what are graduation speeches called

Graduation Speech: Complete Guide & Inspiring Graduation Speech Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What makes a great graduation speech?

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

What is a graduation speech?

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

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

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

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

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

What is the purpose of a graduation speech?

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

Let’s break it down:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steps to Write a Student Graduation Speech

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

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

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

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

Step 1: Understand Your Audience

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

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

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

Step 2: Choose a Theme or Message

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

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

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

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas and Stories

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

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

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

Step 4: Create an Outline

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

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

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

Step 5: Write the Speech

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

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

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

Step 6: Edit and Revise

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

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

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

Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Inspiring Graduation Speech Examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn From Graduation Speech Examples From Notable Figures

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

So how do these notable figures inspire through their speeches?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Speeches HQ

6 Short Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Students

Graduation day is a key milestone in a student’s life. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future. As the caps fly and the tassels are turned, one of the most memorable parts of any graduation ceremony is often the student speech.

These heartfelt addresses capture the essence of the shared experience, inspiring both graduates and attendees alike. Whether you’re a student preparing to speak or an educator looking for examples, this collection of six graduation speeches offers a range of styles and lengths to suit various occasions. Let’s explore these impactful speeches that resonate with the spirit of achievement and new beginnings.

Short Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Students

Prepare to be moved and motivated by these six carefully crafted graduation speeches. Each one brings its own unique perspective to the momentous occasion of graduation.

Speech 1: The Power of Small Steps

Fellow graduates, faculty, and honored guests,

Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our lives. We’ve climbed a mountain, step by step, day by day. Think back to when we first arrived, feeling small and unsure? Look at us now – confident, accomplished, and ready to take on new challenges.

Our journey wasn’t about giant leaps. It was about small steps, taken consistently. Late nights studying, early mornings rushing to class, countless assignments, and projects – each a tiny step forward. We learned that progress isn’t always visible in the moment, but over time, those small steps add up to something incredible.

As we move forward, let’s carry this lesson with us. Big dreams are achieved through small, persistent actions. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t see the entire path ahead. Just focus on the next step, then the next, and the next. Before you know it, you’ll be standing on another mountaintop, looking back in awe at how far you’ve come.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Here’s to the power of small steps and the big futures they’ll lead us to. Thank you.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of perseverance and consistent effort. It’s particularly suitable for high school graduations or college commencements where students have overcome challenges to reach their goals.

Speech 2: Embracing Change and Uncertainty

Good morning, everyone.

Change – it’s constant in life, yet it’s something many of us fear. Today, as we graduate, we’re facing one of the biggest changes of our lives so far. It’s exciting, but let’s be honest – it’s also a bit scary.

But here’s the thing about change: it’s the driving force of growth. Consider this. Every time we’ve faced change – starting school, making new friends, tackling tough subjects – we’ve grown. We’ve become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

So, as we step into this new phase of uncertainty, let’s not shy away from change. Let’s embrace it. Let’s see each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Let’s be curious, ask questions, and never stop exploring.

The future is uncertain, yes. But that uncertainty is what makes life an adventure. It’s what allows us to shape our own paths and write our own stories.

Class of 2024, let’s embrace the change that’s coming. Let’s approach the uncertainty with open minds and brave hearts. Because it’s in those moments of change and uncertainty that we’ll find our true selves and our greatest potential.

Congratulations, everyone. Here’s to the exciting changes ahead!

Commentary: This speech addresses the fear of change and uncertainty that many graduates face. It’s well-suited for college graduations or any ceremony where students are transitioning to a new phase of life with significant changes ahead.

Speech 3: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Dear fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, family, and friends,

As we celebrate our achievements today, I want to talk about something that doesn’t require a degree but has the power to change our surroundings – kindness.

Throughout our time here, we’ve learned complex theories and solved difficult problems. But some of the most important lessons we’ve learned have been about human connection. We’ve seen how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, how a word of encouragement can give someone the strength to keep going.

These small acts might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they create ripples. A smile leads to another smile. A helping hand inspires someone else to lend theirs. Before you know it, that small act of kindness has touched countless lives.

As we go out into new environments, armed with our knowledge and skills, let’s not forget the power of kindness. Let’s strive to create positive ripples wherever we go. Whether it’s in our future workplaces, our communities, or our personal relationships, let kindness be our guiding principle.

Consider a situation where everyone commits to one act of kindness each day. That’s 7.8 billion acts of kindness making our surroundings a little bit better, every single day. And it all starts with us, right here, right now.

So, Class of 2024, as we celebrate our academic achievements, let’s also commit to being kind. Let’s be the start of a ripple effect that changes our surroundings, one act of kindness at a time.

Congratulations to us all, and thank you.

Commentary: This speech focuses on the importance of kindness and its potential to create positive change. It’s appropriate for graduations at all levels, particularly in schools or programs that emphasize community service and social responsibility.

Speech 4: Learning from Failure

To my fellow graduates, our dedicated teachers, proud parents, and distinguished guests,

Today, we’re celebrating success. We’ve passed our exams, completed our projects, and earned our diplomas. But I want to talk about something else – our failures.

Yes, you heard that right. Our failures. The tests we bombed, the projects that fell flat, the times we felt like we just couldn’t cut it. These moments aren’t often mentioned in graduation speeches, but they’re just as important as our successes.

Why? Because failure is our greatest teacher. It shows us where we need to improve. It tests our resolve and builds our resilience. It humbles us and keeps us hungry to learn more.

Think about that experiment that went completely wrong in chemistry class? We learned more from figuring out why it failed than we would have if it had worked perfectly the first time. Consider that first draft that came back covered in red ink? It pushed us to become better writers.

As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, we’re going to face more challenges and, yes, more failures. But now we know that failure isn’t the end – it’s just part of the journey.

So, let’s not be afraid to take risks. Let’s not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Instead, let’s see each setback as a setup for a comeback. Let’s fail forward, learning and growing with each misstep.

Class of 2024, may we have the courage to fail, the wisdom to learn from our failures, and the persistence to keep going until we succeed. Congratulations to us all!

Commentary: This speech takes an unconventional approach by focusing on the importance of failure in the learning process. It’s well-suited for high school or college graduations, especially in fields where innovation and resilience are highly valued.

Speech 5: The Value of Lifelong Learning

Respected principal, beloved teachers, proud parents, and my dear fellow graduates,

Today marks the end of one chapter in our education, but it’s really just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. We often think of learning as something confined to classrooms and textbooks, but the truth is, our surroundings are our classroom, and life itself is our greatest teacher.

During our time here, we’ve learned how to learn. We’ve developed critical thinking skills, learned to ask questions, and discovered the joy of acquiring new knowledge. These are the real treasures we take with us as we leave.

The fast-changing environment we’re stepping into demands that we keep learning and adapting. The jobs of tomorrow may not even exist today. The challenges we’ll face might be ones we can’t yet foresee. But with our ability to learn, we’re prepared for anything.

So, let’s commit to being lifelong learners. Let’s stay curious. Let’s ask questions. Let’s read widely, listen deeply, and always be open to new ideas. Let’s learn from our successes and our failures, from our joys and our sorrows.

Let’s learn from people different from us, from cultures unfamiliar to us. Let’s learn from nature, from art, from technology. Let’s learn from the past as we create the future.

Because when we stop learning, we stop growing. And we, the Class of 2024, are ready to grow into the best versions of ourselves, to keep evolving, to keep reaching for the stars.

Congratulations, my fellow lifelong learners. Our graduation today isn’t the end of our education – it’s just the beginning. Thank you.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of continuous learning beyond formal education. It’s particularly appropriate for college graduations or adult education programs, where students are embarking on diverse career paths.

Speech 6: Unity in Diversity

Dear graduates, respected faculty, loving families, and honored guests,

Look around you. What do you see? I see a collection of diverse faces, backgrounds, and stories. Each of us has walked a unique path to reach this moment. We come from different neighborhoods, different cultures, different experiences. Yet here we are, united in our achievement, our hopes, and our dreams.

Our differences have been our strength. In our classrooms and beyond, we’ve learned from each other’s perspectives. We’ve challenged our own assumptions. We’ve grown not just in knowledge, but in understanding and empathy.

As we step into the wider environment, let’s carry this lesson with us. In a society that often seems divided, we can be the bridge builders. We can show that diversity isn’t something to fear, but something to celebrate. That our differences don’t have to divide us – they can unite us, making us stronger and more innovative.

Let’s use our education to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, where every voice is heard, where every story matters. Let’s be the generation that proves that we can disagree without being disagreeable, that we can find common ground without compromising our principles.

Class of 2024, we’ve learned so much from each other. Now it’s time to take that spirit of unity in diversity out into the world. Let’s build communities, workplaces, and a society where everyone can thrive, where our differences are our strength.

Together, we can weave a future that’s richer, more colorful, and more beautiful because of our diversity. Congratulations to us all, and thank you.

Commentary: This speech celebrates diversity and promotes unity, making it suitable for graduations in multicultural schools or universities. It’s particularly relevant in today’s global context where inclusivity and cultural understanding are highly valued.

Final Thoughts

These six speeches showcase the diverse themes and styles that can make a graduation address truly memorable. From emphasizing perseverance and embracing change to promoting kindness and celebrating diversity, each speech offers a unique perspective on the graduation experience.

As you prepare for your own graduation ceremony or help students craft their speeches, keep in mind that the most impactful addresses come from the heart. They reflect genuine experiences, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. Whether short and sweet or longer and more detailed, the best graduation speeches inspire, encourage, and leave a lasting impression on all who hear them.

To all the graduates out there: Your voice matters. Your story is unique. And your words have the power to inspire not just your fellow graduates, but everyone in the audience. So speak from your heart, share your truth, and let your voice be heard. Congratulations on your achievement, and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

10 Steps For Writing An Unforgettable Graduation Speech

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

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

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

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

1. Pick a theme.

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

🎓 Here are some popular themes to consider:

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

2. Begin with gratitude.

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

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

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

3. Use a motivational quote.

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Get personal.

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

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

Learn how to a sensational graduation card here.

5. Infuse your personality.

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

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

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

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

6. Reflect, then look ahead.

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

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

7. Avoid clichés

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

Here are some ideas:

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

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8. Create a call to action.

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

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

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

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

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

9. Keep it brief.

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

10. Practice, practice, practice.

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