- Skip to main content
- Keyboard shortcuts for audio player
Anatomy Of A Great Commencement Speech
Cory Turner
Right now, roughly 7 million students in the U.S. (plus their parents) are sitting through commencement speeches. iStockphoto hide caption
Right now, roughly 7 million students in the U.S. (plus their parents) are sitting through commencement speeches.
It's that time again — graduation season. And that means next week or last week or right this very minute, some 7 million students in the U.S. and lots of doting parents have to sit through a commencement speech.
If you're stuck listening to a particularly bad one — or just need an inspiration infusion — the NPR Ed Team has sifted through hundreds of past speeches (going all the way back to 1774) and built an online database of the very best.
In the process of building this massive hub of hope and optimism, we noticed a few patterns among the best speeches.
Rule #1: Be Funny
Comedian Amy Poehler's 2011 address to Harvard grads is a model of inspirational fun, forcing us to coin a new term: "Funspirational." Actually, a quick Google search suggests we've come late to the "funspirational" party. Oh, well. We do our best — as did Poehler when she kicked off her Harvard speech with this zinger:
"I can only assume I am here today because of my subtle and layered work in a timeless classic entitled Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo. "
Funny? Check. Poehler also manages to cover Rule #2.
Rule #2: Make Fun Of Yourself
This rule applies to presidents as well as to comedians. When then-President Ronald Reagan addressed Notre Dame grads in 1981, he used this masterful bit of self-deprecation:
"I thought the first degree I was given was honorary."
We say "masterful" because he's head of the free world. He can't meet the Poehler bar for self-mockery: utter humiliation. It wouldn't be proper. So he finds this crafty little jab to poke fun at himself. And the crowd loved it. In fact, the line was such a hit that Reagan used it again the next year on the Eureka College class of '82.
Comedian and actress Amy Poehler addresses Harvard University's graduating class of 2011 on the school's campus, in Cambridge, Mass. Steven Senne/AP hide caption
Comedian and actress Amy Poehler addresses Harvard University's graduating class of 2011 on the school's campus, in Cambridge, Mass.
Rule #3: Downplay The Genre
See, good speakers can never seem to remember the speeches when they graduated:
"Among the many things that I am unable to remember about the speaker that spring morning: name, gender, age, race, physical build and voice. I've run out of fingers."
That's novelist Jonathan Safran Foer, speaking last year at Middlebury College. He, like Poehler, checks two boxes at once: He downplays the genre, and he's funny about it.
But let's get to the heart of the commencement speech:
Rule #4: You Must Have A Message
And here's where things get tricky — because these days there are two very different kinds of speeches. On one side is the traditional message:
"You have to trust in something," Steve Jobs told graduates at Stanford in 2005. "Your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. Because believing that the dots will connect down the road will give you the confidence to follow your heart even when it leads you off the well-worn path."
Comedian Ellen DeGeneres said much the same thing to grads at Tulane in 2009 (while also crushing Rule #1 on her head like a beer can):
"Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else's path — unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path, then by all means you should follow that."
Let's call this the "You're Special" speech. Message: Follow your heart because life is about you and yourspecialness .
Then comes this insidious other kind of speech:
"You're not special."
So said English teacher David McCullough Jr. — son of the great historian — addressing the Wellesley High School class of 2012. He then elaborated:
"Even if you're one in a million, on a planet of 6.8 billion, that means there are nearly 7,000 people just like you," he told the crowd.
The goal of the "You're Not Special" speech is to say to grads: As hard as you've worked, you also lucked into plenty, including your parents and your country.
The Best Commencement Speeches, Ever
"And with luck comes obligation," author Michael Lewis told the Princeton class of 2012. "You owe a debt, and not just to your gods. You owe a debt to the unlucky."
Not quite the message grads are used to hearing as they take a victory lap. Besides, they're in debt enough. But how do they repay this debt, to Lewis' unlucky?
"You must find a way to serve."
That's Oprah Winfrey's advice, speaking at Spelman College a few weeks before Lewis. Side note: 2012 was a big year for the "You're Not Special" speech.
"Martin Luther King said that not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great because greatness is determined by service," Winfrey told the Spelman grads.
Service. That word comes up a lot in "You're Not Special" speeches. But, sometimes, the message isn't even about what you do for the world but how you view it. In short: Are you empathetic? Are you kind?
In 2005, writer David Foster Wallace spoke at Kenyon College. And, in a speech that went viral long ago and seems to find a fresh audience online every year, he challenged grads to step outside of themselves, to imagine the value and richness of every life — even when they're stuck in line at the supermarket.
"It will actually be within your power to experience a crowded, hot, slow, consumer hell-type situation as not only meaningful but sacred — on fire with the same force that lit the stars: love, fellowship, the mystical oneness of all things deep down," Wallace said.
Torn by this fight for the soul of the commencement speech? Never fear. Oddly enough, these two kinds of speeches — as different as they seem — complement each other. Taken together, they say:
Congratulations. You are special. Just remember ...
So is everyone else.
My Speech Class
Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics
How to Write the Best Commencement Speech – Tips & Examples
Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.
So, the school principal announced that you’d graduate as the class valedictorian. She also asked you to prepare a commencement speech to send off your classmates with wisdom.
Your commencement speech makes up a substantial part of the graduation ceremony, so you have to make it worth your audience’s while. Here’s a complete guide on how to write a commencement speech with examples.
The Purpose of a Commencement Speech
The purpose of a high school or college commencement speech is to celebrate past experiences from the school and look forward to the future. This is usually given by a graduate. But in some schools, celebrities, politicians, and other notable people also give commencement speeches at graduations.
Like any other speech, a commencement speech also includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. But the body should discuss the following:
- Past memories at school
- The present (graduation ceremony)
- Future dreams and plans
How to Give a Good Commencement Speech
Here are some senior speech ideas and tips to prepare you for graduation.
Pick a Theme
To make your graduation speech more significant to your fellow graduates, try building it around a central message or theme. What do you think is essential to your classmates? Here are some examples.
- Embracing failures in life
- Following your dreams and working for them
- Education is the key to success
- Learning from your mistakes
- Keeping your friendship
- Lifelong learning
- The importance of having big dreams
- Building a community dedicated to wisdom
- Overcoming adversity
- Facing change with grace
- Taking responsibility for your future
- Staying grateful
Once you have picked a theme, it will be easier to outline your address. It’s also more convenient to select the best quotes and stories associated with the idea.
Can We Write Your Speech?
Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.
For example, share stories about your hardships in school if you’re talking about overcoming adversity. Then, research quotes that talk about not giving up.
Start By Thanking Everyone
Learning how to start a commencement speech is essential to catch the audience’s attention. Before sharing life goals, life advice, and your favorite story, begin by thanking the people for their time.
Show appreciation to the graduation class for making it to the end of their high school or college experience. Thank the parents and teachers for their support and everyone for being present at the commencement ceremony.
Another nice thing to do is publicly thank a specific person. Think about a person who helped you at school. Below is an example.
“Thank you, Mr. Smith, for that wonderful speech, and thanks to all the parents, teachers, classmates, and everyone in this room for attending the 56th commencement ceremonies of St. Jude High School. But most of all, I would like to thank my mom for being present today and in every important event of my life.”
Don’t Make It All About You
Valedictorians are usually tasked to give commencement speeches because they represent the whole class. If you’re the valedictorian, congratulations on being on top. But that doesn’t mean you’ll speak only about yourself onstage.
No one wants to hear about why you made it to the podium and the rest of your classmates didn’t. Remember that you represent them. So, you have to speak about them, too.
Talk about your incredible peers and other notable people in high school or college. Share their personal experiences if they allow you. But you can still include personal stories and observations from high school. Balance is key! Consider this example.
“Today, Regis High School has produced another batch of successful graduates. You are the Class of 2022. You finished high school at a historical time. You are born educated in technology… born to be problem solvers… and born to change the world.”
Introduce Yourself
Being the class valedictorian doesn’t mean everyone in the room will instantly know you. For instance, some of your classmates’ parents might not be familiar with your face. You might also need to introduce yourself to VIPs and special guests at the event.
Your self-introduction doesn’t have to be complicated. State your name and why you were chosen to give the speech. For example:
“Good afternoon, everyone. I am Reena Guerrero, Class 2022’s valedictorian.”
Watch Famous Speeches
You can learn a lot from watching famous commencement speeches on YouTube or listening to them on different applications.
Also, consider watching other types of insightful speeches so you can receive guidance on speech writing. Or watch a hilarious speech so you can take inspiration from their jokes.
But make sure to refrain from copying even a single sentence of the speech. Otherwise, you can get accused of plagiarism. Live your life with integrity and understand that your educational experience differs from the speaker you’re watching.
Reflect on the Past
Make your graduation speech memorable by looking back on your favorite memories with the incredible student body. Consider fun memories like your prom, homecoming, and other parties. But make sure these stories are relevant to your theme.
For example, if you have a primary message about courage, talk about classmates who never gave up on a group project. Share a story about a school organization that stood up to bullying.
Recognize your strong friend for continuing his studies despite challenges. This is also the right time to thank a special teacher for being a compassionate person.
After taking a trip down memory lane, it’s time to focus on the future. Imagine your classmates’ next career step and everyone’s professional life after school. Don’t leave them sad about the past. Make them excited about their future. Below is an example.
“North Salem High School was a rollercoaster of experiences. We went through so much during the last four years. We often debated trivial situations, such as basketball games and prom dresses. But despite the fighting, we’ve always known we had each other’s backs. No one leaves the class until everyone understands the lesson. No one also gets left behind in terms of all the fun!”
Use a Motivational Quote
Your graduation speech is an opportunity to insert your favorite quotes. Make sure they still align with your key messages.
Famous Quotes from Business Leaders and Other Public Figures
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” – Fred DeVito “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” – Barack Obama “If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do.” – Michael Phelps “Keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will always fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Arleen Lorrance
Hilarious Quotes for College Students
“I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re goin’, and hook up with them later.” – Mitch Hedberg “The best advice I can give anybody about going out into the world is this: Don’t do it. I have been out there. It is a mess.” – Russell Baker “The main difference for you, between life yesterday and life tomorrow, is you can go to the bathroom whenever you want. It’s a pretty big responsibility, but you’ve earned it.” – Eugene Mirman “Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next, and you are mostly just making things up as you go along.” – Stephen Colbert “So be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. And if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise, and then just behave as they would.” – Neil Gaiman
Create a Call to Action
One of the best graduation speech ideas during the graduation ceremony is to motivate your classmates to chase the real dream. For example, convince those attending medical school to heal poor communities. If you have classmates pursuing liberal arts education, ask them to uplift marginalized sectors, such as immigrant communities.
Inspire Your Fellow Graduates
While the school’s already out, you still have a huge task to finish: your commencement speech. Writing one for your graduation ceremony is both an honor and a responsibility, so make sure to prepare in advance.
Public speaking can be challenging. But I hope these tips and examples help you write the best commencement speech.
A List of Transition Words to Use for Argumentative Essays
Writing a Thesis Statement – Template & Examples
Leave a Comment
I accept the Privacy Policy
Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities
Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.
© 2024 My Speech Class
IMAGES
VIDEO