how to end a speech for school captain

50 Speech Closing Lines (& How to Create Your Own) | The Ultimate Guide

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking , Speech Writing

While speech openings are definitely one of the most important components of a speech, something that is equally as important is the way you conclude your speech.

There are few worse ways to end your speech than with a terse ‘thank you’–no elaboration or addition whatsoever.

Speech endings are just as crucial to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening.

The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Speech endings can put even the most experienced speaker in flux, and increase their anxiousness manifold as they sit there attempting to figure out the perfect way to end your speech.

If you’re someone who’s in flux about your speech ending too, don’t worry. We’ve got some amazing ways to conclude your speech with a bang!

1. Circling Back To The Beginning

The idea behind circling back to the beginning of your speech is to reinforce the idea of your speech being a complete whole. By circling back to the beginning and connecting it to your ending, you let the audience understand that the idea of your speech is complete & standalone.

Circling back to the beginning of your speech also acts as an excellent way of reinforcing the central idea of your speech in the audience’s mind, and makes it more likely that they will remember it after the speech ends.

Need more inspiration for speech opening lines? Check out our article on 15 Powerful Speech Opening Lines & Tips To Create Your Own.

How To Circle Back To The Beginning

The easiest way to do this is to set up your beginning for the conclusion of your speech. That is, if you’re saying something like, say, a story or joke in the beginning, then you can leave your audience in a cliffhanger until the ending arrives.

Another great way to circle back to the beginning is by simply restating something you said at the start. The added knowledge from attending the rest of your speech will help the audience see this piece of information in a new–and better–light.

1. Will Stephen

Ending Line: “I’d like you to think about what you heard in the beginning, and I want you to think about what you hear now. Because it was nothing & it’s still nothing.”

2. Canwen Xu

Speech Ending: My name is Canwen, my favorite color is purple and I play the piano but not so much the violin…

Think of a memorable moment from your life, and chances are you’ll realize that it involved a feeling of happiness–something that we can associate with smiling or laughter. And what better way to generate laughter than by incorporating the age-old strategy of good humor.

The happy and lighthearted feeling you associate with good memories is the kind of emotional reaction you want to create in your audience too. That’s what will make your speech stick in their memory.

Done incorrectly, humor can be a disaster. Done right, however, it can entirely transform a speech.

Humor doesn’t only mean slapstick comedy (although there’s nothing wrong with slapstick, either). Humor can come in many forms, including puns, jokes, a funny story…the list is endless.

How To Incorporate Humor In Your Speech Ending

The simplest way to incorporate humor into your speech ending is by telling a plain old joke–something that’s relevant to your topic, of course.

You can also tell them a short, funny anecdote–may be an unexpected conclusion to a story you set up in the beginning.

Another way would be by employing the power of repetition. You can do this by associating something funny with a word, and then repeating the word throughout your speech. During the end, simply say the word or phrase one last time, and it’s likely you’ll leave off your audience with a good chuckle.

1. Woody Roseland

Ending Line: “Why are balloons so expensive? Inflation.”

2. Andras Arato

Ending Line: “There are three rules to becoming famous. Unfortunately, nobody knows what they are.”

3. Hasan Minhaj

Ending Line: “And you want to know the scariest part? Pretty soon every country on the earth is going to have its own TLC show.”

4. Sophie Scott

Speech Ending: In other words, when it comes to laughter, you and me baby, ain’t nothing but mammals.

5. Tim Urban

Speech Ending: We need to stay away from the Instant Gratification Monkey. That’s a job for all of us. And because there’s not that many boxes on there. It’s a job that should probably start today. Well, maybe not today, but, you know, sometime soon.

6. Hasan Minhaj

Speech Ending: Showing my legs on TV is probably the scariest thing I’ve ever done. And keep in mind last week I went after the Prince of Saudi Arabia.

3. Question

The idea behind posing a question at the end of your speech is to get the wheels in your audience’s minds turning and to get them thinking of your speech long after it has ended. A question, if posed correctly, will make your audience re-think about crucial aspects of your speech, and is a great way to prompt discussion after your speech has ended.

How To Add Questions To Your Speech Ending

The best type of questions to add to your speech ending is rhetorical questions. That’s because, unlike a literal question, a rhetorical question will get the audience thinking and make them delve deeper into the topic at hand.

Make sure your question is central to the idea of your speech, and not something frivolous or extra. After all, the point of a question is to reinforce the central idea of your topic.

1. Lexie Alford

Speech Ending: Ask yourself: How uncomfortable are you willing to become in order to reach your fullest potential?

2. Apollo Robbins

Speech Ending: If you could control somebody’s attention, what would you do with it?

Quotes are concise, catchy phrases or sentences that are generally easy to remember and repeat.

Quotes are an age-old way to start–and conclude–a speech. And for good reason.

Quotes can reinforce your own ideas by providing a second voice to back them up. They can also provoke an audience’s mind & get them thinking. So, if you add your quote to the end of your speech, the audience will most likely be thinking about it for long after you have finished speaking.

How To Use Quotes In Your Speech Ending

While adding quotes to your speech ending, make sure that it’s relevant to your topic. Preferably, you want to pick a quote that summarizes your entire idea in a concise & memorable manner.

Make sure that your quote isn’t too long or complicated. Your audience should be able to repeat it as well as feel its impact themselves. They shouldn’t be puzzling over the semantics of your quote, but its intended meaning.

1. Edouard Jacqmin

Speech Ending: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

2. Chris Crowe

Speech Ending: “It’s more certain than death and taxes.”

3. Olivia Remes

Speech Ending: I’d like to leave you with a quote by Martin Luther King: “You don’ have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step.”

4. Tomislav Perko

Speech Ending: Like that famous quote says, “In twenty years from now on, you’ll be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do.

5. Diana Nyad

Speech Ending: To paraphrase the poet, Mary Oliver, she says, “So, what is it? What is it you’re doing with this one wild and precious life of yours?”

5. Piece Of Advice

The point of giving a piece of advice at the end of your speech is not to pull your audience down or to make them feel bad/inferior about themselves. Rather, the advice is added to motivate your audience to take steps to do something–something related to the topic at hand.

The key point to remember is that your advice is included to help your audience, not to discourage them.

How To Add Piece Of Advice To Your Speech Ending

To truly make your audience follow the advice you’re sharing, you must make sure it resonates with them. To do so, you need to inject emotions into your advice, and to present it in such a manner that your audience’s emotions are aroused when they hear it.

Your advice shouldn’t be something extra-complicated or seemingly impossible to achieve. This will act as a counter-agent. Remember that you want your audience to follow your advice, not to chuck it away as something impossible.

Our article, 15 Powerful Speech Ending Lines And Tips To Create Your Own , is another great repository for some inspiration.

1. Ricardo Lieuw On

Speech Ending: “Learn something new, or a new way of approaching something old because there are a few skills are valuable as the art of learning.”

2. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic

Speech Ending: “If we want to improve the competence level of our leaders, then we should first improve our own competence for judging and selecting leaders.”

3. Sharique Samsudheen

Speech Ending: “Some people love money, some people hate money, some people crave money, some people even kill for money. But what they miss is they just need to learn how to manage money well, and that will give them financial freedom.”

4. Kate Simonds

Speech Ending: Teens, you need to believe in your voices and adults, you need to listen.

5. Melissa Butler

Speech Ending: When you go home today, see yourself in the mirror, see all of you, look at all your greatness that you embody, accept it, love it and finally, when you leave the house tomorrow, try to extend that same love and acceptance to someone who doesn’t look like you.

6. Iskra Lawrence

Speech Ending: Speak to your body in a loving way. It’s the only one you got, it’s your home, and it deserves your respect. If you see anyone tearing themselves down, build them back up And watch your life positively grow when you give up the pursuit of perfection.

6. Contemplative Remark

As the name itself suggests, contemplative remarks are intended to make your audience contemplate or mull over something. The ‘something’ in question should be the idea central to your speech, or a key takeaway that you want them to return home with.

The idea is to get your audience thinking and to keep them thinking for a long, long time.

How To Add A Contemplative Remark To Your Speech Ending

To add a contemplative remark to your speech ending, you first need to figure out your key takeaway or main theme. Then, you want to arrange that as a question, and propose it to your audience at the end of your speech.

Remember that your question shouldn’t be something too wordy or complicated to understand. As with the quotes, you don’t want your audience stuck on the semantics. Rather, you want them to focus on the matter at hand.

1. Lisa Penney

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to pay more attention to your thoughts & consider the legacy you leave behind.”

2. Grant Sanderson

Speech Ending: “Some of the most useful math that you can find or teach has its origin in someone who was just looking for a good story.”

3. Greta Thunberg

Speech Ending: “We will not let you get away with this. Right here, right now is where we draw the line. The world is waking up & change is coming whether you like it or not.”

4. Bill Eckstrom

Speech Ending: Now, think about this: it’s not the complexity-triggering individuals or events you should fear the most, but it’s your own willingness to accept or seek discomfort that will dictate the growth of not just you, but our entire world.

5. Robert Hoge

Speech Ending: Choose to accept your face, choose to appreciate your face, don’t look away from the mirror so quickly; understand all the love, and the life, and the pain that is the part of your face, that is the art of your face. Tomorrow when you wake up, what will your choice be?

7. Personal Anecdote

Personal anecdotes, as the name suggests, are anecdotes that are personal to the speaker or instances from their life. Personal anecdotes are a great way to incorporate the magical powers of storytelling in your speech, as well as to make a personal connection with the audience. Using personal anecdotes, you can hit two birds with one stone!

How To Add Personal Anecdotes To Your Speech Ending

To add personal anecdotes to your speech ending, you need to filter through your life experiences to find out ones that directly relate to your topic at hand. You don’t want to include an anecdote, no matter how compelling it is, if it doesn’t relate to your topic.

Remember to not keep your anecdote too long. Your audience will most likely lose their attention if you do so.

1. Sheila Humphries

Speech Ending: “Why do you go work for these people?” My answer to them was, “If I could help one child make it in this world, it’ll be worth it all.”

8. Call To Action

A call-to-action is one of the absolute best ways to conclude a speech with a bang. A well-written speech should aim to alter the audience’s mind or belief system in some way and to make them take an action in that direction. One crucial way to assure your audience does this is by using a call to action.

How To Add A Call To Action To Your Speech Ending

A call to action comes right before the ending of your speech to provide your audience with a clear idea or set of instructions about what they’re supposed to do after your talk ends.

A call to action should provide a roadmap to the audience for their future steps, and to outline clearly what those future steps are going to be.

1. Armin Hamrah

Speech Ending: “So tonight, after you finish your Math homework & before you lay your head down on that fluffy pillow, bring a piece of paper and pen by your bedside…”

2. Graham Shaw

Speech Ending: “So I invite you to get your drawings out there & spread the word that when we draw, we remember more!”

3. Andy Puddicombe

Speech Ending: You don’t have to burn any incense, and you definitely don’t have to sit on the floor. All you need to do is to take out 10 minutes out a day to step back, familiarize yourself with the present moment so that you get to experience a greater sense of focus, calm, and clarity in your life.

4. Amy Cuddy

Speech Ending: Before you go into the next stressful evaluative situation, for two minutes, try doing this in the elevator…

5. Jia Jiang

Speech Ending: When you are facing the next obstacle or the next failure, consider the possibilities. Don’t run! If you just embrace them, they might become your gifts as well.

9. Motivational Remark

As the name clearly explains, a motivational remark motivates your audience to carry out a plan of action. It ruffles the audience’s mind and emotions and has a powerful impact on the steps that your audience will take after you’ve finished speaking.

How To Add A Motivational Remark To Your Speech Ending

The key to a good motivational remark is to inspire your audience. Your motivational remark should act as a ray of hope to your audience and positively inspire them to take a desired course of action.

Your motivational remark should not be negative in any way. You don’t want to guilt or coerce your audience into doing something or feeling a certain way. You want to leave them on a positive note to move forward with their life.

1. Khanh Vy Tran

Speech Ending: “No matter what you’re going through right now & no matter what the future holds for you, please don’t change yourself. Love yourself, accept yourself & then transform yourself.”

2. Mithila Palkar

Speech Ending: “Get a job, leave a job, dance, sing, fall in love. Carve your own niche. But most importantly: learn to love your own randomness.”

3. Andrew Tarvin

Speech Ending: “Anyone can learn to be funnier. And it all starts with a choice. A choice to try to find ways to use humor. A choice to be like my grandmother, to look at the world around you and say WTF–wow, that’s fun.”

4. Laura Vanderkam

Speech Ending: There is time. Even if we are busy, we have time for what matters. And when we focus on what matters, we can build the lives we want in the time we’ve got.

5. Julian Treasure

Speech Ending: Let’s get listening taught in schools, and transform the world in one generation into a conscious listening world, a world of connection, a world of understanding, and a world of peace.

6. Mariana Atencio

Speech Ending: Let’s celebrate those imperfections that make us special. I hope that it teaches you that nobody has a claim on the word ‘normal’. We are all different. We are all quirky and unique and that is what makes us wonderfully human.

10. Challenge

Much like a call to action, the aim of proposing a challenge at the end of your speech is to instigate your audience to take some desired course of action. A challenge should make an appeal to your audience’s emotion, and motivate them to meet it.

How To Add A Challenge To Your Speech Ending

To apply a challenge effectively to your speech ending, you need to make sure that it’s something relevant to your topic. Your challenge should drive the central topic of your speech forward, and make your audience engage in real-life steps to apply your idea in the real world.

While its always a good idea to set a high bar for your challenge, make sure its an achievable one too.

1. Jamak Golshani

Speech Ending: “I challenge you to open your heart to new possibilities, choose a career path that excites you & one that’s aligned to who you truly are.”

2. Ashley Clift-Jennings

Speech Ending: So, my challenge to you today is, “Do you know, would you even know how to recognize your soulmate?” If you are going out in the world right now, would you know what you are looking for?

11. Metaphor

Metaphors are commonly used as a short phrase that draws a comparison between two ideas in a non-literal sense. People use metaphors quite commonly in daily life to explain ideas that might be too difficult or confusing to understand otherwise. Metaphors are also great tools to be used in speech, as they can present your main idea in a simple and memorable way.

How To Add Metaphors To Your Speech Ending

To add a metaphor to your speech ending, you need to first decide on the main idea or takeaway of your speech. Your metaphor should then be organized in such a way that it simplifies your main idea and makes it easier for your audience to understand & remember it.

The key is to not make your metaphor overly complicated or difficult to retain and share. Remember that you’re trying to simplify your idea for the audience–not make them even more confused.

1. Ramona J. Smith

Speech Ending: “Stay in that ring. And even after you take a few hits, use what you learned from those previous fights, and at the end of the round, you’ll still remain standing.”

2. Shi Heng YI

Speech Ending: “If any of you chooses to climb that path to clarity, I will be very happy to meet you at the peak.”

3. Zifang “Sherrie” Su

Speech Ending: “Are you turning your back on your fear? Our life is like this stage, but what scares are now may bring you the most beautiful thing. Give it a chance.”

12. Storytelling

The idea behind using stories to end your speech is to leave your audience with a good memory to take away with them.

Stories are catchy, resonating & memorable ways to end any speech.

Human beings can easily relate to stories. This is because most people have grown up listening to stories of some kind or another, and thus a good story tends to evoke fond feelings in us.

How To Incorporate Stories In Your Speech Ending

A great way to incorporate stories in your speech ending is by setting up a story in the beginning and then concluding it during the end of your speech.

Another great way would be to tell a short & funny anecdote related to a personal experience or simply something related to the topic at hand.

However, remember that it’s the ending of your speech. Your audience is most likely at the end of their attention span. So, keep your story short & sweet.

1. Sameer Al Jaberi

Speech Ending: “I can still see that day when I came back from my honeymoon…”

2. Josephine Lee

Speech Ending: “At the end of dinner, Jenna turned to me and said…”

Facts are another excellent speech ending, and they are used quite often as openings as well. The point of adding a fact as your speech ending is to add shock value to your speech, and to get your audience thinking & discussing the fact even after your speech has ended.

How To Add Facts To Your Speech Ending

The key to adding facts to your speech ending is to pick a fact that thrusts forward your main idea in the most concise form possible. Your fact should also be something that adds shock value to the speech, and it should ideally be something that the audience hasn’t heard before.

Make sure that your fact is relevant to the topic at hand. No matter how interesting, a fact that doesn’t relate to your topic is going to be redundant.

1. David JP Phillips

Speech Ending: 3500 years ago, we started transfering knowledge from generation to generation through text. 28 years ago, PowerPoint was born. Which one do you think our brain is mostly adapted to?

14. Rhethoric Remark

Rhetoric remarks are another excellent way to get the wheels of your audience’s minds turning. Rhetoric remarks make your audience think of an imagined scenario, and to delve deeper into your topic. Rhetoric remarks or questioned don’t necessarily need to have a ‘right’ or one-shot answer, which means you can be as creative with them as possible!

How To Add Rhethoric Remarks To Your Speech Ending

Since rhetorical questions don’t need to have a definite answer, you have much freedom in determining the type of question or statement you wish to make. However, as with all other speech endings, a rhetorical question shouldn’t be asked just for the sake of it.

A rhetorical question should make your audience think about your topic in a new or more creative manner. It should get them thinking about the topic and maybe see it from an angle that they hadn’t before.

Rhetorical questions shouldn’t be too confusing. Use simple language & make sure it’s something that the audience can easily comprehend.

1. Mona Patel

Speech Ending: Pick your problem, ask “What if?” Come up with ideas. Bring them down. Then execute on them. Maybe you’re thinking, “What if we can’t?” I say to you, “What if we don’t?”

2. Lizzie Velasquez

Speech Ending: I want you to leave here and ask yourself what defines you. But remember: Brave starts here.

Another great way to end your speech with a literal bang is by using music! After all, if there’s something that can impact the human mind with just as much force as a few well-placed words, it’s the correct music.

How To Add Music To Your Speech Ending

To add music to your speech ending, you must make sure that the music has something to do with your speech theme. Remember that you’re not playing music in your concert. The piece of music that you choose must be relevant to your topic & work to have a contribution in your overall speech.

1. Tom Thum

Speech Ending: *ends the TED Talk with beat boxing*

16. Reitirate The Title

The title of your speech is its most important component. That’s why you need to pay careful attention to how you pick it, as it is something that your viewers will most likely remember the longest about your speech.

Your title will also act as a guiding hand towards how your audience forms an initial idea about your speech and is what they will associate your entire speech with.

By repeating your title at the end of your speech, you increase the chances that your audience will remember it–and your speech–for a long time.

How To Retierate The Title In Your Speech Ending

Your title is something that your audience associates your entire speech with. However, you don’t want to simply add the title in your speech end for the sake of adding it. Instead, make it flow naturally into your speech ending. This will make it seem less forced, and will also increase the chances of your audience remembering your entire speech ending and not just the title of your speech.

1. Ruairi Robertson

Speech Ending: I feel we can all contribute to this fight worth fighting for our own health, but more importantly, our future generations’ health by restoring the relationship between microbe and man. There is SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

Need more inspiration for speech closing lines? Check out our article on 10 Of The Best Things To Say In Closing Remarks.

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To sum up, speech endings are just as imperative to the success of your speech as speech openings, and you must spend just as much time picking the perfect ending as you do to determine your best possible speech opening. The words you speak at the beginning and end of your speech are words that your audience will pay the most attention to, and remember longer than any other part of your speech.

Still looking for inspiration? Check out this video we made on closing remarks:

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How to Write a Speech to Win School Captain

Tips on Writing a Welcome Address at a High School Graduation

Writing and delivering a winning speech for a school leadership role requires planning, a sense of purpose and practice. No matter whether you are hoping to be picked for school captain, school president or class president, you need to convince others that you really, really want the job for all the right reasons. Make your speech less about you and more about what you can do to serve others and make a difference.

What Is a School Captain?

A school or class captain in the British school system is like a school or class president in the American school system. Despite different titles, the roles are similar. The purpose of a student leadership position is to act as a positive role model, encourage school spirit and embody school beliefs and values. A school captain is a go-between for teachers and students to represent the student voice and to ensure excellent two-way communication.

School Captain Responsibilities

Duties vary somewhat by school, but typically, assignments include bringing forward student concerns to the administration to advocate for positive change, such as healthier food options on the school menu and in vending machines. Student leaders may head a committee to plan student activities that will build a sense of community. Other tasks may include giving tours of the school to visitors and greeting parents who are attending functions.

Serious School Captain Speeches

Before launching your campaign or drafting your speech, interview a cross section of your classmates to find out what they like about the school and what improvements they hope to see in the upcoming year. Develop a consistent message in your campaign materials and speech that identifies your goals based on an assessment of student needs.

Do not fall into the trap of making grandiose promises just to be chosen by administration or voted into office. The tone of your speech should be upbeat, positive and high energy to hold your listeners' attention.

Humorous Class Captain Speech

If you are witty, outgoing and considered the class clown, you may want to interject humor into your speech. A funny but teacher-approved story will show your likable and relatable side.

For instance, you may want to share that you were cast as a juggler in the school play when making the point that you are experienced at juggling multiple tasks. However, do not go overboard with humor, or you run the risk of not being seen as a serious contender who will work hard.

Prepare Your Speech

Speeches are like English essays, with a strong beginning, middle and end. Keep in mind how much time you will be allotted because you may be cut off if you exceed the time limit. Outline your speech with main points and then write out your speech to avoid stumbling on your words or rambling.

Start with an introduction that includes your name, year in school and the reasons you are highly qualified to serve as school captain. List specific examples of your prior accomplishments in extracurricular activities and student organizations. Mention that you are a visionary student who believes every student should feel welcome and supported at the school.

In the body of your speech, identity two or three goals or issues you would like to address if selected for the position. Emphasize your leadership qualities. For instance, you might state that other students and teachers would describe you as outgoing, approachable, dedicated and responsible. End with an action statement summarizing what you hope to accomplish and directly ask for their vote or support. Show a draft of your speech to a favorite teacher and ask for feedback.

Practice Your Speech

Stand in front of a mirror at home and practice your speech or enlist your family as an audience. You should sound eager and excited to represent and serve fellow students. Smile, maintain good eye contact and use gestures intentionally. Speak clearly and articulate your words. Pretend you are confident even if you are shaking and super nervous. That is perfectly normal and does not mean you are not leadership material.

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Dr. Mary Dowd is a dean of students whose job includes student conduct, leading the behavioral consultation team, crisis response, retention and the working with the veterans resource center. She enjoys helping parents and students solve problems through advising, teaching and writing online articles that appear on many sites. Dr. Dowd also contributes to scholarly books and journal articles.

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How to Write a Better Captain Speech

Table of Contents

Are you feeling nervous about your upcoming class captain speech? Don’t worry; you’re not alone!

Writing a class captain speech can be daunting and nerve-wracking. It’s a significant opportunity to share your passion for the role and show everyone why you are the right person for the job.

But don’t let fear stop you from being successful — with some planning and preparation, writing an excellent class captain speech is easy! Keep reading to learn how to write a class captain speech .

Who Is a Class Captain?

A class captain is a leader in their classroom who promotes positive behavior, encourages classmates to follow school rules. A class captain acts as a role model.

They are also responsible for encouraging collaboration among students and helping to build community spirit. As the class captain, you should be prepared to act as an ambassador for your classroom on special occasions or during school events.

Characteristics of a Class Captain

Being a class captain is an important role and requires certain qualities. A great class captain should:

• Show enthusiasm and excitement for the job.
• Be well-prepared to take on the responsibilities of the role.
• Have strong communication skills, including public speaking.
• Be able to resolve conflicts between students or with teachers in a mature manner.
• Inspire other students to be their best by setting an example of hard work and dedication.

Structure of a Class Captain Speech

• Introduction – Introduce yourself and share why you are the right person for the job.
• Strengths – Highlight the strengths that make you an ideal class captain and how these will benefit the classroom.
• Goals – Explain what you plan to achieve as a class captain, such as improving student morale or increasing participation in school activities.
• Conclusion – Summarize your message with a call to action, encouraging other students to support you in becoming their class leader.

How to Write a Class Captain Speech

Step 1: Start by Introducing Yourself

Your introduction is critical because it sets the tone and helps people understand who you are. Start by introducing yourself to your classmates, letting them know what year of school you’re in. Add any other relevant information that might help give context to your speech.

Step 2: Outline Your Strengths and Abilities.

Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to explain why you are the right person for the job. Share with them your strengths and qualities that make you a great class captain. Things like having strong communication skills or being organized and reliable.

Step 3: Explain What Goals You Plan to Achieve As Class Captain

You should also talk about the goals and objectives you plan to accomplish during your tenure as class captain. These include increasing student participation in school events or improving classroom morale. Talk about how you will go about achieving these goals and how they will benefit the classroom environment.

Step 4: Conclude With a Call to Action.

Finally, wrap up your speech with a call to action, encouraging your fellow students to support you in becoming their class captain. Ask them for their vote and remind them of the positive changes you plan to bring about as a leader.

Guideline for a Class Captain Speech

1. be prepared.

Before you start writing your class captain speech, it’s essential to do some research and learn more about what the role entails. This will help you outline the goals and objectives you plan to achieve as a leader.

2. Use Language Appropriately

Keeping the language of your speech simple is essential for connecting with your audience. Avoid using jargon or overly complex words, and stick to examples that everyone in the classroom can relate to.

3. Keep It Short & Sweet

People have short attention spans, so keep your class captain’s speech concise and to the point. Aim for up to two minutes in length, but be bold and take longer if you need to.

4. Make It Personal

Your speech should be about your goals for the role, so make sure it reflects your personality and passions. This is an excellent opportunity to show everyone why you are the perfect class captain!

5. Practice

Once you’ve written your speech, practice delivering it out loud several times until you feel comfortable with the content and delivery. This will help reduce anxiety or nervousness when it comes time to deliver it in front of your classmates.

Sample of a Class Captain Speech

Good morning everyone! My name is John, and I’m running for class captain this year.

I’m the right person for the job because I have strong communication skills and a passion for helping others. As class captain, my goal will be to create a positive learning environment in our classroom where everyone feels respected and supported.

To accomplish this, I will work closely with teachers to ensure that all students follow school rules and behave appropriately. I will also strive to promote collaboration among classmates by organizing activities and encouraging teamwork. Finally, I’ll work hard to increase student participation in school events, so everyone can get involved and have fun together! With your support, we can make this a fantastic year.

So please, join me in making our classroom a better place by voting for me as your class captain! Thank you.

Writing a class captain speech doesn’t have to be challenging or scary. With some planning and preparation, you can create an inspiring speech that will get your classmates excited about being part of the team .

That said, remember to introduce yourself, outline your strengths and abilities. Also, don’t forget to spell out your goals as a leader. Finally, conclude with a compelling call-to-action.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Writing an Effective Year 12 School Captain Speech: A Guide to Winning the Election

Unlock the Secrets to Crafting a Winning School Captain Speech

Introduction: The role of a school captain is not just about holding a prestigious title; it’s about being a leader and making a positive impact on your school community. One crucial aspect of the election process is delivering an effective speech that captivates your audience and convinces them to vote for you. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the strategies and techniques to write and deliver an impactful Year 12 School Captain speech that will help you win the election and make a difference in your school.

Understanding the Role of a School Captain: Leadership and Responsibilities

Gain a clear understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Year 12 School Captain. Explore the qualities and attributes that make an effective leader and how they translate into your speech.

Researching and Analyzing Your Audience: Knowing Your School Community

Learn the importance of understanding your audience and tailoring your speech to resonate with them. Conduct research to gather insights about your school community’s values, concerns, and aspirations.

Crafting a Powerful Opening: Grabbing Attention from the Start

Discover techniques to create a memorable opening that captures the attention of your audience. Explore storytelling, thought-provoking statements, or inspiring quotes to establish a strong connection.

Developing a Clear Structure: Organizing Your Speech Effectively

Learn how to structure your speech to convey your message coherently. Explore the use of introduction, body, and conclusion to ensure a logical flow and make your points compelling.

Showcasing Your Qualities and Accomplishments: Building Credibility

Highlight your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments to establish credibility and demonstrate your suitability for the role of School Captain. Use anecdotes, examples, or testimonials to support your claims.

Addressing Key Issues and Concerns: Connecting with Your Audience

Identify and address the issues and concerns that matter to your school community. Show empathy, propose solutions, and share your vision for a better school environment.

Sharing Your Future Plans: Inspiring Action and Change

Articulate your vision and goals for the school. Outline specific initiatives, events, or improvements you intend to implement if elected as School Captain. Inspire your audience to take action and join your cause.

Utilizing Language Techniques: Persuasion and Emotional Appeal

Explore rhetorical devices, such as metaphors, parallelism, or rhetorical questions, to enhance the persuasive impact of your speech. Use emotional appeal to connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Practicing Effective Delivery: Confidence and Authenticity

Discover strategies to enhance your delivery skills , including vocal variety, body language, and eye contact. Practice your speech to ensure confidence and authenticity in your delivery.

Closing with a Memorable Conclusion: Leave a Lasting Impression

Craft a powerful and inspiring conclusion that summarizes your main points and leaves a lasting impression. Use a call to action or an uplifting message to motivate your audience to vote for you.

FAQs – How to Write a Winning Year 12 School Captain Speech?

1: how long should a school captain speech be.

Aim for a speech duration of around 3-5 minutes to effectively convey your message without losing your audience’s attention.

2: Should I include personal anecdotes in my speech?

Personal anecdotes can be impactful and help create a connection with your audience. However, ensure they are relevant to your message and add value to your overall speech.

3: How can I engage the audience during my speech?

Engage your audience through eye contact, inviting them to participate, or incorporating interactive elements, such as asking rhetorical questions or involving them in a brief activity.

4: Is it necessary to memorize my entire speech?

While memorization can provide a sense of confidence, it is important to maintain a balance between memorization and spontaneity. Memorize key points and practice enough to ensure a smooth delivery.

5: How can I handle nervousness before and during my speech?

Prepare thoroughly, practice regularly, and visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk can also help manage nervousness.

6: Should I mention other candidates in my speech?

Avoid directly criticizing or mentioning other candidates. Focus on presenting your unique qualities, ideas, and plans to stand out as the best candidate.

7: How can I make my speech memorable?

Use storytelling, vivid imagery, or powerful quotes to make your speech memorable . Aim to inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Here are a few examples of a school captain speech:

Example 1: “Dear fellow students, teachers, and staff, today I stand before you as a candidate for the position of School Captain. I believe that our school is more than just a place of learning; it is a community that fosters growth, friendship, and opportunity. If elected, I promise to be a dedicated and approachable leader who will listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to address them. Together, we can create a school environment that encourages inclusivity, excellence, and personal development. Let us embrace our differences and celebrate our achievements, for united we can make our school truly exceptional.”   Example 2: “Respected principal, teachers, and my fellow students, I am honored to be standing here as a candidate for the role of School Captain. Our school is not just a building; it is a place where dreams are nurtured and futures are shaped. If entrusted with the responsibility, I will strive to be a beacon of inspiration and encouragement for all students. I will work closely with our teachers and staff to ensure that each one of us has the support and resources we need to excel academically and personally. Let us embark on a journey of growth, unity, and achievement, making our school a shining example of excellence.   Example 3: “Dear everyone, today I am humbled to stand before you as a candidate for the position of School Captain. Our school is more than just classrooms and textbooks; it is a vibrant community that thrives on enthusiasm and participation. If chosen as your leader, I will promote a culture of involvement, where every student’s voice is heard and valued. Together, we can organize exciting events, foster a sense of belonging, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let us come together as a united front, supporting and inspiring one another to reach new heights. Vote for me, and together, we’ll make our school experience truly unforgettable.”

Key Points:

• Understand the role of a School Captain and the qualities of an effective leader.
• Research your audience and tailor your speech to their values and concerns.
• Craft a powerful opening , organize your speech effectively, and showcase your qualities.
• Address key issues and propose solutions while sharing your future plans.
• Utilize language techniques, practice effective delivery, and close with a memorable conclusion.

Bio: The author, an experienced public speaker and advocate of youth leadership, shares valuable insights in “Writing an Effective Year 12 School Captain Speech: A Guide to Winning the Election.” With a passion for empowering students, the author provides practical tips and strategies to help aspiring School Captains create impactful speeches and make a positive impact on their school community.

Similar Topics:

• Effective Public Speaking Techniques for School Leadership Roles.
• The Role of Empathy in School Captain Speeches: Building Connections.
• Comparing Speech Styles: Inspirational vs. Informative School Captain Speeches.
• Overcoming Stage Fright: Tips for Confident School Captain Speech Delivery.
• Balancing Confidence and Humility in School Captain Speeches.
• Analyzing Past Successful School Captain Speeches: What Made Them Stand Out?
• Speech Content vs. Delivery: Striking the Right Balance for Impactful Speeches
• Exploring the World of Creative Writing: What, When, and Where to Find Inspiring Examples

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Answer ( 1 )

In this guide, we’ll give you everything you need to know about writing a winning speech for the school captain election. First, we’ll show you some example speeches from past winners and finalists to give you an idea of what a successful speech might look like. Then we’ll talk about how to craft your own outline and where to find inspiration for topics in your own life. Finally, we’ll cover some tips for how best to deliver your speech if it all goes well with writing it!

School captain speech examples

In this article, we’ll look at the speeches that won school captain elections. We’ll also give you some tips on how to write your own winning speech for a school captain election.

We’ve got two examples of speeches that were given by students who went on to win their school captain elections: one from an Australian high school student and another from an American middle school student. Both speeches are very good because they have all the elements of a great speech–they’re funny, they have interesting facts and stories in them (which keeps people engaged), and both speakers talk about things that relate directly back to themselves or their peers (so they make it easy for listeners).

School captain speech topic ideas

Here are some ideas for school captain speech topics:

• The importance of school spirit.
• Why it’s important to give back to the community.
• How you plan on making your school better by becoming a leader and role model for others.

How to write a great school captain speech outline

To write a great speech outline, you need to follow these three steps:

• Start with a hook. You want to grab your audience’s attention right away. This can be done by using an interesting fact or statistic that relates to the topic of your speech, or by telling a story that illustrates what you’re going to talk about later on in the speech. If possible, try not to use any quotes from movies or other sources unless it’s absolutely necessary for illustrating your point (and even then, only use them sparingly).
• Use strong openings and closings when writing out your speech outline–and make sure both are relevant! Don’t forget about these two sections because they are just as important as any other part of writing an effective school captain election speech outline; if nothing else comes across strongly enough for voters during these sections then there won’t be much left worth remembering later on down in middle parts like introduction paragraph(s), body paragraphs(s) etcetera…

How to write a winning school captain speech

• Use the right tone
• Use the right body language
• Use the right content and style of speech
• Deliver your speech effectively

A winning school captain speech can help you win the election.

A good school captain speech can help you win the election. If you’re running for school captain and want to give an impressive speech that will make everyone remember you, then this article is for you!

To write a great school captain speech outline:

• Think about your audience. What do they want from their new leader? What are their hopes and dreams for the future of the school? How can they see themselves reflected in your words?
• Have a clear message. Make sure that everything in your talk ties back into what makes YOU special – why should people vote for YOU instead of anyone else who wants this job too (and there will almost certainly be other candidates). Don’t try too hard though; keep it simple!

With the help of these school captain speech examples, you can write a great speech that will help you win your election. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to write from scratch and there are plenty of resources available online. Just make sure that whatever you do use is original and doesn’t copy anyone else’s work!

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What strategies can be used to write an effective speech for a school sports captain election?

Strategies for Writing an Effective Speech for a School Sports Captain Election:

Understand your audience: Consider the interests and concerns of your fellow students who will be voting for the sports captain. Tailor your speech to resonate with their needs and aspirations.

Start with a strong opening: Capture the attention of your audience from the beginning. Use a compelling quote, an interesting fact, or a personal anecdote to engage them right away.

Introduce yourself: Begin by introducing yourself and sharing your qualifications and experiences related to sports and leadership. Highlight any relevant achievements or positions you have held.

State your vision and goals: Clearly articulate your vision for the sports program and outline the specific goals you want to achieve as the sports captain. Be specific and realistic in your goals, focusing on areas where you can make a positive impact.

Share your plans and strategies: Lay out your plans and strategies for achieving your goals. Explain how you will work with coaches, teammates, and the school administration to improve the sports program. Provide concrete examples and actionable steps.

Highlight your leadership qualities: Emphasize the leadership qualities that make you the ideal candidate for the sports captain position. Discuss your ability to motivate and inspire others, your communication skills, and your commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship.

Connect with the audience emotionally: Appeal to the emotions of your audience by sharing personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your passion for sports and your dedication to the team. Show them why you genuinely care about their success and well-being.

Use persuasive language: Use persuasive language and rhetorical techniques to convince your audience to vote for you. Use strong and confident language, and back up your statements with evidence or examples.

Incorporate humor and storytelling: Inject humor and storytelling into your speech to make it more engaging and memorable. Use appropriate jokes or anecdotes that relate to sports or leadership to create a connection with your audience.

End with a strong conclusion: Summarize your main points and end with a powerful closing statement that leaves a lasting impression. Reinforce your commitment to the team and express your gratitude for their support.

Learn more:

• How to Write a Speech for School Elections: Expert Advice
• Writing a School Election Speech | YourDictionary
• Speech Guidelines for a School Captain Candidate Plus an Example - A Research Guide

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Speech Guidelines for a School Captain Candidate Plus an Example

Being the school captain is among the things that many students strive to attain in school. Whilst some are fortunate to become leaders in their respective schools, others disappear into oblivion with their hopes forever shattered. One of the factors that separates winners from other candidates is the whole concept of speech making and delivery.

And when I’m talking about speech, I’m not talking about words just put together for the sole reason of announcing your candidature. These are very cleverly selected words that will arouse the students’ desire to elect you as their representative. It is true that when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. This maxim is also true in speeches. A speech that does not go through the guidelines explained below will not have the desired outcome.

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Speech Writing Guidelines for a School Captain

1. let your message be brief and precise.

Avoid using many filler words to make the speech long. With a long speech, you will obviously loose the attention of the audience. The speech should be short and content rich. It should be straight to the point. You should hit the nail while it is hot- the nail in this case refers to the first few minutes that the audience is attentive. Hit them with that punch line that will leave you glued to their minds. You should keep your explanations minimal and if you can do it without explanations, the better.

2. Simplicity is genius

As albert Einstein rightly put it, “If you can’t explain it simply, then you don’t understand it well enough.” The beauty of using simple language is that you reach a wide scope of students. Using complex and complicated jargon will isolate the audience and the message will not reach its intended destination.

Furthermore, you do not want your fellow students to think you are above them. If they cannot understand you, how will they trust you to deliver their grievances to the authorities above? While a technical jargon showcases your mastery of the language and may open for you unlimited opportunities in the future, at this point in time it would be advisable to speak in a language that befits a school setting. Do not forget that you will also be communicating to pupils of the lower grade. Do not overlook their votes, they are equally as important as other votes.

3. Content should be organized in point form.

The speech should be broken down into parts to make it more orderly and precise. The organization of the speech will be explained better in the outline section later in the article. Ensure that each paragraph has its own point. Each paragraph must begin with a topic sentence, followed by few supporting lines and these supporting sentences must be related to the topic sentence. The paragraphs should however be brief. Try not to go very deep into the topic at hand.

4. Exhibit qualities of a leader.

Whether you are delivering it before a congregation or just putting it on paper, there must be some level of authority that the people listening or reading can feel. Nobody wants to be represented by a coward. Naturally, people are conditioned to follow a courageous leader, who has authority and leads by example. Apart from that, kindly be as honest as possible in your speech. Do not promise things you cannot deliver. Mistrust is one deep pit you cannot salvage yourself from.

5. Use the first person.

This is quite obvious always use the first voice when referring to yourself and in second person when referring to the students or audience. It creates a form of bond between you and the students when you refer to them directly. Also, always use active voice, as it is more authoritative and direct. Passive voice is least effective when you call people into action. For instance, when you say, “We will beat them,” sounds more authoritative than saying, “They will be beaten by us.”

Planning is an integral part of a speech. An outline gives you the format or rather, a rough draft of what your speech should look like. Here is the basic format of a speech:

Introduction

Remember first impressions always last. The contents of your introduction and how you present it will either make you or break you. This is an important part of your speech, as this is the part which will either win the audience’s attention or lose it. The length of the introduction should be no more than 10% of the whole speech. So, if your speech is to last 5 minutes, then your introduction should take like 40 to 45 seconds. Here, you should provide your greetings, introduce yourself and state your purpose.

The body is the bulk of the speech, making 80% of it. What you intend to do when elected the school captain should falls within this segment. Each point should be kept in separate paragraphs and should be accompanied by few sentences shading more light on each one of them. You should however be brief and avoid going into too much details. This will bore the audience and will make the speech too long. The body should follow this format:

1 st  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 1
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 1

2 nd  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 2
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 2

3 rd  Paragraph

• Topic sentence 3
• 3-4 sentences supporting topic 3

This part should only be 10% of the speech. Your conclusive remarks are just as important as any other part of the speech. It would be absurd to give a mind blowing presentation and then have a lackluster ending. One of the best way of wrapping things up is by use of a famous quote with a few additional remarks or you may give thanks to all the people who have supported you to where you are. You may also opt to quickly summarize all your points, whichever way you choose it, when done correctly they are both equally effective.

Essay Sample for a School Captain

Dear students, teachers and the *insert school* community at large, good afternoon. It is yet again that time of the year that we have to exercise our individual rights to select the rightful leaders to represent us. I come at your presence, not as a leader but rather as a servant who will put your interests first before mine.

I have spent all my learning years in this school and I’m very aware of all the challenges that students go through. Each year, I have witnessed recurring issues that threaten the pillars of our institution, which are peace, love and unity. I’m here to put an end to that. Your humble servant speaking is *insert your Names*, sixth grade and I’m running for this year’s School Captain.

I have a confession to make. The idea of vying for the School Captain position was first initiated to me in the fourth grade by *insert teacher’s name*, who saw the leadership qualities in me. Mr./Mrs. *teacher*’s sentiments are also shared by other teachers and students, who have privately confided in me about my natural ability to inspire and mobilize people.

I would like to publicly thank them, because they are the spark that ignited this fire in me. My decision to vie for this position is a way of me giving back to this wonderful school. All the years I have spent in this here have been nothing, but good and memorable. Everyone in this school, including teachers and my fellow students have been wonderful and if I was to go back in time, I would still do it again here.

Coming from a very religious background, my parents taught me the importance of humility. That is the reason why I’m naturally humble, friendly and approachable. I believe all people are born equal and I give each person the respect he/she deserves. As most of you are aware, I have worked hand in hand with the outgoing School Captain to ensure that this institution is always running smoothly.

I would like to personally call upon you to come in large numbers during the voting period and continue what I already started with my predecessor. It does not matter who wins. The most important thing is that the process has to be free and fair. Let the voice of the people be heard, because injustice here is a threat to justice everywhere.

Lastly, I would like thank my parents, friends, teachers, students and everyone, who took part in molding me to become the person I am. If it were not for you, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I would also like to thank everyone who showed up to this function today. You sacrificed your precious time to come and lend us your ears. A great day is indeed seen in the morning. All the people that participated in this democratic practice are surely destined for greatness. They are the people who will bring good change to this wonderful nation in the future. Vote wisely, vote with your hearts. May God bless you. Thank you.

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How To Write A Speech For School Captain

Table of Contents

How to write a school captain speech for primary

A school captain is a student leader who inspires his colleagues and helps to bridge the communication gap between students and the administration. As a school captain, you must lead the rest of the school and help them achieve their personal goals. A captain must be ready to correct and organize the students` body to live the values, mission, and vision of their institution. As a captain, communication is very critical. Understanding how to present the students’ issues to the administration requires good communication skills. To inspire action and keep the students` body in control of a healthy communication mechanism in place. Vertical communication with students is typically a common phenomenon, and for efficacy, a good speech is necessary.

The purpose of the provision of school captain requires prime communication skills, and captain`s speeches are critical. Apt writing skills are necessary to achieve the best results. This article, therefore, focuses on some of the key tips a school captain ought to look out for when drafting their speeches. The article also features a speech outline and a sample of a captain’s speech.

Five tips on school captain speech writing

1. be authoritative.

A leader is authoritative and decisive. Being a school captain comes with a responsibility that you have to fulfill. The position of a school captain, therefore, needs an authoritative and decisive person who can guide the school in the right direction without wavering. Such aspects must be reflected in your speech.

2. Keep your message short and clear

Listening to long speeches can be boring. As a captain, you ought to talk more and act less. Therefore, for each speech addressed to the students should be short with minimal explanations.  Long speeches can be boring and less effective than short content-rich speeches. Short speeches truncate the unnecessary details and enhance the understandability of the message.

3. Simple language and illustrations

Simplicity is one of the key requirements a school captain’s speech ought to be. Writing in very technical jargon would be ineffective. This is because the audience is diverse and have different levels of language mastery. Freshmen might not be able to understand technical language used by a finalist school captain, and thus the students in lower academic levels need to understand the message fully.

4. Organize your content in point form

A captain’s speech must be orderly and precise. Organizing each point into its paragraph is a good place to start. If the message is organized in a paragraph, then each paragraph should feature a single point which is well elaborated. For each paragraph, it must have a topic sentence , then few supporting sentences. The supporting sentences must be relevant to the topic sentence. Include an illustration for example, if necessary, at the end of the paragraph.

5. Use active voice in the first person

Since you are the school captain, it is obvious you must write the speech in the first person. It is also wise to use active voice which is more authoritative and powerful to deliver the message. Active voice is more effective to call for an action.

Outline example

The captain`s speech also needs an outline to act as a guiding tool for writing the essay. Outlines ensure the captain sticks to the relevant and important issues he wishes to address in his speech. After outlining them, he can proceed to write a great speech from the outline.

Here below is an example of a captain’s speech outline that can be used to write a speech.

Introduction

• A short recap based on personal observations

Paragraph 1

• 3-4 Support sentences for point 1

Paragraph 2

• 3-4 Support sentences for point 2

Paragraph 3

• 3-4 Support sentences for point 3
• A brief summary of the contents of the speech

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A Guide to Writing School Speeches: Structure, Delivery, & More

Last Updated: September 19, 2023 Fact Checked

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• Writing & Structure

Sample Speeches

This article was written by Lynn Kirkham and by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,075,183 times.

If you’re running for office in school elections, delivering your candidate speech can be one of the most important parts of the whole process. And you can’t deliver a good speech without writing a good speech. Sure, there are templates online that you can just paste in your name into, but a speech written by you, that represents you, holds a much better chance of making an impact on your classmates/voters. In this article, we’ll walk you through expert advice on crafting a speech that’s clear and concise, as well as some public speaking tips to help you resonate with your audience. The true power of your speech will come from how you personalize it, but consider this a comprehensive blueprint to help you get started. This article is based on an interview with our professional public speaker, Lynn Kirkham, founder of Yes You Can Speak. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

• Begin your speech by stating who you are, the position you’re running for, and a catchy slogan that reminds the audience what you’re working towards.
• Use the middle of your speech to explain your goals, if elected, and give a few specific steps on how you plan to achieve those goals.
• Keep your speech short and sweet; most school election speeches are only about 150-250 words.

Crafting Your Message

• For example, you might begin your brainstorming sesh with goals like “outlaw homework” and “allow skateboarding on campus.” Then, as you condense your ideas, you’ll become more realistic with plans like adding healthy food options at lunch, expanding a tutoring program, or working to reduce bullying.

• Your slogan can be lighthearted (“The Right Manuel for the Job”) or serious (“Your Voice for Change”).
• It can be focused on one specific issue (“Save the Spring Formal”) or aimed more broadly (“Let’s Fly Higher Together”). Most importantly, the slogan should make people think of you when they hear or see it, and give them an idea of how you’ll serve their interests.
• When writing a slogan , avoid negative language. You want to sound confident in yourself, rather than unconfident in your opponents.
• For example, if you’re trying to come up with a treasurer campaign slogan, you might say “A Vote for Maggie Makes Cents” or “Bank on Hank” rather than “Lyle Can’t Be Trusted With Money” or “Vote Hank, Not Celia.”

• A great way to show your qualifications and personalize your speech (without sounding like you’re blowing your own horn) is to tell a story. Talk about what made you want to run for office.
• For example, if you’re looking for FFA (Future Farmers of America) speech ideas, you might write “I’ve been working with animals since I was a kid and it taught me so much about life. I want to inspire other young people to do the same.”

• It can help to write down some key traits you possess and build your speech from there. For example, if you write “hardworking,” you could use your speech to talk about the countless hours of effort you plan to put into this job.
• If you write down “empathetic,” you can talk about how you understand people’s point-of-view and, if you’re elected, you’ll make sure everyone feels listened to.
• It can be difficult knowing how you come across. If you don’t know what your key traits are, ask your friends how they see you. They’ll be positive yet realistic.

• Avoid complicated sentences, jargon, or unnecessary asides. While your skill with language may work well in essays, now is the time to connect with an audience in words they can easily understand.
• As you draft your speech, read each sentence aloud after writing it. If it sounds awkward, clunky, or overly complex, revise it in simpler terms.

Structuring Your Speech

• Something simple like “Hi. I’m Jane Thomas, and I want to be your class president because I am dedicated to Making Butler High Better Together” is a highly effective way to begin.
• Try to tweak your introduction to match your personality. You could say “Some people say that Leon Lawson is too wild and not serious enough to be vice-president. Well, I’m Leon Lawson, and I say that I’m Seriously Wild about shaking things up in Key Club.”

• For instance, you might say “Bullying is an epidemic at Adams High School. Odds are that you have been bullied, seen someone being bullied, or even been a bully yourself. We can all do better.”
• Asking the audience can be a helpful tactic to connect over an issue. You might say “Raise your hand if you’ve been grossed out by the condition of our school bathrooms.”
• When stating the issue, avoid negative comments, or blaming a particular person or group. Instead of “Principal Stevens has done nothing to help with school lunches,” you might say “I hope to work with Principal Stevens to develop a plan so all our students are fed.”

• Be as precise as you can when explaining how you plan on accomplishing your mission. Instead of “I will unite the student body” (which is vague and unrealistic), you might say “I will create an open forum for students that meets every Friday at lunch so we can all share our ideas as a team.”
• Use active verbs to describe what you have done/will do. Some examples include: “pursue,” “follow,” “take up,” “initiate,” “present,” “represent,” “create,” “build,” and “lead.”
• If you’re running for re-election or have held a different office, talk about a few things you have done and a few you will do. Make it clear how they all link together. For example, you might say "As my work as President of Spanish Club shows, I can manage a team of people to achieve common goals. I will use this experience to pursue change in Student Government, too."

• To improve the ethos of your speech, find ways to connect yourself to the position you’re running for. Market yourself by listing your relevant experience and how you’ve prepared. For example, you might say “I’m secretary of 2 other clubs, so I can easily transition to secretary of Bible Club.”
• To improve the pathos of your speech, find moments to show off your personality. Are you goofy, fun-loving, sincere? Let that shine through in your language. You might add a joke or use some vivid adjectives.
• To improve the logos of your speech, make sure your goals are well-connected and realistic. Clearly explain why it’s reasonable for you to achieve each of your plans during your time in office.

• Even if you don’t have a short time limit, people rarely complain that speeches are too short. Don’t waste time on unreasonable promises or unnecessary details.

• For example: “We all know that there are too many cliques and factions that divide us as students here at West Branch High. This Friday, please consider voting for me, Ben Davis, for student council. I’ll make it my number one job to bring all West Branch Eagles together so we can Fly High as One.”

• For example, you might say “I have several additional ideas for ways to bring back Tiger pride to our school. I would love to hear your ideas too after class.”

Rehearsing Your Speech

• If you’re allowed to, practice giving your speech in the location where you’ll actually be presenting it. Get a feel for the room and the podium, so you’ll be that much more comfortable come speech day.

• If you can memorize your speech, great, but you don’t want it to sound like you’re just regurgitating words from a page. Know the speech by heart, so that you can seamlessly adjust to a misstated phrase or an unexpected opportunity to connect with the crowd.

• It can help to meditate before your speech and picture yourself getting a standing ovation (or whatever the best possible scenario is for you).
• Rely on whatever relaxation techniques work for you to get ready for your performance. If that means employing the old trick of imagining the audience naked, go for it — maybe just watch who you tell about having used it!

Delivering Your Speech

• Smiling throughout the entirety of your speech is an easy way to appear warm and confident without much effort.
• If you use hand gestures while you speak, be sure they’re not excessively distracting and keep your use of them limited. Appropriate hand gestures can help you engage your audience.

• You don’t necessarily have to make direct eye contact with any specific person. Just make it clear you’re trying to connect with your audience.

• If you make a mistake while giving your speech, don't panic. Laugh it off and move on. This will show that you are flexible and adaptable, and will encourage others to see you as someone who can meet challenges without losing her cool.

Community Q&A

• If you're very nervous before presenting the speech, try looking just above the heads of the audience or focus on a person that does not make you nervous, like a friend. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• If you don't win, it's okay! Know you gave it your all and tried your hardest. There's tons of other opportunities to showing great leadership. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/brainstorming/
• ↑ https://passport.vec.vic.gov.au/students/vote
• ↑ https://library.centre.edu/POL120Fall2019
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
• ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/structuring-speech
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/process/reverseoutlines/
• ↑ https://www.lsu.edu/hss/english/files/university_writing_files/item35402.pdf
• ↑ https://pll.harvard.edu/course/rhetoric-art-persuasive-writing-and-public-speaking
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/conclusions/
• ↑ https://hbr.org/2013/10/the-power-of-restraint-always-leave-them-wanting-more

About This Article

If you need to write a speech for school elections, think about what you would like to accomplish while you’re in office, then narrow that down to 1 or 2 goals. Next, come up with a catchy election slogan. Open your speech by introducing yourself and your message, giving a few details about why you’re the right person for the position. Include your slogan early in the speech, then identify your main goal and outline your clear, realistic plan for accomplishing those goals. End with a strong statement that tells the other students why they should vote for you. Keep reading for tips from our reviewer on delivering your election speech! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Funny Student Council Speech Ideas to Help Everyone Relate to You

Give them a speech they'll never forget. These ideas can help you get started with a funny, creative speech perfect for the student council role you want.

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Megan's contributed both writing and research to a myriad of associations including academic publications, cultural institutions, non-fiction works, and experimental collaborative projects.

When you've got hundreds of kids staring you down, bright lights in your face, and the worst case of jitters the school stage's felt in weeks, take a breath. You can always rely on the funny student council speech you've worked so hard on crafting to perfection to get you through.

So many people can be naturally funny without trying too hard, so if you just relax and let your natural humor shine through in your student council speech, you'll do great. But if you've glued your pinky to the backspace trying to write yours, let us help you with these tips and ideas. 

Funny Student Council Speech Intros for Specific Roles 

When you're running for a student council position, all you've got is your words. So, you need to write a speech that students will remember long after you've graduated. After you've pitched around some  speech ideas for your student council role , it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to the keys). And what's the best way to get an audience on your side? With laughter, of course. 

• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
• Tips for a Winning Student Council Speech for Treasurer
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

Funny President Speech Intro Example 

The other candidates are going to come up here and tell you all the reasons why you should vote for them. I'm going to give you only one reason why you should vote for me. I've got the face of an angel.

Think about it, every time I ask for your concerns, give a speech, or land an interview in the school paper, you're going to have to look at my face. If you want to make this year and school politics Instagram-worthy, consider just whose face you want to stare at every day, mine or theirs.

Hilarious Vice President Speech Opener

My competitors have come up here and given you a laundry list of reasons why they should be elected VP, so I'll keep things short. I'm the brains behind this operation, and I'll marionette puppet our president better than Ratatouille and his little rat hands ever could. Whatever you want, I'll work those strings to make it happen. 

Silly Secretary Speech Intro

Your student council secretary really needs to love words. I love words so much that I'll only eat Alpha-Bits for breakfast. And what's more, I'll only eat the cereal letters I can use to make a word. So, say there's a "T," "Q," and "R" left in the bowl; I can't bring myself to swallow them.

I love pencils so much that I fail every automatically graded exam because I can't bring myself to damage the pencil by using it. I love writing so much that I've got a physical therapist on speed dial for my carpal tunnel. 

Comical Treasurer Speech Opener

If time is money, we're all going to be very rich after this speech. I'm not sure who's responsible for the exchange rate, but I hope it's a good one. As treasurer, I take money lingo just as seriously as I do sticking to our budget, and unlike Al Capone, I won't bust our operation with faulty books and tax fraud. 

• How to Make Life After High School Worth All the Hard Work

Funny Student Council Speech Intros That'll Win Everyone Over 

One of the biggest tips for writing a speech is to connect with your audience on their level. Your classmates will probably respond well to fun and humor, so give your speech a dose of comedy and break the ice with a funny intro.

• Mr. Smith, our beloved math teacher, told us all that we'd use trigonometry one day. I think he's an awesome teacher and I really want him to be right. So, my entire speech will cover things that are opposite and adjacent to the issues of our school, and that will lead me on a tangent.
• When you hear the words "Student Council," you probably envision a bunch of old, bald, white guys sitting around wearing suits with ties and talking about all the problems students cause in the world. Today, to help me get through my stage fright, I'm asking you to imagine me as one of those guys. Preferably, I hope you picture Will Farrel as Mattel's CEO. 
• Today, I'm here to taco 'bout something serious and I've been trying to figure out how to get your vote. You might think school rules and student privileges are nacho business, but you'd be wrong. I won't try to get jalapeño business or get saucy, and I certainly won't burrito around the bush. If you want this year to feel like a fiesta, vote for me for President. In queso you still haven't figured it out, I'm the best woman for the job.
• Everyone, let's take a moment of silence. [Pause]. Thank you for joining me in that moment of silence for the competition that I'm going to slaughter at the ballot box this week. 
• (Pointing phone at the crowd) [High School Name] STUDENT BODY! Let's make some noise for my lovely competition — they've worked so hard — and give yourselves a round of applause for appointing someone as awesome as me to your student council. (Puts phone away.) So I'd like to thank my mother who, without her, I wouldn't be here today, and my father of course, because there's part of him in here too...(dramatic pause). OH, oh sorry everybody, those were my acceptance speech cards. Let me just pull out the right ones here.

Creative Ways to Sprinkle Some Humor into Your Speech 

Speech starters aren't the only places you can toss in a little funny line or two. There are a ton of ways you can incorporate humor into your student council speech to break the ice, grab everyone's attention, or stand out from the crowd. These are just a few of them: 

Poke a Little Good-Natured Fun at a Staff Member

There's nothing teens find funnier than cleverly making fun of their teachers and principals. Just be sure to only poke fun at the ones you know will take the joke well, and keep it good-natured and lighthearted. 

End an Info-Heavy Section With a Witty One-Liner

As a teen, you know kids have short attention spans (curse you TikTok), so you'll start to lose them after a while. Keep their attention by ending any information-heavy section with a funny one-liner. It's hard to stay snoozing when you're laughing. 

It's totally ok to use jokes in a student council speech, but remember the goal of using jokes and humor is to connect with your peers, so make sure they're things that everyone will actually find funny and not anything that could be hurtful or upsetting.

Don't Rush the Delivery

If you've got a line you just know is going to make everyone laugh, don't pull the wind from its sails by speeding through it. People tend to talk faster the longer they're presenting, so make sure your joke lands by pulling back and easing into the delivery. 

Add Something Funny or Unexpected to a Serious Sentence

If you're listing some of the genuine things you bring to the table for your desired student council position, grab everyone's attention by throwing a funny one on at the end. 

Tell a True Funny Story From Your Childhood

Talking about something funny that really happened to you, especially if it's related to the student council role you want in some way, can be a creative and memorable way to stand out. For example, the lemonade stand disaster you had as a kid might just make you a shoo-in for treasurer. After all, you learned from your mistakes. 

End the Speech With a Joke or Funny Slogan 

You can also use a joke or a funny slogan at the end of your student council speech to help make it memorable. A funny, relatable slogan that helps people remember you could have a positive impact when it comes time to vote. 

• School Jokes for Kids of All Ages

Hook 'Em With Humor for a Winning Speech 

The secret for how to win a high school election isn't stuffing the ballot box or teen comedy movie-ing your way to making the competition drop out. Instead, it's about being memorable and connecting with your peers. A funny opening line or hilarious closing one will not only capture their attention, but it'll have them thinking about you when they step up to that ballot box. 

How to Write a Speech for Graduation | School Captain

So you’ve been given the wonderful opportunity to say a speech at your graduation . If you’re the school captain, you’ll probably be asked to give many speeches but none as seemingly important as this. Your graduation speech are kind of the last words to your high school year and will be remembered (hopefully for a good reason) by all your peers. No pressure.

If you don’t have much experience, writing a speech can be hard. You want it to be a balance of heaps of happy, sad, nostalgic, funny, serious and the list goes on! So it’s pretty overwhelming. How can you possibly fit all of these things into a few minutes? Here are some friendly Dos and Don’ts for writing your graduation speech.

Source: The Conversation

Don’t be disrespectful . There’s nothing worse than the cringe of having a wildly inappropriate speech given in front of parents and teachers. It’s great to be funny but there’s nothing funny about being crude or extremely disrespectful to the school. You’ll probably be remembered for all the wrong reasons. You’ll also probably get in trouble…

Do tell stories . It’s good to tell anecdotes and stories about your time at school! These are usually the best way to capture the school experience and are a good way to fill out your speech. Choose a story that you remember fondly and you think best encapsulates your time at school.

Don’t laugh at your own jokes . If you’re really funny or you have a really funny laugh, laughing at your jokes might work. But if you spend all  of your speech giggling at your own jokes then that can make the it a little awkward (I know from experience). Delivering a joke with a straight face will give a more polished impression.

Do be entertaining (if you can!). Don’t avoid a little bit of humour just because of the last point! You don’t want people to be falling asleep during your speech. The fact is that graduation ceremonies can be a  little  boring so it’s a good idea to try and make your it entertaining if you can! Again, stories are a great way to incorporate this.

Don’t ‘wing it’ . A certain amount of improvisation is good but because this is such an important speech, you might want to be a little more prepared. Even if you’re a talented speaker, it will pay off to prepare for this speech. You can try writing it out and highlighting important words you want to emphasise to start off with.

Do practise . In conjunction with preparation, practise is also key. Not only should you write your speech beforehand but you should also practise saying it to make sure that it’s the right length and the language flows smoothly. If you practise reciting and delivering the speech, you’ll be more confident in giving it on the night.

Don’t worry! Although this speech is important, it’s not a life or death situation. Don’t feel discouraged by little mistakes beforehand and on the day- you’re doing something that’s actually really hard! It’s okay to care about how the speech goes but it’s not something that you should let consume you. Doing your best is all that the school and your peers are asking of you!

Each school captain is unique and has a unique speech to give. This is because everyone is different, goes to a different school and has had a different school experience. These points are not rules that will work for everyone but tips to get you started. If it starts to overwhelm you at any point, take a few deep breaths and try and recollect yourself before re-starting.

Being the school captain is a huge responsibility but can also be great fun! Again, being yourself and doing your best is really all it takes to write a quality speech for graduation. If you have any more questions or advice about writing a speech, you can leave it as a comment on this post!

Good luck with writing and happy graduation!

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Speech for School Captain Election

Winning an election is a tedious task. Only those can uderstand it who have ever fought elections in their life; be it at the school level, college level, organisational level or at the national level. In order to win the votes the candidates must be able to put their qualities properly in front of the voters. It can be done through delivering a genuine and strong speech. Here comes a sample speech for school captain election that can help you win that school captain post and see your dream coming true.

Good Morning to all my respected teachers and friends. It’s my pleasure to stand here and contest for the post of school captain. I have a dream today. It is that our school will enter the top 10 schools’ list in the coming years and I know it is not impossible. Do you agree with me?

I have been studying in this school since my nursery class. Now I am in class 10th. You can count that it has been more than a decade now. So, I can feel the pulse of my school. I know that you people have great potential. I know resources are ample but the motivation, the enthusiasm are lacking.

So, I would try to put my team’s efforts in the right direction which is to make sure that every student is notified of the competitions, quizzes and other activities going on at intra-school and inter-school levels. A few students can’t change the destiny of a school, that’s why 100 per cent student participation is a must.

You can always share your concerns with me. I am always open to criticism also and ready to improve. So please lend me your precious advice. I believe that I have the experience to fit in this role.

To turn my dream into reality I need your vote and support to choose me for the post of school captain. I am sure that would use your due diligence and elect the right person as school captain.

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Speech on School Farewell

School farewell events stir a whirlwind of emotions. They signify the end of a memorable journey, yet herald the start of a new adventure.

It’s a bittersweet occasion, filled with joy, sadness, and anticipation. You share laughter, tears, and hopes with friends, marking a pivotal moment in your life.

1-minute Speech on School Farewell

Respected Principal, Vice Principal, Teachers, and my dear friends, we have gathered here today to bid farewell to the graduating students of our beloved school. It’s an honor and a matter of great pride to be standing here representing all of you on this nostalgic occasion.

The word ‘Farewell’ carries mixed emotions. It is a blend of sadness for saying goodbye and excitement for embracing new beginnings. Today, we are here to express our deepest gratitude and respect to our Alma Mater, which has nurtured us, moulded us, and turned us into individuals who are ready to face the challenges of the world.

Our school has not just been a place of education but a home. A home where we learned the essence of friendship, leadership, and teamwork. It’s here we understood the importance of discipline, respect, and humility. It’s not just the textbooks, but the life lessons we learned in these corridors will forever be treasured.

At this juncture, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our respected Principal and teachers who relentlessly worked to bring out the best in us. Your guidance and encouragement have been the driving force that helped us overcome our fears and achieve our goals. You have been more than teachers, you have been our mentors.

Dear friends, as we walk out of the gates of our school, let us carry the teachings and the ever glowing spirit of our school in our hearts. May every one of us become a beacon of light, spreading knowledge and love wherever we go. Let us remember that the end of school is not the end of learning but the beginning of our journey in the wider world.

Thank you, everyone, for these wonderful years. Here’s bidding you all a fond farewell. Let’s keep the flag of our school flying high. Good luck and God bless!

2-minute Speech on School Farewell

Dear respected teachers, honorable principal, and dear friends, I stand here today with mixed emotions and a heavy heart to bid you all farewell. School, a place that has nurtured us for years, shaped our personalities and molded our characters, is now a memory that we will cherish forever.

School is not just a building made of bricks and concrete, it is a temple of knowledge where we learn to live. Teachers are not just individuals who teach lessons, they are our guiding lights who show us the right path and lead us towards a successful life. Friends are not just classmates, they are our extended family with whom we have created countless memories.

We all have spent an incredible journey of learning, growth, and development in this school. The journey was not just about academic studies, it was more about understanding life, and preparing ourselves for the future. We have learned to be disciplined, to be punctual, to be responsible, and most importantly to be kind and compassionate towards others. This school has taught us the value of hard work, honesty, and integrity which will guide us throughout our life.

Our teachers have always been our pillars of strength. They guided us when we were lost, they encouraged us when we were down, and they celebrated our success. They have not just taught us subjects, they have taught us life’s lessons. I would like to express my heartful gratitude to all our teachers for their relentless efforts and unconditional love.

I would also like to express my gratitude to our Principal who has always been a beacon of guidance. His/Her visionary leadership and unwavering support have played an instrumental role in our academic journey. Our principal’s belief in us has motivated us to strive for excellence and has instilled in us the confidence to face any challenge in life.

Friends, let us not forget that school is just the beginning of our life journey. The world out there is full of opportunities and challenges. Let us promise ourselves that we will always uphold the values and principles that we have learned in this school. Let us remember that success is not just about achieving our goals, it is also about being a good human being.

As we bid adieu to our beloved school, let us remember the good times, the laughter, the victories, the lessons, and the friendships that we have formed. Let us cherish these memories and let them be our guiding force in the journey of life.

In conclusion, I would like to say that though we are saying goodbye today, our hearts will always be connected to this school. Whatever we become in life, we will always be proud to say that we are the alumni of this prestigious institution.

Thank you everyone once again for being a significant part of our lives. Thank you for the memories, the lessons, and the love. May we all meet again in this journey of life.

Thank you and farewell.

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Sports Captain Speech: 10 Mind-Blowing Sports Captain Speech for Swimming Success

A successful swimming team requires more than just talented athletes and skilled coaches; it thrives on strong leadership.

A sports captain plays a crucial role in inspiring, motivating, and uniting the team toward achieving greatness.

Delivering a mind-blowing sports captain speech can set the tone for the season, creating a positive team culture and laying the foundation for swimming success.

In this blog post, we present ten impactful sports captain speeches that will leave a lasting impression and drive your team to new heights in the pool.

Table of Contents

Importance of Sports Captain Speech in Swimming Teams

When it comes to swimming teams, the role of a sports captain extends far beyond merely leading the group.

The sports captain speech holds immense importance in uniting the team, fostering camaraderie, and setting the tone for the entire season.

Below, we discuss the significance of the sports captain’s address, exploring its impact on team morale, performance, and overall success.

The importance of a sports captain speech includes:

• Building Team Morale:

A sports captain speech serves as the catalyst for building team morale and spirit.

The speech acts as an opportunity for the captain to inspire and motivate teammates, encouraging them to push their limits and strive for excellence in the pool.

A well-crafted speech can instill a sense of pride, belonging, and commitment among team members, elevating their dedication to the team’s goals.

• Creating Unity and Cohesion:

Swimming teams consist of diverse individuals with unique strengths and weaknesses.

The sports captain speech plays a vital role in forging a sense of unity and cohesion among team members, transcending individual differences and, creating a shared sense of purpose.

The captain’s ability to articulate a collective vision can unite the team in pursuit of a common goal, fostering a supportive environment where each member feels valued and contributes their best.

• Setting Performance Expectations:

The sports captain’s speech sets the tone for the season by establishing performance expectations and goals.

The captain’s ability to communicate specific objectives and strategies can drive the team to focus on improving techniques, enhancing physical fitness, and refining competitive strategies.

By outlining these expectations, the captain empowers the team to work cohesively towards achieving victory.

• Boosting Confidence and Self-Belief:

In the competitive world of swimming, self-belief and confidence are vital ingredients for success.

The sports captain’s speech can have a profound impact on the team’s mindset, instilling unwavering belief in their abilities and encouraging them to take on challenges with determination and courage.

A confident team is more likely to perform at their best and embrace challenges as an opportunity for growth.

• Leading by Example:

A great sports captain is not just a talker but also a doer. By leading by example, the captain sets a benchmark for the team to follow.

Demonstrating dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship, the captain becomes a role model for the entire team, inspiring them to emulate the same values both in and out of the pool.

• Enhancing Communication and Feedback:

Effective communication is crucial for any team to function cohesively. The sports captain speech provides an avenue for the captain to emphasize the importance of open and honest communication.

Additionally, it sets the tone for constructive feedback, encouraging teammates to offer support and constructive criticism to help each other grow and improve.

• Building Lasting Team Traditions:

A well-crafted sports captain speech can lay the foundation for team traditions that endure beyond a single season.

These traditions contribute to team identity, unity, and a sense of belonging, creating a strong team culture that newcomers embrace and older members cherish.

Such traditions bind the team together, creating a unique and memorable experience for all.

READ ALSO:  7 Important Factors to Consider Before Giving Swimming Gifts to Swimmers

How to Craft the Perfect Sports Captain Speech for Swimmers

Being chosen as the sports captain of a swimming team is an honor and a responsibility that goes beyond leading warm-ups and guiding drills.

The sports captain speech is a crucial moment that sets the tone for the entire season and impacts team morale, unity, and performance.

In this section, we will guide you through the process of crafting the perfect sports captain speech that will inspire your fellow swimmers, foster team spirit, and pave the way for a successful and memorable season.

• Understand Your Audience:

Before crafting your sports captain speech, take the time to understand your audience – your fellow swimmers.

Get to know their aspirations, challenges, and what drives them to excel in the pool.

Tailor your speech to resonate with the unique characteristics of your team, addressing their shared goals and individual strengths.

• Start with a Powerful Opening:

Grab your teammates’ attention from the start by crafting a powerful and engaging opening for your speech.

Consider using a relevant quote, an inspiring story, or a thought-provoking question that relates to swimming and teamwork.

A strong opening will set the stage for an impactful speech that captures everyone’s interest.

• Express Gratitude and Humility:

Begin your speech by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the sports captain and humility in acknowledging the contributions of your fellow swimmers.

A gracious and humble approach will endear you to your teammates and create a supportive atmosphere for the season ahead.

• Share Your Vision and Goals:

Clearly articulate your vision for the team and the goals you aim to achieve together.

Paint a clear and realistic picture of success, and communicate how each swimmer’s efforts are vital in realizing that vision.

By setting specific and attainable goals, you provide the team with direction and motivation to excel.

• Emphasize Unity and Teamwork:

Highlight the importance of unity and teamwork in swimming. Emphasize that success in the pool is a collective effort and each swimmer’s contribution matters.

Encourage your teammates to support and uplift one another, creating a positive and cohesive team dynamic.

• Share Personal Stories and Experiences:

Make your speech relatable by sharing personal stories and experiences related to swimming and leadership.

Discuss challenges you’ve overcome, lessons you’ve learned, and how these experiences have shaped you as a swimmer and a leader.

Your vulnerability will inspire trust and authenticity among your teammates.

• Inspire and Motivate:

Fill your speech with motivational elements that light the fire within each team member. Use powerful and positive language to inspire confidence and self-belief.

Remind your teammates of their abilities and the incredible potential they possess as swimmers.

• Address Hardship and Resilience:

Acknowledge that challenges and setbacks are a part of any sport, including swimming.

Address how the team will face hardship together and emphasize the importance of resilience and determination.

Let your teammates know that setbacks are opportunities for growth and improvement.

• Include Words of Appreciation:

Take the time to appreciate the coaches, support staff, and anyone else who plays a role in the team’s success.

Acknowledging their efforts creates a sense of gratitude and strengthens the bond between the team and its support system.

• End on a High Note:

Conclude your sports captain speech on a high note by restating your belief in the team’s potential and the incredible journey that awaits.

End with a call to action that encourages your teammates to embrace the season with enthusiasm and determination.

READ ALSO:  15 Swimmer’s Sportsmanship Qualities That Define A Great Swim Athlete

10 Sports Captain Speech for Swimming Success

Speech 1; Inspiring the Team to Achieve Greatness:

“ Dear Teammates and Coaches, As we embark on this journey of a new swimming season, I stand before you with a burning desire for greatness. Let us set our sights on audacious goals and dream big, for it is through relentless pursuit and unwavering determination that we shall reach new heights in the water. Together, we form a formidable force that can conquer any challenge that comes our way. Let us build a bond of unity and camaraderie that goes beyond individual achievements, knowing that our strength lies in the collective power of the team. Remember, success does not come easily, but it is through persistence, hard work, and passion that we shall rise above our limitations. Each day, let us push our boundaries and strive for excellence in every stroke and turn. Our journey begins today, and it is up to us to write the chapters of triumph in the pool. Let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and hungry minds. Together, we shall achieve greatness! Thank you. “

• Speech 2; Emphasizing the Power of Positivity:

“ Dear Champions, In this challenging yet thrilling sport of swimming, one thing that can set us apart from the rest is our unwavering positivity. Let us create an environment where laughter, smiles, and encouragement become the norm. In the face of adversity, let us find the silver lining, for it is through positivity that we can conquer even the most daunting obstacles. Let us lift each other up, celebrating every achievement, no matter how big or small. Positivity is contagious, and when we embrace it wholeheartedly, we become an unstoppable force that radiates energy and enthusiasm. Our mindset will shape our reality, so let us cultivate the mindset of champions. I challenge each one of you to be a source of positivity, not just within the team but also in the wider swimming community. Let us inspire others with our relentless spirit and optimism. Together, let’s shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration for all! Thank you. “

• Speech 3; Building Mental Resilience and Confidence:

“ Dear Warriors, Swimming is not just a physical sport; it is a battle of the mind as well. To achieve success in the water, we must build mental resilience and unwavering confidence. Each one of you possesses immense potential, and it’s time to unlock it. Let go of self-doubt and embrace the power of belief in yourself and your abilities. Visualize yourself conquering every lap, every race, and every challenge. Mental resilience is our armor against setbacks and failures. Embrace them as opportunities to grow and learn. Remember, it’s not about avoiding falls; it’s about how we rise after every fall that defines us. Together, let us foster an environment of mental toughness, supporting each other through the highs and lows. As a team, we are stronger, and with unshakable confidence, we shall conquer the waters and emerge as champions. Thank you. “

• Speech 4; Importance of Training and Discipline:

“ Dear Dedicated Team, Our success as a swimming team lies in the dedication we show toward our training. The pool is not just a place of competition; it is our training ground, where champions are molded. Each stroke, each kick, and each breath we take in practice will reflect in our performance during competitions. Let us approach every training session with the same intensity and determination that we show in races. Discipline is the cornerstone of greatness. It is the commitment to our goals, the adherence to our training schedules, and the choices we make every day that will define our journey. As your sports captain, I pledge to lead by example, showing up to every practice ready to give my all. I encourage each one of you to do the same, for together, we can achieve wonders in the water. Thank you. “

• Speech 5; Embracing Teamwork and Cooperation:

“ Dear Teammates, Swimming is not a lone sport; it is a team sport that thrives on collaboration and teamwork. We may compete as individuals, but our collective success lies in how well we work together. Communication is key. Let us talk, listen, and understand each other, both in and out of the water. By doing so, we can fine-tune our strategies and support one another during races. Together, we are stronger. Our combined efforts will move us forward, overcoming challenges and conquering any obstacle that comes our way. Let us celebrate each other’s victories as our own and uplift each other during tough times. Our swimming team is a family, and like any family, we will have our share of ups and downs. But it is the bond we share that will see us through, making our victories sweeter and our journey unforgettable. Thank you. “

• Speech 6; Navigating Pressure and Handling Competitions:

“ Dear Champions, As the pressure mounts during competitions, it is essential to remember why we started swimming in the first place. Let us not get lost in the noise of expectations but stay grounded in our love for the sport. Pressure is a privilege. It is a sign that we are capable of greatness, and it is an opportunity to showcase our hard work and talent to the world. Embrace the pressure with open arms, for it will only make us stronger. In the heat of the moment, focus on your performance rather than the outcome. Remember the countless hours of training that have prepared you for this very moment. Trust your training and believe in your abilities. Competition day is a celebration of all the effort we put in. So, let us cherish every second, swim with our hearts, and leave nothing behind. No matter the result, we are champions because we dared to dream and dared to swim. Thank you. “

• Speech 7; Sportsmanship and Respect in Swimming:

“ Dear Sportsmanship Ambassadors, In the waters, we compete fiercely, but let us never forget the essence of true sportsmanship. Respect for our competitors, officials, and the sport itself is what sets us apart as honorable athletes. A victory gained without sportsmanship is hollow, and a defeat accepted with grace is a true mark of a champion. Let us embody the values of respect, fairness, and integrity both in victory and defeat. As your sports captain, I urge you to treat every swimmer, regardless of the team they represent, with the utmost respect and kindness. Let us be role models, showing the world what true sportsmanship looks like. The swimming community is a close-knit one, and our actions ripple through its fabric. So, let us leave a legacy of respect and sportsmanship that will inspire generations to come. Thank you. “

Speech 8; Dealing with Failures and Setbacks:

“ Dear Resilient Swimmers, In the unpredictable waters of swimming, failure is an inevitable companion. It is not a sign of weakness but a stepping stone towards growth and improvement. Welcome failure with open arms, like a friend, not an enemy. Every setback is a lesson in disguise. Let us analyze our races with a curious mind, extracting wisdom from every experience. It is through failures that we learn what we need to do to get better. However, we shouldn’t let our failures define us. The real significance lies in how we choose to respond to them. Let us bounce back stronger, with renewed determination and fire in our hearts. As your sports captain, I am here to support you through every stumble and fall. Together, let us rise above our setbacks and emerge as stronger, wiser, and more resilient swimmers. Thank you. “

• Speech 9; Leaving a Lasting Legacy as Sports Captain:

“ Dear Legacy Builders, As my time as your sports captain draws to a close, I reflect on the incredible journey we have shared. It has been an honor to lead such a talented and dedicated group of swimmers. As I pass the torch of leadership, I implore you to take up the mantle with pride and determination. Lead with courage, passion, and empathy, knowing that your actions will shape the future of this team. A captain’s legacy is not measured in trophies or accolades but in the impact they have on their teammates’ lives. Be a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to those around you. Together, let us leave behind a legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. Let us create a team that not only excels in the water but also leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of everyone we touch. Thank you. “

• Speech 10: Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation

“ Dear Grateful Hearts, In this journey of swimming success, we stand on the shoulders of countless people who have supported and believed in us. Let’s take a moment today to sincerely express our gratitude. Thank you to our coaches for their tireless efforts and unwavering belief in our potential. Your guidance and mentorship have shaped us into the swimmers we are today. Thank you to our families and friends for standing by our side through thick and thin, cheering us on during victories, and consoling us during defeats. Your love and support are what drive our determination forward. Thank you to our teammates for being our pillars of strength, pushing us to our limits, and celebrating our triumphs as their own. Together, we are an unstoppable force in the water. Lastly, thank you to the swimming community for embracing us with open arms and creating an environment of camaraderie and friendship. It is this community that makes our journey as swimmers all the more special. As we move forward, let us carry this sense of gratitude in our hearts, knowing that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Let us pay it forward, supporting and uplifting others on their journey to swimming success. Thank you. “

READ ALSO:  10 Important Reasons a Toddler Suddenly Hates Swimming Lessons

In conclusion, the role of a sports captain in a swimming team is not just about leading from the front during competitions; it is about inspiring, motivating, and creating a positive team culture that breeds success.

These ten mind-blowing sports captain speeches touch upon various aspects of leadership, teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, guiding the team toward swimming success.

As you embark on your journey as a sports captain or a team member, remember that the pool is not just a place of competition but a canvas where champions are forged with hard work, dedication, and a burning passion for the sport.

Embrace these speeches as a source of inspiration and let them be the driving force that moves you and your team to new heights in the water.

With the right attitude, unwavering determination, and a supportive team by your side, success in swimming is within reach. So, dive in and swim toward greatness!

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Rousing speech inspires ACS(I) to reclaim B Division rugby title from rivals St Andrew’s

SINGAPORE – Despite not being on the National Stadium pitch for the B Division boys’ rugby final on May 6, Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)’s Jeremiah Lee played a key role in their triumph.

The Secondary 4 student, who was sidelined after suffering a concussion in their 46-7 semi-final win over Raffles Institution (RI) on April 25, gave a rousing speech in the dressing room that had his teammates tearing up.

He said: “This is the last year for us. Not all of us will play together as a team after this.”

Fired up by his words, ACS(I) beat fierce rivals St Andrew’s Secondary School 15-11 to wrest the title back, having lost 19-12 to the same opponents in the 2023 final.

“His speech in the locker room really got us psyched up,” ACS(I) captain Jansen Ling, 15, told The Straits Times.

“We were all tearing up. His speech was very emotional.

“It got us to think that we were playing for something bigger than ourselves. It’s for the school and for the seniors who lost last year.”

Coach Adrian Chong, who called Jeremiah one of his best players, said: “I’m very happy that the boys crossed the hurdle today.

“We took our chances better and they had a little bit more belief in themselves today.

“I think they really did it for Jeremiah.”

No. 8 Isaac Kong, who scored ACS(I)’s second and final try, added: “He’s an amazing player and a very good teammate to us all. It feels awesome that we were able to play our hearts out for him.

“It really was very personal to us and very emotional that we got the win for Jeremiah.”

From the whistle, the ACS(I) boys were out to avenge their 2023 defeat.

A fiery start saw them convert a penalty kick in the fourth minute before St Andrew’s answered with two of their own.

But six minutes before the interval, ACS(I) fullback Iestyn John burst through a wave of blue and white to score the game’s first try.

His team held a 10-6 lead after a successful conversion.

Iestyn, 14, said: “The first half was one of the hardest I’ve ever played in my life. It was very tough and tiring.”

With 16 minutes to play, Isaac scored the second try to make it 15-6 before St Andrew’s Lloyd Ong answered with another try five minutes later.

A chaotic final five minutes saw both teams exchanging possession, but ACS(I) held out for the victory which cued frenzied celebrations.

Secondary 4 student Isaac, who missed the 2023 final due to injury, added: “It feels like we are taking revenge for our teammates last year. I was absolutely thrilled to score the second try because I knew it would put us in the lead and it just feels amazing.”

The outpouring of joy continued for ACS(I) in the A Division boys’ final, as their seniors sealed a ninth straight title with a 20-12 win over RI. It was the seventh consecutive time both schools had met in the final.

Tries from ACS(I) vice-captain Ryan Hia, Jedd Tan and Javier Ling propelled them to the win.

With 10 minutes to play, ACS(I) held a slender 8-7 advantage but Jedd and Javier scored two tries in the 51st and 55th minute respectively to put the tie beyond doubt.

Jedd, who recovered from an elbow tendon injury to play in the final, said: “It was very tense. I thought we might actually lose if they scored a try. But the moment I started breaking through, I knew the game was over.”

ACS(I) captain Isaac Chow said his team had watched New Zealand win the HSBC SVNS Singapore at the same venue over the weekend, before claiming victory themselves a day later.

He added: “Their game was also quite close, 17-14 in the final. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s my last time for AC having played 12 years and it means a lot to end on a high.”

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The Strange Ritual of Commencement Speeches

Where everything and nothing is at stake

They appear every spring, like crocuses or robins or perhaps black flies: commencement addresses. Thousands of them, across the country and across the variety of American higher education—two-year schools, four-year schools, small colleges, universities both public and private, schools of every kind. And they will appear again, despite how unusual this spring has been. Many campuses have been roiled by protests about the war in Gaza, and some institutions will curtail graduation ceremonies. But the members of this undergraduate class, who had their high-school graduations shut down by COVID in 2020, have long looked forward to a second chance at a commencement ceremony. Over the next month or so, even in the face of disruptions or cancellations, commencement addresses will be delivered to about 4 million students earning some kind of college degree.

Most of these addresses will pass into oblivion. It is a cliché for commencement speakers to open their remarks by confessing that they remember nothing about their own graduation: They have forgotten not just what was said, but who said it. Yet even if most commencement addresses prove far from memorable, the press and public eagerly anticipate them. News stories appear throughout the winter and early spring announcing who will speak where. Then, when the speakers have spoken, journalists and commentators rush to judge which should be considered the year’s best.

A few speeches are anointed as classics to be visited or revisited for years. Admiral William McRaven’s 2014 address at the University of Texas at Austin has had more than 60 million YouTube viewers, all eager to learn the 10 takeaways from his Navy SEAL training. Thousands of Americans likely hear echoes in their head every morning of his promise that if you “make your bed,” it will change your life. More than 60 million people have also watched Steve Jobs’s Stanford University speech from 2005, which eerily anticipates his own death and urges graduates to “ follow your heart .” J. K. Rowling’s 2008 Harvard talk about failure and imagination has attracted tens of millions of viewers, as has David Foster Wallace’s 2005 Kenyon College address, “ This Is Water. ” All of these also ended up in print as well, designed to make attractive gifts. Admiral McRaven’s book became a New York Times No. 1 best seller. When Wallace died, in 2008, The Wall Street Journal republished the speech in his memory.

Read: A commencement address too honest to deliver in person

Commencement greatest hits reach well beyond these chart-toppers. Time , The New York Times , The Washington Post , Slate , Elle , and countless other outlets run articles each year on the season’s winners. “Looking for some new words of wisdom?” NPR asks on its website. The headline of its online database lists the 350 “Best Commencement Speeches, Ever” in alphabetical order (but, curiously, by first name), from Aaron Sorkin to Zubin Damania. Can all 350 really be the “best”?

The assumption behind commencement speeches seems to be that even as graduates don their black robes and mortarboards, they don’t yet know quite enough. They must await, or perhaps endure, some final instruction, absorb some last missing life lesson, before they can be safely launched into what their education has supposedly prepared them for. Almost always these days, this instructional capstone is delivered by someone outside the institution, someone expected to have insight that extends beyond a university’s walls—perhaps representing a first step in the students’ transition into the “real world.” Many colleges and universities try to attract the most famous person they can. As graduation season approaches, speaker announcements take on the hallmarks of a competition: Which institutions did President Barack Obama choose for his three or four addresses each year? Who snagged Oprah Winfrey? Or Taylor Swift?

Seeking a famous speaker may, on one level, represent an unseemly preoccupation with celebrity. But it fits the logic of the occasion. What better time to hear from someone who is regarded as, at least in some way, distinguished? Someone who has led what an institution perceives to be an inspiring and successful life? Yet even before our present moment of cancel culture and partisanship, university leaders have had to worry about selecting a speaker who might spark disruptions in a ceremony meant to be a celebration. High Point University, in North Carolina, which in 2005 welcomed Rudy Giuliani—admired in the aftermath of 9/11 as “America’s mayor”—presumably would not make that choice again today. Every spring sees its complement of speakers who are protested, heckled, or disinvited.

Speakers, in turn, are attracted by a prestigious invitation, or perhaps by the presence of a child or grandchild in the graduating class—and, at times, by the offer of a substantial honorarium. Some institutions, though a minority, pay their speakers what can be hefty sums. One agent who represents a portfolio of prominent entertainers observed that fees for graduation speakers may go as high as $500,000. “Universities are vying for customers in the form of admissions, and this can be a great way to advertise and get people on campus,” she explained . When Matthew McConaughey’s $135,000 honorarium from the University of Houston was made public by inquisitive journalists in 2015, he quickly assured critics that he had donated it to charity. The Boston Globe touched off a small scandal when it reported the same year that three state schools had paid speakers $25,000 to $35,000 each.

Serving as a commencement speaker is not all glory. Usually the honored guest must perform as the centerpiece of the lunches, dinners, and meet and greets that surround the actual ceremony. And of course there is the speech. Someone has to write it. It seems unimaginable that anyone other than David Foster Wallace could have created “This Is Water,” and Kenyon students remember seeing him surrounded by sheets of paper, inking in edits and scribbling addenda right up to the start of the ceremony. At Harvard, J. K. Rowling opened her remarks by admitting to the months of anxiety she experienced as she wrote her address. At least, she noted, her worries had resulted in her losing weight. Rowling’s speech was greeted with a two-minute standing ovation. Yet she vowed never to give a commencement address again.

Many speeches are composed by someone other than the person who utters the words. Commencement speeches are not just a cultural ritual; they are an industry. A former Obama speechwriter told me recently that the springtime atmosphere at the Washington, D.C., public-affairs and communications firm where he now works is like the high-pressure environment of an accounting firm during tax season. Some of the market comprises regular clients, but a number of customers are one-offs. A lot of speechwriters hate doing commencement speeches, he said; they find it nearly impossible to come up with something fresh and compelling. These addresses, he went on, are unlike other genres of speeches, which tend to focus on the speaker. A commencement address has to be about the graduates: It is their day. Getting the “trite ideas out”—Pursue your passions! Turn failure into opportunity!—can be the first step toward “shaking loose” an idea, an angle that is distinctive to a particular speaker, place, and moment.

In any given year, a speaker in high demand will deliver addresses at several colleges and universities. Barack Obama gave 23 graduation speeches during his presidency. In principle, these speeches should not be the same; each audience, each institution, each graduate wants to feel special. Besides, in this digital age, you are going to get caught. When word got around, in advance of his 2005 Class Day speech at Harvard, that the Meet the Press host Tim Russert sometimes recycled his remarks, students at Harvard passed around bingo cards printed with some of his favorite phrases and encouraged attendees to play.

Senator Chuck Schumer doesn’t care about being caught. He loves graduations, and shows up, sometimes unannounced—perhaps even uninvited, though none of his hosts has ever said so—at as many as eight commencement ceremonies across the state of New York every year. He delivers the same speech every time. A student complained on a Reddit thread that he had heard the speech five times in six years—at his high-school, college, and graduate-school commencements, and at his sister’s high-school and college ceremonies. “OH F****,” his long-suffering family finally proclaimed, “NOT AGAIN.” (Perhaps, another Reddit contributor suggested, the graduates could arrange to do a sing-along.) When John Oliver, the host of HBO’s Last Week Tonight , learned about Senator Schumer’s springtime follies, he couldn’t resist showing clips of him saying exactly the same thing year after year after year, with the same verbal sound effects and hand gestures—an “endless graduation-speech time loop.”

The peril of graduation speeches is that, however hard you struggle, you are in danger of repeating not just yourself but every person who has ever given one. Asked to generate a commencement address, ChatGPT produces a script that sounds like every speech you’ve ever heard, because it is in fact just that: a distillation of everything everyone has ever said, or at least everything that ChatGPT has found available in its training data. Graduates should practice resilience, pursue purpose, nurture relationships, embrace change, innovate, accept their responsibility to lead, and persevere as they embark on their journey into “a world of infinite possibilities.”

Read: What John F. Kennedy’s moon speech reveals 50 years later

We have all heard this speech. We’ll hear versions of it again this spring. But we hope for something better, and we’ll scour newspapers and the internet to see if it has been delivered somewhere. We ask powerful, accomplished people to stand before us and, for a moment, present a different self—to open up, become vulnerable, be reflective, let us see inside. What is a meaningful life, and how do I live one? These are questions that are customarily reserved for late nights in undergraduate dormitories, for the years before the at-once tedious and terrifying burdens of Real Life—careers, mortgages, children, aging bodies, disappointed hopes—overtake us.

Everything and nothing is at stake in a commencement address. Maybe you have already heard it eight times. Maybe there was nothing worth hearing in the first place. But perhaps you will encounter a speaker who, even in this tumultuous spring, can reach across the chasm of innocence and experience separating graduates and the person talking to them. The old endeavor to imagine themselves young and look through fresh eyes again; the young begin to imagine themselves old, as they will become all too soon.

The best commencement address is a gift—of self and of hope across generations. It is not surprising that these speeches so rarely succeed. The surprise should be when they do. Innocence can only faintly imagine experience. No generation can really explain to another what is to come. And experience can never recapture innocence, however wistful we may be for what has been lost. The beauty of commencement speeches is that they represent a moment when we try.

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Three Wheeling Park High School Seniors Named National Merit Scholars

photo by: Joselyn King

Wheeling Park High School seniors Grant Kenamond, left, Kathryn Prather, and Ryan Linder celebrate as each were named National Merit Scholars on Wednesday. Kenamond and Prather each will receive $2,500 scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, and Linder was awarded a corporate National Merit Scholarship through Westlake Chemical, which has a site in Proctor.

WHEELING — They’ve grown up together, studied together and competed together. Sometimes they’ve even had to compete against each other.

Now the high school careers of Wheeling Park High School seniors Grant Kenamond, Kathryn Prather and Ryan Linder are coming to an end, and they are all National Merit Scholars.

The National Merit Scholarship Program on Wednesday announced Kenamond and Prather as 2024 Merit Scholars, with each receiving a $2,500 scholarship. They are also both U.S. Presidential Scholar semifinalists.

Linder, meanwhile, received a corporate National Merit Scholarship sponsored by Westlake Chemical, which has a local plant in Natrium near Proctor.

Kenamond and Prather have known each other since they were students at Woodsdale Elementary School, and they befriended Linder in sixth grade at Triadelphia Middle School.

All three students were members of the WPHS Regional Science Bowl team that finished in third place in state competition this year, but they explained Linder’s ability in singing almost got them disqualified from the tournament.

Both All-State Choir and the Science Bowl competitions were both happening at the same time in Morgantown “about 10 to 15 minutes away,” Linder explained.

Prather continued that Linder had been told he could leave to sing with the choir, then return to compete at the Science Bowl. However, when he returned, they wouldn’t let him come back in.

That is when Prather’s father, John Prather, stepped up to his defense.

“My dad took it upon himself to make sure the rule was straightened out, and that we weren’t facing any penalties through Ryan,” Prather explained.

The students have known each other for most of their scholastic careers. They acknowledged while there has been some competition between them, it has also made them better students and stronger achievers.

“I wouldn’t call it a feud. It’s more like camaraderie between us,” Linder said. “Of course, we’re on the same science bowl team.

“These two have been racing each other ever since I met them in sixth grade and the three of us have been at the top of a lot of academic stuff, all these years.”

Prather added “we have to get along.”

“We’re always stuck with each other,” she said. “It’s really annoying if you train to win the state Quiz Bowl and you don’t like your team. That’s not fun.”

There’s definitely “friendly competition” among the three, Kenamond continued.

“And I think that’s a good thing because it makes all of us better,” he explained. “Obviously, there are team things where we work together, but then there are other facets when we get the urge to beat the other person in individual stuff.”

“I would say without having you two around, I wouldn’t do as much as I do right now,” Prather added. “I would be doing more than anyone else, so why do more?

“I wonder if any of us would have won this award if we had grown up by ourselves. … It’s a lot easier to have people around you who care, because it helps you care.”

– Kenamond plans to attend Purdue University and major in chemical engineering.

He served as division leader of WPHS debate team and this year won first place in the West Virginia Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the state competition. Last month, he also was the first Ohio County student to win first place at the State Math Field Day, and last year he served as captain of the West Virginia State Math Team.

He was a national qualifier to the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad, and a two-time qualifier for the North American Computational Linguistics Open Competition.

Kenamond plays violin and piano, and is a member of the WPHS Orchestra. He also is a member of the school’s tennis and quiz bowl teams.

Last December, he was awarded the West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission academic achievement award for community service.

He is noted for his tutoring abilities, and he will have a side job now as a tutor with the Prep Expert company.

– Prather is set to attend Johns Hopkins University as an “undecided” engineering major.

A soccer player, she received top honors as the 2023-24 Female Athlete in the WVSSAC academic competition. She is a four-year varsity soccer player at WPHS, with her team having won the AAA Girls’ Soccer State Championship in 2020. She is also a volunteer soccer coach with Wheeling Area Soccer Association (WASA), where she has been head coach for three youth teams.

She is the principal cellist of WPHS orchestra, and has been a member of All-State Orchestra – playing both cello and viola.

Prather is captain of WPHS’s Quiz Bowl team, and a member of the school’s speech and debate team. She is also a three year member of West Virginia’s state team for mathematics, which competes nationally at American Regions Mathematics League (ARML). She interned in materials engineering at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C. last summer.

This summer, she plans to help out her grandparents in Minnesota before starting college.

– Linder has decided to attend West Virginia University, where he will major in exercise physiology and perhaps attend medical school.

At WPHS, he was known for his work in broadcasting classes, and for assisting the school’s athletic department with announcing during games.

He sees himself someday maybe being a “medical correspondent” on news shows.

Linder is a member of the WPHS basketball and golf teams, as well as the concert choir and Young Patriots choir. His singing ability got him selected to sing bass for the West Virginia’s All-State Choir.

Linder indicated he hopes to stay in West Virginia after obtaining his medical degree.

Kenamond and Prather both said they would like to come back to the state with their engineering degrees, but they aren’t certain the opportunities will be there for them to do that.

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Live: Graduate Commencement

Looking for the undergraduate commencement? View the livestream

• Undergraduate commencement ceremony is underway.
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@northeasternu Proud TikTok guy 🥹 #classof2024 #gradszn #commencement #northeastern ♬ original sound – thisiszohair

Congratulations to all the graduates!

The exit: Pep Band plays ‘All Hail Northeastern’

The university leaders depart the stage as the graduates and their onlooking guests celebrate. 

The Northeastern Pep Band plays “All Hail Northeastern,” followed by recessional music.

The sensational morning ceremony continues as graduates and guests meet and celebrate just outside the ballpark on Jersey Street.

Congratulations to all the graduates! We will resume our live commentary at 2 p.m. in advance of the undergraduate ceremony.

The finale performance: Rock and pep bands, dance crews and more

After the Nor’easters’ performance of the alma mater, the last phase of the show is under way. 

Other finale performers include:

• Commencement Rock Band under the direction of Junauro Landgrebe
• Northeastern University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Allen Feinstein
• Northeastern University Pep Band, under the direction of Allison Betsold
• Kinematix Dance Troupe
• Revolve Dance Crew
• Kaliente Dance Group
• New England Bhangra Club
• Stepping On Another Level
• Northeastern University Cheerleading

We'll be fans wherever you go next! Congratulations to all of our graduates! pic.twitter.com/V0f8D1g0Km — Northeastern Huskies (@GoNUathletics) May 5, 2024

Northeastern banner drops from the Green Monster

President Aoun moves to the podium to confer degrees.

Provost Madigan then introduces Megan Carter and Diane Nishigaya MacGillivray, senior vice president for university advancement.

“As I shared in my earlier remarks, it’s so important to surround yourself with the right people – to build a team you can lean on and learn from,” Carter says. “I’d like to think of this alumni community as just that. When I need a connection, advice, or encouragement, this is a network that has my back wherever my journey takes me. Class of 2024, welcome to the best team I’ve ever been part of!”

After the playing of an alumni video, Carter and MacGillivray shout, “Let’s get it started!” 

The Nor’easters sing a rendition of the alma mater. 

And a Northeastern banner drops from the Green Monster. It says, “Congrats Huskies!”

It’s your time to shine ✨ #NU2024 ! pic.twitter.com/aWnvdEoOab — Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) May 5, 2024

Deans ask the graduates from their colleges to rise

Provost Madigan presents the degrees in course.

“Mr. President,” he says, “it is my privilege to report to you that the candidates assembled here have qualified in all respects for the degrees in course. They have successfully completed curricula offered by the several schools and colleges of Northeastern University and have been recommended by the faculty and the council of deans to be awarded appropriate degrees in recognition of their academic accomplishments.”

One by one, the deans ask the graduates from their colleges to rise, declaring that they have qualified in all respects for their Northeastern degrees:

• Dean Gregory Abowd, College of Engineering
• Dunton Family Dean, David De Cremer, D’Amore McKim School of Business
• Dean Carmen Sceppa, Bouve’ College of Health Sciences
• Dean Elizabeth Mynatt, Khoury College of Computer Sciences
• Dean Elizabeth Hudson, College of Arts, Media and Design
• Dean Hazel Sive, College of Science
• Dean Kellee Tsai, College of Social Sciences and Humanities

Aoun: ‘Smart machines are powerful — but you outperform them in what matters’

“You might notice a theme here: These lessons are about engaging with the world in ways that are decidedly human,” Aoun says. “Smart machines are powerful — but you outperform them in what matters.

“A machine is limited to its data set. When ChatGPT hallucinates or gives wrong answers, it cannot reflect and change its mind. This can be dangerous.

“You, on the other hand, understand when to pivot and try a new approach. You understand how to listen to new ideas and viewpoints — and perhaps shift your thinking in the process.

“You have honed these uniquely human skills in your classrooms and on your co-ops. Your Northeastern experiences have given you the knowledge and the confidence to shape a better future together.

“Remember that your Northeastern community is incredibly precious. Wherever you go in the world, it will be there to extend a hand when you stumble and to cheer your triumphs.

“So nurture your Northeastern connections. They will give you the strength to achieve wonders. Northeastern will help you realize your dreams. Class of 2024, congratulations!”

Aoun: ‘I’d like to quote that famous 21st century philosopher Taylor Swift’

“ For my second lesson,” Aoun says, “I’d like to quote that famous 21st century philosopher Taylor Swift. In one of her earlier recordings, she sang: ‘How can a person know everything at 18 but nothing at 22.’

“I love that lyric. It reminds us that no matter how much we learn, knowledge is infinite. Wisdom begins with realizing how much we don’t know.

“So my final lesson is: Knowledge is a moving target. It wasn’t long ago that people thought the continents didn’t shift and atoms couldn’t be split. Until recently, nobody imagined that dinosaurs had feathers.

“The truth is, settled facts aren’t always settled. The established wisdom may prove, at some point, to be neither established nor wise.

“We live in a world of boundless fascination and endless change. Learning has no endpoint. It is in perpetual motion.”

Use the tools of your Northeastern education, Aoun suggesta.

“Perhaps it was a research project that set loose your curiosity. Or a co-op in which you first found your true calling.

“When we learn about the world, we also learn about ourselves. We come to understand who we really are. Of course, enlightenment is a temporary state. Just keep in mind that there is always more to discover. Humans are lifelong learners.”

Aoun: Graduates will be at the forefront of the AI revolution

Aoun welcomes everyone to the Northeastern family.

“You come from 122 countries, you speak dozens of languages and multiple ethnicities. 

Aoun says the Northeastern graduates will be at the forefront of the AI revolution. 

“As graduate students, you discovered knowledge, published in scholarly journals, and invented solutions that will change the world,” Aoun says. “You excelled in ways that only humans can.”

Aoun adds two more lessons to the commencement address. 

“Some of you might know that in August, I broke my knee,” Aoun says, “I had a fantastic physical therapist from our Bouvé College. He taught me something that may seem counterintuitive.

“It’s my first lesson today: When you’re feeling broken, keep moving. It turns out that rest is overrated. To heal as fast as possible, you need healthy movement. Doctors call this active recovery.

“It’s a great metaphor for life. You’ll sometimes take a wrong step. You’ll stumble. You might even crash. When this happens, it’s easy to feel discouraged. To withdraw. To stop moving.

“But that’s precisely the moment to apply the most energy. Get up and try again. Follow a different path. Summon the courage to move in a whole new direction.

“You can find opportunity, even when things go wrong. And when you push through the challenge, you’ll be surprised by your resilience. Never stop moving forward.”

Panchanathan: Collaboration and convergence

“All great things happen with true collaboration,” Panchanathan says, urging the students to tackle the world’s problems by engaging with people from other disciplines.

Collaboration and convergence require communication. Panchanathan, speaking with great energy, says he communicates with everyone who crosses his path, including Uber drivers. 

In conclusion, Panchanathan explores the meaning of HUSKY: H for humanity, U for understanding, S for service, K for knowledge and Y for you.

“It is about you,” Panchanathan says. “It is going to come through you, by you, from you.”

The nation has “unbelieve potential,” Panchanathan says, referring to the graduates as “the fortunate ones.”

Panchanathan: ‘Make sure you have the courage’

Panchanathan says his first spark of curiosity came as an 8-year-old at the U.S. consulate in Chennai, India, where he saw the Apollo 11 moon rocks. 

“Somebody built an amazing machine with people who brought down these rocks,” he says.

Panchanathan notes that NSF is funding Northeastern research by David Bau into artificial intelligence and large language models.

He adds that courage will be part of the lifelong equation for the graduates. 

“This courage should transcend all the obstacles,” he says. “Make sure you have the courage.”

Panchanathan shares a story of David Hayden, a student of his who was legally blind and was unable to see the classroom board.

Panchanathan provided Hayden with the resources to design a solution. 

“He took the challenge,” Panchanathan says of Hayden, who designed a camera that connected to his laptop and allowed him to see the board on his screen. Hayden went on to win many awards, Panchanathan says, all because he had the courage to take a risk.

Panchanathan: There will be a quiz at the end of my speech

Panchanathan says jovially that in his own academic career, he has been unable to remember anything from the commencement speeches he has heard over the years. With that in mind, he says, there will be a quiz at the end of this speech.

He begins by discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic enforced a sense of change that was embraced by the Northeastern students.

“How do I do this?” he asks rhetorically. 

It comes down to the spirit of curiosity. 

“We are explorers,” he says. “We are constantly exploring the environment in our life. The curiosity to explore should never, ever be extinguished.”

Honorary degree for Sethuraman Panchanathan

Richard D’Amore, chairman of the Board of Trustees, presents Sethuraman Panchanathan with an honorary doctor of science degree. Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, will be giving the commencement speech in a moment.

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, was named director of the National Science Foundation in June 2020. The NSF, which has a budget of about $9.5 billion, is an independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation and STEM education in the United States.

Elizabeth Mynatt, dean of the Khoury College of Computer Sciences, describes Panchanathan as a “transformative leader in science and technology, standard-bearer for innovation partnerships, champion for diversity and inclusion in STEM.

“As a world-renowned researcher in artificial intelligence, you were propelled by two guiding principles: that scientific and technological innovations should empower human creativity, and that solutions to the world’s urgent problems demand the integration of creative voices from every part of the human chorus,” Mynatt continues. 

“As the director of the National Science Foundation, you apply those principles through transformative initiatives that dramatically elevate our society’s problem-solving powers while ensuring that innovations empower all of humankind.

“In recognition of a leader who is unleashing the human capacity to create in service of a healthier, sustainable, and more secure world, Northeastern University is pleased to bestow upon you the honorary degree of doctor of science.”

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun formally introduces Panchanathan.

Megan Carter shares lessons learned from hockey career

Carter, who was greeted by chants of her name (similar to those heard at Matthews Arena), begins her speech by revealing that she has “officially declared for the Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft in hopes of achieving another lifelong dream of mine.”

Carter, who is expected to be a high pick in the PWHL Draft next month, says her athletic experiences have provided her with two lessons as she looks ahead to her post-hockey career as a doctor.

“The first lesson: Build a ‘get to’ mindset — seeing challenges as an opportunity instead of an obligation,” says Carter, who as team captain helped the Huskies overcome a disappointing 8-8 start on their way to returning to the Hockey East championship game.

“We went on to have 17 wins — nine of them battling in overtime or shootout — making our way back to the Hockey East Championship game,” Carter says. “And we also won the first-ever women’s Beanpot tournament at TD Garden in front of a record-breaking 10,633 fans.”

Her second lesson? Build a team that you can lean on and learn from.

“As a team captain, there were points when I felt that I had to take on the weight of the world,” Carter says. “But by surrounding myself with the right people, my perspective was broadened, and the process became more enjoyable. Learn to recognize who these people are in your life.”

Chancellor Henderson introduces student speaker Megan Carter

Ken Henderson, chancellor and senior vice president for learning, introduces student speaker and double Husky Megan Carter. 

Carter, a star of the Northeastern women’s hockey team, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology last year and is graduating this year with a master’s in human movement and rehabilitation.

“As a graduate student, Megan served as president of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee,” Henderson says. 

“Megan also was a defensive star on the women’s ice hockey team this season, earning multiple accolades including the Rowlands Award, the Hockey East Defender of the Year Award for the second year running, a New England Division One All-Star recognition, and an invitation to Canada’s National Women’s Team Camp.”

Captain of the women’s hockey team, Megan Carter, will speak at @Northeastern ’s graduate commencement ceremony this morning. Read more about the @GoNUwhockey star ahead of her speech: https://t.co/Ewy4vwHDPv — Northeastern Global News (@NUGlobalNews) May 5, 2024

Provost David Madigan congratulates the graduates

David Madigan, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, recognizes all who have contributed to this moment.

“Graduates, please rise to thank your families, partners, and friends for all they have done to help you reach this moment. Let’s give them a round of applause,” he says.

“And let us thank the Northeastern faculty and staff who supported you. Give them a round of applause, too.

“And, finally, Class of 2024, give yourselves a big round of applause. You have earned it.”

He continues:

“Your class has risen above every challenge and surpassed every measure of achievement — in the lab, through experiential opportunities, in collaborating with your mentors and classmates and in the solutions-oriented way you approach your research and scholarship.

“Your achievements underscore why our graduates are renowned and pursued by leading organizations and innovators worldwide. As scholars, leaders, entrepreneurs, artists and community citizens, you have not only reached new heights of excellence but also set a benchmark for future generations.”

Color guard, national anthem and Center for Spirituality

Chief marshal Christopher Bosso asks the graduates and their guests to stand as he introduces the color guard from Liberty Battalion, the ROTC command that is hosted by Northeastern.

Olivia Neville, a College of Science graduate, performs a beautiful rendition of the national anthem.

Bosso introduces Alex Levering Kern, director of the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service.

“We gather today as people of many global faiths and secular traditions of conscience,” Kern says. “Before I offer our vocal prayer, please join me in a moment of silence so that each of us may reflect in our own way upon the year just past and the magnificent sweetness of this day.”

Faculty take the field, followed by President Aoun

The faculty procession is under way. It will be followed by an announcement that the party of President Joseph E. Aoun is entering the ballpark and advancing onto the stage. 

There are Northeastern touches throughout Fenway. Home plate has been covered by the university seal and the pitcher’s mound features a Northeastern logo. Northeastern banners are beaming from many of the scoreboards, including # Like A Husky on the left field wall.

David A. Thomas is the undergraduate speaker

David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College , is the speaker for this afternoon’s undergraduate commencement.

Prior to taking the helm at Morehouse — a historically Black, men’s college in Atlanta — Thomas was a professor and dean at Harvard, Georgetown and the University of Pennsylvania. He’s led successful capital campaigns and consulted for corporations, nonprofits and governments around the world.

David A. Thomas, president of Morehouse College, to speak at Northeastern’s undergraduate commencement at Boston’s Fenway Park. https://t.co/Amxu57RLOm — Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) May 4, 2024

Welcome to Fenway, America’s oldest ballpark

Did you know that Fenway Park opened in 1912, one week after the sinking of the Titanic? Ever since then it has served as the home field of the Boston Red Sox (as well as the host of a variety of concerts as well as myriad sporting and cultural events).

The park has been refurbished and updated countless times while retaining the eccentric charm of its famed left-field wall (known as the Green Monster) and the jutting angles of its walls — all part of a ballpark that was squeezed into an urban neighborhood.

Prior to 2022, Northeastern held commencement at TD Garden before moving to the open-air environment of Fenway — which enables a larger number of guests to celebrate graduation.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @northeastern

Every mortarboard has a story. Check out these…

As is often the tradition, seniors celebrate commencement by showcasing their individuality and creativity on their mortarboards.

In anticipation of today’s big day, we caught up with a few students as they customized their caps .

One grad even evoked the words of the new queen of pop herself, Taylor Swift.

Mascots, selfies, high-fives and the best seats in the park

Students are waving at the livestream cameras as they enter the ballpark. Many are carrying flags. The mascots, Paws and Wally, are high-fiving grads and posing for selfies with them. 

On their way to their seats many grads are turning to point to their guests in the red seats of the Fenway grandstands. The most popular seats appear to be near the foul poles on each side of the ballpark. 

After the ceremony, the graduates will leave Fenway Park and gather with their many “fans” on Jersey Street.

Commencements also planned for our global campuses

Over 50,000 people are expected to fill Fenway Park for today’s graduate and undergraduate ceremonies. Commencements are also planned for Northeastern’s global campuses, including Seattle, Silicon Valley and Vancouver this week.

The Oakland campus held its commencement last week with graduating senior Samantha Onate addressing her fellow graduates.

“The pandemic introduced unprecedented obstacles to our college experience, yet through resilience and perseverance, we prevailed,” she said, adding “That’s a clapping moment.”

Chief marshal leads procession of graduates into Fenway

Chief marshal Christopher Bosso, carrying the university mace, is leading the student procession onto the field.

The outfield grass has been blanketed with a floor of white tiles. The graduates will be taking in their ceremony from eight sections of chairs facing the stage, marked by Northeastern logos and sandwiched by a pair of video boards.

Live music during this prelude will be provided by Majestic Brass, Wind Ensemble and the Northeastern Pep Band.

It’s going to take approximately 70 minutes for everyone to march in and be seated.

Ready for your Commencement close-up, #NU2024 ? King Husky sure is. pic.twitter.com/0ED7kPUsPR — Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) May 4, 2024

Hockey star Megan Carter is the graduate student speaker

Megan Carter is the student speaker for this morning’s graduate commencement.

The captain of the women’s hockey team, she helped Northeastern reach three NCAA Frozen Fours while earning dual degrees and completing two co-ops at Boston hospitals.

She expects to play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as a high draft pick next season, to be followed by a medical career.

Good morning, #NU2024 . Your big day is here! 📍 @fenwaypark pic.twitter.com/Jb9r1a0Idy — Northeastern U. (@Northeastern) May 5, 2024

The NSF director is the speaker for the graduate ceremony

National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan will be the speaker at this morning’s graduate commencement.

Panchanathan, a computer scientist and engineer, was named director of the NSF in June 2020. The NSF, which has a budget of about $9.5 billion, is an independent federal agency charged with advancing scientific discovery, technological innovation and STEM education in the United States.

Panchanathan is no stranger to Northeastern. He spoke at the grand opening of the university’s 357,000-square-foot EXP research complex in the fall.

Fenway Park is open and the pre-show is underway

The doors to Fenway Park are open. Guests are arriving through Gates A, D and E.

The concessions are also open and a slideshow of commencement week activities is playing on the Jumbotron in center field.

The emcees for the pre-show are Sebastian Chavez Da Silva and Kelsey Hanle, both 2024 College of Engineering graduates.

Northeastern’s Kinematix Dance Troupe and Revolve Dance Crew are joined on the field by the New England Bhangra Club, Rangila & NakhRAAS and Kaliente Dance Group.

Of course, Paws and Wally, everyone’s favorite mascots, are interacting with guests and students.

@northeasternu bro thought commencement was the nba finals or somethin #commencement #gradszn #classof2024 #northeastern ♬ original sound – Northeastern

Welcome to Northeastern’s 122nd commencement!

The long-awaited day has arrived. Welcome to Northeastern University’s 122nd commencement.

The graduate ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. and the undergraduate ceremony at 4 p.m.

Northeastern Global News is here at Fenway Park providing live updates throughout the day.

The graduate ceremony will feature addresses by National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan and student Megan Carter.

The undergraduate ceremony will feature addresses by Morehouse College President David A. Thomas and student Rebecca Bamidele.

Northeastern President Joseph E. Aoun. will deliver remarks in the morning and afternoon.

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David French

Colleges Have Gone off the Deep End. There Is a Way Out.

By David French

Opinion Columnist

I had my head in a law book when I heard the drums. That was the sound of the first campus protest I ever experienced. I’d come to Harvard Law School in the fall of 1991 as a graduate of a small, very conservative Christian college in Nashville. Many of my college classmates had passionate religious and political commitments, but street protest was utterly alien to the Christian culture of the school. We were rule followers, and public protest looked a bit too much like anarchy for our tastes.

But Harvard was different. The law school was every bit as progressive as my college was conservative, and protest was part of the fabric of student life, especially then. This is the era when a writer for GQ magazine, John Sedgwick, called the law school “ Beirut on the Charles ” because it was torn apart by disputes over race and sex. There were days when campus protests were festive, almost celebratory. There were other days when the campus was seething with rage and fury.

That first protest was in support of faculty diversity, and it was relatively benign. I walked outside and followed the sound of the drums. A group of roughly 100 protesters was marching in front of the law school library, and soon they were joined by an allied group of similar size from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. I watched as they danced, sang and listened to speeches by student activists and sympathetic professors. That first protest had an angry edge, but it was also completely peaceful and endlessly fascinating to a kid from a small town in Kentucky who’d never seen a drum circle before.

But things soon got worse, much worse. Protests got more unruly, and student activists got more aggressive. The entire campus was in a state of conflict. In Sedgwick’s words, students were “waging holy war on one another.” Small groups of students occupied administrative offices, and angry activists shouted down their political opponents in class and often attempted to intimidate them outside class. I was shouted down repeatedly, and twice I received disturbing handwritten notes in my campus mailbox in response to my anti-abortion advocacy. My student peers told me to “go die.”

Watching the protests and experiencing the shout-downs changed the course of my career. I was both enthralled by the power of protest and repulsed by the efforts to silence dissenters. Given the immense cultural influence of American higher education, I agreed with the Supreme Court’s famous words in the 1957 case Sweezy v. New Hampshire : “Teachers and students must always remain free to inquire, to study and to evaluate, to gain new maturity and understanding; otherwise, our civilization will stagnate and die.” Those words, combined with my own negative encounters at Harvard, helped define my legal career. From that point forward, I would defend free speech.

It’s been more than 30 years since that first campus protest, and over that time I’ve seen countless protests, I’ve defended countless protesters — and I’ve even been protested against at several schools. In the course of those cases and confrontations, I’ve learned that the issue of campus protest is remarkably complex and that campus culture is at least as important as law and policy in setting the boundaries of debate.

There is profound confusion on campus right now around the distinctions among free speech, civil disobedience and lawlessness. At the same time, some schools also seem confused about their fundamental academic mission. Does the university believe it should be neutral toward campus activism — protecting it as an exercise of the students’ constitutional rights and academic freedoms but not cooperating with student activists to advance shared goals — or does it incorporate activism as part of the educational process itself, including by coordinating with the protesters and encouraging their activism?

The simplest way of outlining the ideal university policy toward protest is to say that it should protect free speech, respect civil disobedience and uphold the rule of law. That means universities should protect the rights of students and faculty members on a viewpoint-neutral basis, and they should endeavor to make sure that every member of the campus community has the same access to campus facilities and resources.

That also means showing no favoritism among competing ideological groups in access to classrooms, in the imposition of campus penalties and in access to educational opportunities. All groups should have equal rights to engage in the full range of protected speech, including by engaging in rhetoric that’s hateful to express and painful to hear. Public chants like “Globalize the intifada” may be repugnant to many ears, but they’re clearly protected by the First Amendment at public universities and by policies protecting free speech and academic freedom at most private universities.

Still, reasonable time, place and manner restrictions are indispensable in this context. Time, place and manner restrictions are content-neutral legal rules that enable a diverse community to share the same space and enjoy equal rights.

Noise limits can protect the ability of students to study and sleep. Restricting the amount of time any one group can demonstrate on the limited open spaces on campus permits other groups to use the same space. If one group is permitted to occupy a quad indefinitely, for example, then that action by necessity excludes other organizations from the same ground. In that sense, indefinitely occupying a university quad isn’t simply a form of expression; it also functions as a form of exclusion. Put most simply, student groups should be able to take turns using public spaces, for an equal amount of time and during a roughly similar portion of the day.

Civil disobedience is distinct from First Amendment-protected speech. It involves both breaking an unjust law and accepting the consequences. There is a long and honorable history of civil disobedience in the United States, but true civil disobedience ultimately honors and respects the rule of law. In a 1965 appearance on “Meet the Press,” the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. described the principle perfectly: “When one breaks the law that conscience tells him is unjust, he must do it openly, he must do it cheerfully, he must do it lovingly, he must do it civilly — not uncivilly — and he must do it with a willingness to accept the penalty.”

But what we’re seeing on a number of campuses isn’t free expression, nor is it civil disobedience. It’s outright lawlessness. No matter the frustration of campus activists or their desire to be heard, true civil disobedience shouldn’t violate the rights of others. Indefinitely occupying a quad violates the rights of other speakers to use the same space. Relentless, loud protest violates the rights of students to sleep or study in peace. And when protests become truly threatening or intimidating, they can violate the civil rights of other students, especially if those students are targeted on the basis of their race, sex, color or national origin.

The result of lawlessness is chaos and injustice. Other students can’t speak. Other students can’t learn. Teachers and administrators can’t do their jobs.

In my experience as a litigator , campus chaos is frequently the result of a specific campus culture. Administrators and faculty members will often abandon any pretense of institutional neutrality and either cooperate with their most intense activist students or impose double standards that grant favored constituencies extraordinary privileges. For many administrators, the very idea of neutrality is repugnant. It represents a form of complicity in injustice that they simply can’t and won’t stomach. So they nurture and support one side. They scorn the opposition, adopting a de facto posture that says , “To my friends, everything; for my enemies, the law.”

I’ve experienced this firsthand. I vividly remember representing a campus Christian group in a dispute at Tufts University in 2000 . The group had been derecognized for requiring that student leaders of their group share that group’s traditional sexual ethic, which reserves sex for heterosexual marriage. You might disagree strongly with that view, but granting religious groups the flexibility to impose faith-based requirements on religious leaders fits squarely within the American tradition of free exercise of religion.

Tufts is a private university, so it has some flexibility in suppressing religious expression on campus, but it had no excuse for attempting to toss a Christian group from campus at the same time that it permitted acts of intimidation against those Christian students. For example, at the most contentious moment of the dispute, Tufts officials prevented my student clients and me from entering the hearing room where their appeal was being heard, while a crowd of protesters gathered in a darkened hallway, pressed up around us and herded us into a corner of the hall. There was no campus outrage at this act of intimidation. We saw no administrative response.

University complicity in chaos isn’t unusual. In a case I worked on when I was president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, we discovered that administrators at Washington State University’s Pullman campus had actually helped plan a disruptive protest against a play put on by a student director, an intentionally provocative show that mocked virtually every group on campus.

University or faculty participation in unlawful protest isn’t confined to the cases I worked on. At Oberlin College, administrative facilitation of ugly and defamatory student protests outside a local business ultimately cost the school $36 million in damages. At Columbia, hundreds of sympathetic faculty members staged their own protest in support of the student encampment on the quad, and there are reports that other faculty members have attempted to block members of the media from access to the student encampment.

None of this is new. All of it creates a culture of impunity for the most radical students. Disruptive protesters are rarely disciplined, or they get mere slaps on the wrist. They’re hailed as heroes by many of their professors. Administrators look the other way as protesters pitch their tents on the quad — despite clear violations of university policy. Then, days later, the same administrators look at the tent city on campus, wring their hands, and ask, “How did this spiral out of control?”

There is a better way . When universities can actually recognize and enforce the distinctions among free speech, civil disobedience and lawlessness, they can protect both the right of students to protest and the rights of students to study and learn in peace.

In March a small band of pro-Palestinian students at Vanderbilt University in Nashville pushed past a security guard so aggressively that they injured him , walked into a university facility that was closed to protest and briefly occupied the building. The university had provided ample space for protest, and both pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian students had been speaking and protesting peacefully on campus since Oct. 7.

But these students weren’t engaged in free speech. Nor were they engaged in true civil disobedience. Civil disobedience does not include assault, and within hours the university shut them down. Three students were arrested in the assault on the security guard, and one was arrested on charges of vandalism. More than 20 students were subjected to university discipline, three were expelled , and one was suspended.

The message was clear: Every student can protest, but protest has to be peaceful and lawful. In taking this action, Vanderbilt was empowered by its posture of institutional neutrality . It does not take sides in matters of public dispute. Its fundamental role is to maintain a forum for speech, not to set the terms of the debate and certainly not to permit one side to break reasonable rules that protect education and safety on campus.

Vanderbilt is not alone in its commitment to neutrality. The University of Chicago has long adhered to the Kalven principles , a statement of university neutrality articulated in 1967 by a committee led by one of the most respected legal scholars of the last century, Harry Kalven Jr. At their heart, the Kalven principles articulate the view that “the instrument of dissent and criticism is the individual faculty member or the individual student. The university is the home and sponsor of critics; it is not itself the critic. It is, to go back once again to the classic phrase, a community of scholars.”

Contrast Vanderbilt’s precise response with the opposing extremes. In response to the chaos at Columbia, the school is finishing the semester with hybrid classes, pushing thousands of students online. The University of Southern California canceled its main stage commencement ceremony , claiming that the need for additional safety measures made the ceremony impractical. At both schools the inability to guarantee safety and order has diminished the educational experience of their students.

While U.S.C. and Columbia capitulate, other schools have taken an excessively draconian approach. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas posted on X, “Students joining in hate-filled, antisemitic protests at any public college or university in Texas should be expelled.” On April 25 the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression sent a forceful letter to the president of the University of Texas at Austin condemning the display of force on campus. “U.T. Austin,” it wrote, “at the direction of Gov. Greg Abbott, appears to have pre-emptively banned peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters due solely to their views rather than for any actionable misconduct.”

At Emory University, footage emerged of police tackling a female professor who posed no obvious danger to the police or anyone else. Protests are almost always tense, and there is often no easy way to physically remove protesters from campus, but the video footage of the confrontation with the professor was shocking. It’s hard to conceive of a justification for the violent police response.

At this moment, one has the impression that university presidents at several universities are simply hanging on, hoping against hope that they can manage the crisis well enough to survive the school year and close the dorms and praying that passions cool over the summer.

That is a vain hope. There is no indication that the war in Gaza — or certainly the region — will be over by the fall. It’s quite possible that Israel will be engaged in full-scale war on its northern border against Hezbollah. And the United States will be in the midst of a presidential election that could be every bit as contentious as the 2020 contest.

But the summer does give space for a reboot. It allows universities to declare unequivocally that they will protect free speech, respect peaceful civil disobedience and uphold the rule of law by protecting the campus community from violence and chaos. Universities should not protect students from hurtful ideas, but they must protect their ability to peacefully live and learn in a community of scholars. There is no other viable alternative.

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David French is an Opinion columnist, writing about law, culture, religion and armed conflict. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and a former constitutional litigator. His most recent book is “Divided We Fall: America’s Secession Threat and How to Restore Our Nation .” You can follow him on Threads ( @davidfrenchjag ).