now:

About the author

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

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21 Best Graduation Speeches That Everyone Should Hear

Read life advice from Ree Drummond, Bill Gates, Oprah, and more!

Included in this list is the Pioneer Woman herself—Ree Drummond has witnessed her fair share of milestones with the Drummond kids and to top it off, she delivered an iconic keynote address at Oklahoma State University . Of course, who could forget Oprah Winfrey's speech to the class of 2020? In this heartfelt and emotional address, Winfrey encourages graduates to find their purpose in life and make a difference in the world. Those two are just a taste of what's to come. So, turn on the graduation songs , grab your tissues, and get ready for some solid life advice. Whether you're a recent graduate or just in need of a little pick-me-up, these speeches are sure to leave you feeling inspired and ready to take on whatever life throws your way.

Bill Gates: Northern Arizona University, 2023

Despite famously dropping out of Harvard after two years of study, Bill Gates shared a few pieces of advice he says he could have used at his hypothetical graduation. The Microsoft founder emphasized the importance of being open to career changes and learning to take a break.

"You are not a slacker if you cut yourself some slack. When I was your age, I didn’t believe in vacations. I didn’t believe in weekends. I pushed everyone around me to work very long hours. In the early days of Microsoft, my office overlooked the parking lot—and I would keep track of who was leaving early and staying late. But as I got older—and especially once I became a father—I realized there is more to life than work. Don’t wait as long as I did to learn this lesson. Take time to nurture your relationships, to celebrate your successes, and to recover from your losses."

Ree Drummond: Oklahoma State University, 2022

Ree hardly needs an introduction, but she knows a thing or two about life as a published author, Food Network host, and most importantly, mother of five.

"Buckle up, you have good times and rough seas ahead. It is just part of life, but enjoy the ride and laugh a lot... Life is about to unfold for you in all its forms. Love, heartache, accomplishments, disappointment, testing of faith... life is beautiful, so I repeat, buckle up and laugh along the way. It makes life fun."

Hamdi Ulukaya: Northeastern University, 2022

You may not know his name, but you might just love Chobani, the hugely successful yogurt brand Hamdi started. He reminded graduates why we are here on earth.

"As we started to grow, we hired everyone that we could. I realized an hour away there was a community of refugees who were having a hard time finding jobs. I said, 'Let's hire them.' I promise you that there is nothing more rewarding than showing up in the world for other people, no matter how hard it may be."

Dr. Marie Lynn Miranda: University of Notre Dame, 2021

As obvious as it sounds, you don't know what you don't know. That's the lesson from this acclaimed Notre Dame professor and environmental researcher.

"As much as I want to highlight the importance of the expertise you have developed, I also want to make the point that you will face situations in the years ahead where you will have no relevant expertise; you will have no evidence base to rely upon; your intellect will not be able to supply a needed answer. In those situations, I would like to suggest that you respond with love."

Oprah Winfrey: Class of 2020 Virtual Speech

Oprah had one of the hardest commencement speeches to give: it was for the class that graduated during the pandemic. She found a profound lesson in the chaos of those early months.

"Look who turns out to be essential! Teachers—your teachers!—healthcare workers of course, the people stocking grocery shelves, the cashiers, those who are caring for your grandparents, those who clean the places where we work and shop and carry out our daily lives. We are all here because they, at great and profound risk, are still providing their essential service. What will your essential service be? What really matters to you? How will you use what matters in service to yourself, your community, and the world?"

Tim Cook: Tulane University, 2019

Tim Cook took a similar approach to his late co-worker Steve Jobs when it came to the theme of his graduation speech.

"There's a saying that if you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life. At Apple, I learned that's a total crock. You'll work harder than you ever thought possible, but the tools will feel light in your hands. As you go out into the world, don't waste time on problems that have been solved... Look for the rough spots, the problems that seem too big, the complexities that other people are content to work around. It's in those places that you will find your purpose. It's there that you can make your greatest contribution."

Ken Burns: Stanford University, 2016

In his 2016 Stanford speech, America's most famous documentary filmmaker asked listeners not to forget the lessons found in our history.

"Be for something. Be curious, not cool. Feed your soul, too. Every day. Remember, insecurity makes liars of us all. Don't confuse success with excellence. Educate all of your parts. You will be healthier. Seek out—and have—mentors. Listen to them. Bite off more than you can chew. Do not get stuck in one place. Visit our national parks. Their sheer majesty may remind you of your own 'atomic insignificance,' as one observer noted, but in the inscrutable ways of nature, you will feel larger, inspirited, just as the egotist in our midst is diminished by his or her self-regard. Insist on heroes. And be one."

Sheryl Sandberg: UC Berkeley, 2016

The former COO of Facebook offered graduates a realistic look at the life ahead and how to move through the hard times. "Some of you have already experienced the kind of tragedy and hardship that leave an indelible mark. The question is not if some of these things will happen to you. They will. Today I want to talk about what happens next. The easy days ahead of you will be easy. It is the hard days—the times that challenge you to your very core—that will determine who you are. You will be defined not just by what you achieve but by how you survive."

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

During Admiral McRaven's speech at his alma mater, he looked to the lessons he learned serving his country. One of which was so simple, yet profoundly impactful.

"If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter... And, if by chance you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made—that you made—and a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better."

George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

Bestselling author and professor George Saunders offered grads a guiding principle to move through life with, no matter what they pursue.

"Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness. Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial. That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality—your soul, if you will—is as bright and shining as any that has ever been."

Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

Actress Kerry Washington told graduates to think of this achievement during the difficult or uncomfortable parts of life.

"The lesson is that you're here because you too learned how to answer the call. You don't earn a degree by doing and being and existing in the comfort zone of what you already know. Look back on the journey that brought you here. What moments challenged you most? When were you asked to step outside of your familiar territory in order to rise to the occasion of your potential? I want you to remember those moments, because they will embolden you."

Neil Gaiman: University of the Arts, 2012

Neil wasn't always an acclaimed author of fiction, comic books, graphic novels, nonfiction, and films. His speech may have been given to a group of young artists, but the advice applies to anyone starting out in a turbulent career.

"People who know what they are doing know the rules, and they know what is possible and what is impossible. You do not. And you should not. The rules on what is possible and impossible in the arts were made by people who had not tested the bounds of the possible by going beyond them. And you can. If you don't know it's impossible, it's easier to do. And because nobody's done it before, they haven't made up rules to stop anyone doing that particular thing again."

Aaron Sorkin: Syracuse University, 2012

Aaron has carved an incredible career writing plays, movies, and television shows, but success clearly hasn't impacted his sense of humility.

"Decisions are made by those who show up. Don't ever forget that you're a citizen of this world. Don't ever forget that you're a citizen of this world, and there are things you can do to lift the human spirit, things that are easy, things that are free, things that you can do every day: civility, respect, kindness, character."

Atul Gawande: Williams College, 2012

Being a surgeon means you have to think on your feet when things go wrong, and for Dr. Gawande, that holds an immense life lesson.

"A failure often does not have to be a failure at all. However, you have to be ready for it. Will you admit when things go wrong? Will you take steps to set them right? Because the difference between triumph and defeat, you'll find, isn't about willingness to take risks. It's about mastery of rescue."

Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

This famous late-night host delivered a hilarious graduation speech riddled with stories, each with their own lesson.

"David Letterman wanted to be Johnny Carson and was not, and as a result, my generation of comedians wanted to be David Letterman. And none of us are—my peers and I have all missed that mark in a thousand different ways. But the point is this: It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound re-invention."

Steve Jobs: Stanford University, 2005

The entrepreneur, inventor, and pioneer of the personal computer revolution had his fair share of ups and downs in life. But one of the things that made him so persistent was his love of technology.

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

Toni Morrison: Wellesley College, 2004

Toni Morrison disputed the usual platitude that youth is the best time of your life. Instead, she told students that there is nothing more satisfying or gratifying than the true adulthood which stretches out before them. "What is now known is not all that you are capable of knowing. You are your own stories and therefore free to imagine and experience what it means to be human without wealth. What it feels like to be human without domination over others, without reckless arrogance, without fear of others unlike you, without rotating, rehearsing and reinventing the hatreds you learned in the sandbox. And although you don't have complete control over the narrative (no author does, I can tell you), you could nevertheless create it."

Bill Gates: Harvard University, 2007

Who wouldn't take the Microsoft founder's advice?

"In line with the promise of this age, I want to exhort each of the graduates here to take on an issue—a complex problem, a deep inequity, and become a specialist on it. If you make it the focus of your career, that would be phenomenal. But you don't have to do that to make an impact... don't let complexity stop you. Be activists. Take on big inequities. I feel sure it will be one of the great experiences of your lives."

Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

When Nora Ephron wasn't reporting, she was writing some of our most beloved romantic comedies. She reassured grads that they will always continue to change and grow.

"What are you going to do? Everything is my guess. It will be a little messy but embrace the mess. It will be complicated but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it's going to be like, but surprises are good for you. And don't be frightened. You can always change your mind. I know. I've had four careers and three husbands. And this is something else I want to tell you, one of the hundreds of things I didn't know when I was sitting here so many years ago: you are not going to be you, fixed and immutable you, forever."

Barbara Kingsolver: DePauw University, 1994

The sentiment of Barbara Kingsolver's speech resonates today just as much as it did in 1994.

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and give you one little piece of advice and that is like the idea of a future. Believe you have it in you to make the world look better rather than worse seven generations from now. Figure out what that could look like. And then if you're lucky, you'll find a way to live inside that hope, running down its hallways, touching the walls on both sides."

Micaela Bahn is a freelance editorial assistant and recent graduate from Carleton College, where she majored in English literature. She loves running, photography, and cooking the best new recipes.

Nitya Rao is the editorial assistant at The Pioneer Woman, covering stories ranging from food, fashion, beauty, lifestyle, news, and more.

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Graduation Speech Quotes Underscore The Speaker’s Wisdom

Graduation speeches express gratitude to the school staff, reminisce about the past years, and inspire and motivate students for the future. They often include quotes from famous people to add credibility to what is said. Graduation speech quotes are often the most memorable part of the speech.

Commencement ceremony speeches usually include words of motivation and inspiration for the students who are about ready to move on to another school, a job, or the next state in life. Speakers can offer their perspectives, but their speeches are a perfect opportunity to incorporate the wisdom of others to make a point even more profound with graduation speech quotes.

Table of Contents

What Do You Say In A Graduation Speech?

In any good commencement speech , you will want to  introduce  yourself, greet those in attendance, thank people for coming, and then start your speech. The  body of your address  should have just a few main points. Often, this part of the speech involves some stories. Just be sure that what you are saying all ties together in some main idea.

Of course, you will want to bring the speech together and then offer a  conclusion.  Make certain that you have brought closure to your speech. One can advise the graduates, offer motivational thoughts, or wish everyone luck as they enter the future.

You can introduce a quote at any point in the speech, although you should use them sparingly.

What Do I Say To Start A Graduation Speech?

Graduation speeches typically start by greeting everyone. Here is an example of a brief introduction.

“Friends, family members, fellow graduates, and esteemed faculty, it is my distinct pleasure to have the opportunity to speak to you today on this significant occasion.”

How Are Quotes Useful In Graduation Speeches?

Quotes can add a lot to a graduation speech. They can help you to impart words of wisdom and inspire motivation. Whether you are speaking at a high school graduation or a college commencement, using inspirational graduation quotes is a lovely way to round out a speech.

• Humor:  Funny graduation quotes can impart humor into the speech. Though commencement is a serious occasion, sometimes it is nice to lighten things up.
• Motivational Quotes:  Motivational quotes can be used to inspire you to some action.
• Persistence:  Sometimes life can be scary, so quotes about sticking with things can be helpful in a speech.
• True to Yourself:  Often, young people feel a bit lost as they navigate life’s path. It is common to hear quotes about staying true to your convictions.

What Are Good Graduation Speech Quotes?

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” —Benjamin Franklin

“..and when you run away from fear, you also run away from the opportunity to be your best possible self.” —Ed Helms

“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” – Theodore Roosevelt

“Believing in yourself is the first necessary step to coming even close to achieving your potential.” —Sheryl Sandberg

“But it’s really important to remember that like a hangover, neither triumphs nor disasters last forever.” —Helen Mirren

“Don’t be afraid. Be focused. Be determined. Be hopeful. Be empowered.” — Michelle Obama

“Don’t just get involved. Fight for your seat at the table. Better yet, fight for a seat at the head of the table.” – Barack Obama

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” —Nelson Mandela

“I encourage you to live with life. Be courageous, adventurous. Give us a tomorrow, more than we deserve.” —Maya Angelou

“It doesn’t matter that your dream came true if you spent your whole life sleeping.” —Jerry Zucker

 “It is impossible to live without failing at something unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all – in which case, you fail by default.” – J.K. Rowling

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” —E. E. Cummings

 “My dear terrified graduates, you are about to enter the most uncertain and thrilling period of your lives.” —Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” —Mark Twain

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” —Arthur Ashe

“So whatever your dream is right now, if you don’t achieve it, you haven’t failed, and you’re not some loser.” —Stephen Colbert

 “Success is only meaningful and enjoyable if it feels like your own.” —Michelle Obama

 “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” —Winston Churchill

“That clock you hear is the sound of your own heart. Sink your teeth into this life, and don’t get let go.” — Lin-Manuel Miranda

 “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

“The most important thing in your life is to live your life with integrity and not to give in to peer pressure to try to be something that you’re not, to live your life as an honest and compassionate person, to contribute in some way.” – Ellen Degeneres

“The old rules are crumbling, and nobody knows what the new rules are. So make up your own rules.” —Neil Gaiman

 “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking spaces.” —Will Rogers

 “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” —C.S. Lewis

 “There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.” — Oprah Winfrey

 “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” —Albert Einstein

 “What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

 “Whatever you think your dream is now, it will probably change. And that’s okay.” – Conan O’Brien

 “Worry is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do but never gets you anywhere.” —Erma Bombeck

 “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.” —Oscar Wilde

 “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” —Dr. Seuss

 “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” —Nora Ephron

 “Your path is your character defining itself more and more every day like a photograph coming into focus.” —Jodie Foster

 “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” —Steve Jobs

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

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How to Write a Graduation Speech (Graduation Speech Examples)

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

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

How to Write a Commencement Speech

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

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

A Good Structure When You Write a Commencement Address

Thank the crowd.

Start with Something Funny

Be Inspirational

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

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

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

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

End with an Inspirational Call to Action.

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

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

Sample Graduation Speech Themes

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

• Hard Work Leads to Success

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

• Create Your Own Path.

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

• Make Things Happen.

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

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

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

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

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

• Focus on Your Dream.

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

• Learn from Every Mistake to Move Toward Success.

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

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

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

• Happiness is the Key to Success.

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

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

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

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10 Inspirational Quotes for Graduation Speeches

Introduction

Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As graduates embark on their new journey, it is important to remember the lessons learned and the values that have been instilled in them. To help inspire and motivate graduates, here are 10 inspirational quotes for graduation speeches. These quotes will help to remind graduates of the importance of hard work, perseverance, and resilience . They will also serve as a reminder of the power of positive thinking and the importance of having a positive attitude. With these quotes, graduates can be reminded of the importance of setting goals and striving to reach them.

How to Use Inspirational Quotes to Make a Memorable Graduation Speech

Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection. It’s a time to look back on the past and look forward to the future. As a graduation speaker, you have the opportunity to inspire and motivate your audience with your words. One way to do this is to use inspirational quotes in your speech.

Quotes can be a powerful way to convey a message. They can be used to emphasize a point, to provide a different perspective, or to add a bit of humor. When used correctly, quotes can make your speech more memorable and impactful.

Here are some tips for using inspirational quotes in your graduation speech:

1. Choose quotes that are relevant to your message.

When selecting quotes, make sure they are relevant to the message you are trying to convey. Choose quotes that will resonate with your audience and that will help to illustrate your point.

2. Use quotes from a variety of sources.

Don’t just rely on quotes from famous people. Consider using quotes from books, movies, songs, or even from your own life experiences. This will help to make your speech more unique and memorable.

3. Keep the quotes short and to the point.

Quotes should be short and to the point. Longer quotes can be difficult to remember and can take away from the impact of your message.

4. Use quotes to emphasize a point.

Quotes can be used to emphasize a point or to provide a different perspective. Use quotes to add depth and meaning to your speech.

5. Use quotes to add a bit of humor.

Quotes can also be used to add a bit of humor to your speech. Choose quotes that will make your audience laugh and that will help to lighten the mood.

Using inspirational quotes in your graduation speech can help to make it more memorable and impactful. Choose quotes that are relevant to your message and that will resonate with your audience. Use quotes to emphasize a point, to provide a different perspective, or to add a bit of humor. With the right quotes, you can create a speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

10 Inspirational Quotes to Help You Achieve Your Dreams

1. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

2. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

3. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

4. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

5. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” – Jim Rohn

6. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

7. “If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.” – Anonymous

8. “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” – Alan Watts

9. “Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard, then succeed on purpose.” – G.K. Nielson

10. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Power of Inspirational Quotes to Inspire Graduates

Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As graduates embark on their next journey, it is important to remember that success is not always easy. It requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

Inspirational quotes can be a great source of motivation and encouragement for graduates. They can provide a much-needed boost of confidence and remind graduates that anything is possible. Here are some of the most inspiring quotes to help graduates stay motivated and inspired:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.” – Albert Schweitzer

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

“Success is not a destination, it’s a journey.” – Zig Ziglar

These inspirational quotes can help graduates stay focused and motivated as they embark on their next journey. They can provide a much-needed boost of confidence and remind graduates that anything is possible. As graduates move forward, these quotes can serve as a reminder that success is within reach.

How to Choose the Right Inspirational Quote for Your Graduation Speech

Graduation speeches are a time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future. An inspirational quote can be a great way to set the tone for your speech and motivate your audience. When choosing the right quote for your graduation speech, there are a few things to consider.

First, think about the message you want to convey. What themes are you focusing on in your speech? Are you talking about resilience, hard work, or the importance of education? Choose a quote that reflects the message you want to share.

Second, consider the audience. Who will be listening to your speech? Are you speaking to a group of high school seniors, college graduates, or a mix of both? Choose a quote that resonates with your audience.

Third, think about the tone of your speech. Are you trying to be humorous, serious, or inspirational? Choose a quote that reflects the tone of your speech.

Finally, make sure the quote is appropriate for the occasion. Avoid quotes that are too long or too obscure. Choose a quote that is meaningful and memorable.

By taking the time to consider these factors, you can choose the perfect inspirational quote for your graduation speech. Good luck!

The Impact of Inspirational Quotes on Graduates

As graduates, we are often faced with the challenge of finding the motivation to keep going and to stay focused on our goals. Inspirational quotes can be a great source of encouragement and can help us to stay on track.

Inspirational quotes can provide us with the motivation and courage to take on new challenges and to keep striving for success. They can also help us to stay positive and to remember that no matter how difficult things may seem, there is always a way to make things better.

Inspirational quotes can also help us to stay focused on our goals and to remember why we are working so hard. They can remind us of our dreams and of the importance of staying true to ourselves. They can also help us to stay motivated and to keep pushing forward, even when things seem impossible.

Finally, inspirational quotes can help us to stay connected to our peers and to the larger community. They can remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there are others who are going through similar experiences. This can be a great source of comfort and can help us to stay connected to our peers and to the larger community.

In conclusion, inspirational quotes can be a great source of motivation and encouragement for graduates. They can help us to stay focused on our goals, to stay positive, and to stay connected to our peers and to the larger community. So, if you are feeling overwhelmed or discouraged, take a few moments to read some inspirational quotes and remember why you are working so hard.

10 Inspirational Quotes to Help You Reach Your Goals

1. “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” – Walt Disney 2. “If you want to achieve greatness, stop asking for permission.” – Anonymous 3. “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt 4. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill 5. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs 6. “If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney 7. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” – Jim Rohn 8. “The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt 9. “If you want to achieve something, you must be willing to work for it.” – Anonymous 10. “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

The Benefits of Using Inspirational Quotes in Graduation Speeches

Graduation speeches are a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class and to offer words of wisdom and encouragement for the future. One way to make a graduation speech memorable is to include inspirational quotes. Quotes can be used to emphasize a point, to provide a different perspective, or to add a touch of humor. Here are some of the benefits of using inspirational quotes in graduation speeches.

1. Quotes Offer a Different Perspective

Inspirational quotes can provide a different perspective on a topic or issue. They can help to broaden the scope of the speech and provide a unique way of looking at things. Quotes can also be used to illustrate a point or to provide a different way of looking at a situation.

2. Quotes Can Help to Motivate

Inspirational quotes can be used to motivate and inspire the graduating class. Quotes can be used to encourage the graduates to pursue their dreams and to strive for success. Quotes can also be used to remind the graduates of the importance of hard work and dedication.

3. Quotes Can Add Humor

Quotes can be used to add a touch of humor to a graduation speech. Quotes can be used to lighten the mood and to make the speech more enjoyable for the audience. Quotes can also be used to make a point in a humorous way.

4. Quotes Can Help to Make a Speech Memorable

Quotes can be used to make a graduation speech more memorable. Quotes can be used to emphasize a point or to provide a different perspective on a topic. Quotes can also be used to make the speech more interesting and engaging.

Using inspirational quotes in a graduation speech can be a great way to make the speech more memorable and to motivate and inspire the graduating class. Quotes can be used to provide a different perspective, to add humor, and to emphasize a point. By using quotes in a graduation speech, the speaker can make the speech more memorable and engaging.

How to Craft an Inspiring Graduation Speech with Inspirational Quotes

Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As a graduating student, you have the opportunity to share your experiences and offer words of wisdom to your peers. Crafting an inspiring graduation speech can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation and a few inspirational quotes, you can create a memorable speech that will leave a lasting impression.

1. Start with a Story

Stories are powerful tools for connecting with an audience. Start your speech by sharing a personal story that resonates with your peers. It could be a story about a challenge you faced and overcame, or a moment of triumph that you experienced. This will help to engage your audience and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

2. Choose Your Quotes Wisely

Quotes can be a great way to add depth and meaning to your speech. Choose quotes that are relevant to your story and that will resonate with your peers. Consider quotes from famous figures, authors, or even your own peers.

3. Offer Advice

Your peers are likely looking to you for advice and guidance. Offer words of wisdom that will help them as they embark on their next journey. Share advice that you have found to be helpful in your own life, and encourage your peers to take risks and pursue their dreams.

4. End on a Positive Note

Your speech should leave your peers feeling inspired and motivated. End your speech on a positive note by sharing a quote or a story that will leave them feeling hopeful and excited for the future.

Graduation is a time to celebrate and reflect on the past. With the right preparation and a few inspirational quotes, you can craft an inspiring graduation speech that will leave a lasting impression on your peers. Use stories, quotes, and advice to create a memorable speech that will help your peers as they embark on their next journey.

The Role of Inspirational Quotes in Motivating Graduates

Graduation is a time of great excitement and anticipation for many students. It marks the end of a long journey of hard work and dedication, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. As graduates prepare to embark on their next adventure, it is important to stay motivated and inspired. Inspirational quotes can be a great source of motivation and encouragement during this time.

Inspirational quotes can provide graduates with the motivation they need to stay focused and keep pushing forward. They can help to remind graduates of their goals and dreams, and provide them with the courage and determination to pursue them. Quotes can also help to remind graduates of the importance of hard work and perseverance. They can provide a source of inspiration and hope, and help to keep graduates motivated and on track.

Inspirational quotes can also help to remind graduates of the importance of self-care. Graduates often face a lot of stress and pressure during this time, and it is important to take care of themselves. Quotes can help to remind graduates to take time for themselves and to focus on their mental and physical health. They can also help to remind graduates to stay positive and to focus on the good things in life.

Finally, inspirational quotes can help to remind graduates of the importance of staying connected to their roots. Graduates often move away from home and start a new life, and it is important to stay connected to their family and friends. Quotes can help to remind graduates to stay in touch with their loved ones and to never forget where they came from.

Inspirational quotes can be a great source of motivation and encouragement for graduates. They can help to remind graduates of their goals and dreams, the importance of hard work and perseverance, the importance of self-care, and the importance of staying connected to their roots. As graduates embark on their next adventure, inspirational quotes can be a great source of motivation and inspiration.

How to Use Inspirational Quotes to Connect with Your Audience During a Graduation Speech

Graduation speeches are a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class and to inspire them to continue to strive for success. One way to make a graduation speech more meaningful and memorable is to use inspirational quotes. Quotes can be used to emphasize a point, to illustrate a concept, or to provide a moment of reflection. Here are some tips for using inspirational quotes to connect with your audience during a graduation speech.

When selecting quotes for your speech, make sure they are relevant to the message you are trying to convey. Choose quotes that will resonate with your audience and that will help to illustrate your point.

2. Use quotes to emphasize a point.

Quotes can be used to emphasize a point or to provide a moment of reflection. For example, if you are talking about the importance of hard work, you could use a quote from Thomas Edison that says, “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.”

3. Use quotes to illustrate a concept.

Quotes can also be used to illustrate a concept or to provide a moment of inspiration. For example, if you are talking about the importance of following your dreams, you could use a quote from Walt Disney that says, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

4. Use quotes to provide a moment of reflection.

Quotes can also be used to provide a moment of reflection. For example, if you are talking about the importance of taking risks, you could use a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt that says, “Do one thing every day that scares you.”

Using inspirational quotes in your graduation speech can help to make it more meaningful and memorable. Quotes can be used to emphasize a point, to illustrate a concept, or to provide a moment of reflection. By choosing quotes that are relevant to your message and that will resonate with your audience, you can use them to connect with your audience and to inspire them to strive for success.

Graduation is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the past and look forward to the future. These 10 inspirational quotes for graduation speeches can help to inspire and motivate graduates to reach their goals and make the most of their lives. No matter what the future holds, these quotes can help to remind graduates that they have the power to make their dreams come true. Congratulations to all the graduates!

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