How to Write a Memorable Graduation Speech

At most high school graduations at least two people, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, will speak. At larger schools other honor graduates may speak as well as class officers. Every person who talks at their high school graduation undoubtedly wants to deliver a well-received and memorable speech. Here are ten tips for doing just that.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Know Your Subject and Audience

The first thing you want to do is know your subject and audience. Your audience is a group of people who want to share in the excitement in this moment of your life and the life of your peers. It is not a group of people coming to a seminar or a motivational talk. Speak to your classmates, their parents, and their grandparents.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Address the Audience

At the beginning of your speech you want to address your audience without specifically thanking them yet. A simple "Classmates, parents, friends, family, and faculty" will do.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Avoid Big Words

Unless you normally use large words as part of your vocabulary, avoid using them in your graduation speech. If you use words you are not comfortable using you are more likely to trip while delivering your speech, and at the very least it will sound forced.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Everyday Appeal

Do not write a speech that is outside of your personality. If you are not prone to waxing poetical or being sentimental, then a graduation speech that is overtly either one of these things will seem like you trying to write the perfect masterpiece instead of being yourself.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Reflect

Include a personal anecdote or a memory within your speech reflecting on a moment of high school that really seemed to symbolize or encapsulate the entire experience for you.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Use a Quote or Two

Whether you use a quote from a famous person or merely relate a story where dialogue is featured, a quote can add a bit of flair to any speech.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Speak from the Heart

Either relay what you loved about high school or keep mum on your feelings altogether. If you did not love high school, and if it was not an overwhelmingly positive experience for you, do not act like it was in the context of your speech. It will seem forced.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - A Closing Thank You

Save your "Thank you" segment for last to maximize its effect. At the very end of your speech, after your message has been imparted, bow to tradition and say thank you to the people in attendance.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Have Notes

You must be able to remember your graduation speech properly. You want to know it by heart for ease of delivery, but be sure to have the high points of your speech jotted down on an index card.

Writing a Memorable Graduation Speech - Presentation

The most lovely and profound graduation speech in the world means little if you are too shaky to adequately deliver it, practice the speech repeatedly to be sure that you can deliver it with a confident voice and a calm demeanor.

By following these ten tips when crafting your graduation speech, you will be able to contribute a memorable moment to your high school graduation ceremony.