sample speech of a guest speaker in high school graduation

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Guest Speaker Speech For Senior High School Graduation – Back to My Alma Mater

Thank you for visiting my blog. I’ve received several emails thanking me of how this post has helped them in preparing their speech. Like them, I hope you’ll also find my speech useful. I’m not asking anything in return but I would really appreciate it if you can subscribe to our Youtube Channel Iway Diaries.

Last April 5, 2018, I delivered my first ever inspirational speech for the first batch of Senior High School graduates of my Alma Mater – Parang National High School. I graduated from this school 15 years ago and honestly, this year’s event and visit made me somewhat emotional. When they sang the school’s songs I sang years ago, I couldn’t help myself but be teary-eyed for a moment. I suddenly remembered my graduation day, all those mixed emotions of excitement and fear. To the graduates, congratulations! I’m not a very good writer nor an experienced speaker, but I hope I am able to inspire you with my speech below.

Today, I am not only congratulating you, the graduates who successfully completed the additional years of learning in high school, but I am also congratulating your proud parents and relatives who have been waiting for this very special academic achievement. It’s normal to feel anxious and maybe scared after today’s celebration but take it easy. You are all going to be fine! How do I know that? The K to 12 curriculum has a purpose and that’s to make you all more ready and more equipped to join the workforce or enter college. Now let me ask you graduates, are you really ready to go out there and face life’s challenges? 

Fifteen years ago, I was just like you. I was happy, excited but I also felt fear, fear of the unknown future, fear of new routine, fear of being in a new school, new place, and with new friends. But aside from fear, there was also stress. My father was against the idea of me going to MSU-IIT. The school offered me BS Statistics, a course that’s new to me and my parents so obviously my father didn’t like it. I remember he wanted me to go to UP in Iloilo, take up BS Accountancy which was the course that I originally wanted, or go to NDU Cotabato City instead as it was nearer. Choosing a school for college is sometimes stressful. Money is the number 1 consideration, no. 2 is parent’s approval. But when my mother asked me if I was sure of MSU-IIT, there was uncertainty inside me, but I saw that question as a window of opportunity, so I confidently said YES I am sure! Who wouldn’t want to go to a public school anyway? It’s cheaper and living away from my strict father was a plus!

So there I was a university student of my chosen school, thanks to my mother, taking up BS Statistics but planning to shift to BS Accountancy for the next semester or school year. That was my original plan. But you see, life is full of twists and turns . This was my realization no.1 during my first few years in college. What you don’t like right now might be interesting for you next year. From wanting to be CPA, I started loving my course and got obsessed with the idea of graduating with honors and be a company statistician or a statistics professor someday.

Fast forward, after many sleepless nights, I did graduate as Cumlaude, a battlefield I have won, yet I had one regret which led me to realization no. 2 – E njoy, make friends and learn new good things from them . I focused too much on my studies before that well, you can picture me as the KJ and the most serious one in the group. I’m not saying it’s bad but seriously it’s not good either. Remember that college is not just about passing subjects after subjects. Treat it as the place where you can discover new skills or talents, and a place where you can improve your people skills. Believe me, you’ll need good people skills when you want to succeed at work someday.

Months after graduation in college, I didn’t get the job that I wanted that time. Why? Because again, life is full of twists and turns. It turned out that pursuing a career is expensive. I traveled to places just for an interview, yet I failed. I applied to several schools, I even tried applying in a bank one time because I was told statisticians have a place in banks, but then again, I wasn’t chosen. And then came realization no. 3, Job hunting is not about grades or the number of awards received. Yes, it’s a plus, but not an assurance . My parents were already out of budget, I had 2 siblings in college that time so if you do the math, obviously the combined salaries of a teacher and a fireman won’t make ends meet. So I went home, unemployed. And there I was, an elementary and high school valedictorian, a Cum Laude graduate, waiting for days to pass by, most of the time just inside my room. But here’s my realization no. 4, and it’s very common in movies because it really happens in real life, that when you’re at your lowest, when you already lack resources, no money, don’t lose hope because there are windows of opportunities reserved for each of you . All you have to do is be open-minded and be brave to make a decision fast.

For my path to landing a job, my window of opportunity was a text from a childhood friend in Cebu informing me about a vacancy of the place where she stayed. I knew we had no more money for another travel, my father was already complaining but I convinced him to give me 1 shot. Thankfully, he agreed but my parents only gave me money to pay for a month of rent. So when I arrived in Cebu, I did not waste any time. I widened my options, I applied to all positions I’m willing to take, all positions containing the terms “Analyst”, “Specialist” and so on. And just 2 days after I arrived in Cebu, I got a job. A job that I had no idea really yet I accepted it because it was the first opened door for me and I was afraid I won’t get another one in a month. I was hired as a Search Engine Specialist, that time I had no knowledge that Google, Bing and Yahoo are called Search Engines. My manager told me he chose me because he wanted someone who’s good in numbers and who can help him with his research. So I excitedly signed my first ever contract with a plan of staying for few months only because, again, I wanted to be a Statistician.

But life is not a one-path journey , this was my realization no. 5. I realized, well I am already good in numbers and analysis, why not use it in other fields instead? So I worked hard, studying terms in the IT industry, Google and Youtube became my bestfriends for me to learn new skills. I stayed in the same company for 8 years, I enjoyed several promotions, managing different teams, I also had time for love life that’s why I married my officemate, we had our first child, everything started to fall into place. But nothing in life is permanent, most especially jobs and this was my realization no.6. Our company decided to close their PH office and I was pregnant with my 2nd child. And there I was, a soon to be a mother of two, unemployed but not hopeless. Why? Because I knew, there will be another window of opportunity for me, at the right time.

Now, I am a full-time work-at-home mom, working for a digital marketing agency, helping online businesses in achieving their goals. My office is in our house so yeah instead of corporate clothes, I’m working in my pajamas. My boss might not be around but I can hear my other bosses shouting every now and then, calling for mommy. Was this my dream job when I was your age? Of course not. But when I became a mother, all I wanted was to earn more money, discover new opportunities while being close to my children. Digital marketing has opened me doors to many opportunities so yes, what I have right now is my dream job which led me to realization no. 7 – there’s no such thing as luck, only answered prayers with some twists from the most powerful above all.

How I chose my path, I am not alone. I know some registered nurses who chose to join the PNP, a nurse graduate who’s now a writer, a law school graduate who chose to open and focus on his business. You see graduates, success is not an end goal. It’s a never-ending process towards happiness and fulfillment and it’s changing because goals change as you grow older. Right now, all of you are successful senior high school graduates, most of you will go to college so aim for that diploma as your next goal. Focus on your studies, get a part-time job if financial resources are not enough. It’s a must to have fun with friends but it’s never OK to attend class with a hangover. It’s OK to have a love life, but for girls, remember your father’s face whenever you’re alone with your boyfriend, for boys, remember your mother’s face. It’s OK to fail once, twice but please make sure you won’t stay 7 years in college!!! Always think about your parents! Try your best not to fail them!

For those of you who will be joining the workforce early, just trust in yourself and widen your options. Don’t ever think you deserve little just because you don’t have a college degree. I know high school graduates who are now managing teams in companies, I know many who are very good in what they do and are now earning huge, some started early to put up their own small businesses, your options are actually endless. So I will not ask you again whether you’re indeed ready to go out there because I know you all are! So just as long as you open your eyes to see windows of opportunities, be quick and firm with your decisions, always think about your parents and family who supported you, be friendly out there, believe in yourself and most importantly, pray to your Allah or God, you’ll all be alright. Thank you and congratulations!

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Hannah Iway

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4 High School Graduation Speech Samples That Inspire

Get ready to motivate and inspire your fellow grads with our example speeches you can use as inspo to craft your own.

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

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You made it to your senior year! And the next step in your life is graduation. Congrats on being chosen to speak for your class on the big day. While public speaking can be a bit intimidating, we know you have what it takes to do an awesome job. All you need is a little inspo for your high school graduation speech. 

Not to worry. We have your back. So take a deep breath, check out our high school graduation speech examples and tips, and get ready to wow your classmates, faculty, and families. You've totally got this. 

Sample Speeches for High School Graduation

While you probably won't want to use these speeches exactly, they're definitely a great place to start. Use our sample graduation speeches to help inspire your own creativity. Click to download and edit them for your own use. 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
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

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.

Sample One: How We'll Measure These Years

You're not the same group of people you were in your freshman year. And our first sample is a speech that talks about how things have changed over your high school years.

My fellow students, we only arrived here four short years ago, and now it's already time to leave. How did it all go so fast? It seems like only yesterday that we were skinny little freshmen fighting with the locks on our lockers, trying to figure out where our next class was, and looking generally clueless to all the upperclassmen. Now, we are the upperclassmen — the seniors who stand here ready to graduate and move forward in the world. Yet at this seminal moment, we can't help looking back. 

How do we measure the time we've spent in high school? In the beginning, we measured it in class periods, counting down the day to eventual freedom. As the days and weeks passed, we measured it in semesters and later in years as we moved from being those clueless freshmen to becoming sophisticated sophomores who thought they had it all figured out. By the time we reached our junior year, we were confident that we were prepared to take over for the graduating seniors, and we couldn't wait to "rule the school." 

And now here we stand. Our rule is over, and it's up to the next class to step into our shoes and take over. I know that as I look out at all of you, I will measure my time here in a much different way. I will measure it in all the friendships I've enjoyed these last four years. Some were pretty casual, and others were much closer, but I'll remember each one fondly, as I'm sure you all will, too. And when many of our high school memories begin to fade, that's how we'll ultimately measure the time we spent here, not in periods or semesters or years, but in the friendships that we made and the times we shared together. 

Congratulations my fellow graduates of the class of (Insert year). Wherever we go and whatever we do, may we always be friends when we meet again. 

Sample Two: The Future Is in Our Hands

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

We stand here today on the precipice of the future. It's not a distant reality anymore. It begins here. It begins today. 

We began high school as children, but we're leaving here as adults. We've completed a basic education that will serve as the platform we use to launch ourselves into our futures. Some of us will go on to college, and others will go straight into the workforce, but each of us will travel our own path. 

No matter where we go or what we do, there are challenges ahead of us. What I'm asking from each of you, and from myself, is to meet those challenges straight on with our heads held high and our hearts wide open. It's not enough to simply try to get by in life. That doesn't move the world forward. We must try to excel in everything we do; strive for excellence in every task, large or small. 

Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment we achieve is added to the world's accomplishments. Our individual successes benefit society as a whole because when we succeed, we lighten the burden on our fellow man. When we succeed, we are in a position to give rather than take. 

Imagine if every individual lived up to their own potential. Think about how amazing that would be, and how much better off the world would be. Now imagine if just half of those individuals lived up to their potential. The world would still be an awesome place. If even 1/4 of those individuals worked to make their lives successful, they could still make some amazing contributions to society. 

Well, we may not have the power to inspire the entire world to strive for success, but we do have the power to try to achieve it for ourselves. My challenge to each of you and to myself is to do all that we can to reach our full potential. If each of the (Insert number) students in this graduating class is able to do that, just imagine the effect that would have. The future is truly in our hands, so let's make the most of it. 

Sample Three: A Debt of Gratitude

Nobody's accomplishments are 100% their own—there's always someone there to provide support, inspiration, and motivation. The third sample is about giving thanks to those who have helped everyone successfully graduate from high school.

I'd like to welcome everyone to this solemn and joyous occasion. It has been a long four years, but here we are, ready to graduate. We worked hard to get to this point, but we didn't do it by ourselves. 

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the following people. To our teachers, thank you for so unselfishly sharing your time, talent, and knowledge with us. Yes, we know it was your job to do it, but what you did for us went beyond the call of duty. You took the time to explain assignments, sometimes repeatedly because we weren't paying attention. You allowed us to come to your classroom after school for extra help when you could have gone home to spend time with your family. You put in the effort to make lessons more interesting so we wouldn't just tune out. You demanded excellence from us whether or not we wanted to give it. You set the bar high and challenged us to live up to it. 

To our parents, thank you for supporting us in more ways than it's possible to count. You dragged us out of bed each morning and made sure we were fed and clothed for school. You herded us out the door to the bus stop or drove us to school yourselves. You helped us with homework, paid our class fees, and listened to our complaints. You came to our plays, attended our sporting events, and chaperoned our dances. You commiserated over our daily dramas, but you tried to give us enough space to learn how to work things out for ourselves. These are just a few of the thousands of ways you've supported us on our journey. 

To our coaches and advisors, thank you for making school about more than just classwork. Through sports, we learned how to power on through adversity and give it our best effort, win or lose. We learned the importance of discipline and good sportsmanship. Through other activities like participating in clubs, school plays, and service projects, we learned how to work closely with others to achieve a common goal, and we had a lot of fun doing it. 

To our custodial staff and lunchroom attendants, thank you for keeping our school clean and safe. You know better than anyone else what slobs we've been. You actually deserve some kind of medal. 

To our principal, vice principal, and all the office staff, thank you for keeping things running smoothly so our teachers could concentrate on us. We're better off for it. 

To our guidance counselors, thank you for listening and trying to keep us on the right track for graduation. Without your help, some of us might not be graduating today. 

As you can see, behind each graduate there must have been at least a dozen people providing support in at least a dozen ways. The best way we graduates can show our gratitude is to make the most of the opportunity we've been given and go forward into the world with the intention of making it a better place for the generations that follow us. We'll pay that debt of gratitude forward. 

Sample Four: Inspirational Moments for Life

You're getting ready to head out into the world as adults. Adulting can be hard, but you'll find all the inspiration you need inside yourself. 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.

While the last four years were filled with friends, classes, teachers, and work, there were also tiny inspirations hiding in plain sight. In those moments, we were too busy, too distracted, too young to notice them. As we take a retrospective look at our high school years, I hope we will all see them clearly now. 

Close your eyes and imagine, if you will, that one thing that one teacher said to you that didn’t mean much at the time, but means something now. If you can’t hear it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school.

Now, imagine that one scary moment with that one friend inside the school walls. Think about how you both acted and how it all turned out. If you can’t see it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school. 

Imagine, one more time, that time when you felt so proud of yourself. Think about what you accomplished and how you did it for yourself. If you can’t feel it, think harder. This is one of your inspirational moments from high school. 

The most amazing things happen in high school when we least expect them. Although we're different people with different lives, we all experience these inspirational moments that happened in high school and stay with us for life. As we look toward our future, I encourage you to take time and look for these moments. They’ll be your inspiration for life. 

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 as a graduation thank you speech , there are a few tips for speech writing that can make your talk meaningful and memorable.

Related: Inspirational Graduation Speeches and Themes

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 it go. Start off with an attention-grabbing question or a humorous first line, or make a strong statement that provokes curiosity about where the speech is going. Feel free to add appropriate humor liberally. 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, sports stars, or 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's 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.

Sample Speech by a Chief Guest or Guest of Honor

Ladies and gentlemen,

Distinguished guests,

Faculty members,

Dear students,

I stand before you today with a profound sense of honor and privilege to be invited as the chief guest at this prestigious event. As we gather here, I am reminded of the countless hours of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that have brought us to this moment of celebration.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the students who have successfully completed their academic journey. This day marks a significant milestone in your lives, and it is a testament to your commitment to learning and personal growth. Your accomplishments deserve applause, and I am confident that you will continue to achieve greatness in all your future endeavors.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the exceptional efforts of the faculty and staff who have guided and nurtured these young minds. Education is the foundation upon which societies are built, and the role of educators cannot be overstated. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Today's event is not just about individual achievements; it is a celebration of the collective spirit that thrives in this institution. The bonds forged here, the friendships made, and the experiences shared will shape your lives in ways you may not yet fully comprehend. As you step out into the world, remember to cherish these connections and support one another.

While we celebrate this moment of success, we must also recognize the challenges that lie ahead. Our world is rapidly evolving, and with it comes a myriad of global issues, from climate change to social inequality. As the leaders of tomorrow, it is your responsibility to confront these challenges head-on and work towards building a more just and sustainable future.

Embrace innovation, think critically, and foster a spirit of collaboration. The problems we face today require collective solutions that transcend borders and ideologies. I urge you to be the agents of positive change, to be compassionate and empathetic, and to always strive for excellence in whatever you pursue.

Remember that success is not solely measured by individual achievements but also by the impact we have on others and the world around us. As you excel in your chosen fields, consider how you can give back to society and uplift those who are less fortunate. Be role models, mentors, and beacons of hope for others to follow.

Lastly, never forget the value of lifelong learning. Education does not end here; it is a continuous journey of discovery and growth. Keep an open mind, embrace new ideas, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of knowledge.

Once again, congratulations to the graduating class, and my best wishes to all the students for a bright and promising future. Thank you to the faculty, staff, and everyone involved in making this institution a center of excellence. Together, let us build a world that is compassionate, equitable, and sustainable.

The Girly Kid

Life of Making the Mundane Extraordinary

My First Guest Speaker Speech | Virtual Graduation

“Thankfully, my Mama and Papa, part of my support system, taught me that BEFORE I SEEK TO BE THE BEST OF THE BESTS, OR THE GREATEST IN THE WORLD, BEING MY BEST SELF IS ALREADY ENOUGH and that’s the most important.”

This might not look like nothing sort of a big deal to others, but I’ll forever treasure this as one of my many firsts and life milestone!! It’s truly an honor to be invited by my alma mater to be their guest speaker, even if I’m not yet there. 

Here’s my speech:

Good day to everyone. Mabuhay!

First and foremost, I would like to congratulate every one of you today. Congratulations to our dear school principal, teachers, and staff who all made this event possible. Congratulations parents and guardians who fully supported and provided the needs of our graduates today. Of course, Congratulations to our dear 2021 graduates who, despite the pandemic, are now starting to harvest the fruit of their labors.

I’m Mariel Jade Monteagudo, a JPMS graduate, batch 2008.

When Ma’am Lorena Java, my grade 6 advisor, invited me to be the guest speaker for today’s Virtual Graduation, I hesitated at first and I told her that I’m not yet qualified because I’m still on my way to becoming successful and I’m still far from where I really want to be.

But she believed in me, reminded me of my worth, and trusted me for this role. That’s why I am here in front of you today, thank you Ma’am Java.

That’s the first thing that I want to highlight. A strong support system is very important in life and in success. Your parents, family, loved-ones, friends, classmates, and even your social media followers or subscribers, play an important role in your life. They can make or break you.

13 years ago, I was also in your shoes, listening to the guest speaker during my elementary graduation ceremony, although not virtual, but still the same, I hoped, Sana ako rin ganyan in the future while also wishing that her speech wouldn’t be long and boring.

I didn’t graduate as a batch Valedictorian, I only received the First Honorable Mention award, but seeing my parents very proud of me and of what I got during that very moment, everything felt right and perfect. Thankfully, my Mama and Papa, part of my support system, taught me that before I seek to be the best of the bests or the greatest in the world, being my best self is already enough and that’s the most important.

Our dear graduates, you don’t need to compete with anyone else, but yourself. Just start from trying to be better than who you were and what you did yesterday. In today’s world, where everyone wants to be famous, be that individual who aims for value and purpose. 

Being kind hearted, generous, and faithful to God will surely take you to places. In a nutshell, Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

If you haven’t asked yourself yet, “Ano bang pangarap ko sa buhay?” o “Ano ba talaga ang gusto kong gawin?”. I’d like you to answer that without considering what others might think about you.

Most of the time, we really know our dreams and ambitions deep within our hearts, but we’re afraid to admit it. And it’s not because we’re afraid to fail, but we’re afraid of what others would say if we fail. Mas maraming takot na may masabi ang iba, kaysa sa takot mangarap at biglang madapa. Ikaw, anong takot ba ang handa mong harapin? I believe everyone has something within us that could be our gift to the world. 

“Bata pa’ko,hindi ko pa kaya ‘yan.”  You know, the only obstacle that’s keeping you from your dreams is the limitation that you set to yourself. 

Once you choose to believe that you can, regardless of the situation and challenges, you become unstoppable. Instead of telling yourself that one day you’ll be like that or you’ll get that, choose now as your day one to make something for those goals. 

With the theme, Strengthening the Quality of Education Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, I’d like to tell our dear graduates that you can always take action and be part of the solution. Maximize the use of social media to your advantage . Learning doesn’t stop here at your virtual graduation. 

As the world and our way of life continue to change, the sure way we can adapt is our commitment to learning. Hindi mo dapat ipagkait sa sarili mo ang matuto. 

This pandemic should serve as our reminder that it’s not about what happens to us, but it’s about what we do and how we react to what happens to us.

Let me share with you a quote from one of my favorite motivational speakers, Mr. Tony Robbins, “It’s not what we get. But who we become, what we contribute…that gives meaning to our lives.” 

Batch 2021, there’s no such thing as “too early” or “too young” in knowing your why in life. May you never stop searching for your purpose. 

Again, congratulations to our graduates as you reach this milestone of your academic journey.  Thank your parents, teachers and friends for giving their time, effort and sacrifices.  

Thank you Mama, Papa, my family,  and my former teachers for everything. Part of who I am now is because of you. Mabuhay po kayong lahat! 

Let’s connect:

IG: mjmonteagudo

IG: TheGirlyKidTravels

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13 thoughts on “ My First Guest Speaker Speech | Virtual Graduation ”

Hi, I really like your speech. Can I use that as my reference? Very inspiring po kasi talaga. Thank you so much.

Like Liked by 1 person

Hi Jen! Sure thing! Thank you so much for your appreciation!!!! 💖Would love to see & share your speech too, if your link will be available 😊

Hi Maam Mj I like your speech nakaka touch talaga..can i ask permission to used this as my basis of my speech…God Bless po..Thank You po..

Good day po! I like how short your speech is but abundant with knowledge and inspiration. Can I use it as my reference po? Thanks po.

mam thank you for that wonderful speech, can i use it too for reference po? Thank you so much po and God bless.

hi mam I love your speech….can i ask for your permission if i can use it as my reference…..thank you so much mam….

Hi Joan, thanks for you appreciation. Sure, you can use it as a reference. Would love to listen or read your upcoming speech too. 💖

Very inspiring and interesting. May I use this po as my reference for this upcoming graduation ceremony?

I would love to use your speech as my reference for my speech if you allow it maam

Hello, this is a very inspiring and encouraging speech. WOW. can I use it too as my reference to my upcoming speaking engagement?

Hi mam, I really like your speech and very inspiring, can I use it as my reference too, thank you so much, godbless ☺️

Ang galing at ganda po nang speech niyo. Can I use it as reference po? Thank u po. 💗

hi! I can totally relate with your speech. Would it be okay if I use it as a reference? thank you!

Hi! I would love to know you and your thoughts :) Cancel reply

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A Sample High School Graduation Speech

Sami sent in this sample high school graduation speech from the United States, a student who graduated in 2014 and submitted her speech to inspire and help others.

• Sami's Sample Speech
• Audio Example of Sami's Speech
• Analysis and Tips Based on Sami's Speech
• Links to More Tips for a Graduation Speech

Being invited to make a speech when graduating from high school is an honor and Sami's speech, in turn, honors all those who helped her throughout her high school journey. Making good use of a well placed quote, this is a great speech that I hope will help you to confidently craft your own.

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Thank you, Sami, for sharing your speech with us.

• Sample High School Graduation Speech

Welcome friends, family, and teachers that helped me get to where I am today. It is an honor to be standing before you on such a memorable occasion.

I want to start out by saying thank you to all my friends, family, and most of all, my Savior who is Jesus Christ for helping me every step of the way.

It has been an amazing journey and one my fellow Class of 2014 members will most likely never forget.

Four years ago, the Class of 2014 was just walking through the doors of Landrum High School and we have had many memories over the course of our high school journey. We all had one goal in mind and that was to make our mark on the school that we attended and make our mark on the world once we graduate. We all have different career choices but we're all bound by the same common cause and that is to GRADUATE!

We are your Class of 2014 not just because we scooted our way past every year but because we put in the hard work and the effort to get to where we are today and we could not have done that without the friends, family and teachers constantly encouraging us to keep up the good work.

It's not all about if you look good, or fit in at your school, it's about the legacy that you will leave once you graduate.

Dr. Seuss once said, "You're off to great places, TODAY is your DAY, Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!"

I pray that the Class of 2014 will walk out of here today feeling proud of all they have accomplished over these last four years. And always remember, it's not about the friends that you make while you're in school, it's the memories that you leave behind that really count.

End of Sample High School Graduation Speech

Analysis and tips.

Based on the sample high school graduation speech, here are some key takeaways for preparing your speech:

• Begin with a Warm Welcome: Start your speech by acknowledging and thanking everyone in attendance including friends, family, and teachers. This sets a friendly and respectful tone.
• Express Gratitude: Show appreciation for those who helped you get to this point in your life, including specific groups or individuals. The speaker thanked Jesus Christ, family, and friends, illustrating their personal values and community support.
• Reflect on the Journey: Recall your shared experiences during the high school years. The speaker took their audience back to their first day of high school and highlighted the shared goal of making a mark on the school and the world.
• Celebrate Collective Achievement: Highlight the achievements of the class as a whole, emphasizing the hard work and effort it took to get to graduation. The speaker not only celebrated the fact that they graduated, but also the journey that got them there.
• Encourage Individuality: Stress the importance of being yourself and making your own mark. The speaker suggests that it's not about looking good or fitting in, but about the legacy you leave behind.
• Use Inspirational Quotes: Inspirational quotes can help to encapsulate the message and theme of your speech. The speaker used a quote by Dr. Seuss to inspire their peers as they move on to their next adventure.
• End with a Positive Note: Conclude your speech by wishing your classmates well for the future. The speaker expressed hope that their classmates would leave feeling proud of their achievements.
• Highlight Importance of Memories: Remind your classmates that the friendships and memories made during high school are more important than any temporary popularity or status. The speaker encouraged their peers to remember the importance of the memories they've created.

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Example High School Graduation Speech as a Model for Your Own

This example high school graduation speech was sent in by a visitor to Best Speech Topics. It meets all the requirements of a good graduation speech and will give you ideas for what to say on YOUR big day.

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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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Graduation Speech Examples

50 top graduation speech ideas (& examples).

Try to search online and you’ll find a lot of graduation speech examples. If you’re in charge of giving a speech during this important event, you have the choice of whether to compose a long or short graduation speech. As long as you’re able to convey your message, the length isn’t that relevant.

Table of Contents

• 1 Graduation Speech Examples
• 2 What should you write about in your graduation speech?
• 3 Graduation Speech Outlines
• 4 Structuring your graduation speech
• 5 Graduation Speech Templates
• 6 High School Graduation Speech
• 7 Tips for writing graduation speech
• 8 College Graduation Speech

What should you write about in your graduation speech?

Most people wonder what to write for their graduation speech examples. Whether you need to compose a high school graduation speech example or a college graduation speech example, you must put a lot of careful thought and consideration into the contents of your speech.

In the past, writing a graduation speech template wasn’t that intimidating. But now, you should remember that there’s a high likelihood that the people present at the event will post your speech on social media sites such as Facebook and YouTube. This makes it imperative that you compose a speech that’s effective, interesting, and won’t end up offending anyone.

A lot of incredible speakers start their speech-writing process by creating an outline. So, if you want to come up with a great speech, you may want to start off with a graduation speech outline . Here, you include everything you want to include in your speech. From there, writing becomes easier.

Graduation Speech Outlines

Structuring your graduation speech

When it comes to the structure of your graduation speech, you have a few options to choose from. As you create your graduation speech outline, you’re giving it a structure for you to follow when it’s time to start writing.

You may create a long or short graduation speech depending on how much you want to say and how long you want to stand in front of the graduating class. You can even create a graduation speech template using the structure of your choice. This makes it easier for you for the next time you need to come up with a speech.

If you have no idea where to start, you may go online and read high school graduation speech examples or college graduation speech examples. Use these as your reference or for your inspiration as you write your speech.

Graduation Speech Templates

Either way, these examples will be a great help to you if it’s your first time to compose such a speech. To guide you, here are some structures to follow for your graduation speech:

• Use a few themes which you illustrate with non-fictional or personal stories For this type of speech, you can use a couple of themes which you introduce early in your speech. From reaching their dreams of finding their own place in the world, there are so many themes to choose from. Then illustrate these themes further using non-fictional examples or stories from your personal life.
• Use several themes which you illustrate with short anecdotes or personal stories For this structure, you come up with a number of themes for your audiences. But instead of sharing those themes at the start of your speech, you share short anecdotes or personal stories which illustrate those themes. Then you give helpful advice to your audience to help them in their future endeavors. However, this structure isn’t ideal for short graduation speeches. Since you’re going to use several themes, this means that your speech would be relatively long. Therefore, it’s probably a good idea to use this for a college graduation speech, not one for a high school graduation .
• Use an autobiographical narrative If you plan to use this structure for your graduation speech examples, it means that you want to open up and share more details about your life to your audience. It’s sort of like a mini-memoir wherein the audience learns a lot about the experiences you’ve had in your personal life. As you share these experiences, you also share a lot of life lessons with them. Although you don’t give advice directly at the beginning of your speech, you would incorporate these little bits of advice throughout your speech. Talk about your own experiences after graduation, how you dealt with the real world, and how you overcame different kinds of challenges.
• Use the main theme and some personal references Finally, you can also structure your speech in such a way that you’re leading up to one main theme or point. A lot of people find this structure to be extremely difficult to put together because they feel like it’s too limited. But as long as you create a graduation speech outline, following this structure won’t be that much of a challenge.

High School Graduation Speech

Tips for writing graduation speech

Whether you’re representing the graduation class or you’re asked to come and give a speech to the graduating class, you have to come up with your own graduation speech. The good news is that there are a lot of graduation speech examples which you can use as a reference.

Writing a graduation speech doesn’t have to be a difficult task. As long as you have an idea of what to write and you know what you want to say to the graduating class, the words will start flowing from your mind. But if you need some help, here are some tips to guide you:

• Brainstorming Any great speech starts with a brainstorming session. You can begin by asking yourself what you want to write in your speech. If you’re the representative of the graduating class, then think about all of the learning and experiences you’ve gained throughout your education. If they asked you to speak for the graduating class, then think about the advice you want to share to them in order to inspire them and somehow prepare them for what’s to come. Brainstorming involves a lot of thought, especially about the future. There’s nothing wrong with talking about the past and the present but since you’ll speak to a graduating class, talking about the future is much more relevant. As you think about the things to say, write everything down on a piece of paper. Later on, you can review your ideas to see which ones to keep and which ones to remove from your speech.
• Choosing a theme After your brainstorming session, you’d have a lot of ideas, stories, and advice to share to your audience. Now it’s time to begin shaping all of these into one coherent speech. To do this, you may want to think about the theme to focus on for your speech. Whether you want to choose a single theme or a collection of themes which you will link with one another, this step makes speech writing easier. Also, having a theme makes the speech more memorable and impactful to the audience. With a theme, you’ll also be able to sort through the things you’ve written down more effectively only choosing the ones which relate to your theme.
• Building the structure After you’ve identified the theme, you can start building the structure of your graduation speech. Here are some steps to help you out: Make sure that your introductory statement grabs the attention of your audience right away. In other words, get the audience “hooked” from the beginning so they will feel compelled to listen to your entire speech. Illustrate the theme you’ve chosen by telling stories. Keep in mind that the best stories always have a beginning with a challenge or obstacle, a middle where you share how you overcame it, and an end where you discussed how this experience helped you grow. For the end of your speech, tie together all of the points you’ve discussed throughout your speech. Also, make it clear how your message applies to your audience. You may also share valuable advice to your audience in the conclusion of your speech.
• Practicing your delivery Even after you’ve written your speech, the work doesn’t end there. You also have to deliver it to the graduating class. For a lot of people, this part is a lot more intimidating, especially for those who aren’t used to speaking in front of an audience. Here are some pointers for you: If you’ve created a short graduation speech, you may want to try memorizing it. This helps you focus on your delivery to make it more personable. Don’t speak too fast even when you’re feeling nervous. Try practicing in front of friends and family so you can learn how to consciously slow down your speaking rate. Once in a while, pause during the delivery of your speech. You can either pause to emphasize your point or to give the audience some time to consider what you’ve said. If you want to keep your audience engaged, make eye contact. Don’t feel stressed or stop if you make any mistake. Just continue with your speech.
• Other tips for you Don’t forget to thank everyone who helped you on your journey. If you aren’t part of the graduating class, thank the person who invited you to give the speech. Be as lively and enthusiastic as possible when delivering your speech. If it’s your first time to deliver a speech, practice again and again. Have fun with it! Feeling stressed won’t help.

College Graduation Speech

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High School Graduation

They’ll give you something to believe in.

Sitting through a graduation ceremony is rarely one of the most fun activities ever, even if you’re among the people chilling in a robe, eager to get that diploma. But as the most inspirational high school graduation speeches prove, recent grads are breathing new life into these ceremonies . In addition to all the traditional pomp and circumstance, the best high school graduation speeches are humorous, heartfelt, and honest. Seriously, these young adults understand how to work a crowd.

And as you might expect from a group who grew up with social media, generation Z graduates are poised and confident behind the microphone, delivering speeches with ease. Seriously, it’s stunning to remember these speech-givers are only in their late teens , and possibly addressing a large crowd for the first time. And these speakers aren’t afraid to take on serious topics. In fact, many of the students use their high school graduation speeches to address issues affecting Black and BIPOC communities, LGBTQ representition, and the experiences of immigrant families. The honest emotion and care these young adults have for the wellbeing of others is inspiring. Here are some of the most popular high school graduation speeches YouTube has to offer that are sure to make you laugh and maybe cry a little, too.

1 Dalaney Westbroek on looking to a brighter future

The theme of Dalaney’s speech is “Per aspera ad astra,” which means “through hardships to the stars.” In her address, she reminds her fellow classmates in the class of 2021 that though they’ve seen hardships, like the Covid pandemic, their futures are bright and there are great things to come. She also gets bonus points because she does all of this beautifully, despite the wind blowing her tassel into her eyes throughout the speech – a true example of determination.

2 Alexandra Wayne’s reminder to take the lessons with you

Yes, there are lots of lessons taught throughout high school, but Alexandra points out that some of the most important are the ones that help you discover who you are. In her speech, she encourages her classmates to revisit these lessons as they embark on their new lives in this great big world and to always remember where they came from.

3 Toni Odufuye’s advice to “Give Light”

You can feel the emotion as Toni Odufuye addresses fellow classmates who graduated in 2020. “One kind word or smile can turn someone’s day around and light them up,” said Odufuye. The call to kindness is such an important message for young graduates (and really everyone).

4 Elizabeth Rodriguez’s heartfelt message of thanks & strength

After tearful thanks to her family and educators, Rodriguez talks openly about her prior behavioral issues and mental health struggles. “Everyone’s struggles and story may be different, but I am here to tell you all that you are loved, talented, ambitious, tenacious, and beautiful,” said Rodriguez.

5 Brenda Alvarez-Lagunas’ speech about motivation and migrant culture

“I am motivated by my mother’s hands that are slowly losing feeling from years of arduous work,” said Alvarez-Lagunas. The valedictorian’s moving tribute to her immigrant parents is honest and beautiful. The first in her family to graduate from high school, Alvarez-Lagunas has a unique message about the importance of education.

6 Chase Dahl’s viral message to embrace achievement

In an upbeat speech delivered with plenty of #references to social media, Dahl also dropped some serious words of wisdom. “The opportunity to achieve greatness is within our grasp,” said Dahl.

7 Jocelin Lai’s call to make history

Lai shares serious insight about privilege, the difficulty of existing as a model minority, and the crucial need to fight injustice in a stirring five-minute speech. “We are the people who are responsible for writing the next few chapters in future history books,” said Lai.

8 Evan Young’s delayed (but funny & moving) speech

Evan Young, valedictorian of his 2015 high school class, planned to come out as gay while giving the graduation speech. However, Young was barred from speaking by the school. Two weeks after graduation, Young presented his speech to an appreciative audience during an Out Boulder fundraiser. The topic was secrets, and Young riffed on the English books he didn’t finish and his (extremely relatable) dislike of homework. “When I was writing this speech, I was endlessly debating with myself whether I should reveal this on account of how divisive an issue this is and how gay people tend to be stereotyped and I thought if I did I should immediately apologize and beg you guys not to think any differently of me. But then I realized, I don’t have to... we can still be friends even if we profoundly disagree with each other,” said Young.

9 Peter Bui’s speech that keeps it at 100

“As I look into the crowd though, I see the beauty of people from a variety of cultures and nationalities are all gathered to celebrate our accomplishments,” said Bui. “Despite our differences, we’re all here now in the same place wearing the same goofy robes receiving the same diploma.” Bui delivers the speech with humor and insight, engaging the crowd with ease.

10 Kofi Boakye looks to the future

“It’s not over. It’s just getting started,” said Boakye. The valedictorian stresses the importance of using your own mind to make a real difference in the world.

11 Liam McCoy's ode to new beginnings

Ahead of us is life . Ahead of us stand all the years we have yet to live,” said McCoy. The valedictorian’s speech perfectly captures that anything-is-possible feeling of graduating high school

12 Evan Barber’s sincere questions about adulthood

“Guys, we’re graduating!” said Barber. “I’m not ready for this. I’m not sure how to be an adult. How do you pay taxes? I think it’s better for your interest rate to be higher, right?” But then the valedictorian goes on to suggest spending your adulthood being kind to others, which is honestly a great start.

13 Carl Aquino’s rubix cube speech

With over 19,008,385 views, this video of Carl Aquino’s 2010 graduation speech is a YouTube classic. By comparing high school to figuring out a Rubix cube (and solving one of the puzzles during the speech), it’s easy to see how Aquino’s speech became such a hit.

14 Akash Salam’s candid reflections on American life

“I struggled a lot more than you think” with fitting in, said salutatorian Akash Salam, whose family immigrated to the United States ten years before Salam presented this speech. “You have opportunities others around the world would die for.” It’s a sincere reflection on the importance of education.

Even if your own graduation was decades ago, you can’t help but be inspired by the hope these young people have and their bright visions for a better world.

This article was originally published on May 18, 2018

5 Inspiring (And Unexpected) High School Commencement Speeches (And More)

Whether you’re looking for inspiration to write your own speech or want to be inspired in life, these commencement speeches fit the bill. We love their humor, their vision, their vulnerability and humility, and their love of life. We hope you do too!

Asash Salam, 2013

“I only believe in a few things. The American Dream is one of them. I’m not that smart. I’m not athletic. I can’t sing or dance. And I didn’t even have the guts to ask a girl to prom this year. Every day I try to remind myself how lucky I am to be living in this land of opportunity. I have food, clothing, and shelter. These thoughts kept me going 10 years ago (since immigrating to the US), and they keep me going today. If you are lucky you will live an ordinary life. You have opportunities that others around the world would die for. I truly believe in the American Dream because I have lived it for the past 10 years.” More.

Chase Dahl, 2015

“The world we live in is plagued with dangers: Ebola, ISIS, global warming, facial acne (and now COVID-19) Despite all the odds, we still managed to graduate. Keep in mind that many of our social and political leaders and heroes started their lives as an average person, just one of you and me. Despite the failures and mistakes we will make and although we may be average, we find that the average can achieve greatness whether recognized by their world or just a few. Remember that to leave a legacy or achieve greatness is not to have money or recognition. It’s to leave those with whom we cross paths with a little more happiness and hope.” More.

Madeleine Meldrum, 2017

So we press through the pain

And we dance in the rain

And we change and we grow

We learn how to let go

And it’s these times we show

That we’re more than we know.

Sef Scott, 2018

“Unexpected. That is what I want you to remember. I imagine that to the seniors that know who I am it is entirely unexpected that I would be standing here giving a speech. I have autism and a social communication disorder. It is not a normal thing for me to elect to speak … Don’t fear the future. Don’t fear the unknown. Be the unexpected like me. Do the unexpected to the benefit of others. Live the unexpected for your own happiness.”  More.

Alex Li, 2020

Never be a sheep. The world and society will often tell you what you can and cannot do. But very often these rules and expectations will hold you back. Now that you are out of high school there’s no one to tell you what to do. You don’t have to do anything. Which means that you can do anything. So, choose your own path. Have faith in yourself, the person next to you, and the people of the world. Everything around us has been built by people barely different than ourselves. Our DNA is basically the same as every other person on earth. Humanity has created amazing things. So, the next time you think your dreams are too big, remember the potential that lies within being human.” More.

Check out more high school commencement addresses here.

Quick Study: 10 Quotes for Graduates from the Famous (And Not So Famous)

Even a single quote can be meaningful and thought provoking. Here are 10 that are just that.

• “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that individuality is the key to success.”  – Robert Orben
• “Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.”   – David Lloyd George
• “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”  – Nelson Henderson
• “Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.”   – Art Linkletter
• “Everything’s always ending. But everything’s always beginning, too.”   – Patrick Ness
• “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”   – Babe Ruth
• “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”   – A. A. Milne
• “No matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid.”   – Lupita Nyong’o
• “Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.”   – Roger Babson
• “It’s always a good move to listen to that inner voice… if it doesn’t lead to a crime.” – Lisa Kudrow

For more, visit “110+ Inspirational High School Graduation Quotes” and “125+ Inspirational Quotes for Graduates.”  

So, congratulations graduates! You made it through some tough times. We salute you!

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by Laura Jones

Updated on January 3, 2024

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

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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Graduation Speech Examples

Click here to view our wide range of Graduation Speeches   –  downloadable instantly

Our graduation speech examples are a clear indication that we have words for every occasion. Of course these are only individual samples of what you might say whereas when you order from us your will receive at least three different speeches in every set we send. This means that you can use one speech individually or selected passages from the set. Whether you are graduating yourself or addressing graduates our speeches say all that needs to be said on the day. Most sets also have the added bonus of optional poems that will help make your speech even more memorable. So please read our graduation speech examples and see how we can help you make a really impressive speech on a very special day. He is a great example graduation speech from Harvard. It’s one of our favorites.

Please choose a sample speech below!  

Graduation speech by college head, teacher or guest speaker.

This sample graduation speech speaks of the importance of the day and expresses hopes for the future. Such a speech may be given by a Grauate or Student.

Has it ever occurred to you that Graduation day is a bit like looking into a kaleidoscope? It’s full of pictures jumbled together all of which together make up your life. There are the images of your growing years with your family and friends. Then there are the pictures of your student activities, the classmates you met and, finally, the wonderful excitement of today your graduation day. The pictures of your future are very vague because, of course, none of us knows what the future holds.

Today we have the good feel factor that comes from knowing that we have done our best. We have achieved and qualified. We didn’t do it alone of course. All along the way we had the wonderful support of our families and the encouragement and help of our tutors. It’s likely that some of us took this for granted as only our due. Today, though, as mature and newly qualified adults, we recognise that without that back-up we could not have succeeded. So today I know my fellow students would like to join me in saying how much we appreciate all those who have helped make this day possible.

Included in that are our fellow students. They pored over the textbooks with us, drank innumerable cups of coffee with us and exchanged views with us. That is probably what has given us the most important education of all. After all when we enter the working world we will be working with all sorts of people from varying backgrounds and our experience here will tell us this is a good thing, that the world is full of wonderful people with different ideas and talents.

From now on we will be taking our talents and beliefs with us wherever we go .If we have learned anything it is that we have to be adaptable. ready to take chances and go different routes. The day of a job for life is almost gone. These days we have to be ready to update our knowledge, add to our skills and be ready to cope with change.

That’s the challenge before us and it is one that we will all meet in our different ways. Some of us will want to stay at home, others to travel the four corners of the earth. Some will like to work alone while others will want to work in a partnership. Whatever we do our wherever we go we won’t forget today. Hopefully in years to come we will meet up with our friends again at a college re-union. That is, of course something we have to organise so I am sure you will understand that we will have to go out on the town tonight to make our plans.

Finally, I would like to wish my fellow graduates, fellow graduates now that has a nice ring to it doesn’t it? I would like to wish them health and happiness in the future and the satisfaction of knowing that whatever they do they will do it well. After all they are graduates of (Name of college) and that is just another name for the college of excellence.

Today we are throwing our caps in the air Getting ready to go different ways To tackle the world head on my friends And to start on the very first phase Of adult life with all it implies No more running home to mum But making her proud of the lives we lead And showing our dads we’re not dumb. So today as we sit in this great big hall We’d like to give our thanks to you all For being there when we needed you Now it’s our turn to show what we do I don’t know how or why or when But goodbye my friends until we meet again

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Graduation Speech by a Graduate or Valedictorian

This sample graduation speech speaks of the importance of the day and expresses hopes for the future. Such a speech may be given by a Dean or teacher or indeed a visiting speaker.

Graduate Speech Sample

I think Graduation day is a bit like walking a gangplank. You are leaving behind the safety and security of college for the uncertainty and adventure of the rest of your life. Some of you will return to terra firma and resume your studies. The rest of you will pause on that gangplank. Poised over the water below you have no idea what the future will hold, what people you will meet and what will happen to your career.

That is not to say that you do not have your own ideas about that career. You have worked hard while at college and have graduated so you have more than a basic understanding of your subject. You may know exactly what you want to do and, of course, you may realize your dreams. On the other hand life could throw up some surprises and you could find yourself doing something diametrically opposed to what you had planned. So your degree is something like having the security of a lifebelt. It will keep you afloat until you find your own particular niche. In a rapidly changing world you will have to be able to adapt to changing times. You may have to add to your existing qualification or find a new career altogether.

The ship you board may be a luxurious liner or a working vessel. It may bring you around the coast or across the world. You may face fierce storms or have plain sailing and a following wind. You may choose your particular destination or you may just go where the tide brings you. On that ship called life you will find new friends. Some will share your hopes. Others may have their own agenda. Each one will influence you in a different way.

Today I say to you try to be choosy about those friends. It is tempting to befriend those who you feel will help you in your career and of course there is no harm in that. It is good to be willing to keep learning from those who have gone ahead of you. Don’t, however, close your mind to what others may bring to your life to enrich it. That penniless loafer may seem like a good for nothing but be, in reality, a brilliant musician. The plodder may not seem to have much to offer but perhaps he or she will get to the shore before you do. So don’t judge others harshly but do try to choose wisely people who will be good friends to you over the years. Life can be hard and we all need good friends.

Speaking of friends you are leaving some behind today. Over the past few years they have shared your workload, your ambitions and your coffee breaks not to mention your socialising. It is hard to part with them and whatever about the global village the world can be a big place and it’s easy to lose touch. That is why I am suggesting to you that you make concrete arrangements to stay in touch by email or phone. Whatever about the new friends you make there is something special about those who shared your college life and those long talks deep into the night.

Some of you will rush aboard your ship. Others may be more hesitant. Some of you will have plenty of baggage to bring, others will travel lightly. One thing you will all bring is your memories of your growing years and of your families. Today, those who have encouraged you all those years are happy to see you graduate. I know you will agree with me that they are owed a huge dept of gratitude for their support and love. Obviously, judging by your results, you studied hard but you also had help from your tutors and professors. It’s worth mentioning too that a college like this is made up of many different components and many different people. Think, for instance, of the library staff, the canteen staff and those who keep the grounds in such immaculate order. There were many people involved in your graduation and it will be a sign of your maturity that you thank them for their efforts on your behalf. Gratitude to and graciousness towards others will always stand to you in life. We always remember the person who speaks kindly of us so always remember to speak kindly of others too.

Tonight you will be celebrating and quite rightly so. You deserve to have a night on the town. Whether or not your tutors are also celebrating I leave open to you to guess. When tomorrow comes, but obviously not too early in the morning, you can pack for that all important journey. Bring with you the knowledge you have but bring also an open mind. It’s great to have a route planned but be willing to travel the bye ways and to see what they have to offer too. Make a decision that you are going to make a difference in the world, even if it is in one small corner of it. Work hard but do get your priorities right. Always have time for your families and friends. Take time to enjoy the beauties of nature and to care for them because without water and air our planet, and you, cannot survive.

Finally, enjoy the trip. Go on your journey armed with enthusiasm and curiosity. Open your hearts to your fellow passengers and they will surely open theirs to you. I wish you well on your journey and as they say when they launch a ship, “May God bless all who sail in her.”

Here’s to you all as you graduate You’ve studied and have your degrees The world is your oyster and soon you will work At home or perhaps overseas. You’re saying goodbye to tutors and friends And tonight you will party in style And drink champagne and eat cavier And sing and dance for a while. May your ship sail smoothly over the blue And may faraway places they welcome you May the sun shine on you as you go on your way And so as you leave here Bon Voyage I say May your lives be filled with loving and laughter And may you find happiness in your ever after.

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Student Graduation Speech

Student graduation speech generator.

A graduation ceremony marks a pivotal moment, offering a blend of joy, nostalgia, and anticipation for the future. Crafting a memorable student graduation speech can be challenging, but it’s an opportunity to inspire and reflect. This comprehensive guide provides detailed insights and practical tips to help you create an impactful address. Filled with inspiring speech examples , it’s tailored to guide you through the process of composing a speech that resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re seeking to inspire, reminisce, or motivate, our guide, complete with speech examples, is your go-to resource for delivering a message that captures the essence of this significant milestone.

What is a Student Graduation Speech? A Student Graduation Speech is a special talk given by a student during a graduation ceremony. It’s a moment where the student shares their experiences, celebrates achievements, and gives thanks to teachers, family, and friends. The speech often includes memories from school, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. It’s a way for the student to say goodbye to one chapter of their life and welcome the next with excitement and optimism. This speech is a memorable part of the graduation ceremony, marking the end of school and the beginning of a new journey.

In addition to that, a student graduation speech is also a good way to show or to tell students that they have finally achieved what they wanted in life. Basically the purpose of a student graduation speech is to make sure that each student knows what their professors and other students feel during this time. Graduation speeches can sometimes get very emotional, depending on who may be presenting the speech and how it was delivered. Often than not, it is considered normal for a lot of people to be very emotional when presenting a student graduation speech. To know about how to write one, let’s move on to how to write a good student graduation speech.

Download Student Graduation Speech Bundle

Download Graduation Speech Bundle

This is especially true for those who are graduating this year or for those who are going to be passing through and going forward. For students, this is the best day of their lives, the freedom, the path to choose what they can want and can get. However, when there is graduation, there is always that one thing students seem to not be able to escape. Making a graduation speech. Of course, a lot of students would say this is going to be easy now because of the practice they went through. But how do you make a good graduation speech? Where do you even begin? Am I confusing you? Don’t worry, I got you covered.

Student Graduation Speech Format

Introduction.

Greeting : Start with a warm welcome to guests, teachers, family, and fellow graduates. Personal Introduction : Briefly introduce yourself. Acknowledgment of the Occasion : Express the significance of the graduation day.

Reflections on the Journey : Share memorable experiences and lessons learned during school years. Memories : Highlight special moments and achievements. Challenges Overcome : Discuss obstacles faced and how they were overcome. Gratitude : Express thanks to teachers, family, and friends for their support. Current Feelings : Talk about emotions associated with graduating, like excitement, nostalgia, or anticipation for the future. Lessons Learned : Share valuable insights or life lessons gained during school years.

Future Outlook

Hopes and Dreams : Discuss aspirations and goals for the future. Call to Action : Encourage fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with determination and courage. Inspirational Message : Offer a motivational thought or quote to inspire the graduating class.

Closing Remarks : Summarize the key points of your speech. Final Thanks : Express gratitude to the audience for listening. Farewell Message : End with a heartfelt farewell, wishing everyone success in their future endeavors.

Best Graduation Speech

Ladies and Gentlemen, Honored Guests, Teachers, Family, and my Fellow Graduates,   Today marks a pivotal moment in our lives. As I stand here, I am overwhelmed with memories and emotions. Our journey through these halls has been nothing short of remarkable.   Firstly, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teachers and school staff. Your unwavering support and guidance have been our guiding star. To our families, your love and sacrifices have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Your belief in our dreams has been our strongest foundation.   Looking back, our school years were filled with learning, not just from textbooks, but from every experience. We learned the value of friendship, the importance of hard work, and the power of perseverance. We celebrated victories, learned from our failures, and grew stronger with each challenge.   But today is not just about reminiscing. It’s about embracing the future. As we step out into the world, let’s carry the lessons and memories with us. Let’s approach the future with courage and optimism, ready to make our mark and create positive change.   In closing, I leave you with this thought: Let’s not just dream about the future; let’s be the architects of it. As we go forth, may we always remember where we came from and who we are. To my fellow graduates, congratulations! Our adventure begins now.   Thank You.

Student Graduation Speech [Text Version]

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed faculty members, distinguished guests, and beloved family and friends,   On this momentous occasion, I stand before you with a heart brimming with gratitude and excitement. As we gather here to celebrate our achievements, I am deeply humbled by the journey that has led us to this significant milestone.   Reflecting on our collective journey, it is undeniable that our relentless hard work, unwavering dedication, and steadfast perseverance have been the driving forces behind our success. Each step we’ve taken, every challenge we’ve faced, has molded us into the individuals we are today.   As we reminisce on the past years, let us cherish the memories we’ve created together. From late-night study sessions to unforgettable experiences shared, these moments have woven the fabric of our unique and remarkable journey as a graduating class.   Throughout our academic pursuits, we have not only gained knowledge but also nurtured personal and professional growth. The challenges we encountered along the way have been formidable, but through resilience and teamwork, we have emerged stronger and more determined than ever.   To our esteemed educators, mentors, and dedicated school staff, we owe a profound debt of gratitude. Your guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support have been instrumental in shaping our paths and fueling our aspirations.   To our cherished family members and friends, thank you for being our pillars of strength, unwavering sources of encouragement, and constant sources of love and support. Your belief in us has been our greatest motivation.   As we stand on the threshold of the future, let us embrace the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. Let us nurture our dreams, pursue our passions, and strive to make a positive impact on the world around us. Remember, learning is a lifelong journey, and our thirst for knowledge should never cease.   In the words of the great philosopher Aristotle, “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” Let us carry the lessons, memories, and friendships we’ve cultivated during our time here as we embark on the next chapter of our lives.   So, my fellow graduates, as we bid farewell to this chapter and step into the vast unknown, let us do so with courage, conviction, and unwavering determination. For the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.   Congratulations to the graduating class of [Year]! May our paths be filled with success, fulfillment, and endless possibilities. Thank you.

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How to Write a Student Graduation Speech?

Are you tasked to write a student graduation speech or are you simply curious as to how a student graduation speech looks and how it is written. Regardless of the reason, and if you are interested, here are some five simple tips to get you started on writing. How to write a student graduation speech?

1. Always Introduce Yourself to the Crowd

When you get up on that stage, thank the person who made the speech or who made the introduction first. Do this before reading your speech. It is seen as something polite and should be done. In addition to that, introduce yourself whether the person before you did or did not. Never assume that everyone in the crowd knows you. Remember, the people in the crowd are a mixture of students, your classmates, teachers, faculty and parents. There is only a few percent chance they can remember you or know you.

2. Share Your Experience in a Story

Another thing you can do when making a speech is to share your experience in the form of a story. Let your fellow graduates feel the same thing you felt or at least at some point. Tell your story so others could learn from your struggles and from the sweet rewards of graduating. Your experience may be different from others or may have at least a few things that are common, but your experience is there to awaken what it was like for students to struggle and feel the joy of a fruitful future. Think of how you would write your own  personal statement . But the difference is it is a speech than just a  short narrative essay .

3. Add an Inspiring Quote

One of the best ways to inspire and to get through your audience is to share an inspiring quote. Your quote must match that of your speech that you need not have to explain what it means. There are a lot of inspiring quotes, but you can also make your own.

4. Give Everyone Some Good Advice

Part of your speech should also be about giving people some good advice. Especially those students who may be graduating with you who are younger. Be the big person here and show them that with a lot of sacrifices, there will always be a rainbow after every thunderstorm. A brighter side of things. However, make it that they would find it good enough and not that they may get annoyed or disappointed. This means that when you say it, say it in a polite manner.

5. Thank Everyone for Attending the Event

Last but not the least, add graduation thank you speech to your graduation speech . Add this when you are about to end your speech. Showing that you appreciate the audience and the time they gave to attend the graduation. Saying this would mean that your speech is done and you would want everyone to be thankful for the people who came to the said event to watch.

How does a student start a graduation speech?

1.Express Gratitude:

Start by expressing gratitude to teachers, parents, mentors, and fellow students for their support and contributions throughout the academic journey. Thanking the audience creates a positive atmosphere from the beginning.

Example: “Good evening, honored guests, teachers, parents, and my amazing fellow graduates. I stand before you today with immense gratitude in my heart for the incredible support we’ve received on this journey.”

2. Use a Quote:

Begin with a relevant and inspiring quote that encapsulates the theme of the speech. Quotes can provide depth and immediately capture the audience’s attention.

Example: “As Nelson Mandela once said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’ Today, we celebrate not just the end of our academic journey but the beginning of our mission to make a difference.”

3. Tell a Personal Story:

Share a brief, relatable personal anecdote that connects to the overarching message of the speech. Personal stories can create an emotional connection with the audience.

Example: “Allow me to take you back to the first day of school when we were wide-eyed freshmen, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Little did we know that this place would become our second home, filled with laughter, challenges, and lifelong friendships.”

4. Ask a Rhetorical Question:

Pose a thought-provoking rhetorical question that engages the audience’s curiosity and encourages them to reflect on the journey ahead.

Example: “What does it truly mean to graduate? Is it merely receiving a diploma, or is it about the knowledge gained, the friendships formed, and the transformations within ourselves? Today, we contemplate not just our achievements but the infinite possibilities that lie before us.”

5. Use Humor:

Start with a light-hearted, witty remark or humorous anecdote related to the graduation experience. Humor can instantly capture the audience’s attention and create a warm atmosphere.

Example: “Ladies and gentlemen, if someone had told me four years ago that I would be standing here giving a speech, I would have thought they were joking. Yet, here I am, trying not to trip over my own excitement. Life truly is full of surprises!”

6. Acknowledge the Significance of the Moment:

Begin by acknowledging the importance of the graduation day, recognizing it as a pivotal moment in the students’ lives and the beginning of a new chapter.

Example: “Today is more than just a ceremony; it’s a milestone. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and the unwavering determination that brought us to this moment. Today, we stand on the threshold of a future waiting to be shaped by our dreams and ambitions.”

What should I say in my high school graduation speech?

1. Introduction

Begin by expressing gratitude to the school, teachers, parents, and fellow students. Acknowledge the significance of the moment and the honor of addressing the graduating class.

2. Reflect on the Journey

Share personal reflections on your high school experience. Discuss memorable moments, challenges, and the growth you and your classmates have undergone.

3. Acknowledge Achievements

Recognize the accomplishments of your fellow graduates, including academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal growth.

4. Inspire and Encourage

Offer words of inspiration and encouragement to your peers as they embark on the next phase of their lives. Remind them of their potential and resilience.

5. Share Life Lessons

Reflect on the lessons learned during high school, both in and out of the classroom. Discuss how these lessons can be applied to the future.

6. Embrace Diversity:

Celebrate the diversity and unique qualities of your graduating class. Highlight the importance of inclusivity and understanding in a diverse world.

7. Discuss the Future:

Talk about the exciting possibilities and challenges that await graduates as they move on to college, careers, or other pursuits.

8. Express Hope and Optimism:

Convey optimism for the future, emphasizing the potential for positive change and personal growth. Inspire your peers to make a difference in the world.

9. Use Personal Anecdotes:

Share personal stories or anecdotes that connect with the audience and convey your messages effectively.

10. Conclude with Gratitude:

Thank your audience once again for the privilege of speaking and express your optimism about the future.

How do you write a short and sweet graduation speech?

• Start with Gratitude: Begin by expressing gratitude to the school, teachers, parents, and fellow graduates for the support and experiences throughout the journey.
• Acknowledge Achievements: Recognize the accomplishments and milestones of your graduating class, both academic and personal.
• Reflect on the Journey: Share a brief reflection on your high school experience, mentioning memorable moments and challenges.
• Inspire and Encourage: Offer a concise message of inspiration and encouragement for your peers as they step into the next chapter of their lives. Encourage them to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.
• Express Hope: Convey optimism and hope for the future, highlighting the potential for success and personal growth.
• Use a Memorable Quote: Consider incorporating a well-chosen quote that encapsulates the theme of your speech.
• Engage the Audience: Use eye contact, a confident tone, and gestures to engage the audience. Maintain a warm and inclusive atmosphere.
• Stay True to Your Voice: Keep your speech authentic and true to your personality and values.

Here’s an example of a short and sweet graduation speech:

“Good evening, honored guests, teachers, parents, and my fellow graduates. As we stand here today on the brink of a new journey, I want to express my gratitude for the experiences and support we’ve shared throughout our high school years. Our achievements, both big and small, have brought us to this moment, and I couldn’t be prouder to call you my classmates. As we move forward, remember that every challenge we faced and overcame has shaped us into the individuals we are today. We are ready to embrace the future with open hearts and unwavering determination. As Dr. Seuss once said, ‘You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.’

Is it necessary to make a graduation speech?

Some schools require their outstanding graduates to make a graduation speech, while others may not require them. The whole purpose of the speech is to let everyone know that they have done great and should continue to do great things.

What are the elements of a good graduation speech?

The introduction where you are going to be talking about the reason you are here. The body which will be about telling a story, an anecdote, sharing of experiences and hope for the future. It is also the part where you give way to inspire others to keep on pushing their dreams. The conclusion where you give thanks and congratulate on everyone for achieving.

What are the benefits of writing a graduation speech?

The benefits of writing a graduation speech is the opportunity to say thank you and welcome at the same time. To give everyone the opportunity to say we made it in one simple but grand speech. Making a graduation speech is the written and oral way of showing the world that you have made it and will continue to make it.

Why do we need a graduation speech example?

Sometimes, the process of making the perfect speech outline involves long nights and a lot of crumpled papers. We’re either experiencing major writer’s block or we’re just absolutely clueless on what to talk about. Regardless, writing a good speech is not an easy job. Sometimes, we just need a little guidance to get started. This is when references serve their purpose.

How long is a graduation speech?

A graduation speech does not have to be too long nor too short. A single page is enough to make a speech. If the speech is too long, your audience may fall asleep or choose to ignore as it may drag. But if the speech is too short, it may leave an awkward air around the whole event. Make sure that your speech should not last more than five minutes nor less than that.

Graduation speeches can either get very emotional or can be made as a polite way to say thank you. Depending on who writes it and how it is written. It is normal to cry when you’re doing your speech, but it is not okay to not make any eye contact.

Graduation speeches are more than just words; they are the encapsulation of an educational journey, filled with challenges, achievements, and invaluable lessons. They are a platform to inspire, encourage, and impart wisdom to fellow graduates and the audience. As you craft your speech, remember the impact of your words can extend beyond the ceremony, leaving a lasting impression on your listeners. To further explore inspiring examples and advice on crafting impactful graduation speeches, consider visiting the American Institute for Economic Research for a unique perspective on graduation speeches here and the University of Chicago for a collection of student graduation speeches here. These resources offer additional insights and inspiration that can enhance your speechwriting process.

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Ideas for a student graduation speech on achieving dreams

Writing a powerful student graduation speech on perseverance

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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

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

"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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How to Write the Best Commencement Speech – Tips & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

So, the school principal announced that you’d graduate as the class valedictorian. She also asked you to prepare a commencement speech to send off your classmates with wisdom.

Your commencement speech makes up a substantial part of the graduation ceremony, so you have to make it worth your audience’s while. Here’s a complete guide on how to write a commencement speech with examples.

The Purpose of a Commencement Speech

The purpose of a high school or college commencement speech is to celebrate past experiences from the school and look forward to the future. This is usually given by a graduate. But in some schools, celebrities, politicians, and other notable people also give commencement speeches at graduations.

Like any other speech, a commencement speech also includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. But the body should discuss the following:

• Past memories at school
• The present (graduation ceremony)
• Future dreams and plans

How to Give a Good Commencement Speech

Here are some senior speech ideas and tips to prepare you for graduation.

Pick a Theme

To make your graduation speech more significant to your fellow graduates, try building it around a central message or theme. What do you think is essential to your classmates? Here are some examples.

• Embracing failures in life
• Following your dreams and working for them
• Education is the key to success
• Learning from your mistakes
• Keeping your friendship
• Lifelong learning
• The importance of having big dreams
• Building a community dedicated to wisdom
• Overcoming adversity
• Facing change with grace
• Taking responsibility for your future
• Staying grateful

Once you have picked a theme, it will be easier to outline your address. It’s also more convenient to select the best quotes and stories associated with the idea.

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For example, share stories about your hardships in school if you’re talking about overcoming adversity. Then, research quotes that talk about not giving up.

Start By Thanking Everyone

Learning how to start a commencement speech is essential to catch the audience’s attention. Before sharing life goals, life advice, and your favorite story, begin by thanking the people for their time.

Show appreciation to the graduation class for making it to the end of their high school or college experience. Thank the parents and teachers for their support and everyone for being present at the commencement ceremony.

Another nice thing to do is publicly thank a specific person. Think about a person who helped you at school. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Smith, for that wonderful speech, and thanks to all the parents, teachers, classmates, and everyone in this room for attending the 56th commencement ceremonies of St. Jude High School. But most of all, I would like to thank my mom for being present today and in every important event of my life.”

Don’t Make It All About You

Valedictorians are usually tasked to give commencement speeches because they represent the whole class. If you’re the valedictorian, congratulations on being on top. But that doesn’t mean you’ll speak only about yourself onstage.

No one wants to hear about why you made it to the podium and the rest of your classmates didn’t. Remember that you represent them. So, you have to speak about them, too.

Talk about your incredible peers and other notable people in high school or college. Share their personal experiences if they allow you. But you can still include personal stories and observations from high school. Balance is key! Consider this example.

“Today, Regis High School has produced another batch of successful graduates. You are the Class of 2022. You finished high school at a historical time. You are born educated in technology… born to be problem solvers… and born to change the world.”

Introduce Yourself

Being the class valedictorian doesn’t mean everyone in the room will instantly know you. For instance, some of your classmates’ parents might not be familiar with your face. You might also need to introduce yourself to VIPs and special guests at the event.

Your self-introduction doesn’t have to be complicated. State your name and why you were chosen to give the speech. For example:

“Good afternoon, everyone. I am Reena Guerrero, Class 2022’s valedictorian.”

Watch Famous Speeches

You can learn a lot from watching famous commencement speeches on YouTube or listening to them on different applications.

Also, consider watching other types of insightful speeches so you can receive guidance on speech writing. Or watch a hilarious speech so you can take inspiration from their jokes.

But make sure to refrain from copying even a single sentence of the speech. Otherwise, you can get accused of plagiarism. Live your life with integrity and understand that your educational experience differs from the speaker you’re watching.

Reflect on the Past

Make your graduation speech memorable by looking back on your favorite memories with the incredible student body. Consider fun memories like your prom, homecoming, and other parties. But make sure these stories are relevant to your theme.

For example, if you have a primary message about courage, talk about classmates who never gave up on a group project. Share a story about a school organization that stood up to bullying.

Recognize your strong friend for continuing his studies despite challenges. This is also the right time to thank a special teacher for being a compassionate person.

After taking a trip down memory lane, it’s time to focus on the future. Imagine your classmates’ next career step and everyone’s professional life after school. Don’t leave them sad about the past. Make them excited about their future. Below is an example.

“North Salem High School was a rollercoaster of experiences. We went through so much during the last four years. We often debated trivial situations, such as basketball games and prom dresses. But despite the fighting, we’ve always known we had each other’s backs. No one leaves the class until everyone understands the lesson. No one also gets left behind in terms of all the fun!”

Use a Motivational Quote

Your graduation speech is an opportunity to insert your favorite quotes. Make sure they still align with your key messages.

Famous Quotes from Business Leaders and Other Public Figures

“If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” – Fred DeVito “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” – Barack Obama “If you want to be the best, you have to do things other people aren’t willing to do.” – Michael Phelps “Keep your face toward the sunshine and shadows will always fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Arleen Lorrance

Hilarious Quotes for College Students

“I’m sick of following my dreams. I’m just going to ask them where they’re goin’, and hook up with them later.” – Mitch Hedberg “The best advice I can give anybody about going out into the world is this: Don’t do it. I have been out there. It is a mess.” – Russell Baker “The main difference for you, between life yesterday and life tomorrow, is you can go to the bathroom whenever you want. It’s a pretty big responsibility, but you’ve earned it.” – Eugene Mirman “Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what’s going to happen next, and you are mostly just making things up as you go along.” – Stephen Colbert “So be wise, because the world needs more wisdom. And if you cannot be wise, pretend to be someone who is wise, and then just behave as they would.” – Neil Gaiman

Create a Call to Action

One of the best graduation speech ideas during the graduation ceremony is to motivate your classmates to chase the real dream. For example, convince those attending medical school to heal poor communities. If you have classmates pursuing liberal arts education, ask them to uplift marginalized sectors, such as immigrant communities.

Inspire Your Fellow Graduates

While the school’s already out, you still have a huge task to finish: your commencement speech. Writing one for your graduation ceremony is both an honor and a responsibility, so make sure to prepare in advance.

Public speaking can be challenging. But I hope these tips and examples help you write the best commencement speech.

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Sample Funny graduation speech for guest speaker

The sample graduation speech for keynote speaker below is a funny, entertaining speech meant mainly to be used for guest speakers at college or class graduations. It can easily be customized to be used at high school or other graduations as well. This speech is humorous but serious anda talks about personal commitment, working hard, doing your best and adapting to change. We hope you find this sample graduation speech for keynote or guest speakers helpful.

Sample graduation speech for keynote or guest speaker

Thank you for that kind introduction and thank you for inviting me to speak today. I'm very pleased to be here to join you in celebrating this wonderful occasion.

First of all, congratulations to all of you. You should be very, very proud of yourselves for accomplishing this goal. Well done. I know you must all be excited to get your hands on your diplomas and run out into the world. But as cartoonist Garry Trudeau said, “Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated.”

That's where I come in as the key note speaker. I'll try not to sedate you too badly.

To the families of those graduating and earning certifications, congratulations to you and you should know that your support through this process made an enormous impact. I'm sure you're very proud of your graduates as they close this portion of their lives and prepare for their next steps into a new career.

Graduation is one of those steps in life that defines a coming of age - the ending of one era of life, as a student or the one being shown the ropes, and moving on to a new stage in which you are a leader, a do-er and an achiever in the wider world. I'm sure many of you have firm plans and have a good idea of what's coming next, some of you have a pretty good idea of what you want to do next, a dream and a lot of hope to get you there, and some of you are just amazed that you got to this graduation point at all! Well the coming times will be exciting, they will be trying but they will be all dependent on you and your determination.

It's been ## years since I graduated from college and things have changed just a bit since then.

It was year you graduated : On TV, the popular shows were (fill in your own info) , the top movies were (Fill in your info), the radio was playing (Fill in your own info and a stamp cost ( Fill in your own info) cents. In the news, (Add a few well known news items or add tidbits that identify the era, such as the Cold War, disco, poodle skirts, hippies, the Vietnam war, the First Gulf War, etc.)

I had big plans for myself. I was a graduate of (Fill in your college name), and I was going to fill in your info here with the idea of being humorous - for instance: be single for life, never have kids, drive a corvette, be a millionaire in 5 years, travel the world in my yacht, get elected to Congress in a year or so, wear my hair long, live in a big house, play quarterback for the Broncos/or input local team) .

You see, I planned to take it easy, not work too hard and enjoy life.

And here I find myself at a graduation once again but number of years later, my life didn't turn out quite the way I planned. Input information here that mirrors what you said above. For instance, I've been married for ## years, I have 4 kids, 2 cats and a dog, I drive a beat up car and I'm far from a millionaire. Instead of traveling the world I spend my vacations at (name a local amusement park or mall) with my kids and I don't play football - I watch it on TV . And though life didn't turn out the way I thought it would, I don't regret a bit of it - I haven't failed - I've adapted found what makes me happy and fulfills me and so will you.

Life doesn't usually follow the plans you lay out for yourself. You will all experience the highs and lows of life, the difficult and the easy and unfortunately, there may sometimes be times of too many difficulties and just not enough smooth sailing. Your true success will be defined by how you handle both of these times.

As you graduate and take on new challenges, chances are you won't be making a million bucks at your first job. In fact you might not get the first or second or third job you interview for. You may never become a CEO of a fortune 500 company in your life, but that's OK. The important thing is you have already taken the initial steps needed to build a more promising future. Every class you've taken, every lab, every essay written and every certification you've earned, they have all been preparing you to adapt to change and challenges. Especially 8 am and Saturday classes - I know those were tough! But as you know, it's a tough world out there- nothing will be handed to you - you have to earn it - and it will mean more to you because you will earn it.

To give you an example of how perseverance can pay off, let's me talk about (Here talk about a personal hero or a story of someone who inspired you with their work ethic .

You have taken a key step towards your successful future and also the betterment of your family and your community. You've worked hard, spending months learning new skill sets. Our complex and technical world today requires education and skills that were not needed in the past. Ultimately - your well educated generation will benefit us all in the future.

Let me leave you with this thought from Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail.”

You're now armed with one of the most important tools needed to forge your path ahead. It's not the diploma itself that counts - it's about what you've learned along the way and what you do with the education you've gotten in your journey to graduation today. Your future is in your hands - no one else's. Seize this opportunity.

Best of luck in all your future endeavors.

More information : We hope this page was helpful and provided you with some information about making a funny and entertaining graduation speech that can be easily customized . Check out our main page for more articles here Can U Write .

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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.

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

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Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker

By Sikandar Ali

September 2, 2024

Are you looking for a way to express your gratitude to a guest speaker who has made a significant impact on your event or organization? A Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker is a formal way to show appreciation and acknowledge their contribution.

It is a simple yet powerful gesture that can leave a lasting impression on the speaker and strengthen your relationship with them.

In this blog article, we will provide you with templates, examples, and samples of Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker.

These resources will help you craft a personalized and meaningful letter that reflects your gratitude and highlights the speaker’s achievements.

Whether you are thanking a keynote speaker, a panelist, or a workshop facilitator, our samples will guide you through the process and make it easy for you to write a letter that resonates with your audience.

By sending a Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker, you not only show your appreciation but also create a positive impression of your organization.

It can also encourage the speaker to participate in future events and build a long-term relationship with your organization. So, let’s get started and learn how to write a Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker that leaves a lasting impact.

Dear [Guest Speaker’s Name],

On behalf of [Your Organization’s Name], I want to express our sincere gratitude for your outstanding contribution as a guest speaker at our recent event.

Your insightful and engaging presentation left a lasting impression on our audience. The knowledge and expertise you shared were invaluable, and we received numerous positive comments from attendees who found your talk both informative and inspiring.

We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to preparing and delivering such a compelling speech. Your willingness to share your expertise has undoubtedly enriched the experience of everyone present.

Once again, thank you for your exceptional contribution to our event. We look forward to the possibility of working with you again in the future.

Sincerely, [Your Full Name]

Appreciation Letter To Guest Speaker

On behalf of [Your Organization’s Name], I extend our heartfelt appreciation for your exceptional contribution as a guest speaker at our recent event.

Your insightful and engaging presentation captivated our audience and added tremendous value to the overall success of the event. The knowledge and expertise you shared were truly enlightening, and we received numerous positive comments from attendees who found your talk both informative and inspiring.

We recognize and commend your dedication to delivering a thought-provoking speech that left a lasting impact on our participants. Your commitment to excellence is evident, and we are grateful for the positive influence you’ve had on our audience.

Once again, thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us. Your contribution has made a significant difference, and we hope to have the pleasure of collaborating with you again in the future.

Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker At Church

On behalf of [Church Name], I extend our sincere gratitude for your impactful presence and inspiring words as our guest speaker during our recent church event.

Your message touched the hearts of our congregation, and your insightful reflections resonated with the theme of our gathering. Your commitment to spreading the message of [mention specific theme] left a profound impression, and we are truly grateful for your contribution.

The warmth and wisdom you shared added to the spiritual enrichment of our community. We’ve received numerous expressions of appreciation from our members who were deeply moved by your words and teachings.

Thank you once again for sharing your time, knowledge, and spiritual insights with us. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back in the future to continue inspiring and uplifting our community.

May you continue to be a blessing to others through your ministry.

Thank You Letter To Guest Of Honour

Dear [Guest of Honour’s Name],

On behalf of [Your Organization’s Name], I extend our heartfelt gratitude for your presence as the Guest of Honour at our recent event. Your participation added immense prestige to the occasion, and we are truly honored by your gracious presence.

Your [mention specific quality or contribution] was both inspiring and motivational. The valuable insights you shared resonated with our audience and left a lasting impact on everyone present. Your support has greatly contributed to the success of our event, and we cannot thank you enough for your significant role.

We appreciate the time and effort you dedicated to making our event memorable. Your commitment to [mention specific cause or theme] aligns perfectly with our mission, and your involvement has elevated our cause to new heights.

Once again, thank you for being the Guest of Honour at our event. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you again in the future and continuing this meaningful association.

Best regards, [Your Full Name]

Thank You Letter To Guest Speaker At Conference

On behalf of [Your Organization’s Name], I want to express our sincere gratitude for your exceptional contribution as the guest speaker at our recent conference. Your insights and expertise significantly enriched the event, and we are truly thankful for your presence.

Your captivating presentation on [mention the topic] was both informative and inspiring. The depth of knowledge you shared resonated well with our audience and contributed to the success of the conference. Attendees left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the subject matter.

We particularly value the way you [mention specific aspects like engaging the audience, providing practical insights, etc.]. Your ability to [highlight any specific skills or qualities] was evident and greatly appreciated by everyone present.

Once again, thank you for being an integral part of our conference. Your dedication to excellence has left a lasting impression on all of us, and we look forward to the possibility of collaborating with you again in the future.

How to Write a Thank You Letter to Guest Speaker

A guest speaker can add value to any event or occasion. Whether it’s a corporate event, a graduation ceremony, or a charity fundraiser, a guest speaker can inspire, educate, and entertain the audience. If you’ve recently had a guest speaker at your event, it’s important to show your appreciation by writing a thank you letter. Here’s how to write a thank you letter to a guest speaker.

1. Start with a Warm Greeting

Begin your letter with a warm greeting. Address the guest speaker by name and express your gratitude for their participation in your event. Use a friendly and professional tone to set the right tone for the rest of the letter.

2. Express Your Gratitude

In the next paragraph, express your gratitude for the guest speaker’s contribution to your event. Highlight the key points of their speech and how it impacted the audience. Be specific and sincere in your appreciation.

3. Share Feedback

If you received positive feedback from the audience about the guest speaker, share it in your letter. This will reinforce the impact of their speech and show that their efforts were appreciated by the audience.

4. Mention Future Opportunities

If you have future events planned, mention them in your letter. This will show that you value the guest speaker’s contribution and would like to work with them again in the future. It will also give them an opportunity to express their interest in future events.

5. Offer Assistance

If the guest speaker needs any assistance in the future, offer your help. This could be in the form of introductions to other event organizers or providing feedback on their speech. This will show that you value their contribution and are willing to support them in their future endeavors.

6. End with a Warm Closing

End your letter with a warm closing. Thank the guest speaker again for their participation and express your hope that they enjoyed the event. Use a professional and friendly tone to leave a positive impression.

7. Proofread and Send

Before sending your letter, proofread it for any errors or typos. Make sure the tone is appropriate and the content is clear and concise. Once you’re satisfied with the letter, send it to the guest speaker via email or mail.

FAQs About Thank You Letter to Guest Speaker

1. why is it important to write a thank you letter to a guest speaker.

Writing a thank you letter to a guest speaker is important because it shows your appreciation for their time and effort. It also helps to build a positive relationship with the speaker, which can be beneficial for future events.

2. When should I send a thank you letter to a guest speaker?

It is best to send a thank you letter to a guest speaker within 24-48 hours after the event. This shows that you value their time and effort and that you are grateful for their contribution.

3. What should I include in a thank you letter to a guest speaker?

In a thank you letter to a guest speaker, you should include a brief introduction, a thank you message, a summary of the speaker’s presentation, and a closing statement. You can also include any feedback or comments from the audience.

4. How should I address the guest speaker in the thank you letter?

When addressing the guest speaker in the thank you letter, you should use their formal title and last name. For example, “”Dear Dr. Smith,”” or “”Dear Professor Johnson.””

5. Should I send a physical or digital thank you letter to the guest speaker?

It is acceptable to send a thank you letter to a guest speaker either physically or digitally. However, a physical letter may be more personal and memorable.

6. Can I include a gift with the thank you letter?

While it is not necessary to include a gift with the thank you letter, it can be a nice gesture. If you do decide to include a gift, make sure it is appropriate and not too expensive.

7. How can I make my thank you letter stand out?

To make your thank you letter stand out, you can personalize it by including specific details about the speaker’s presentation or their contribution to the event. You can also include a handwritten note or a small gift to show your appreciation.

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