example of writing a graduation speech

8. Create a call to action.

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

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

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

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

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

9. Keep it brief.

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

10. Practice, practice, practice.

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

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

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

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

by Laura Jones

Published on November 24, 2022 / Updated on January 3, 2024

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

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

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1. pick a theme.

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

2. Write an outline

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

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

3. Pen a catchy introduction

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

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

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

4. Write a thank-you paragraph

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

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

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

5. Look back and look ahead

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

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

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

6. End your graduation speech

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

Example: 

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

Writing a great graduation speech

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

Laura Jones

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

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How to Write a High School Graduation Speech (+ 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.

I was in several clubs in high school, I was the valedictorian, and I happened to be the youngest in our graduating class. Needless to say, I had to write and give more than one speech at our graduation.

Being asked to give a graduation speech in high school is a tremendous honor and responsibility. It takes a lot of preparation, from planning to writing and editing your speech.

My guide should show you how to write a graduation speech for high school, especially with the examples I’ve included. Follow the template and tips, and you’re sure to receive a standing ovation from your audience.

How Long Is a High School Graduation Speech?

The best high school graduation speeches aren’t long and boring since the ceremonies already take hours. Aim for an address that doesn’t exceed 10 minutes. Keep your audience’s attention and save some for other people’s speeches.

Your graduation speech should only be around 500 to 600 words. You have to read it slowly and articulate the words clearly. One way to keep it shorter is by removing cliches and other unnecessary content.

High School Graduation Speech Template

Essays and speeches usually have three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is a structure you can follow for a memorable high school graduation speech.

Introduction

• Thank people for attending. Acknowledge the presence of your teachers, parents, and fellow graduates.
• Introduce yourself. Not everyone in the room knows you, even if you’re the class valedictorian.
• Catch the audience’s attention by sharing a motivational quote or saying. Your personal narratives and advice will later be based on this saying.
• Recall memorable high school experiences. Anything is worth sharing, whether it’s a simple day in class or your debate competition.
• Encourage classmates not to forget these beautiful memories.
• Share helpful advice for this new chapter of their lives.
• Restate the quote or saying you mentioned in the introduction.
• End with a call to action that will encourage the graduates to make a difference.
• Thank the audience for hearing you out.

How to Write a Graduation Speech for High School

Public speaking takes a lot of preparation. Here are some tips you should follow when writing and delivering a graduation speech for high school.

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Pick a Theme

Inspirational high school graduation speeches leave a mark on people. If you want to create one, try building it around a central message.

Think about everything you experienced in high school and look for patterns. Was high school about learning from mistakes? Or was it about achieving big dreams with small steps? Consider not only what is essential to you but also what is important for your fellow graduates.

Once you have picked a theme, selecting a quote, including advice, and recalling high school memories will be much easier. Here are some popular themes you can consider using for yours, but make sure to choose ones that are relevant to you and/or your class.

• Embracing failure
• Big things take time
• Achieving big dreams with small steps
• Facing change with grace
• Overcoming adversity
• Becoming a lifelong learner
• Being more intentional and responsible for your future

Begin With Gratitude and a Self-Introduction

Once you step on stage, you must start with a few formalities. Know the name of the previous speakers and acknowledge their excellent speeches. Then, thank everyone in attendance, including the teachers, parents, and fellow students.

Say it’s a privilege to speak before the audience on this special day. This is also the best time to introduce yourself.

Don’t assume that everyone in the room knows who you are. State your name and why you were tasked to create the speech. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones, for the wonderful speech. And thank you to the parents, teachers, staff, and fellow graduates in this room who have made the past four years unforgettable. It’s a pleasure to stand in front of everyone and represent the class of 2022 at this address. I am [name], your class valedictorian.”

Make It About Everybody But You

Your graduation speech is not a mini-biography of your accomplishments. Only sprinkle a few personal anecdotes, then include what the four years of high school have been like for the other students. Below is an example.

“Four years ago, we were freshmen walking through the doors of [school name]. While some of us want to be doctors, artists, engineers, and singers in the future, we all had one goal in mind during that time: to leave a mark on the school in the next four years.”

Recall High School Memories

Tap the ceremony’s nostalgia by recalling important events from the past four years. You can include prom, school fairs, and even mundane scenarios. Include hardships, such as the sudden shift to online classes during the pandemic.

If you are a valedictorian , you should know which memories everyone treasures. Try interviewing some of your peers about their best high school memories. Below is an example.

“Every batch of graduates from [school] has a common core memory. For us, it was probably prom 2022. Instead of getting our beauty sleep the night before the dance, everyone stayed in school until 8 PM because of the last-minute changes. While that experience was full of pressure and chaos, we look back on that memory remembering teamwork and dedication.”

Share Advice

Your advice is the most crucial part of the speech. It serves as a call to action the students will follow in the future.

Make sure to keep it positive and remind everyone that anything is possible. You can also advise them to advocate for others and treat everyone equally.

Here’s an example showing what I mean.

“The future is uncertain, and the only thing we can do is be optimistic about it. We learned to stay determined in the past four years, so we can do it again throughout college or our careers.”

Incorporate Your Personality

Just because you’re speaking for the rest of the class and following an outline doesn’t mean your speech should be boring. You can still infuse your personality through humor, anecdotes , and life experiences.

You can also open your address with something funny, as long as it’s appropriate and timely. If you’re a valedictorian, self-deprecating humor will be a hit. Try adding quirky memories from classes that will immerse your audience.

Leave Your Audience Inspired

You are not at the graduation to merely receive your diploma. As a speaker, you need to leave your audience inspired on the next chapter of their lives. Encourage them to find their purpose and make a difference in the world.

Some speakers end their speeches with another quote. Here is the one I used in my high school speech, but there are tons to be found on the internet you can use that might better suit your needs.

• “All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

Finally, thank everyone for taking the time to listen to your speech. Express gratitude toward your classmates for the memories over the last four years.

Proofread Your Work

Read your writing out loud and fix parts that don’t sound pleasing. Doing so will make your writing more powerful and precise. Look out for flowery language, excessive adjectives, and lengthy sentences.

When editing, make sure to remove cliches from your writing. These are words and phrases that have been overused in speech and writing. These include phrases like “all walks of life,” “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Try sharing more personal anecdotes and collective memories than tired pieces of advice. This will make the speech more interesting and customized for the audience. Find out what your fellow high school graduates and the rest of the audience want to hear and know, then write it concisely and effectively.

Once you’re done fixing clarity issues, it’s time to fix structural errors. Perform several edits on your speech to remove all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Practice Your High School Graduation Speech

There’s no exact formula for the perfect valedictorian or commencement speech. But if you follow my tips and examples and speak from the heart, your fellow graduates will live by your words as they go about their futures.

Remember to keep your engaging speech positive and inspiring. Recall memories from high school, then make them look forward to creating new ones in their careers or college.

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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

By Angie Jaime

By Liv McConnell

"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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Sample Highschool Graduation Speeches & Tips

Highschool graduation speeches: examples & writing tips.

High school graduation is one of the most important moments in life. And, if you were chosen to speak to your classmates at the graduation ceremony, you can make this day even more memorable for your peers and everyone present. If you have never written speeches before, worry no more. Read this article to find out:

• how to write a memorable high school graduation speech,
• how to choose a theme that resonates with your audience, and
• sample speeches to get inspired to write.

Do you need a good graduation speech but have no time to write?  The experts of SpeechPaths have written hundreds of student speeches and can prepare a great inspiring text for your graduation day. You will receive a 100% original graduation speech written according to your requirements. Plus, we offer unlimited free revisions until you are satisfied! Email us today to get a free quote and a 20% special student discount.

High school graduation speech example

Source:  https://www.sampletemplates.com/business-templates/graduation-speech-example-template.html

Why is this a good commencement speech? Firstly, this sample speech starts with a note of gratitude for being chosen to speak in front of fellow graduates, teachers, and parents. It uses a humble and appreciative tone that draws attention. 

Secondly, the speech focuses on many opportunities that every graduate has in life, encouraging those present to embark on any path they wish in life and be open to what the future holds. And finally, the speaker uses an inspirational quote by J.K. Rowling, encouraging the students to embrace failure and take risks as they open the next chapter in their lives. 

You can also use that the speech uses simple sentences and has some inspiring statements, which makes it easy to comprehend for a graduating class and guests. Below, we'll talk about how to compose your graduation speech that will impress other students and ignite emotions. 

More examples of graduation speeches 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRiV4KZBoIY

This speech taps into shared memories, inspires students to achieve great things in life after high school years, and also uses quotes by Shakespeare. It is motivating, yet the student also uses a bit of humor to make their speech engaging and interesting to listen to. Plus, they use pop culture references to make the speech more relatable to their friends and classmates. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc

Schools often invite famous people to give a commencement speech. This famous commencement speech by Steve Jobs includes some pivotal stories from his life. On this big day, he basically gives students life lessons about finding their professional passion, love, and death through engaging stories. Storytelling techniques work well in graduation speeches, so you might want to share a story or two in your speech. 

How to write a powerful high school graduation speech? 

Start with a hearty welcome and gratitude.

Begin your speech by showing appreciation for the opportunity to give a high school graduation speech. You may start with "Congratulations class" or use a different salutation. Greet everyone present, including your peers, teachers, parents, and friends, and thank everyone who helped you graduate and become who you are now. Let gratitude and humility be the key elements of your speech. 

Pick a theme for your speech

Every professional writer will tell you that a good graduation speech always has a main theme that sets the tone and defines what to include. You may choose one central theme or briefly cover two or three. The major themes for graduation speeches are: 

• overcoming obstacles in life 
• embracing failure and learning from it
• looking back to school years and shared memories
• the importance of dreaming big and taking responsibility for your future 
• the value of friends and friendship 
• setting high expectations and making a difference, etc. 

Follow the rules of writing ceremonial speeches

Writing ceremonial speeches isn't the same as composing essays. Your speech will benefit if you use such specific techniques as identification (your audience needs to feel that you consider their needs and they become a part of the speech) and magnification (emphasizing positive attributes of someone, for example, your classmates). 

Telling a story also works great - everyone loves stories. Be sure to use vivid, imaginative language, add anecdotes, metaphors, and figures of speech. Inventive, bright speeches are more memorable and spark emotions in those present. 

Look back on the journey 

You've spent many years with your classmates, and you don't know if you'll ever cross paths in the future. So, use your speech to recall shared experiences. You may tell a story about a person in your class that everyone knows, share a curious anecdote about your first day in high school, or recollect the big goal you've achieved with classmates. 

High school is not only for education, it's the time when you make friends, learn to overcome obstacles and understand what matters most in life, so share some elements of this journey with others. 

Add inspirational quotes 

Quotes by famous people work excellently on any graduation speech. A right motivational quote will inspire the audience, help convey your main message, and draw the attention of the audience. Here's an example of a quote by J.K.Rawling that you can use in your commencement speech: 

"You will never truly know yourself, or the strength of your relationships, until both have been tested by adversity. Such knowledge is a true gift, for all that it is painfully won, and it has been worth more than any qualification I ever earned."

Motivate and look ahead 

After you have recollected things from your past in your graduation speech, it's time to look at the future with confidence and a sense of anticipation. No matter what path they choose, wish other students well in the future and express hope that they will achieve their goals and turn their dreams into reality. End on a positive note, wish your classmates luck both in college and in the big world in general, and add an inspiring call to action. 

Be concise 

Even if you have a lot of things to say to graduates, teachers, and parents, an overly long speech can bore the audience. Since there are several speeches during the graduation ceremony, writing a long speech is not the best idea. Try to keep your speech under 10 minutes, and the optimal word count is 800 words. 

Edit the first draft 

After you have completed the first draft of your graduation speech, look through it multiple times to make sure it sounds engaging, delivers your point clearly, and is free from any mistakes. Ask your friends, family, or a teacher to give you feedback. For an even better result, show it to a professional speech writer who can share in-depth suggestions on content, structure, and writing style. 

Here's what to look at when revising your speech: 

• make sure that it meets the recommended word count and takes less than 10 minutes; 
• the speech should have an introduction that sets your theme and expresses gratitude, the body section that expands on your point, and an inspiring conclusion; 
• check the accuracy of all facts, details, and quotes you use in your speech; 
• make sure there is no inappropriate content, such as insults to some groups, racist jokes, or anything that can be misinterpreted; 
• check grammar, syntax, and word choice. 

Prepare visual aids 

For a truly memorable impression, consider using visual aids, such as photos or videos. You can create a slideshow using images of your class, teachers, or pictures taken at some important events (i.e. winning a contest). Use pictures of all students, and avoid including those that can embarrass someone. 

With these hands-on strategies, you will write a good graduation speech that will touch the hearts of the audience and maybe even get a standing ovation. Rehearse your speech so that you don't read it from paper. And don't be afraid to share genuine emotions, as in this big day everyone will share them and relate to your words. 

Get expert help with your high school graduation speech 

If you have too little time or simply want your graduation speech to be perfect, you can rely on our experts. At SpeechPaths, we prepare custom speeches for any occasion, including college and high school graduation. Our speechwriter will recall the experiences from your school days and use a motivational tone to inspire your audience. Contact us today to discuss the details of your speech and get a free quote! 

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Write and Deliver a Commencement Speech (With example)

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

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

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

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

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

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

Things to keep in mind while writing a commencement speech.

1. length of your speech.

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

The reason why we emphasize this so much is that,

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

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

2. Understand the diversity of your audience

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

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

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

3. Avoid quantifying success

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

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

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

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

4. Share a personal experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Maintain an equilibrium in your speech

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

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

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

Funniest commencement speeches by comedians

1. andy samberg.

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

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

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

2. Ellen DeGeneres

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

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

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

Other hilarious statements that she used in her speech were:

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

3. Jimmy Kimmel

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

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

The most hilarious statement of his speech was:

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

Formatting and delivering your commencement speech

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

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

How to start a commencement speech?

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

1. Thanking concerned people

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

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

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

2. Introduce yourself.

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

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

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

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

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

The content

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

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

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

PPP (Past, Present, and Future)

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

Present includes talking about the present day or the year.

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

Pointer Format

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

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

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

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

How to end your Commencement speech?

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Hungry, Stay foolish.

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

Best Harvard Commencement speeches

2. bill gates (2007).

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

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

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

His last few lines summarise the idea.

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

3. Oprah Winfrey (2013)

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

Because of how stunningly inspirational the speech is.

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

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

3. Mark Zuckerberg (2017)

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

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

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

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

Commencement speeches by students

1. donovon livingstone (harvard).

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

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

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

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

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

Tessa Otto (Phillips High School)

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

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

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

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

Best Commencement speeches for High school students

1. barack obama.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Zander Morciz (Pine View high school)

The commencement speech by Zander Moricz is worth watching.

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

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

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

Commencement speech Example

Commencement speech sample for students.

Thank you, Mr. XYZ, for the introduction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And this was the point where I gained my purpose.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will and I can , our university motto.

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

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

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

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

Final words.

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

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

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

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High School Graduation Speech Samples

Kelly has more than 12 years experience as a professional writer and editor.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Writing a speech for a high school graduation is a big responsibility, and the task can be a little intimidating. With a few tips and some sample graduation speeches to look at, you could quickly be on your way to writing a very engaging speech of your own.

Sample Speeches for High School Graduation

The following speeches are samples meant to help inspire your own creativity. You can click to download them and edit for your own use. If you like the style or sentiment of a particular speech, think of how it applies to your own high school experience, and use that as the basis for an original speech of your own. If you have any trouble downloading, please review the troubleshooting guide .

• Graduation Mottos & Slogans to Celebrate Your Class
• 7 Senior Bio Examples to Help You Craft Your Own
• Graduation Announcement Wording Examples & Ideas

Sample One: How We'll Measure These Years

The first sample is a speech that talks about how things have changed over the high school years.

Sample Two: The Future Is in Our Hands

The second example focuses more on what the future holds for a high school graduate.

Sample Three: A Debt of Gratitude

The third sample is about giving thanks and recognizing those who have helped everyone successfully graduate from high school.

Sample Four: Inspirational Moments for Life

This last sample speech is an inspirational high school graduation speech that asks each student to look back on some of the moments from high school that will inspire them forever.

Example of a Humorous Valedictorian Speech

The following video offers a great example of a graduation speech that really speaks to the graduates while being humorous, appropriate and entertaining. If you have a natural gift for humor, a funny speech like this will be remembered long after other graduation memories have begun to fade.

Tips for Writing a Graduation Speech

Whether you're writing a speech for your homeschool graduation, as the class Valedictorian, or a graduation thank you speech , there are a few tips for speech writing that can make your talk meaningful and memorable.

Know Your Audience

Even though parents, faculty, and members of the community will be on hand, the focus of your speech should be your classmates. Speak to them!

Grab Their Attention

A good speech grabs the audience's attention and never lets that attention go. Start off with an attention grabbing question, or make a strong statement that provokes curiosity about where the speech is going. Don't be afraid to use humor in your speech. Having a theme for the speech is also helpful.

Tell Stories

Don't just read your speech. Tell your speech by interspersing emotional stories that tug at the heartstrings or inspire positive actions for the future. You might even want to include an original poem to help express your feelings.

Include Everyone

Don't just speak to the academic achievers, the sports stars, or the popular crowd. Your topic should be all inclusive of your graduating class.

Keep It Short, But Not Too Short

Knowing how long a high school graduation speech should be is important before you start writing. Student speeches at high school graduations are generally between five and 10 minutes long, but closer to five is ideal.

End With a Memorable Message

High school graduation speeches by students and special guests often end with a memorable, and actionable sentence that encourages the audience to do something great. It is customary to end by saying "Thank you" in your graduation speech , which you can do after your memorable one-liner.

Don't Wear Out Your Welcome

A really great commencement speech is enjoyed, not simply endured. Put some serious thought into your speech, say something meaningful, and stick to your topic so your message doesn't get lost. Above all, don't talk too long. Remember that everyone wants to receive their diplomas, shed those caps and gowns , and get on with the celebration.