I have to write a Valedictorian speech for my upcoming graduation, and I am not quite sure what I should put in it.
Obviously I, as a High School senior, am in no position to be handing down advice or 'sage' wisdom to my peers, even though that seems to be the vast majority of graduation speeches. I also think it would be difficult to broadly summarize the school experience, as no two people's high school experience is quite the same. Right now, the only thing I know my speech should contain is some thank yous to teachers and parents, and that I should keep it brief.
What to you would make a good speech? What should I avoid? Realistically I know that no one is going to remember this speech in a few months time, but I would still like to put effort in and deliver a good one. My only concern is avoiding sounding like a pseudo intellectual and having a 'deep' speech.
You should watch this. It is a graduation speech SUNY Binghamton a few years back. And congratulations on being Valedictorian!
- I know that no one is going to remember this speech in a few months time, but I would still like to put effort in and deliver a good one.
Don't sell yourself short. I remember parts of the speech I heard.
And congratulations. It probably took a lot of hard work to accomplish that honor.
Oddly enough, I remember the one at my graduation, as well. I have no idea why. It wasn't particularly interesting, insightful, or witty, but I remember it nonetheless. The speaker talked about the book The Prophet by Khalil Gibran. It should have been forgettable, but I suppose these things make an impression on us in spite of out best efforts not to care.
On a more serious note: I might suggest watching college graduation speeches from people you admire?
(1) Look 'em in the eye and speak from the heart
(2) You gotta go away to come back
(3) If someone asks you to keep a secret, their secret is a lie
At least... that's what David Lynch's character said on the rules of show businesses in Louie S03E12. Sorry I am not so helpful.
I find some of these to be rather helpful. Most of them boil down to a few ideas.
1.) Be honest
2.) Don't lie
3.) write your truth
4.) Do a lot of editing.
I feel there's no reason to not make it a personal speech. Everybody's experience wasn't the same, but there are many experiences that happen during the high school years that are shared with your classmates. Your story is unique, but definitely relatable.
Use every conceivable graduation speech cliche in a row then end it with doctor suess.