sample of principal speech on graduation day

Sample Speech by School Principal on Graduation Ceremony

Your excellence ____________, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, governing board members, school staff, parents, and honored guests, welcome to our 15th graduation ceremony.

Today marks both an end and a new beginning for our graduates. A time for parents to both honor their child’s accomplishments and a time to worry as they embark on their next journey.

But parents let me put your mind at ease, your child is very well prepared for whatever they choose to peruse after [School Name].

Through the education and the knowledge that they have, and most importantly the guidance, values and the love that you, the parents, have provided to your children, now they are ready to face any challenge.

Today we celebrate dedication and love. Parents, you must be proud of your child and yourselves. On behalf of the school and the students, I want to say: thank you.

Teachers, you have been a key element in the children’s education. Your unconditional support has inspired and encouraged them to achieve their best at [School Name]. Your planning, teaching, and encouraging have come to fruition. How proud you must be today to see your students with bags of good character, lifelong learning skills, and integrity. Your support and dedication cannot be stressed enough. None of this is possible without you. On behalf of the students and the parents, I want to say: thank you.

[School Name] is committed to creating an innovative and a creative education system and to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. We are keen to achieve excellence in education and to ensure relevance, quality, and balance among intellectual, and physical elements in the learning process.

Our mission is to empower and educate students though engaging them in positive student-centered education that balances academic excellence with physical, social and emotional well-being. Massive investments have been planned to create systems based on the requirements of the National Agenda. We are prepared today as we have always been.

Graduates, our warmth congratulations. Just 14 short years ago, you wondered into the kindergarten classroom to start your learning journey. Today, you are about to walk through the school gates as students for one last time.

You took all the knowledge and attention your parents provided and molded it into your own character, making you the fine young ladies and gentlemen that you are today.

Don’t you forget where you came from. Remember the foundation of your family and your society, build upon it and use it to guide you in everything that you do. Stick to the values, morals, and ethics that you were raised into and honor them in every day of your life.

Don’t focus on the negatives and the obstacles that prevent you from reaching your goals. Have a positive outlook at the world. It will make it easier for you to be successful.

I hope that each one of you finds themselves on a stage big enough to have great influence, proclaiming truth and fairness and making a significant difference to the world. From my part, I strongly believe that the future of our society is in very capable hands.

Don’t you ever give up and don’t be afraid of failure. It is ok to fail as long as you learn something from it. The only better thing better than winning, is losing then winning again. Try again, and again, and you shall find success.

Don’t worry if you still don’t know what you want from life. As a matter of fact, some of the most interesting and successful people that I know, still don’t. Life is a journey, and as long as you enjoy it and do what is good for you, your family, and your society, then you are on the right track.

Focus on your goals but don’t live by them. Don’t be afraid of change. Change is a fundamental aspect of our lives. What you want today may be different from what you want ten years from now. That is perfectly normal.

Everything is up for grabs and you can become anything that you desire. You can accomplish anything that you want. Nothing is impossible. We are so proud of what you have evolved to become. You have so much to offer to the world and we are eagerly waiting.

Congratulations to you and to your families. I wish each and every one of you the best of luck, success, and happiness.

sample of principal speech on graduation day

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6 Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Principal

Graduation ceremonies mark a significant milestone in students’ lives. As a principal, your words carry weight and can leave a lasting impact on graduates as they step into the next chapter of their journey. Your speech sets the tone for the entire event, inspiring not just the graduates but also their families and friends.

Crafting the perfect graduation speech can be challenging. How do you strike the right balance between reflection on the past and excitement for the future? What message will resonate with your audience and leave them feeling motivated and empowered? Let’s explore some sample speeches that hit the mark and provide insights to help you create a memorable address for your graduates.

Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Principal

These sample speeches showcase different approaches to addressing graduates, each tailored to specific themes and occasions.

Speech 1: Embracing Change and New Beginnings

Dear Class of [Year],

Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in your lives. You’ve worked hard, overcome challenges, and grown in ways you might not even realize yet. As you sit here, ready to receive your diplomas, take a moment to reflect on your journey.

You entered these halls as children, unsure of what lay ahead. Now, you leave as young adults, equipped with knowledge, skills, and experiences that will serve you well in the years to come. The future is vast and full of opportunities, but it can also be unpredictable. Welcome this uncertainty. Let it fuel your curiosity and drive you to keep learning and growing.

Think about the friendships you’ve forged, the lessons you’ve learned, and the memories you’ve created. These will be your foundation as you build your future. Be kind to yourselves and to others. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and always believe in your ability to make a difference.

As you step out into the future, carry with you the values we’ve instilled here – integrity, compassion, and perseverance. These will guide you through the ups and downs of life. Don’t be afraid to take risks, to fail, to get back up, and to try again. That’s how you’ll discover your true potential.

To the parents, guardians, and teachers here today – thank you. Your support, guidance, and sacrifices have played a key role in shaping these remarkable young individuals. Your influence will continue to resonate in their lives long after they leave this stage.

Graduates, the future is waiting for you. Go forth with confidence, curiosity, and compassion. Make your mark, pursue your passions, and create the future you envision. We believe in you, and we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. This is your moment. Embrace it, celebrate it, and use it as a springboard to launch yourselves into a bright and promising future.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech strikes a balance between reflection and forward-looking inspiration. It acknowledges the graduates’ journey, expresses gratitude to their support system, and encourages them to embrace the future with optimism and resilience. This speech is suitable for a general high school graduation ceremony, especially when addressing a diverse group of students heading into various post-graduation paths.

Speech 2: The Power of Community and Giving Back

Graduates, families, faculty, and friends,

Look around you. The faces you see – your classmates, teachers, loved ones – they’re all part of a community that has supported and shaped you. As you celebrate this milestone, keep in mind that you didn’t get here alone. Your success shows the power of community.

Throughout your time here, you’ve learned more than just facts and figures. You’ve learned the value of teamwork, the importance of empathy, and the strength that comes from supporting one another. These lessons will serve you well as you move forward.

Now, as you prepare to leave this familiar environment, I challenge you to think about how you can give back. How will you use your talents, your knowledge, and your experiences to make a positive impact on the people around you? Whether it’s in your future studies, your career, or your personal life, find ways to contribute to your community.

Keep in mind, true success isn’t measured by personal achievements alone, but by the positive influence you have on others. Be the person who lifts others up, who lends a helping hand, who stands up for what’s right. The future needs your energy, your ideas, and your compassion.

As you go forth from here, carry with you the spirit of community that has been fostered within these walls. Look for opportunities to connect, to collaborate, and to make a difference. Your actions, no matter how small they may seem, have the power to create ripples of positive change.

Congratulations, graduates. Now go out there and show everyone the incredible power of a community-minded individual. We’re rooting for you!

Commentary: This speech focuses on the importance of community and encourages graduates to give back. It emphasizes the value of interpersonal connections and social responsibility. This speech is well-suited for schools with a strong emphasis on community service or for graduation ceremonies in close-knit communities where many students have grown up together.

Speech 3: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

Dear graduates,

As I look out at your faces today, I see the future. I see a mix of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and dreams. Each of you brings something unique and valuable to our society. This diversity is not just something to celebrate – it’s a powerful force for positive change.

During your time here, you’ve learned alongside classmates from different walks of life. You’ve shared ideas, challenged each other’s viewpoints, and grown together. These experiences have prepared you for the global, interconnected future you’re about to enter.

In this future, your ability to understand, respect, and collaborate with people from all backgrounds will be one of your greatest strengths. Welcome this. Look for diverse viewpoints. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Be open to new ideas and experiences. This is how innovation happens. This is how we solve the difficult problems facing our society.

But embracing diversity isn’t always easy. It requires courage to step outside your comfort zone, to challenge your own biases, and to stand up for inclusion when you see injustice. I urge you to have that courage. Be the ones who build bridges, not walls. Be the ones who bring people together, who amplify underrepresented voices, who create spaces where everyone feels valued and respected.

Keep in mind, true strength lies in unity, not division. As you move forward in your lives, be the champions of inclusivity. Use your voice to advocate for equality and justice. Use your talents to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Graduates, you have the power to shape a more inclusive, equitable future. Embrace your differences, celebrate the diversity around you, and work together to create positive change. The future is waiting for your unique contributions.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. Go forth and show everyone the incredible things that can happen when we come together in all our beautiful diversity.

Commentary: This speech celebrates diversity and encourages graduates to embrace inclusivity in their future endeavors. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting different perspectives. This speech is particularly suitable for schools with a diverse student body or for graduation ceremonies where promoting unity and inclusion is a key theme.

Speech 4: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

Esteemed graduates, proud families, and honored guests,

Today, we celebrate not just your academic achievements, but your resilience. Each of you sitting here has faced challenges – some visible, some known only to you. Yet, here you are, triumphant. This resilience, this ability to persevere in the face of adversity, is perhaps the most valuable skill you’ve developed during your time here.

Life, as you’ve already discovered, doesn’t always go according to plan. You’ll face setbacks, disappointments, and moments that test your resolve. But keep this in mind: it’s not the challenges themselves that define you, but how you respond to them.

When you encounter obstacles – and you will – draw strength from what you’ve already overcome. Think about the late nights studying, the projects that seemed impossible until you finished them, the friendships that supported you through tough times. You’ve proven your ability to adapt, to learn, to grow stronger in the face of difficulty.

Welcome challenges as opportunities for growth. Don’t shy away from the hard paths – often, that’s where the most rewarding experiences lie. Be willing to step out of your comfort zone, to take calculated risks, to learn from your mistakes. This is how you’ll continue to evolve and discover your full potential.

And keep in mind, resilience isn’t about going it alone. Lean on your support network – your family, friends, mentors. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Offering support to others when they’re struggling is equally important. We’re stronger together.

As you leave here today, carry with you the knowledge that you are capable of overcoming whatever life throws your way. Your resilience is a superpower – use it to pursue your dreams, to lift others up, to make a positive impact on the people around you.

Graduates, the road ahead may not always be smooth, but I have no doubt that you have the strength, the skills, and the spirit to navigate it successfully. Go forth with confidence, determination, and the unshakeable belief in your ability to rise above any challenge.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. Your resilience has brought you this far – think about where it will take you next.

Commentary: This speech focuses on the theme of resilience, acknowledging the challenges students have overcome and encouraging them to face future obstacles with confidence. It’s particularly appropriate for graduating classes that have faced significant collective challenges, such as those graduating during or in the aftermath of global events that have disrupted their education.

Speech 5: The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Today marks a significant milestone in your educational journey, but let me share something with you: your learning journey is far from over. Actually, it’s just beginning.

The diploma you’ll receive today is not the end goal. It’s a key that unlocks countless doors of opportunity. But it’s up to you to keep seeking out new doors, to keep turning new keys. The future is changing at an unprecedented pace. The jobs of tomorrow may not even exist today. Your ability to adapt, to continuously learn and grow, will be your greatest asset.

Welcome curiosity. Ask questions. Look for new experiences. Read widely. Listen to diverse viewpoints. Challenge your own assumptions. This is how you’ll continue to grow, to stay relevant, to find innovative solutions to the difficult problems our society faces.

Don’t limit your learning to formal education. Some of life’s most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom. Travel if you can. Engage with people whose experiences differ from your own. Take up new hobbies. Volunteer for causes you care about. Each of these experiences is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Technology has made information more accessible than ever before. Use it wisely. Be discerning about your sources. Learn to distinguish fact from opinion. Develop your critical thinking skills. These will serve you well in all aspects of life.

Keep in mind, it’s okay not to have all the answers. Actually, the most successful people are often those who are comfortable saying “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” Welcome the discomfort of not knowing – it’s the first step towards new knowledge.

As you move forward, be open to changing your mind when presented with new information. Be willing to unlearn outdated ideas to make room for new ones. This flexibility of thought, this commitment to ongoing learning, will help you navigate an always-changing future.

Graduates, your education doesn’t end here. It evolves. Let your curiosity guide you. Welcome lifelong learning not as a chore, but as an exciting journey of personal growth and discovery. The future is full of wonders waiting to be explored, understood, and improved upon. And you, with your commitment to ongoing learning, will be at the forefront of that exploration.

Congratulations on this achievement. Now go forth, stay curious, and never stop learning.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of continuous learning beyond formal education. It encourages graduates to remain curious and adaptable in a rapidly changing world. This speech is particularly suitable for high school graduations or for schools that emphasize critical thinking and adaptability as key skills for the future.

Speech 6: Making a Positive Impact

Graduates, families, educators, and friends,

As we gather here today to celebrate your accomplishments, I want you to think about the word “impact.” Each of you, through your unique talents, passions, and experiences, has the power to make a significant impact on the people around you.

You’ve already made an impact here at [School Name]. You’ve contributed to our community, supported your peers, and left your mark on this institution. But this is just the beginning. As you step out into the wider world, your potential for positive impact grows exponentially.

Now, I’m not talking about changing everything overnight. Impact starts small. It starts with the choices you make every day. How you treat others. How you approach challenges. How you use your skills and knowledge to solve problems, big and small.

Think about the issues you care about. Climate change. Social justice. Healthcare. Education. Technology. Whatever ignites your passion, pursue it. Your fresh viewpoints and innovative ideas are needed. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo, to question why things are done a certain way, to propose new solutions.

Keep in mind, making an impact often requires collaboration. Look for others who share your passions. Learn from those with different viewpoints. Some of the most significant advancements in history have come from diverse groups working together towards a common goal.

Be aware of the impact of your words and actions. In this interconnected world, a small act of kindness can ripple out far beyond what you can see. A thoughtful word, a helping hand, a moment of empathy – these can make a big difference in someone’s life.

As you pursue your goals, consider not just what you can achieve, but what you can contribute. How can your success lift others up? How can your work make your community, your country, or even the world a little bit better?

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Positive change often happens slowly, over time. Stay committed to your values. Be persistent. Be patient. Your consistent efforts will add up to significant impact over time.

Graduates, you have the education, the skills, and the passion to make a real difference. Whether you’re heading to further education, entering the workforce, or taking a different path, keep in mind that you have the power to create positive change.

So go forth with confidence. Be bold in your aspirations. Be kind in your actions. Be relentless in your pursuit of positive impact. The future is waiting for your contributions.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. Now go out there and make your impact felt!

Commentary: This speech focuses on encouraging graduates to make a positive impact in their communities and the wider world. It emphasizes the power of individual actions and the importance of collaboration in creating change. This speech is well-suited for schools with a strong focus on social responsibility or for graduation ceremonies where inspiring civic engagement is a priority.

Final Thoughts

Graduation speeches serve as a bridge between students’ past experiences and their future aspirations. As a principal, your words have the power to inspire, motivate, and provide guidance as graduates embark on their next chapter. The sample speeches provided here offer a range of themes and approaches, from embracing change and diversity to promoting resilience and lifelong learning.

When crafting your own graduation speech, consider your audience, the unique culture of your school, and the specific experiences of the graduating class. Personalize your message with relevant anecdotes or shared memories. Most importantly, speak from the heart. Your genuine care and belief in your students will shine through, making your words all the more impactful.

A great graduation speech doesn’t just mark the end of a journey – it ignites excitement for the journey ahead. It acknowledges past achievements while inspiring future ones. It recognizes challenges but emphasizes the strength and potential within each graduate to overcome them.

As you prepare to send your students off into the world, use your words to empower them. Remind them of their capabilities, encourage them to dream big, and assure them that they have the tools to succeed. Your speech may be one of the last lessons you impart, so make it count.

To all the principals preparing to address their graduating classes: trust in the wisdom you’ve gained, the relationships you’ve built, and the positive influence you’ve had on your students. Your words will resonate long after the caps have been tossed and the diplomas have been handed out. Speak with confidence, with hope, and with the genuine care that has characterized your leadership throughout their academic journey.

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Principal Graduation Speeches - Cohesive Commitment and Cooperation

Principal graduation speeches - words of wisdom for a farewell speech that pays tribute to all the stakeholders!

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Principal graduation speeches are great. You can use them as a guideline to structure your own personalized speech.

Use the aspects that are relevant to you; lose the parts that may be redundant and then...most importantly...add your own special personal touch .

Good quotes for graduation speeches leave a lingering and memorable note - so try and weave one or two pertinent quotes into your high school graduation speech.

Good Evening Honored Guests , Ladies and Gentlemen - [insert specific details of special guests here if necessary]

A graduation ceremony is always such a special occasion - the culmination of years of hard work; the actualization of goals attained and the acknowledgement of successes achieved. So, it is only fitting that tonight we commemorate the road that we have all traveled together these last few years.

It has been a journey that started with tentative steps perhaps, but one that has taken us to remarkable heights. We have encountered some trials and tribulations along the way...soldiered on and come out the stronger for them. We have experienced exceptional moments, magical moments and created memories that will be fondly remembered in the years ahead.

Henry Ford wisely said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress and working together is success." As we look back over the last few years, certainly there was a beginning, and thankfully there was also progress and yes - undeniably we have been successful!

But let's begin where all good stories begin - at the beginning!

Who can forget when we all came together for the first time - nervous young students in the [insert grade] , proud parents, the Board of Governors and a dedicated staff body. What a commencement ceremony it was, signaling what would be the start of wonderful things to come. Yes, we all came together with a common purpose in mind - to encourage and develop lifelong learning in the young Ladies and Gentlemen who sit before us this evening.

Steadfast, resolute and determined we all kept together. Day-by-day we focused on our goal, keeping together and working together. We faced some incredible and memorable moments - moments that we chose to use as stepping stone as we tenaciously pursued our common goals. And what progress we made, as just a few of the following highlights attest to:

[insert memorable moments or highlight - academic, sporting, cultural or community here to add your own personal touch]

The end result Ladies and Gentlemen of our coming together, keeping together and working together, in spite of the obstacles that we may have faced along the way... that end result is the Graduating Class of [insert year]. My, how proud we are of the success that they have made with the opportunities that they were offered. Congratulations, we are inordinately proud of you all!

You are ready, willing and more than able to grasp the torch that we bestow upon you- yours is the future and on you the world will come to depend.

May your years ahead continue to be characterized by empathy, compassion, objectivity and a willingness to take risks.

May you always lead by example and work hard and play straight.

May your successes be many and your tribulations be few and far between.

We wish you everything that you so richly deserve in the years ahead - it has been an honor and a privilege watching your progress and success!

Principal graduation speeches - ending off on a high note!

Looking for even more ideas, perhaps for an elementary school graduation speech or even a kindergarten graduation speech - go on take a look!

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What Should a Principal Say in Graduation Speeches?

In a graduation speech, a principal should offer a welcome to all guests at the ceremony, introduce teachers and administrators to the audience, offer examples of accomplishments by the student body, provide advice for the students’ college or work life after graduation, and offer a sentiment about the significance of graduation. The principal may also choose to share stories or anecdotes about his own experiences in education.

One of the primary goals of a principal’s speech at graduation is to connect to the graduates. Use examples that resonate with the students in attendance, and avoid vague references to previous classes to keep the focus of the ceremony on the present class of graduates. Use popular references and, if possible, draw on the experiences these specific students have had at the school.

Focus not only on their academic accomplishments, but also on examples of goodwill and positive influence students have demonstrated. When speaking about their future, detail what qualities they need to succeed in college and their careers, such as honesty, kindness, motivation, determination and respect. Use personal anecdotes to validate the importance of education, mark the milestone of graduating, and remind them of the hard work they have done already.

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sample of principal speech on graduation day

Dear Class of 2024,

What an incredible journey it has been, and my heartiest congratulations to the graduating cohort! Today, we celebrate not only your academic achievements but also the friendships and memories that you have made at Republic Polytechnic (RP).

Your time at RP is like a woven tapestry, shaped by the bonds with your peers and guidance of your lecturers and mentors, as you blossomed into the remarkable and resilient individuals that you are today. It has stood you in good stead, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to join the workforce and stamp your mark as future leaders and courageous game-changers. 

I am confident that when you look back in the years to come, you will cherish these RP memories that you hold dearly. As you chart the new chapter in life, remember that the RP community will always be here to support you. We believe in your potential, your dreams, and your ability to make a difference, with a heart for the community.

We never stop learning in life as we continue to seek new growth opportunities. I encourage you to reflect on your passions and aspirations. Whether you are entering the workforce or pursuing further studies, our dedicated Education and Career Guidance coaches will support you in navigating the array of career pathways and upskilling opportunities.

Do connect with us through our social media platforms, the graduate portal and RP’s alumni club – Club Republic. I look forward to reconnecting with you as part of our 61,000 strong alumni.

Once again, congratulations on your graduation. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. The journey ahead is yours to forge!

Jeanne Liew Principal & CEO

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Words of Wisdom: 10 Inspirational Graduation Speeches

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Recently, Education Week and Education Week Teacher asked readers to send us 2012 high school commencement addresses that inspired them. Below you’ll find graduation remarks delivered by a superintendent, a judge, a school board member, a corporate executive, and, of course, students. In addition to the speeches submitted by readers, Education Week Commentary Intern Ellen Wexler scoured the Internet for stirring language from other high school commencement speakers. Read on, and feel free to add your own advice for the class of 2012 in the online comments section below.

I challenge you all to take everything you’ve learned from every experience, conversation, and lesson plan with you into the real world and make the best of it. No, it’s not going to be easy, nor will success knock on your door tomorrow night, but I want for you all to continue to make PROGRESS. Whether it be in school, at work, or just becoming a better person in life, always, always, always continue to make progress.

Gavin Barner Student Greensboro College Middle College, Greensboro, N.C. May 18, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

Always remember, good ideas may come at you very rarely in life. Seize them, grab them, and act on them.

William A. Clark Manheim Central School District Superintendent Manheim Central High School, Manheim, Pa. June 8, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

First, I believe that the world is not as ugly as it sounds. There is undue pressure put upon graduating classes that they need to go forth into society and fix it completely. We are led to think that we’re being sent off into a sick and tired planet Earth, full of chaos and disaster, on the brink of destruction, and we are supposed to roll up our sleeves like an old World War II poster and clean up the mess. But while we do owe a service to the world, I believe in a brighter outlook.

The world is not ugly, or broken. It is just much older than us, and has aged accordingly. ... It is easy to be scared by the horrors of the daily news, but I believe that it is our job to seek the good of it all—the good that will always exist amidst opposition.

Jenna Donahue President, Class of 2012 Avon High School, Avon, Conn. June 15, 2012 Read the full speech.

Complexity, diversity, and pace of change will characterize the business environment of the future, and you will necessarily have to compete in that environment by embracing change. It cannot be assumed for a minute that what was done, or was relied upon yesterday, will be viable tomorrow. ...

Don’t be satisfied with answers that are correct. Instead, train yourself to always look for better ways, better answers. Don’t settle for just being a good and competent employee. Be creative. Be innovative. See the big picture. You will have a huge advantage in the new industrial world. ...

Finally, make sure you learn to communicate well. Communication is perhaps the least-emphasized skill set in most educational programs, but I guarantee you that communication will be the ultimate key to your success.

Tom Brady Chairman, Plastic Technologies Inc.; Chairman, TECHS Governance Board Toledo Early College High School, Toledo, Ohio May 25, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

I’d like to share with you just four recommendations on how to maximize the experience of college and prepare for later success in life:

  • Be the first one to ask a question in class, and even more importantly, in large lecture halls. You’ll get noticed by your professors ... and, eventually, develop a relationship with your professors.
  • Exercise every day.
  • Take the lead to form study groups for one or more of your classes: The annual Harvard freshman study shows that students in study groups are happier and achieve higher grades than those who do all their work alone.
  • Be a hero to someone. ...

Remember the words of Horace Mann in his last commencement speech in 1859: “Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.”

Patrick F. Bassett President, National Association of Independent Schools Fountain Valley School of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo. June 26, 2012 Read the full speech. (PDF)

Character is not created with a single act, no matter how brilliant or bold. It is forged in the smallest of struggles, the product of a thousand, thousand strokes. Your tool for carving your character’s template lies, in the words of the poet Robert Lowell, within your “peculiar power to choose.” Ultimately, it is the choice of the fundamental over the frivolous, preferring what is true over what’s accepted, the choosing of what is right over what is easy.

Gary Brochu President, Berlin, Conn., Board of Education Berlin High School, Berlin, Conn. June 17, 2012 Read the full speech.

You’ve learned who you are and what needs to be done to build a better tomorrow. ... And it doesn’t have to be what we’ve done. Soccer players have stopped civil wars. The Innocence Project is ending wrongful imprisonment. Doctors stopped smallpox. Start an art studio, write inspiring folk music, build a soup kitchen. ... [M]ake a billion dollars and give it away. Just do something that makes you happy.

Elliott Witney School Leader, KIPP Academy KIPP Houston High School, Houston June 2, 2012

We were only in 2nd grade when the planes hit the World Trade Center, and we were only teenagers when the economy started to collapse. It’s hard to be so sure about your own future when the world doesn’t seem to know its own future.

But it is the generations that faced the most that turn out to make the biggest difference. We are one of those generations.

Will Eichhorn Co-valedictorian Perry Hall High School, Baltimore June 1, 2012

Is it really that difficult to find in ourselves the motivation and perseverance to keep fighting for a brighter future? All it takes is to believe that it is possible—that it is possible for us to achieve our goal, our dream. Our past is crucial for our future. We must use our past experiences to transform ourselves into an intellectual, responsible man or intellectual, responsible woman. ...

I believe that a person who endures unexpected challenges and hardship, yet emerges with an undefeated smile and a modest character, is a great leader. We must believe that we can be like those leaders and surpass what life gives us. Believing in ourselves is the greatest challenge. But believing in ourselves can also be our greatest accomplishment.

Fatima Salgado Student John Hancock High School, Chicago June 8, 2012

It was easier for me, nearly 50 years ago, than it is for you today, to believe in some basic and unchanging truths, to aspire to a code of conduct that was largely accepted as setting the standard for governing one’s actions, and to hold fast to traditional concepts of integrity and honesty. Fifty years ago, there was something akin to a generally accepted social compact, defining what was expected of people in their personal lives. The lines between right and wrong, between morality and immorality, between acceptable conduct and conduct that was to be condemned, were brighter and clearer and more easily drawn in 1965 than they are in 2012. ... You can accept personal responsibility for your actions and for your life. You do not need to be dependent on others to care for you, to protect you, to provide for you, and most importantly, to make decisions for you. Once you become dependent on others, you will discover that it is the caregiver, not you, who will determine not only how to satisfy your needs but, ultimately, what your needs are. You will sacrifice for perceived security your personal freedom to choose and chart your own course. You must not accept a life of dependency and mediocrity and forgo the opportunity to achieve great things by accepting the challenge of self-reliance.

Victor Ludwig Staunton, Va., Circuit Court Judge; President, Robert E. Lee High School Class of 1965 Robert E. Lee High School, Staunton, Va. June 2, 2012

Deputy Commentary Editor Mary-Ellen Phelps Deily contributed to this report. A version of this article appeared in the July 18, 2012 edition of Education Week

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In this May 5, 2018, file photo, graduates at the University of Toledo commencement ceremony in Toledo, Ohio. On the bumpy road to repayment this fall, student loan borrowers have some qualms. Borrowers filed more than 101,000 student loan complaints with the Federal Student Aid office in 2022 – more than double from 2021 – and that number is poised to increase further as October payments approach.

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Graduation Speech Examples

50 top graduation speech ideas (& examples).

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

Table of Contents

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

Free graduation speech example 01

What should you write about in your graduation speech?

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

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

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

Graduation Speech Outlines

Free graduation speech example 10

Structuring your graduation speech

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

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

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

Graduation Speech Templates

Free graduation speech example 20

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

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

High School Graduation Speech

Free graduation speech example 30

Tips for writing graduation speech

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

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

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

College Graduation Speech

Free graduation speech example 40

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Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

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Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

graduation speech

Being selected as a commencement speaker is a great recognition, but the responsibility can be intimidating. How do you know what kind of message will hit home for the graduates at this point in their lives? How do you make your message stand out from other words of wisdom that the graduating class has heard before?

Fortunately, there are many incredible graduation speeches from which you can pull information. We’ve gathered 15 of the best graduation speech examples here to make your research and brainstorming process easier. A little studying can give you ideas for the perfect graduation speech topic and help you write your speech efficiently.

In this article:

Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speech template.

Take note of the flow and structure of the examples, and let them guide you in creating your own graduation speech outline. Remember to practice your speech and memorize the bulk of it so you’re able to deliver with confidence. With a strong theme and plenty of practice, you’re sure to gain the audience’s attention and leave them inspired.

Here are 15 free graduation speech examples to gain inspiration from. If you like a style or message of a sample speech, use it as a model to create your own original version.

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1. Funny Valedictorian Speech

This valedictorian entertains the audience of his high school graduation speech with subtle, kind-hearted jokes that reflect the graduating class and the school faculty. The graduation speaker has a sentimental theme to his speech, but his light humor ensures that the presentation is both meaningful and memorable.

“You see, this is not goodbye. This is see you in two to 10 years when I’m significantly smarter, wealthier, funnier, and more handsome than I am right now.”

2. College Graduation Speech Example: Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth College

You don’t have to be a famous comedian to deliver a funny graduation speech, but let Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth College serve as a good model to create your own. Intertwining life advice and great jokes, O’Brien inspires graduates to get past failure and pave their own paths.

“Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment, you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality.”

3. Preschool Graduation Speech

This preschool graduation speech is a great example for teachers who need to give a commencement address. A speech for a preschool or kindergarten graduation is different, in that the speaker is mostly communicating to the parents of the graduates. This preschool teacher delivers a meaningful speech that explains the joy in her job, while touching on the humorous things the students have said over the months.

“Tomorrow I give you back your child, the same child you entrusted in my care last fall, except now I give them back to you pounds heavier, inches taller… I give them back to you a little smarter, a little more mature, and a little more responsible than they were 10 months ago.”

4. David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Speech

In what is recognized as one of the best graduation speeches of all time, David Foster Wallace affirms to a class of liberal arts students that their education taught them how to think and how to be self-aware.

“The only thing that’s capital-T True is that you get to decide how you’re gonna try to see it. This, I submit, is the freedom of a real education, of learning how to be well-adjusted. You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.”

5. Middle School Graduation Speech

A class president delivers a heartwarming message in a storytelling format at his middle school graduation ceremony.

“Once upon a time, three long years ago, a journey began. We were obedient little munchkins, climbing up stairs meant for giants, carrying heavy backpacks filled with every sort of colored pencil existing on this earth.”

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech 2017

Steven Levitan, creator of the award-winning show “Modern Family,” was the commencement speaker at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the graduating class of 2017. This is a good example to follow if you’re an alum of the college you’re presenting to.

“It’s hard to believe I graduated here 33 years ago. I still have the official university photo of me receiving my diploma wearing only shorts under my cap and gown and holding a big bottle of champagne, as if to say, ‘Hey world, lower your expectations.'”

7. Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard University Commencement Speech

Successful people are often chosen as commencement speakers for university graduation ceremonies. See how the CEO and founder of Facebook is able to portray humility in relating to the 2017 graduating class at Harvard University.

“I’m honored to be with you today because, let’s face it, you accomplished something I never could. If I get through this speech, it’ll be the first time I actually finish something at Harvard. Class of 2017, congratulations!”

8. Al Roker’s Commencement Speech at Champlain College

Upon receiving his doctorate degree of humane letters, the “Today Show” weather anchor delivered an inspirational speech to the graduating class. Roker speaks to the class’s generation and relates his graduation speech topic back to his own upbringing.

“Be in the moment. Stop living through your screen. Experience it now.”

9. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford University

The Apple CEO’s commencement speech at 2005 to the graduating class at Stanford University is one of the classics. Jobs tells stories about his own experiences with dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and being diagnosed with cancer.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of the other opinion drown out your own inner voice. And, most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.”

10. Elementary School Graduation Speech

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

This fifth-grade class speaker relates her teacher’s message to a lesson from her grandfather as her opening hook .

“To survive the fifth grade is not barely making it through. Instead, to survive means to perform with distinction.

11. Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University

The famous talk show host and comedian Ellen Degeneres’s commencement speech at Tulane University is a great example of how a guest speaker can identify with her audience.

“It was so important for me to lose everything because I found what the most important thing is. The most important thing is to be true to yourself.”

12. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address

Rear Admiral William H. McRaven aims to inspire his audience right from the beginning. The rear admiral encourages the graduating class to change the world, relating everyday life struggles to those of the people in the military.

“If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.”

13. Matthew McConaughey Commencement Speech

Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey drew from his own personal story to deliver an inspirational commencement speech at the University of Houston. McConaughey gives the graduating class 13 life lessons, including to define success for yourself and find joy in your work.

“Prioritize who you are and who you want to be. Don’t spend time with anything that antagonizes your character.”

14. Commencement Address by Jim Carrey

In his commencement address at Maharishi University of Management, actor Jim Carrey tells an emotional personal story. Carrey uses emotion to encourage the graduating class to walk their own path and never settle in life.

“Your need for acceptance can make you invisible in this world. Don’t let anything stand in the way of the light that shines through this form. Risk being seen in all of your glory.”

15. Stephen Colbert’s Commencement Speech at Wake Forest University

The famous comedian delivers a witty and funny graduation speech, offering students practical advice for the real world.

“And if there’s one thing you need even more, it’s your own set of standards. It may seem counterintuitive now, but once you leave here, you may miss being graded on all your work. Because when you’re out of school, there are no objective criteria for achievement anymore.”

16. Inspiring Graduation Speech

In this remarkable graduation speech, the class valedictorian makes a political statement by publicly revealing her status as an undocumented immigrant. The speech starts out with jokes, but turns into a moving performance that’s as powerful as it is fun to watch.

“To each and every single one of you, I say thank you. You taught me that it’s okay to be different and that there will always be people willing to overlook those differences and accept you for being yourself.”

17. Funny Graduation Speech

This class-elected graduation speaker has the perfect delivery of well-crafted jokes and one-liners throughout her speech. She keeps the whole class laughing and never misses a beat.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to pursuing an additional 4-year education – which I can’t afford.”

18. Moving Graduation Speech

This college graduation speech educates listeners about women’s education through the eyes of the speaker, who encountered resistance to seeking an education just because she was a woman. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this speech without feeling moved to take action.

“I couldn’t have imagined attending college, simply because we weren’t allowed to. My sisters weren’t allowed to; the girls before me weren’t allowed to.”

19. Funny Graduation Speech

This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.

“I know we can all agree that this class is resilient. We survived an earthquake, two blackouts, and Ebola.”

20. Short Graduation Speech

Graduation ceremonies can be long, but the speeches don’t have to be. This short graduation speech uses an “ABCs of life” format to pack a lot of power into a short amount of time. The class president gets wild applause from the audience for his quick but clever speech.

“We must Q – quit quitting, and R – run the race with patience.”

  • Thank teachers and your parents or other family members for their support, encouragement, help, aid or personal assistance during your years of studying.
  • Praise accomplishments and achievements of the class.
  • Reflect upon the past years, what has changed and is interesting enough to share with all?
  • Mention funny and exciting events, you can opt for funny oneliners or even small innocent jokes, poems or quotations from famous people if you like.
  • Motivate your fellow students and teachers and professors to look to the bright future:
  • I continue with the 10 most wanted and popular graduation speech topics:
  • Give advice, but avoid boring cliches that are totally not surprising.
  • Entertain by telling humorous anecdotes and vivid stories. Offer an account of an interesting or humorous incident.
  • Express the feelings of the class. But do not go over the top.
  • Say farewell to all attendees. This acknowledgment at parting is the warming-up for the next and final step
  • Wish the graduates of your class all the best and thank them for listening.

Don’t forget to:

Thank the parents and family.  Have your class honor them with applause. Not only have they made sure you showed up to school, there’s a host of other responsibilities that parents have sacrificed to accomplish for you. Now is your moment to focus on them for a minute or so.

Thank the teachers and administrators.  Each teacher or professor works many long hours that you don’t see in the classroom, and many have poured their hearts and lives into teaching. Take this moment to make it worth it for them.

Use some of my vote of thanks example expressions to feed you imagination for topics for graduation speech a little bit.

Make the address personal. When you decide to make your graduation speech personal, you will experience much bigger success. It will also be more fun to write and deliver a talk that brings high school or college to a close with recognition of the small things in education life. The memories you will run across looking through yearbooks and talking about with friends will be priceless for you as well.

Calm the nerves.  It is very intimidating to address hundreds of people in the audience while delivering a graduation speech. Many of us have fear of public speaking. Before you proceed, do this test. And practice the tips.

Consider including:

STORIES Include stories about your school. These high school graduation speech topics can be about teachers and funny things that have happened over the year.

EVENTS Include motivational or moving events that may have happened – perhaps volunteer opportunities that have changed the students’ perspective. Make sure that any major events that have happened are recognized.

Sports and music events that have been important to the school need to be recognized, even if it happened in one of the prior years of your class and not the graduating year.

CLASS EXPERIENCE Bring the class experience alive for those attending the graduation. Grandparents and parents, as well as siblings, have heard the names from school.

Bring the people to the campus life that they have heard about.

DECEASED If a fellow student or teacher has died, mention that person. Make it not a funeral obituary eulogy but recognize them for the family who might be present.

PROJECTS Mention any projects that the school has undertaken; if you have been involved in a community garden or other volunteer organization give credit for the impact it has made.

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WTO / Education / Graduation Speech Ideas (18 Outline Examples)

Graduation Speech Ideas (18 Outline Examples)

A Graduation Speech is also known as a Commencement Speech . It is a speech given by a graduating student in university, college, or high school on behalf of the graduating class to fellow graduates, guests, parents, family members, and teachers.

In this article, we have provided you with a how-to-write guide along with professionally crafted speech ideas and examples. But first, let us understand the importance of it and a brief overview.

The speech involves all your experiences as a student, discoveries, and skills then summarizing it into a speech in a creative and informative way. A student may choose to have a long or short speech. The most important part is to ensure you deliver the intended message effectively. 

This speech is important as it marks a significant transition in your life as a student by celebrating your educational achievements.

Since you will have a diverse audience, your speech must relate to everyone in the crowd. With this article, you will learn the structure, themes, and types of graduation speeches, as well as the tips to write a compelling speech for graduation.

Graduation Speech Examples

Free Downloadable Graduation Speech by Principal Sample 01 as Word Document

Types of Graduation Speech

There are different types of graduation speeches based on the message students want to deliver in their speeches. Therefore, a student must know which category their speech fits in to know what is expected from them.

Serious speech

These types of speeches should focus on the knowledge and life skills you have gathered from your school, and they should also highlight what your fellow students have learned over the years.

Such a speech can be based on the following topics:

  • Life lessons : the speech can focus on the student’s practical life skills that enabled them to excel in their school life. For example, your speech should show how to relate with others and how you worked hard to achieve your goals.
  • Facing and overcoming problems : the speech can focus on the challenges faced by students and how they managed to overcome these challenges . For example, how you survived in a different country and overcame the language barrier.
  • Maturity : the speech focuses on how school experience helped you become more responsible, make better decisions, and develop good character . For example, these speeches can highlight how students matured and evolved from newcomers to senior students.

Inspirational speech

For such speeches, you should focus on inspiring and motivating your fellow graduates and other audience. Therefore, these speeches are usually emotional and can be constructed based on the following topics:

  • Reflections and memoirs : the speech can focus on the memories you created together with your fellow students and how these memories changed all of you.
  • Expressing gratitude : the speech should be based on thanking your teachers, family, friends, and parents for their support while studying.
  • Inspirational quotes : your speech can start with an inspiring quote that will help you prepare a logical speech based on your theme. 
  • Song lyrics : you can choose a familiar song among your fellow students and use it to base the speech’s theme. Also, you may choose to pick a section of the lyrics and make it the opening statement of your speech.
  • Inspiring storie s: select any famous and inspirational stories that helped shape you and your fellow students into the people you have become and relate them to the speech’s theme.
  • Anecdotes : you can choose to prepare your speech based on motivational stories that show how you bonded with your fellow students. However, avoid embarrassing stories that might offend the audience.
  • Student accomplishments : your speech can also focus on your fellow students’ achievements that impacted your school years. These accomplishments should relay inspiration to others about achieving what they desire through hard work and commitment.

Funny speech

These speeches focus on funny stories that brought students together and helped to shape their academic life. Some of the funny stories your speech can be based on include:

  • Recent school events like a minor mistake in the laboratory
  • Humility to wisdom stories like an embarrassing event that taught students a particular lesson
  • Funny and inspirational social media stories or quotes
  • Use funny but appropriate jokes to add humor to your speech
  • Classic and well-known funny quotes

Creative speech

The other type of the speech is the creative one that focuses on spinning the message to create a well-crafted and unique speech. For instance:

  • Write a speech that does not follow the traditional format by using poems, metaphors, and even spoken words.
  • Let your speech have a unique story that makes it interesting to listen to and still offers a lesson.
  • Use quotes from children’s books to prepare the speech that will evoke nostalgia.
  • If there is a graduation song, use its lyrics to craft your speech to make it relatable to your fellow graduates.

Related: 20+ Best Informative Speech Outline Examples [How to Write]

Ideas for Graduation Speech

Selecting the type of speech you want to prepare and give to the graduation audience is the first step. The next step is to select a theme that your speech will focus on. 

With a clear theme, you can bring your speech ideas together in a cohesive manner. Here are some of the themes and ideas for your speech:

Class president speech idea

As the class president, here are some ideas that you can use to prepare your speech. You can choose to inspire your fellow students never to give up and aspire to do more incredible things by giving them some real-life examples in your speech. The speech can be based on showing gratitude towards your fellow graduates. You can also craft a speech that focuses on a particular inspirational message relatable to the audience.

High school speech idea

The ideas can focus on different things. You can choose to inform your fellow students about the importance of focusing on the future. The speech can be prepared to show gratitude and thank your family, teachers, friends, and fellow students. A speech that creates nostalgia using some memories is also another great idea for this speech.

8th-grade speech idea

As a graduating eighth-grade student, your speech should be short and creative to ensure everyone receives the intended message. It should also focus on positivity to encourage fellow graduates to look into the future with hope. Another great idea is to prepare a relatable message for all your fellow students and not just a particular group of people.

Elementary speech idea

For this speech, one of the ideas that you can use is funny stories to create humor for the kids. Your speech can also be made up of outstanding memories shared by the students. You should ensure that the speech is short since children have a short attention span. The tone in your speech should also be cheerful and relaxed.

Pre-writing Considerations

Before the actual writing of the speech, there are some considerations that you should keep in mind. Here are some of the pre-writing considerations to prepare the speech:

Brainstorming 

As you choose to present the speech, the first step is to think about what you want to write and the kind of representation the speech will have. Next, you can consider the skills achieved, experiences, life skills, and the educational knowledge gathered.

Brainstorming allows you to come up with inspirational ideas that focus on the future. You should always take your time to review the ideas you have gotten while brainstorming. 

Search for an inspiration

With the many ideas you have from brainstorming, you should search for as many inspirations as you can. Searching for inspiration can be done by accessing examples of the speeches to get an idea of how they are written. You can also get inspiration from music, poetry, or books. The inspiration should determine the idea or theme you choose for your speech.

Choose a theme

The theme you choose for your speech should be what feels most important to you. For example, it may be funny stories, nostalgia from different memories, or an inspirational narration. The theme should be relatable to you and resonate with most of your peers. It should also be inspiring and focuses on a particular theme or a chain of linking themes.

You should then Google your chosen example or theme to find out more about how you can craft the speech. You will be able to gather more information once you start googling and writing the main points down. Soon after, you can start weaving the ideas together and create a compelling speech. Ensure that even if you Google, you add a personal touch to your speech preparations.

Guide to Write Graduation Speech

After observing all the pre-writing considerations, you are ready to write your speech. To prepare and write a compelling speech, here is a step-by-step guide along with examples you should follow:

Build a basic structure 

With your theme in mind, you should build the structure of your speech. Start with an attention-grabbing and powerful introductory statement to get the attention of your audience. The first few moments of delivering the speech will determine whether your audience will listen to you or not.

The next step is to highlight your theme by listing down what you will tell your audience. These relatable stories can present a challenge that you could solve later on in the story. It would be best to mention the lessons you learned as a student and the experiences you gained.

The last part is to end this section by cohesively repeating your main points. Then, make your main message clear to your audience once more, and finally, advise your audience as you conclude the speech.

Introduce yourself

Ensure you introduce yourself since the audience will relate with you better. You can start by thanking the person that introduced you to the stage, appreciating the audience, mentioning your name, and welcoming everyone to listen to your speech.

Write down how you wish to start your speech to ensure you have an effective plan.

To be more relatable to your audience, you need to tell a story related to your theme. It helps to avoid boredom and helps the audience to understand your message better. Personal experiences, shared memories, and anecdotes are essential when writing a compelling speech.

Graduation wishes

You should not forget to include a moment in your speech when you will share graduation messages and wishes to your fellow graduates. The graduation ceremony is all about you as a student, so you must focus on that in your speech. In addition, prepare particular messages for the graduating class.

Memorable ending

For the final part of your speech, try to end with something inspiring and memorable. Your conclusion should tie up all the main points you presented in a motivational or funny way. You can also use quotes at the end of your speech.

Tips for Writing Graduation Speech

Here are some tips that you should observe when preparing and delivering your speech:

Take time to write

If appointed valedictorian, then you should take your time to prepare, create a structure and write the speech. Since it is an important speech, you will be representing your graduating class, which means that you need to take your time to research and prepare a great speech.

Remove repetitive content

As much as you wish to repeat and highlight the main points, you should reduce the repetitive content. This way, you will have enough time to deliver your speech without making your audience lose interest due to boredom and long speeches. Instead, focus on mentioning the main points you discussed in the speech at the end.

Don’t make it all about you

As the graduating student chooses to prepare and make the speech, you should represent your graduating class.

You should remember the event and write a speech that does not solely focus on you. Your speech should be relatable to your audience, especially your fellow graduates. 

Keep it concise

The speech is an important part of the graduation celebrations. However, a lengthy speech is tiring and will cause your audience to lose concentration. On the other hand, a brief but sweet speech will attract the audience’s attention. Therefore, the speech should not be more than ten minutes long.

Be specific

While writing your speech, focus on the details of any story, event, or memory. Such personal experiences make the speech more personal and compelling to the crowd.

Avoid blunders

When you write a speech, ensure that it represents you, and you will be proud to show it off to others years after you have delivered it. Avoid writing something you will regret or something that does not resonate with you and your beliefs. It is not time to call out a mean teacher, but it is time for celebrating and inspiring others.

Be an inspiration

As you celebrate your and your fellow graduates’ academic achievements, try to focus on inspiring them too. You should deliver a speech that encourages the graduates to look into the future with hope. The n speech should inspire them to make plans and look forward to what will come after graduation.

Avoid famous quotes

For the speeches, it is not wise to use famous quotes. This is because people listen to what you have to say and not what a famous author says. You are the speaker, and you should deliver your speech in a manner that tells the crowd what you have to say.

Thank the audience

Remember to thank different members of the audience. The teachers, family members, friends, and fellow graduates listen to you. In addition, you can choose to recognize someone in the audience who had a significant impact on not only your life but also on the majority of the students.

Edit the speech

Remember to go through your speech to proofread and edit out mistakes after writing it. You do not want to have a speech with the wrong information and lose trust with your audience. Edit your speech to ensure you have facts and all the information written is correct.

How to Deliver a Speech?

Apart from writing the speech, how you choose to present the speech also matters. Here is how you can deliver a speech to make it compelling, inspiring, and a memorable occasion:

Learn by heart

You should practice your speech so that you know it by heart. Memorizing your speech helps to add a personal touch when you make the delivery. This is because reading the speech might make you sound disinterested and impersonal. However, you can carry some notes that will help to remind you of your speech.

Time your speech

As you practice, time yourself to see how long your speech takes. Your speech should be about ten minutes long to ensure your audience’s attention is still intact and that they are listening.

Speak slowly

Ensure that you do not rush when delivering the speech to avoid sounding nervous. Instead, try and focus on speaking slowly by enunciating every word in your speech correctly. In case you start to rush, take a moment to breathe. You can make necessary and inoffensive jokes or funny stories in between your pauses.

Incorporate emotions

Ensure you change your tone according to the emotions being represented by the speech. For example, as you deliver the speech, different parts might evoke different emotions. Therefore, it would help to vary your tone to match these emotions.

Make eye contact

Even though you are feeling nervous, you should maintain eye contact with your audience. You can try and calm yourself down by focusing on the back of the room as you speak. Another way to ensure you stay calm but still maintain eye contact is by selecting some people in the crowd and focusing on them.

A graduation speech is an essential speech prepared and given by a graduating student on behalf of the graduating class. Whether it is at the university or elementary level, this speech is an integral part of the graduation ceremony. This means that the chosen student should take their time to properly prepare, write and present the speech before the graduating audience. With this article, a student chosen to prepare the speech can learn what to do before writing the speech, structure the speech, and the tips to observe to create a memorable speech. Students can also access our free and downloadable speech examples to guide them in writing their speeches. Of course, you should also always remember to practice before delivering the speech.

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by Laura Jones

Updated on January 3, 2024

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

sample of principal speech on graduation day

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

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

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1. pick a theme.

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

2. Write an outline

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

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

3. Pen a catchy introduction

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

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

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

4. Write a thank-you paragraph

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

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

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

5. Look back and look ahead

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

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

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

6. End your graduation speech

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

Example: 

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

Writing a great graduation speech

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

Laura Jones

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

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sample of principal speech on graduation day

Examples

Student Graduation Speech

Student graduation speech generator.

sample of principal speech on graduation day

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

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

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

Student Graduation Speech Bundle

Download Student Graduation Speech Bundle

Graduation Speech Bundle

Download Graduation Speech Bundle

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

Student Graduation Speech Format

Introduction.

Greeting : Start with a warm welcome to guests, teachers, family, and fellow graduates. Personal Introduction : Briefly introduce yourself. Acknowledgment of the Occasion : Express the significance of the graduation day.
Reflections on the Journey : Share memorable experiences and lessons learned during school years. Memories : Highlight special moments and achievements. Challenges Overcome : Discuss obstacles faced and how they were overcome. Gratitude : Express thanks to teachers, family, and friends for their support. Current Feelings : Talk about emotions associated with graduating, like excitement, nostalgia, or anticipation for the future. Lessons Learned : Share valuable insights or life lessons gained during school years.

Future Outlook

Hopes and Dreams : Discuss aspirations and goals for the future. Call to Action : Encourage fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with determination and courage. Inspirational Message : Offer a motivational thought or quote to inspire the graduating class.
Closing Remarks : Summarize the key points of your speech. Final Thanks : Express gratitude to the audience for listening. Farewell Message : End with a heartfelt farewell, wishing everyone success in their future endeavors.

Best Graduation Speech

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

Student Graduation Speech [Text Version]

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

16+ Student Graduation Speech Examples

1. high school student graduation speech.

High School Student Graduation Speech

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2. College Student Graduation Speech

College Student Graduation Speech

3. Student Graduation Speech Format

Student Graduation Speech Format

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5. Student Graduation Official Speech

Student Graduation Official Speech

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6. Graduation Commencement Speech

Graduation Commencement

7. Student Graduation Occasion Speech

Student Graduation Occasion Speech

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8. Sample Student Graduation Speech

Sample Student Graduation Speech

9. Student Graduation Appreciate Speech

Student Graduation Appreciate Speech

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10. Student Graduation Speech Example

Student Graduation Speech Example

11. Student International Studies Graduation Speech

Student International Studies Graduation Speech

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12. Student Graduation Speaker Speech

Student Graduation Speaker Speech

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13. Business School Student Graduation Speech

Business School Student Graduation Speech

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14. Student Graduation Farewell Speech

Student Graduation Farewell Speech

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15. High School Student Graduation Speech

High School Student Graduation Speech

16. Graduation Speech by Students

Graduation Speech by Students

myperfectwords.com

How to Write a Student Graduation Speech?

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

1. Always Introduce Yourself to the Crowd

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

2. Share Your Experience in a Story

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

3. Add an Inspiring Quote

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

4. Give Everyone Some Good Advice

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

5. Thank Everyone for Attending the Event

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

How does a student start a graduation speech?

1.Express Gratitude:

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

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

2. Use a Quote:

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

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

3. Tell a Personal Story:

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

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

4. Ask a Rhetorical Question:

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

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

5. Use Humor:

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

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

6. Acknowledge the Significance of the Moment:

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

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

What should I say in my high school graduation speech?

1. Introduction

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

2. Reflect on the Journey

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

3. Acknowledge Achievements

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

4. Inspire and Encourage

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

5. Share Life Lessons

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

6. Embrace Diversity:

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

7. Discuss the Future:

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

8. Express Hope and Optimism:

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

9. Use Personal Anecdotes:

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

10. Conclude with Gratitude:

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

How do you write a short and sweet graduation speech?

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

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

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

Is it necessary to make a graduation speech?

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

What are the elements of a good graduation speech?

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

What are the benefits of writing a graduation speech?

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

Why do we need a graduation speech example?

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

How long is a graduation speech?

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

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

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

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What should a student say in a graduation speech?

16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

Listen to words of wisdom from the best graduation speeches.

Some of the most impactful and inspiring sentiments are shared during graduation speeches delivered by the leaders we look up to. Graduation speeches from celebrities , entrepreneurs, authors and other influential thinkers are motivational, inspiring, thought-provoking and just might make you reach for the nearest tissue. After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off.

Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation speeches of all time, including words of wisdom from Natalie Portman, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and more.

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

"You've got to find what you love. And that is as true for your work as it is for your lovers. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it."

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

"I've found that this journey has been incredibly freeing. Because no matter what happened, I had the piece of mind knowing that all of the chatter, the name-calling, the doubting...all of it was just noise. It did not define me, it didn't change who I was, and most importantly, it couldn't hold me back."

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

"I just directed my first film. I was completely unprepared, but my own ignorance to my own limitations looked like confidence and got me into the director's chair. Once there, I had to figure it all out, and my belief that I could handle these things, contrary to all evidence of my ability to do so was half the battle. The other half was very hard work. The experience was the deepest and most meaningful one of my career."

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

A Timeline of the Allegations Against Diddy

"What I have discovered is this: You can't do it alone … Listen. Say 'yes.' Live in the moment. Make sure you play with people who have your back. Make big choices early and often."

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

"This is your time and it feels normal to you but really there is no normal. There's only change, and resistance to it and then more change."

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

"Twenty years after my own graduation, I have come gradually to understand that the liberal arts cliché about teaching you how to think is actually shorthand for a much deeper, more serious idea: learning how to think really means learning how to exercise some control over how and what you think. It means being conscious and aware enough to choose what you pay attention to and to choose how you construct meaning from experience. Because if you cannot exercise this kind of choice in adult life, you will be totally hosed. Think of the old cliché about quote the mind being an excellent servant but a terrible master."

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

"You have to go through life with more than just passion for change; you need a strategy. I’ll repeat that. I want you to have passion, but you have to have a strategy. Not just awareness, but action. Not just hashtags, but votes."

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

"You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that can write the story that you were meant to tell."

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

"There are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized. Today I tell you that whether you fear it or not, disappointment will come. The beauty is that through disappointment you can gain clarity, and with clarity comes conviction and true originality … Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen."

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

"I stopped pretending to be anything than what I was. My greatest fear had been realized. I had an old typewriter and a big idea. Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

"Learn from every mistake because every experience, encounter, and particularly your mistakes are there to teach you and force you into being more who you are. And then figure out what is the next right move. And the key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional G.P.S. that can tell you which way to go."

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

"You have, which is a rare thing, that ability and the responsibility to listen to the dissent in yourself, to at least give it the floor, because it is the key—not only to consciousness–but to real growth. To accept duality is to earn identity. And identity is something that you are constantly earning. It is not just who you are. It is a process that you must be active in. It's not just parroting your parents or the thoughts of your learned teachers. It is now more than ever about understanding yourself so you can become yourself."

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

"Do all the other things, the ambitious things … Travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in wild jungle rivers (after first having it tested for monkey poop)—but as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness."

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

"Be the heroine of your life, not the victim."

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

"As you graduate, as you deal with your excitement and your doubts today, I urge you to try and create the world you want to live in. Minister to the world in a way that can change it. Minister radically in a real, active, practical, get your hands dirty way."

16. Admiral William H. McRaven: University of Texas at Austin, 2014

"If you make your bed every morning you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride, and it will encourage you to do another task and another and another. By the end of the day, that one task completed will have turned into many tasks completed. Making your bed will also reinforce the fact that little things in life matter. If you can't do the little things right, you will never do the big things right."

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sample of principal speech on graduation day

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    sample of principal speech on graduation day

  3. FREE 10+ Sample Graduation Speech Example Templates in PDF

    sample of principal speech on graduation day

  4. 50 Top Graduation Speech Ideas (& Examples) ᐅ TemplateLab

    sample of principal speech on graduation day

  5. 50 Top Graduation Speech Ideas (& Examples) ᐅ TemplateLab

    sample of principal speech on graduation day

  6. 4 graduation speeches for elementary, middle & high school principals

    sample of principal speech on graduation day

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  1. Principals and Teachers speech to speak in school assembly after summer vacation

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COMMENTS

  1. Sample Speech by School Principal on Graduation Ceremony

    Today marks both an end and a new beginning for our graduates. A time for parents to both honor their child's accomplishments and a time to worry as they embark on their next journey. But parents let me put your mind at ease, your child is very well prepared for whatever they choose to peruse after [School Name].

  2. 6 Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Principal

    Let's explore some sample speeches that hit the mark and provide insights to help you create a memorable address for your graduates. Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Principal. These sample speeches showcase different approaches to addressing graduates, each tailored to specific themes and occasions. Speech 1: Embracing Change and New Beginnings

  3. Principal Graduation Speeches

    Principal graduation speeches are great. You can use them as a guideline to structure your own personalized speech. ... Day-by-day we focused on our goal, keeping together and working together. We faced some incredible and memorable moments - moments that we chose to use as stepping stone as we tenaciously pursued our common goals. And what ...

  4. PDF 8th Grade Graduation Ceremony Speech

    8th Grade Graduation Ceremony Speech - Principal - 6-24-20. Good morning. I am Mr. Klein, proud principal of P.S./. I.S. 226 and on behalf of our entire community, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the 2020 Commencement Ceremony for our 8th grade senior class. This is the 90th Commencement Ceremony in our school's treasured history and the ...

  5. PDF Shining the light on the Class of 2021 By Matt Haney

    MDI High School Principal. It is an honor to have been asked to share my thoughts about the Mount Desert Island High School Class. of 2021. While it's undoubtedly true that we have collectively had our share of struggles, I'd like to use. this space to shine the light on some of what the class of 2021 has learned. We learned how much our.

  6. PDF Principal Jason D. Curtis Graduation 2015 Speech

    giving up the last day of your summer break, excited abou. preparing a day for others. And your class, the Class of 2015 did this so many times. You planned the first ever Middle School Leadership Conference, where you gave leadership training not on. y to middle school students but over 30 teachers from Catholic Schools in our Diocese. Yo.

  7. PDF June 13, 2021 High School Graduation

    High School Graduation June 13, 2021. Speech by Katie Gibson, High School Principal. Welcome graduates of the class of 2021, families, faculty, staff, and friends. Thank you so much for being here with us today, both live and in-person and via our live stream. I will deliberately keep my comments short today to focus on our student speakers ...

  8. Principal Days: Graduation Speech

    Below is my graduation speech for the Union Middle School class of 2022. I put off writing the actual "principal promotion" speech until a week or so before the actual ceremony. I knew the main concept as I had been collecting inspirational and thought-provoking quotes for the last few years. I also had an idea to weave in the concept of middle ...

  9. PDF Principal Carmela Leonardi's Speech

    As of today the class of 2009 received $13,428,936 in scholarship money. This amount exceeds last year's by $4,887,392. 90% of the students sitting here today will be going to college. 2.1% enlisted in the military, 2% will be working to complete a certification program and 4.1% are beginning their work careers.

  10. What Should a Principal Say in Graduation Speeches?

    In a graduation speech, a principal should offer a welcome to all guests at the ceremony, introduce teachers and administrators to the audience, offer examples of accomplishments by the student body, provide advice for the students' college or work life after graduation, and offer a sentiment about the significance of graduation. The principal may also choose to share stories or anecdotes ...

  11. Message from Principal & CEO

    I look forward to reconnecting with you as part of our 61,000 strong alumni. Once again, congratulations on your graduation. I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. The journey ahead is yours to forge! Jeanne Liew. Principal & CEO. Message from Principal & CEO of Republic Polytechnic to the Graduating Class of 2023.

  12. Words of Wisdom: 10 Inspirational Graduation Speeches

    Recently, Education Week and Education Week Teacher asked readers to send us 2012 high school commencement addresses that inspired them. Below you'll find graduation remarks delivered by a ...

  13. 50 Top Graduation Speech Ideas (& Examples)

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

  14. Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

    My sisters weren't allowed to; the girls before me weren't allowed to.". 19. Funny Graduation Speech. This graduation speech by the senior class president is humorous and engaging. The class president reminisces with plenty of jokes in a speech full of fun memories and just the right amount of inspiration.

  15. Graduation Speech Ideas (18 Outline Examples)

    Graduation Speech by Principal Sample 01. The Brick Tower Graduation Speech Sample. Graduation Speech by Principal Sample 02. Graduation Speech by Chancellor Sample. Graduation Speech for Summer Batch Sample. Graduation Speech by Assistant Secretary Sample. Graduation Speech by Head of School Sample. Graduation Speech by Vice-Chancellor Sample.

  16. Welcome Speech for Graduation Ceremony [Edit & Download]

    Welcome Once Again: "Once again, welcome to the [Year] Graduation Ceremony of [School/Institution's Name]. Let us celebrate the achievements of our graduates and the bright futures that lie ahead.". Closing: "Thank you all for being here today. Let's make this a memorable and joyous celebration.

  17. 6 tips to write a great graduation speech (with examples)

    A look back. A look ahead. A pithy ending. 3. Pen a catchy introduction. Begin by thanking everyone for attending and for choosing you to be their speaker. Then, grab your audience's attention from the very start with a hook. Lots of people choose to begin with a quotation that captures the theme of the whole speech.

  18. Graduation Speech Examples That Impart Life Lessons

    1 Oprah Winfrey (Stanford, 2008) "In order to be truly happy, you must live along with and you have to stand for something larger than yourself. Because life is a reciprocal exchange. To move forward you have to give back. And to me, that is the greatest lesson of life. To be happy, you have to give something back.".

  19. Student Graduation Speech

    A Student Graduation Speech is a special talk given by a student during a graduation ceremony. It's a moment where the student shares their experiences, celebrates achievements, and gives thanks to teachers, family, and friends. The speech often includes memories from school, lessons learned, and hopes for the future.

  20. 16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

    After four years of hard work, stress, and exhausting self-discovery, lucky graduates are privy to a life-changing speech to top it all off. Here, we rounded up up 16 of the best graduation ...

  21. 29 Best Graduation Speech Ideas & Examples

    Step 2: Pen Down a Structure. Next, determine the beginning, middle, and end of your speech. You want to start with an attention-grabbing introduction that will draw the audience's attention to you and keep the body entertaining enough to maintain their interest. You also want to wrap everything up in an unforgettable ending.

  22. Graduation Speech Writing

    Best Graduation Speech Ideas - 2024 . Here are some interesting and fun graduation speech ideas. Talk about a current school event. Try something new like poetry or metaphors to make your speech interesting. What was the driving force of the class of 2023. Use graduation speech quotes from famous and classic books. Use lyrics from the class anthem.