graduation speech outline 8th grade

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How to Make a Middle School Graduation Speech

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed. . Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 450,184 times.

We all know giving a graduation speech can be nerve-wracking, but it is also an exciting opportunity. You get to highlight the important moments that your class has experienced over the years. To make a middle school graduation speech, you should write a speech that thanks your teachers, parents, and peers and also highlights some important moments throughout the year. Your speech will be more memorable if you include a few jokes, quotes, or words of advice.

Writing Your Graduation Speech

• You could say something like “Good afternoon Principal Jacobs, teachers, staff, family, and most importantly my fellow graduating class.”

• Encourage your classmates to always remember and cherish the good times you had together.

• For instance, you could say “During the fall charity drive, our class made history by raising over three thousand dollars.”

• Say something like: "I want to thank the teachers, staff, Principal Nolan, and, of course, my parents for a wonderful Lemon Valley experience. Without your support and guidance we would not be where we are today."
• You could add: “I would especially like to thank my classmates for making middle school one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life."

Elevating Your Speech

• For example, you should say “We will always remember when Mr. C. made a perfect dunk on the basketball court” instead of “I will always remember when Mr. C. made a perfect dunk of the basketball court.”

• Avoid making insulting jokes that may offend someone in the audience.
• You could tell a quick story that highlights a funny moment from the last year. For example, "Mr. D was so eager to come to school and teach us that one day he wore his shirt inside out."

• That being said, it is okay to give a tribute to someone if they deserve special recognition. For example, perhaps the entire graduating class had the same teacher. In this instance, you can mention that teacher individually.

• Alternatively, you could choose a quote that was hung on your classroom wall and talk about how you can apply this quote to future successes.

• For example, you could quote a piece of advice from a celebrity commencement speech.
• Alternatively, you could say something serious like "The journey ahead may not be easy, and most of us will stumble at some point. The important thing is that we get back up and keep working towards our goals and dreams."

Delivering the Speech

Expert Q&A

• Stay Confident! Never let your audience think you are nervous or shy. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Keep the speech lively. Nobody wants to fall asleep at their own graduation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
• It may help to take a deep breath before starting your speech. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

• Make sure the content in your speech is respectful to all. Thanks Helpful 34 Not Helpful 2
• If you are going to tell a story or joke about an individual, you may want to run it by them first. That way you will not offend them during the graduation ceremony. Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 3
• Do not chew gum while speaking because it may be difficult for people to understand what you are saying. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 4
• If you want your speech to be a surprise, do not practice with your friends. Thanks Helpful 27 Not Helpful 8

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.unr.edu/writing-speaking-center/student-resources/writing-speaking-resources/speech-introductions
• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-and-usage/graduation-speech-writing-outline.html
• ↑ Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Educational Consultant. Expert Interview. 4 August 2020.
• ↑ http://www.jostens.com/grad/grad_cp_hs_grad_guide_graduation_speech.html
• ↑ https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/be/commkit/public-speaking-how-to-practice/
• ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/graduation-speech-ideas with https://mitcommlab.mit.edu/be/commkit/public-speaking-how-to-practice/

About This Article

To make a middle school graduation speech, start with a greeting like "Good morning, everyone!" Then introduce yourself, since not everyone in the audience will know you. You can then share some of your favorite memories of middle school by talking about important things that happened or notable school events. Also, include some positive comments about the future, like how excited you are for high school. Before your time is up, thank those people who made middle school a great experience, like your teachers or principal. To learn how to add jokes or famous quotes to your speech, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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8th Grade Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speeches are a time-honored tradition, and they can be a lot of fun to give. If you are feeling nervous about giving your speech , don’t worry! We are here to help. If you’re looking for inspiration, or simply want to see how other people have done it, we’ve gathered some 8th grade graduation speech examples and inspiring quotes to include for you.

Before we get to the examples themselves, let’s go over a few tips on how to make your 8th grade graduation speech memorable.

How to Give a Memorable Speech

Giving a memorable speech in 8th grade is all about finding your personal voice and using it to connect with your audience. The best speeches are the ones that sound like they were written just for the occasion, and that’s exactly what you should aim for.

Start by thinking about what makes you unique – what experiences, hobbies, or interests do you have that nobody else does? This can be anything from your love of animals to your talent for painting.

Once you’ve pinpointed what makes you special, use that as the foundation for your speech. What message do you want to share with your classmates? How can you inspire them to follow their own dreams ? Answering these questions will help you write a speech that is both personal and powerful.

And if you’re still feeling nervous about speaking in front of a group, remember that practice makes perfect! Studies show that the more you speak in front of others, the more confident you’ll become.

Here are some tips to help you make it memorable:

• Be yourself: This is probably the most important tip of all. Being genuine and authentic will help you connect with your audience and deliver a speech that is truly meaningful.
• Use humor: A little bit of humor can go a long way in making your speech more enjoyable for everyone. Just be sure not to overdo it – too much jokes can make you seem unprofessional.
• Tell a story: Stories are a great way to engage your audience and illustrate your points. If you can, try to find a personal story that relates to the topic of your speech .
• End on a high note: Your conclusion is what people will remember most, so make it count! Sum up your main points and leave your audience with a strong and positive message.

The 8th grade graduation speeches examples below provide a great starting point, but remember that the best way to make your speech memorable is to be yourself. Be natural, and speak from the heart. This is your time to shine, so enjoy it!

And now, without further ado, here are some 8th grade graduation speech examples.

Blurbs to include in your 8th Grade Speech

“Class of 20xx, we did it! We made it through 8th grade! I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling pretty proud right now. It’s been a long journey, full of ups and downs, but we’ve made it to the end. And I think that’s worth celebrating!”

“This is just the beginning. 8th grade may be ending, but there are so many great things ahead of us. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for each and every one of you. Congratulations, and best of luck!”

“Graduation is a time to look back on all we’ve accomplished, and to set our sights even higher for the future. So let’s make a promise to ourselves right now: to never give up on our dreams, no matter how big or small.”

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know all of you over the past few years. You’re an amazing group of people with bright futures ahead of you. I have no doubt that you’ll go on to do great things in the world. Congratulations!”

“Wishing all of you a bright future full of happiness, success, and lots of love. Congratulations, 8th grade graduates!”

Short 8th Grade Speech Examples

Speech example 1.

“Class of 2023, we did it! We made it through 8th grade! This is a huge accomplishment and I’m so proud of each and every one of you. I can’t wait to see all the great things you will do in high school and beyond.

Now, I know graduation speeches are supposed to be serious, but I also know that 8th graders aren’t always the most serious bunch. So, instead of giving a long speech full of big words, I thought I would leave you with this quote from Dr. Seuss:

‘Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.’

Class of 2023 , congratulations again. Make sure to enjoy the rest of your summer break!”

Speech Example 2

“It seems like only yesterday we were starting 8th grade. Time really does fly when you’re having fun, or in 8th grade’s case, when you’re trying to survive 8th grade. But we made it! We’re finally graduating and moving on to high school.

I’m going to miss all of you, but I know that we will all keep in touch and stay friends. I want to wish you all the best of luck in high school and beyond. Remember to always stay true to yourselves and never give up on your dreams.

And with that, I’ll leave you with one more quote, this time from Walt Disney: ‘All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.’

Thank you and good luck!”

Speech Example 3

“As I stand here today, looking at all of you, I’m filled with so much pride. We’ve come so far, and we’ve accomplished so much. 8th grade is a big milestone, but it’s only the beginning. The sky is the limit for all of us.

I encourage each and every one of you to follow your passions and never give up on yourselves. Believe in yourselves and always stay positive. And finally, don’t forget to have fun! Life is too short to not enjoy every moment.

Thank you all for making 8th grade such a great year.”

Speech Example 4

“Graduation is a time to celebrate our accomplishments, reflect on our journey thus far, and set our sights on the future. For some of us, 8th grade was tough, but we made it through! We should be proud of ourselves for everything we’ve overcome.

As we move on to high school and beyond, let’s always remember the lessons we learned in 8th grade. Be kind to others, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. With that said, I’ll leave you all with one last quote from Maya Angelou:

‘You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.’

Class of 2023, congratulations and best of luck!”

Speech Example 5

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know each and every one of you over the past year. You’ve all accomplished so much and I know you’re going to do great things in high school.

I encourage you to always stay true to yourselves and never give up on your dreams. And remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. So, enjoy the ride!

Thank you all for making 8th grade such a great year. I wish you all the best of luck in high school and beyond.”

Quotes to Use in Your 8th Grade Speech

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.” – Steve Jobs

“If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.” – Unknown

“Don’t let anyone ever dull your sparkle.” – Unknown

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.” – Brad Montague

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” – Dr. Seuss

“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So… get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss

“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” – Albert Einstein

“Remember, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey.” – Unknown

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the best.” – John D. Rockefeller

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney

“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Unknown

We hope these 8th grade graduation speech examples have inspired you to write your own. Remember, the most important thing is to be yourself and have fun. Congratulations on your big day!

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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

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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8th Grade Graduation Speech Ideas

Tips on Writing a Welcome Address at a High School Graduation

You've made it through eighth grade! Next stop...high school! But before everything concludes, you've been asked to give the grade 8 graduation speech in behalf of your class. Calm those nerves and consider a few graduation speech ideas that can make your remarks inspirational, relevant and uplifting. Write a brief speech around the message you wish to convey. Start with an attention grabber like a famous quote to grab the attention of your audience. Show a draft of your middle school graduation speech to a teacher to make sure the content is appropriate. Then practice your speech in front of a mirror or your family, and stick to your time limit.

Fondly Look Back During Your Grade Eight Graduation Speech

Reflecting on past experiences is a powerful tool to connect with your audience. Mention specific memories that serve as common denominators for you and your classmates. For instance, recall your first impressions of the big and scary eighth graders you feared as younger students. Use those experiences to prompt a recognition of the ground you've covered and how far you've come. This can help set the stage for more forward-thinking insights later in your speech.

Give Credit and Thanks

Acknowledging and thanking the family, classmates and teachers that helped you graduate is always a respectful -- and smart -- move in a graduation speech. As Mark Zuckerberg reminded some students in a middle school graduation speech, no one accomplishes goals alone. Recognizing the support of those around you is crucial in achieving rites of passage with grace. And, besides, giving props to your family and teachers can pay dividends in the end. You might get an extra dessert at the congratulatory meal.

Leave a Legacy

Discuss the legacy you and your classmates will leave behind. What impact have your classmates had on your school? This reminder serves as encouragement and also ties you to your alma mater for years to come. Mention specific changes your class made to the school, such as fundraisers for school improvements or mentoring opportunities that influenced sixth or seventh graders. Mention special accomplishments of your grade, such as awards won in academics or athletics.

Acknowledge the Future

While many graduation speeches reflect heavily on the past, be sure to talk about the future. Acknowledge that many students may be parting ways after having spent several years together. Paint a brief picture of what might become of everyone as they head to high school, where they may stay together or scatter. This can help diffuse some of the tension that exists for those who may see it as a sad or bittersweet day. Encourage students to stay in touch with favorite teachers and friends. A strong stroke of optimism about the next steps can end a solid speech on a high note.

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How to Write a Graduation Speech (Graduation Speech Examples)

Have you been asked to deliver a commencement speech? Or have you worked your butt off to become valedictorian or salutatorian, and now you have to deliver a graduation speech? In this post, we will cover one of the more challenging types of presentation creation: How to Write a Graduation Speech . (By the way, I have also included a few popular graduation speech examples as a guide for you.)

This post is a continuation of our How to Create a Presentation series. We are going to break this post down into three parts, though. We will show you how to create a commencement speech in this post. Next week, I’ll show you how to write a valedictorian speech and how to deliver a salutatorian speech. Each of these graduation speeches has a slightly different purpose, but all of them need to be inspirational and funny.

How to Write a Commencement Speech

The commencement speech is often the keynote speech of the graduation ceremony. This presentation should be uplifting and entertaining, but this graduation speech should also teach a life lesson to the graduating students. If you do a search on YouTube of the best graduation speeches, many of these speakers will be famous comedians. When a comedian delivers a commencement speech, and the speech is posted on YouTube, it will always get a ton of views. The humor alone will make people want to watch the video. Three of the most popular of these speeches are by Conan O’Brien, Will Ferrell, and Ellen DeGeneres. The interesting thing about the speeches from these famous comedians is that, yes, they are funny, but the inspiration comes from what they learned from their failures.

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life life trying to push you in another direction.” Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University Commencement Speech

A Good Structure When You Write a Commencement Address

Thank the crowd.

Start with Something Funny

Be Inspirational

The inspirational part of your commencement speech will come from the theme of the graduation speech . (For Sample Graduation Speech Themes , see the section below.) The easiest way to develop a theme is to look for an inspirational famous quote about success. You can do this by just going to Google and type in “success quotes”. Once you come up with a great quote, you can either paraphrase the quote and make it your own or quote the original speaker.

Tell Stories from Your Own Experience Related to Your Quote (Theme).

This the most important part of how to write a graduation speech. The stories and examples are what the audience will remember. These stories add emotion and inspiration to your graduation speech. They also help you build rapport with the audience. Finally, these stories make your delivery much easier. You don’t have to memorize a lot of material. Instead, just play the video in your head of what happened and describe the incident to the graduates.

For a great example of this, watch the YouTube video on Stanford University’s channel where Steve Jobs gives the commencement speech. I love this speech, because Jobs skips the introduction and the funny stuff and starts his speech with the following. “I’m going to tell you three stories.” It’s simple, and the crowd loves him.

End with an Inspirational Call to Action.

So as you go on to the next stage in your life and you experience failure… because you will experience failure, use that as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere. Don’t rest on that success. Use it as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere, and you will experience a series of successes and failures that will allow you to accomplish something great!”

Use this outline to create a simple 20 to 30 minute speech. (The shorter the better… No one gets a diploma until you finish.)

Sample Graduation Speech Themes

If you are having trouble coming up with a theme for your graduation speech, here are a few Sample Commencement Speech Themes. As you read through them, think about which them or quote has been most applicable in your career? Once you choose a graduation speech them, use the outline above to create your speech.

• Hard Work Leads to Success

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” — Coleman Cox

• Create Your Own Path.

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” — Herman Melville

• Make Things Happen.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

• Don’t Settle for Average. Strive for Greatness.

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” –John D. Rockefeller

• Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity. Look for a Way to Create Your Own Opportunity.

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser/blockquote> The Road Ahead is Hard, But It Leads to Success. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” — Jim Rohn

• Focus on Your Dream.

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” — Bruce Lee

• Learn from Every Mistake to Move Toward Success.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” — Conrad Hilton

• When Your Why is Big Enough, Your How Will Appear.

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” — Jim Rohn

• Happiness is the Key to Success.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

Use the Speech Creator as a Guide to How to Create a Graduation Speech

Once you have chosen a them, and you have a few stories to inspire your audience, use our Online Speech Writer to help you organize your thoughts. (It’s free.)

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Middle School Graduation Speech Examples

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

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Celebrate the excitement of moving on from middle school with a fun or inspiring speech to your classmates at graduation. Use the example speeches as is by clicking on the image of the one you love to download and print it. If you run into any trouble using the sample graduation speeches, check with the Adobe Guide for troubleshooting.

Funny Middle School Graduation Speech

In this trendy speech, you'll compare middle school to the game Minecraft. Since you're probably a noob at giving speeches, have a little fun with your speech to help ease your anxiety because funny graduation speeches are usually audience favorites.

• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win
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• The Ultimate Guide to a Magical Middle School Graduation

Customization Options

By adding in a few specific details and examples, you can take this speech from generic to unique.

• Provide specific examples of the "blocks" you gathered such as quotes from your favorite teachers or the principal's catchphrase.
• Expand on what you've created by including examples of group projects completed by your grade.
• Add in your school's full name and the name of the high school you'll be moving onto.

Inspirational Junior High Graduation Speech

Get your fellow classmates fired up and excited about the next chapter of your lives with an inspirational junior high graduation speech. If you're giving a speech at a more formal or professional ceremony, this example is a great way to show your mature side.

The point of a motivational speech is to show where you came from as a class and where you can go together in the future.

• Add details about the different social groups at your school to make it more relatable to other students.
• Give an example or two of something you all achieved together like winning spirit week or collecting donations for a charity.
• Expand on the storm theme by adding more elements of a storm, such as lightning or hail, and how those can be related to your class.

How to Create a Great Graduation Speech

You can also use these examples as inspiration for the length and tone of your own unique middle school graduation speech. Follow the general format, but choose your own theme and word things in your own way.

What to Include

Every great middle school graduation speech includes a few key things:

• An attention-grabbing first line
• Thank you to classmates, school, and/or families
• Memorable shared middle school experiences
• How you've grown
• An inspirational ending that excites everyone about high school

Theme Ideas

Choose a theme you are knowledgeable or passionate about to make your speech more impactful. Include quotes or graduation poems to further connect your theme.

• Favorite school subject
• School mascot qualities
• Pop culture trends
• School motto or song
• Things that are in the middle
• Measurements

What to Avoid

Since you'll be giving your speech to a crowd, you want to try to keep it short, politically correct, and interesting. When writing your speech, avoid:

• Teasing classmates or teachers
• Using foul language or offensive terms
• Giving too many personal feelings and examples that only apply to your experience
• Off-topic rambling
• Angry or embarrassing experiences or stories

End on a High Note

You've survived middle school ! End your last days of junior high with a great speech kids, parents, and teachers will remember for years to come. Take the opportunity to look back on the past years and what they've meant to you and your classmates.

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Middle School or Elementary School graduation speech

This page contains a funny sample speech for Middle School or Elementary School graduations for principles, teachers or other key note speakers. The speech template can be customized for graduations from preschool, 8th Grade, Junior High School, clubs, high school or other graduation events as well. This speech is humorous but also talks about dedication and personal commitment. We hope this graduation speech for keynote or guest speakers is helpful.

School graduation speech

Let me begin by welcoming all of you to today’s event and thanking (NAME OF PERSON WHO INTRODUCED YOU) for that kind introduction.

I’m very pleased to have been invited to speak here today on what I know is a very special day. It’s special for the graduates, for their proud parents and grandparents, and for their very relieved teachers. Just wait until these students are graduating college. Then their parents will be the

relieved ones.

As I begin, I have to say, I think the best speeches are those that have a great beginning, a memorable end, and not much in between. I will try then to make a great speech. Today is one of those great occasions when we get to celebrate our young people – their achievements, their perseverance and their successes as they grow up. It’s one of the times you can take a break and reflect, feeling good as a parent or a mentor, knowing that the kids you care about are doing just fine and they’re on the right path.

Graduates, you should know that your moms and dads are very proud of you today. They have high hopes for you, and they believe in you, and you are making them proud by showing what you can do. Take a look at them now, and you can see them smiling and snapping photos so they can record this moment forever. Today is an important day for you and for them. Today they are very, very proud of you. (PAUSE) Today would be a good day to ask for money.

Today would also be a good day to hug them and thank them for supporting you, because as much as this is your achievement, this is also the achievement of the people who care about you. That means your mom, your dad, your step mom or step dad, your grandparents, your sisters and brothers, and all the other people who care about you. They want you to be your best and to live up to your potential.

Graduations can be seen as a coming of age, a sort of official way to recognize when a person steps into the next stage of life, and graduates, you are stepping into a new stage.

With every year, you have become a little more independent. I bet you can still remember your first day here - it might have been exciting and a little intimidating too. I bet when you look at the (INSERT LOWEST GRADE IN SCHOOL HERE, 1ST GRADERS, 6TH GRADERS, ETC) going to class you think, Wow! They look so little! I can't believe I was ever that young! Get used to it. You'll be thinking that for the rest of your life.

But when you she younger students, you can tell how much you've grown up, how much you've learned and how much you've matured. Think back on some of the exciting things that happened this year, all the things you learned. This year, you… (ADD SOME INFO ABOUT THE CLASS OR SCHOOL HERE. TALK TO TEACHERS OR WHOEVER INVITED YOU FOR SOME IDEAS. IT CAN BE FIELD TRIPS, TOPICS STUDENTS LEARNED, ETC. YOU CAN ALSO ADD SOME FAMILY-FRIENDLY HUMOR ABOUT WHAT KIDS LEARNED).

You had some great time this year, and maybe you had some tough times, but you did it and you succeeded. You're ready for that next step. I ask you as you prepare for this next step to do a few things.

First, stop texting your friend about how you wish the speaker would hurry up and finish talking so you could go to (INSERT NAME OF LOCAL PARTY PLACE, MALL OR RESTAURANT POPULAR WITH STUDENTS).

Secondly, I ask you to take this chance to dedicate yourself to making the next year even better. Remember that you don’t have to follow the crowd. Do the right thing, even if no one is looking. Study hard and remember that you're investing in yourself with every test you take and every book you read. And finally, don't be in too big of a hurry to grow up. These are some great times in your life. Don't rush past them.

There are great things coming, and just as your parents are proud, each one of you should feel proud of yourself.

So congratulations to all of the graduates, congratulations to the parents, and finally, congrats to the teachers and everyone else who helped our graduates reach here today.

I'll leave you with this final quote, from a great author with whom I imagine you are all familar, by the name of Dr. Seuss.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go."

Congratulations again, and thank you for your attention.

Did you like this sample speech for Middle School and Elementary School Graduation? We hope you can use it for your speech, whether you are a principle, a teacher or a guest speaker.

Since you were interested in this sample speech about graduations, chances are you will like the following topics as well: High School Graduation speech and Easy Letter of Recommendation template

More information : We hope this page was helpful and provided you with some information about Middle School or Elementary School graduation speech . Check out our main page for more articles here Can U Write .

All materials on this page are under the copyright of canuwrite.com These speech and letter sample materials may be re-used for free but may not be reprinted or redistributed without attribution to canuwrite.com

Home » Ideas » 51 Best Graduation Speech Ideas (Serious, Funny, etc.)

51 Best Graduation Speech Ideas (Serious, Funny, etc.)

Presenting a graduation speech is both exciting and a bit terrifying. You are both the first and last high school voice many in your audience will hear. You will be speaking to your fellow graduates, parents, teachers, and extended family members, so your speech must be understandable to everyone. You need to engage your listeners immediately and share a speech that is both enjoyable and informative. To be successful, you must remember that the key to creating a graduation speech that is both memorable and enjoyable is preparation. We will walk you through the process, discussing the different types of graduation speeches, how to pick a theme for your graduation speech, and how to write and deliver your graduation speech.

Table of Contents

Types of Graduation Speeches

You probably will not be the only speaker to take the podium. When it is your turn, you want your speech to grab your audience’s attention and keep it. Think about the last few years of your schooling, the general personality of your class members, and what makes your educational experience unique. Graduation speeches can be divided into several different categories:

Serious Graduation Speeches

Inspirational graduation speeches, funny graduation speeches.

Begin by brainstorming about your experience in school, asking the question: What has my school experience taught me and my fellow students about life, facing problems, and growing up? Then consider choosing one of the following upon which to base your speech:

Life Lessons

Students do not only learn subject matter in school. School teaches one how to relate to others, that hard work leads to success, and that you get the most out of any endeavor if you give it 100%. Some good speech ideas if you wish to talk about life lessons are:

• The Most Important Lesson I Learned in School
• Let’s Remain Lifelong Friends
• The Importance of Taking Risks

Facing and Overcoming Problems

Simply talking about the problems your graduating class has encountered leads to a depressing speech but recounting how those problems were overcome can be inspiring and uplifting. You may have lost a beloved teacher or fellow student, had an extreme weather experience that damaged the school, or had fundraisers for much needed supplies and equipment. Consider the following speech topics if you wish to talk about overcoming adversity.

• Never Give Up!
• Learn from Your Mistakes
• Remember This?

High school graduation frequently is the beginning of adulthood. Maturity involves being able to make good decisions, accepting responsibility, and being willing to be held accountable for our actions. Making comparisons about how you and your classmates behaved as freshmen and the changes you have made now that you are seniors makes for an interesting and fun graduation speech. Some speech ideas that deal with maturity are:

• Be Yourself
• Facing the Next Big Challenge

You may decide the best speech for your audience is one that will inspire them. You can move your audience to have an emotional response with one of the following:

• Reflections and Memoirs Looking back on your high school years and the changes you and your classmates have been through is an excellent way to create a speech that perfectly ends your high school years.
• Expression of Gratitude Thanking your parents, teachers, friends, and family members for support and assistance throughout your education careers can end with a standing ovation. Additionally, you may wish to have graduates present a flower to the person who helped them the most.
• Inspiring Quote Beginning your speech with an inspirational quote from a famous person or even a Bible verse can set the tone for your speech and provide a coherent theme.
• Song Lyric If you and your classmates have a popular song that most of you know and love, use some of the lyrics to create your theme. You might wish to quote the lyrics at the beginning of your speech and then close by playing a few verses for your audience
• Inspiring Story Use a popular media story or a few about inspiring class members, maybe one or two that overcame an obstacle to be successful.
• Anecdotes and Stories about Your Class Sharing some funny and serious stories about your class members sets the foundation for a fun speech. Just make sure the stories are uplifting and do not cause anyone embarrassment. The goal is to show how bonded your class has become.
• Student Accomplishments If you have one or more students or a sports team that made an impact on the school, sharing their accomplishments can provide a truly inspirational speech. Emphasize how their accomplishments strengthened the entire class.

If you are known for your sense of humor, you may wish to try a humorous graduation speech. Humor is never boring, if you have the talent for delivering this type of speech. Consider using one of the following approaches:

• Pick Appropriate Jokes Sprinkling a few jokes throughout your speech can keep your audience’s attention and provide a bit of humor. Consider some takes on why the chicken crossed the road or some silly knock-knock jokes.
• Use Funny Inspirational Quotes A quick google search for funny inspirational quotes will provide fodder for your topic. You could reminisce about your class after quoting, “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” (Abraham Lincoln)
• Use Irony Reference something surprising, such as a popular song, movie, or activity. For example, “Life Is Like a Monopoly Game.”
• Tell a Funny Story Specific to Your School Make sure your story is audience appropriate and they will relate to it. Telling a story about yourself, perhaps about a time in school when you failed, can provide humor.
• Poke Fun at the “Traditional” Graduation Speech Although it can be difficult to write, if done well, this speech is very funny. Use some of the clichés such as “dream big,” “never give up,” and “you are the future” as a springboard for your humorous speech. Speak slowly and distinctly, so that your audience can here every word. If people are laughing, stop talking for minute. You want your audience to have an opportunity to respond to your humor.

Graduation Speech Themes

Your graduation speech theme will help you tie all your ideas together. Your speech should last at least five minutes, but not longer than ten to twelve. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm ideas to pick a theme for your speech. Below we have listed some common graduation speech themes that have worked well for others. Remember that no matter which theme you choose, you can make your speech unique with personalized content – content that your audience can relate to.

• Who Are You?
• Believe in Yourself
• Be an Original, Not a Carbon Copy
• Step Up and Out
• Striving on to Perfection
• Learn from Other’s Mistakes
• Live in the Moment
• You Are What You Believe
• What I Learned in High School
• What Comes Next?
• Take a Leap of Faith
• Our Class United When
• Set Goals for Success
• Giving Back
• Follow Your Dreams
• High School Mistakes I Learned From
• Why I Don’t Want to Leave High School
• My Best High School Memories
• Overcoming Obstacles
• The Importance of School
• Never Stop Learning

8th Grade Graduation Speech

If you are in middle school and have been chosen to present an 8th grade graduation speech, keep your speech simple and short – not longer than five minutes – and follow the following format:

• Greet the audience.
• Introduce yourself.
• Reflect on your time in middle school highlighting a few special moments.
• Talk a bit about future expectations for your class.
• Thank your teachers, fellow students, and parents.
• Conclude your speech with a quote, Bible verse, or line from a song or poem.

High School Graduation Speech

Giving the high school commencement speech is truly an honor. If you are chosen to represent your classmates, choose a theme that reflects your personality and one you feel comfortable addressing because you know your topic well. Make sure you practice before the big occasion and memorize as much of your speech as possible. Have clear notes with you in case you forget something. Use engaging gestures, look at your audience, and speak in a slow, yet natural, pace.

Get your audiences attention with a quotation, anecdote, or a clever joke. Make sure your theme is clear and that all your content is cohesive and concise. Illustrate your theme with a story or example, reminiscing about the times you and your classmates enjoyed.

A high school graduation speech should last about ten minutes. Close your speech by thanking your audience; fellow students, parents, and teachers. Tie together the points you have presented during your speech and end with a clever statement your audience will remember.

How to Write a Graduation Speech?

Writing your graduation speech will be much easier if you have a plan. Our step-by-step guide on how to write a graduation speech will walk you through the entire process.

• Brainstorm Ideas Begin by brainstorming ideas. Think about the future and what kind of challenges you and your fellow students may face after graduation. Consider your past school experiences, concentrating on those which are unique and interesting.
• Pick a Theme Your theme may become obvious as you list your brainstorming ideas. If not, check out the list of themes we have suggested and pick one that fits your experiences and personality.
• Stick with Your Theme. Do not allow yourself to include anything in your speech not related to your theme. Find a quote, song lyrics, or a popular news story related to your theme if you wish to include one.
• Build the Basic Structure of Your Speech After identifying the theme of your speech, begin to organize your speech by creating an outline: Welcome Introduce Topic (Theme) Give Example, Testimonial, or Tell a Story or Joke Add Originality Conclusion Thank Your Audience Leave Them with a One Line Summation

Delivering Your Graduation Speech

Once you have completed your graduation speech, you are ready to prepare for delivering it. Find out when on the program you will be speaking so you will be ready. Knowing if you are first, last, or somewhere in the middle of the program can help you feel more comfortable about delivering your speech. Adhere to all the following suggestions to make sure your speech is the best it can be.

• Memorize Your Speech Reading your speech can destroy the delivery, making you sound robotic and impersonal. You will probably want to have some notes but try to speak as much as possible from memory.
• Time Your Speech You may be told how long you have for your speech. If not, try not to talk no more than about ten minutes; a longer speech may not keep your listeners’ attention.
• Speak Slowly When one is nervous, they speak faster. Try to speak slowly and enunciate each word. Pause when necessary for an audience response to a joke or funny comment.
• Speak with Emotion Vary your tone of voice and match your emotions with your content.
• Make Eye Contact Look at your audience. If doing so makes you nervous, pick a spot on the wall at the back of the room and look at it as you speak. You can also pick out a few people in the audience you know and make eye contact with them.

Before you deliver your speech, practice, practice, practice! Deliver your speech to your family, the mirror, your dog – anyone that will listen. Ask for advice and take it. When you give your speech, if you make a mistake, repeat the sentence or word and keep going. Smile at your audience when appropriate. Your enthusiasm for your subject will be felt and enjoyed.

Finally, remember to have pictures or a video taken while you are giving your speech. You have earned the privilege of speaking for your entire class – a huge responsibility and one you will remember for years to come. Smile, have fun, and your audience will enjoy and remember your graduation speech.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

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• TemplateLab

Graduation Speech Examples

50 top graduation speech ideas (& examples).

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

Table of Contents

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

What should you write about in your graduation speech?

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

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

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

Graduation Speech Outlines

Structuring your graduation speech

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

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

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

Graduation Speech Templates

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

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

High School Graduation Speech

Tips for writing graduation speech

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

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

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

College Graduation Speech

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Free Printable Graduation Speech Templates [PDF] for Students

Graduation is a milestone moment that signifies the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. As we stand on the brink of this exciting new phase in our lives, it is natural to feel a mix of emotions – pride, gratitude, and perhaps a little bit of nervousness about what the future holds.

But no matter what the future holds, we can all look back with pride on the hard work and determination that brought us to this point. And as we embark on the next stage of our journey, we do so with the support and encouragement of our teachers, friends, and loved ones. It is with this sense of community and purpose that we approach the task of delivering a graduation speech – a chance to share our memories, our aspirations, and our gratitude with those who have been with us every step of the way.

Table of Contents

Graduation Speech Templates

Inspire and captivate your audience with our extensive collection of free printable Graduation Speech templates . Craft a memorable and impactful speech for this momentous occasion, whether you’re addressing graduates, faculty, or parents. Our templates offer a structured format to help you organize your thoughts, convey gratitude, share wisdom, and reflect on the journey of achievement. Customize the templates with your personal anecdotes, motivational quotes , and heartfelt messages to make your speech truly unique. Download now and deliver a graduation speech that will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

What Is a Graduation Speech?

A graduation speech is a speech that is typically given at a graduation ceremony, usually by a student or a faculty member. The purpose of the speech is to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and to offer words of inspiration and encouragement as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

Graduation speeches may also include memories of the time spent in school, thanks to teachers and mentors, and reflections on the lessons learned during the educational journey. The tone of a graduation speech can vary, but it is typically uplifting and celebratory, and may include humor, personal anecdotes, and words of wisdom. The goal of a graduation speech is to inspire and motivate the graduating class as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

What should you write about in your graduation speech?

There are many things that you can write about in your graduation speech. Some ideas might include:

Your personal journey through school : You could talk about your own experiences, challenges, and achievements during your time in school. You could also share any memorable moments or anecdotes that you want to share with your classmates.

Your gratitude for teachers and mentors: Graduation is a great opportunity to thank the teachers and mentors who have supported you throughout your educational journey. You could express your appreciation for their guidance and encouragement.

Words of wisdom: Graduation speeches are often seen as an opportunity to offer words of wisdom to your peers. You could share any insights or lessons you have learned during your time in school that you think could be helpful to others.

Your future plans: You could talk about your plans for the future and what you hope to accomplish. You could also share any goals or aspirations you have for your career or personal life.

Encouragement: Graduation can be a scary time, as it marks the end of a familiar chapter and the beginning of something new. You could use your graduation speech to offer encouragement and support to your peers as they navigate this transition.

Remember to keep your speech positive, uplifting, and focused on the achievements of your class . You can also include some humor and personal anecdotes to make your speech more engaging and memorable.

Essential Elements of a Graduation Speech

There are several essential elements that you should consider when writing a graduation speech. These include:

Introduction: Start your speech by introducing yourself and thanking the audience for coming to the graduation ceremony. You can also set the tone of your speech by stating the theme or main message you want to convey.

Body: This is the main part of your speech, where you will present your ideas and insights. You can organize the body of your speech around different themes or topics, such as your personal journey through school, your gratitude for teachers and mentors, or your future plans.

Conclusion: End your speech by summarizing the main points you have made and offering any final thoughts or words of encouragement. You could also end with a quote or a call to action.

Tone: The tone of your graduation speech should be positive and uplifting, with a focus on celebrating the achievements of your class. You should aim to be inspiring and motivating, rather than negative or critical.

Length: Keep your speech concise and to the point. Graduation speeches are typically between 5-10 minutes in length, so aim to keep your speech within this time frame.

Personal anecdotes: Adding personal anecdotes can help to make your speech more engaging and memorable. You can share stories or experiences that are relevant to your theme or message.

Humor: Including a bit of humor can help to lighten the mood and make your speech more enjoyable for the audience. Just be sure to keep your jokes appropriate and respectful.

Practice: Practice your speech several times before delivering it. This will help you to feel more confident and comfortable when giving your speech.

How To Write a Graduation Speech

Writing a graduation speech can be a daunting task, but with some careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can craft a speech that is memorable and meaningful. Here are some tips for how to write a graduation speech:

Start by brainstorming ideas: Take some time to think about your experiences in school, any lessons you have learned, and any advice you would like to share with your peers. You could also consider including any memorable anecdotes or stories from your time in school.

Determine your main message: What do you want to say to your peers in your graduation speech? Do you want to inspire them to pursue their dreams, or offer words of encouragement as they navigate the next phase of their lives? Determine your main message and use it as the foundation for your speech.

Organize your ideas: Once you have a list of ideas, start organizing them into a logical structure. You could divide your speech into different sections, such as an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Write your introduction: Your introduction should grab the attention of your audience and set the tone for your speech. You could start by thanking the audience for coming, introducing yourself, and stating your main message.

Develop your body: The body of your speech is where you will present your ideas and insights. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points and make them more relatable to your audience.

Conclude your speech: In your conclusion, summarize the main points you have made and offer any final thoughts or words of encouragement. You could also end with a quote or a call to action.

Edit and revise: Once you have a rough draft of your speech, take some time to edit and revise it. Look for any awkward phrases or sentences that could be improved, and eliminate any unnecessary words or ideas.

Practice, practice, practice: It is important to practice your speech several times before delivering it. This will help you to feel more confident and comfortable when giving your speech.

In conclusion, a graduation speech is a significant and memorable moment for both the graduating class and the speaker. It is an opportunity for the speaker to impart wisdom, share experiences, and motivate the graduates to continue pursuing their goals and dreams.

It is also a time for the graduating class to reflect on their journey and look forward to the future. A well-written and delivered graduation speech can inspire and empower the graduates to make a positive impact in their communities and the world.

What is the most important message of a graduation speech?

The most important graduation speech message is to inspire graduates to appreciate how far they’ve come, feel proud of their accomplishments, and look ahead with hope and optimism at the exciting possibilities their future holds. Remind them their education has equipped them to achieve their dreams and make a positive impact.

What do I say in a graduation speech?

When giving a graduation speech, focus on sharing:

• Congratulations and well done recognizing graduates’ achievements.
• Inspiration about their bright futures and potential ahead.
• Highlights of memories from their educational journey.
• Stories and examples relevant to the graduates.
• Messages about pursuing their dreams or making a difference.
• Wisdom and life lessons that will help graduates.
• Gratitude for those who helped along the way.
• Encouragement to work hard and believe in themselves.

What is the best graduation speech?

The best graduation speeches share:

• Personalized messages that resonate with the specific graduates.
• Meaningful quotes, insights, and advice.
• Uplifting stories and memories about the graduate’s journey.
• Humor and a relatable, authentic tone.
• Moments that spark emotions like motivation, nostalgia, camaraderie.
• Appreciation for all who helped support the graduates.
• Optimism and encouragement for the future.

What are good quotes for graduation?

Some inspiring graduation quotes are:

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela “Graduation is not the end; it’s the beginning.” – Orrin Hatch “Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life.” – Golda Meir “Today is your day. You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!” – Dr. Seuss

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Graduation Speech Outline: Expert Guide To Follow

None of us can sweep the great relevance of any outline under the carpet. You can’t write a paper without outlining. But if you want to score a lower grade, fine, you can do without it. However, those willing to craft a top-notch paper worth A+ will need to create a speech outline and organize their research in one place before writing. Let us see how to achieve that in a matter of seconds.

What Is A Graduation Speech Outline?

It refers to your graduation speech plan, where you structure and organize the main points into paragraphs to make it easier for you to write the essay. In other words, it involves writing quick phrases or summary sentences for every issue you will cover in each paragraph, thus giving you a picture of how your speech will unfold.

Graduation speeches are of varied natures, including:

• 6th-grade graduation speech,
• High school graduation speech,
• commencement speech
• Valedictorian speech, and
• College or university graduation speech

We will look at the comprehensive outline of each of these speeches in a moment. Now, you may sometimes have to submit a graduation speech outline as a separate assignment before you start writing the speech itself. But even if you don’t have to hand one in, it’s highly recommended to create an outline as part of your writing process. Before you begin your graduation speech outline, you should have your topic and some preliminary research to find relevant sources at hand already.

Graduation Speech Sample

Dearest friends and teachers. First of all, thank you deeply allowing me to make this speech to you. This is a day that I know that I will remember for many years and that I hope that you will too. As I stand amongst you then please know that I feel proud and happy to have been your classmate and I know that the experience of this will stay with me for the rest of my life.

So, first of all, thank you, my classmates. We have shared many good memories and experiences down the years, and for this I am deeply grateful. Today is a day for both looking forwards and backwards; for looking to the future at what we can make of our lives from this point, and also of reflecting back on what we had made us the people that we are at this point. When I do this, I think cannot but think of the times that I have shared with all of you I know that in the future, if things are ever difficult, that I will have memories to draw on.

Of course, I must also thank the school and the teachers with whom I have spent these years. So, yes, thank you. It’s as a result of your hard work that we’re all standing here today, and I know that some of the lessons that I have learned from you, both in and outside of the classroom, are going to stay with me for a long time. I know that, perhaps, myself and some others that are here might not have been the ideal students all of the time that you had to deal with us, but I know that now, looking back, many of us are deeply grateful for your efforts. A school without committed teachers is just a collection of dead buildings and empty spaces, so thank you for making sure that both my, and my classmates’ years at high school have been as full of life as you could possibly make them. Once again, when I think about the future developments that I want to under take in my life and the people that I want to be, I look to some of you and know that I have some fine examples to follow. I know that these examples will stay with me, as they will stay with other students, for many many years.

I cannot give this speech without mentioning and thanking my parents who have been my important source of motivation and inspiration throughout my time at high school. It is with them in mind that I have worked my hardest and it is their support that has helped me most when times were difficult. Without them I do not believe that I would be graduating, let alone standing before you and giving this speech.

Finally, it is left to wish you all the best for the future and to offer what advice I can. The only thing that I can say is to wish that you all stay true to yourselves and follow the same impulses of comradeship and hard work that have brought us all to this point today. Thanks to all of you, I have learnt new ways of understanding just what hard work and integrity can look like, and I only hope that all of as given more and more opportunities in which exercise this traits and to prove to all whom we meet that we are capable of them. So, once again thank you and please believe me when I say that I wish you all the very very best for the future, whatever it may hold.

Importance of Writing a Graduation Speech Outline

A graduation speech template is essential in the following number of ways:

• It helps you identify the ideas to use in your paper
• It will help you organize thoughts
• It gives you an understanding of the information flow
• It will help you capture every detail in your final speech

That said and done, a college or high school graduation speech outline will help you write your paper better and faster. And while we have our expert writers on standby, always here to help, it can’t hurt to learn how to write a graduation speech outline by your own. You just need to write somesting like “Please,   do my assignment for me!” and we’ll deal with your task soon.

Writing a 6th Grade Graduation Speech Outline .

Although most students find this speech’ easy to write,’ it still requires a clear and comprehensive outline to guarantee success. This speech is at the end of your 6th grade, and it has its peculiarities when writing. Check the following guidelines out to write an exceptional 6th-grade graduation speech:

• Have a theme in mind: Graduation speeches can serve various purposes, including advising other graduates, thanksgiving, or reflections about the future. For a sixth grade speech, the two latter goals will fit better. Having such in mind will help you know where to major your research extensively.
• Identify the supporting evidence: You can choose to have pictures or any other relevant images applicable to your speech. These can be pictures of your first day in school or when you participated in memorable events.
• Outline the main points: It helps you know what you will discuss, with what kind of emphasis. Such a step will allow your speech to flow smoothly. When you have an outline of the points to discuss, you will be able to capture every relevant thought at the end of your paper.
• Write a draft: Make your first draft and read it through to identify any missing links. It will form the basis of your second or final paper.

A 6th-grade graduation speech employs the use of clear and precise language. Do not give complex ideas that will complicate the final paper.

How To Write a High School Graduation Speech

A high school graduation speech outline varies from that of the 6th grade regarding the advanced level of study at this stage. You will have had more experiences and memories to give than for a 6th or 8th-grade speech. The elements below are essential in such a paper outline:

• Recognize the people to thank: Your parents, friends, and teachers have to appear in this part. However, identify each of these parts’ contribution separately so that you don’t end up repeating yourself.
• Identify memorable high school moments: These can include your first day in high school, how you performed in your first exam and so forth. Such moments should stand out and be able to move the audience.
• Highlight your prospects: Which college or university are you eyeing in the future? What course are you inspiring to pursue?

Finish off your high school speech with a great, inspirational quote, providing food for thought and making the lesson memorable.

College Graduation Speech Outline

These guidelines will help you craft a masterpiece college graduation speech:

• The introduction: Draft points on the number of years you’ve been in college, your first impression of college life, and the transition from high school to college life.
• The body: It should have a reflection of the significant events that transpired in your college life. Give the outline of points on the lectures, practical attachments, and general performance in college.
• The conclusion: Give your prospects on what you intend to do after college. Do you plan to advance your studies or go straight to the job market?

Remember that a college graduation speech should be more detailed and comprehensive than the other two previously discussed. So, i f you have poor writing skills, it’s better to hire our experts to write your paper online .

Valedictorian Speech Outline

Valedictorian speeches offer a fond reflection on the high school years. They connect with audiences using anecdotes and lots of name-dropping while also showing gratitude. Consider the following for your valedictorian speech template:

• Have the names of people at hand
• Think of memorable stories to include
• Outline relevant quotes to use

How To Write a Commencement Speech

Special guests give these at the graduation ceremony. Although they come at college graduation ceremonies, they are also part of high school graduations. A commencement speech outline includes:

• a welcome to the guests
• acknowledgement of staff and faculty
• a heartfelt expression of your feelings on being asked to speak at such an auspicious event

Remember also to include well-selected quotations and stories to mark the importance of such events in life. You can use a commencement speech example from our guru speech writers today. Now, this is important:

How To Start a Graduation Speech

Any graduation speech regardless of its type has a common way of beginning. The following should be part and parcel of your graduation speech introduction:

• Thank the previous speaker
• Introduce yourself, including your name
• Share something catchy such as a concise story, joke, quote or fact

Starting with an incident which arises the curiosity of the audience is a great way to start. If you find this a daunting task, use our pre-graduation speech introductions examples.

Things To Say in a Graduation Speech

Your speech should include the following:

• Thanking the people who helped you
• Restating memorable moments
• Giving what you intend to pursue in the future
• Advice to those remaining
• A call to action

Our top-notch graduation speech examples will give you more insight into what to include in your paper. Using a graduation speech example from our quality online writing service can motivate you towards writing a masterpiece speech. We also offer affordable and high-quality paper writing help . Give it a try today! 

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Student Graduation Speech

Student graduation speech generator.

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

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

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

Download Student Graduation Speech Bundle

Download Graduation Speech Bundle

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

Student Graduation Speech Format

Introduction.

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

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

Future Outlook

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

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

Best Graduation Speech

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

Student Graduation Speech [Text Version]

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

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How to Write a Student Graduation Speech?

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

1. Always Introduce Yourself to the Crowd

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

2. Share Your Experience in a Story

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

3. Add an Inspiring Quote

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

4. Give Everyone Some Good Advice

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

5. Thank Everyone for Attending the Event

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

How does a student start a graduation speech?

1.Express Gratitude:

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

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

2. Use a Quote:

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

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

3. Tell a Personal Story:

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

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

4. Ask a Rhetorical Question:

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

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

5. Use Humor:

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

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

6. Acknowledge the Significance of the Moment:

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

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

What should I say in my high school graduation speech?

1. Introduction

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

2. Reflect on the Journey

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

3. Acknowledge Achievements

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

4. Inspire and Encourage

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

5. Share Life Lessons

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

6. Embrace Diversity:

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

7. Discuss the Future:

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

8. Express Hope and Optimism:

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

9. Use Personal Anecdotes:

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

10. Conclude with Gratitude:

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

How do you write a short and sweet graduation speech?

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

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

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

Is it necessary to make a graduation speech?

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

What are the elements of a good graduation speech?

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

What are the benefits of writing a graduation speech?

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

Why do we need a graduation speech example?

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

How long is a graduation speech?

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

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

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

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How to Write a Graduation Speech: Quotations, Outline and Tips

It is a great honor and responsibility to deliver an end of the year speech at a graduation ceremony. That is why you are most likely to go deep into searching for inspiring speech ideas. Naturally, a person who is chosen to speak in front of their peers, parents, and teachers would experience a mixture of feelings – excitement, thrill, agitation, doubt, anxiety, pride – you name it, it’s all there in a young graduate.

Any student hopes to create a powerful and lasting graduation speech wow effect on the audience. For this reason, you will browse through multiple how to speech ideas to simplify the writing process. No matter what you find online, you will still have to make it personal.

Since you will discover many sample motivational speeches and funny graduation speech ideas in your pursuit of perfection, you should make sure to keep the balance between jokes and serious stuff. Sad speeches are also not very popular on graduation day, so try not overwhelming your audience with heavy thoughts.

To brighten up your speech, it is always a good idea to use various sayings such as the end of school quotes, highschool quotes, and graduation quotes from parents. You will find some nice examples further in the article.

Despite the vast number of recipes for a perfect speech, many graduates keep making the same mistakes. To avoid stepping in the same shoes, read on and learn how to write a good motivational graduation speech.

Graduation Speech Outline

A clear and comprehensive outline is a guarantee of success. Having created an efficient point-by-point plan, you will be able to structure your graduation speech clearly and include all necessary ideas. As Heinrich Heine once said: “True eloquence consists in saying all that is necessary, and nothing but what is necessary.”

Like any other piece of writing, a speech should be well thought-out and neatly organized. Since only a thorough preparation brings fruitful results, you will have to create a list of things you want to discuss. The more detailed your outline is, the easier it will be to craft an eloquently impassioned speech.

To ensure you have enough time to proofread your draft and make necessary corrections, it is better not to extend the process of creating an outline. How long before your speech performance should you finish drafting your speech outline? The sooner the better, but not less than two days before the event.

How to Start a Graduation Speech

So how to start off a speech? A good speech should begin with an enticing opening. A catchy introduction captures the attention of the audience and puts everybody in the right mood.

A brilliant speaker should be familiar with the following good ways to start a speech:

• Hook: A sentence or question that immediately connects your listener to you on the emotional level.
• Thesis: One to three sentences stating your intention. It can either be sharing your life story or someone else’s experience that offers a valuable lesson.
• Role model: Introduce the person you look up to and briefly explain why he or she inspires you.
• Theme: Announce the topic of your speech and mention how you connect to it personally. If you choose to talk about a few topics (like confidence, failure, and endurance), name all of them at the beginning.

Whichever option you choose, it is crucial to make your introduction brief and to the point. It will show the listeners your intention to keep the speech short and informative. The audience will appreciate it and lend an attentive ear to your message more willingly.

How to End a Speech

The way your speech ends defines how the audience will remember it. Since we tend to cherish most memorable and important things, the conclusive statement should be strong and impressive. To compose such conclusion, you can try the following methods:

• Leave an inspirational message for student audience
• Make an encouraging call to keep the spirits high
• Use an appealing slogan or catch phrase to end on a positive note
• Include one or two funny graduation messages to lighten the mood after serious conclusions

How to Make a Speech Longer

If a question “how long is my speech?” popped into your head, it means the moment has come to time yourself. In case your speech came out shorter than expected, you can make it longer while keeping it relevant in one of these ways:

• Check whether the speech has an introduction and conclusion. A traditional speech formatting requires a speaker to structure their speech so that it consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion. So you can add a few sentences to either an opening or closing part of your message to strengthen your argument.
• Add an anecdote or story from personal experience to relate to the subject. Even if you have already included a personal example, don’t be shy sharing a few to make a point. The crucial thing here is to ensure the stories you choose to tell are relevant to your main argument.
• Use motivational quotes. You can cite one quote and then repeat it at the end of your speech highlighting its relevance and topicality. Before you settle down on a quote to use, make sure to check its origin in multiple sources.
• Remind your classmates of the good times you had at school. Warm memories evoke pleasant feelings, and this is what graduates need to have on their graduation day – tons of positive emotions. Remember not to embarrass teachers and parents present
• Use graduation slogans. Dream it, believe it, become it. To infinity and beyond. Party hard, Rock and Roll, we’re the class you can’t control!

You can search the web for more examples of popular catch phrases, mottos, slogans, etc., but you can also come up with your own!

8th Grade Graduation Speech

Middle school graduation speeches signify one’s transition to the top level – high school. It is a significant and thrilling moment for a student. To write a fine speech, you don’t have to drag yourself through multiple sample graduation speeches. Just take a moment and think of those three years spent in middle school.

Here is a brief outline for an 8th grade graduation speech to get you going:

• Introduce yourself.
• Share your first memories and impressions at the school.
• Reflect on your experience and tell what you enjoyed about it.
• Talk about your teachers and other students.
• Discuss your prospects for the future.
• Thank your parents, teachers, classmates, administration, and staff for making your middle-school years worthwhile.
• Conclude with one of the best middle school graduation quotes you can find or coin one yourself.

Check out an amazing Jack Aiello’s graduation speech to find some inspiration.

High School Graduation Speech

The second important speech you will either listen to or deliver is usually scheduled for high school graduation. Finishing high school is one of the first greatest achievements of a young person. That is why high school graduation speech ideas revolve around personal accomplishments, funny stories, bright memories, and hopes for successful future.

Even though the end of studying is a happy event, some speakers chose to give rather sad high school graduation speeches. Surely, there are many things to miss about school, but the graduation ceremony should give more positive and aspiring feelings.

In their senior night speeches, high school graduates need to focus on reminding their peers about:

• their achievements at school to boost students’ self-esteem and create a positive image of themselves
• future possibilities to encourage taking a suitable career path and continue grow both personally and professionally

Here are the quotes you can use in your graduation speech:

End of School Quotes

• “If a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life.” – Plato
• “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” — Arthur Ashe
• “Change is the end result of all true learning.” – Leo Buscaglia
• “Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.” —Kerry Washington
• “A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” – Harvey Mackay

Highschool Quotes

• “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” – Tom Bodett
• “It doesn’t matter that your dream came true if you spent your whole life sleeping.” – Jerry Zucker
• “True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country.” Kurt Vonnegut
• “High school is about finding who you are, because that’s more important than trying to be someone else.” – Nick Jonas
• “What makes a child gifted and talented may not always be good grades in school, but a different way of looking at the world and learning.” – Chuck Grassley

Graduation Quotes from Parents

• Congratulations on your graduation, son! We are proud to see you paving your own way to adult life. We wish you every success in all your future endeavors. Your loving and supportive parents.
• I am sure today is one of your many accomplishments to come. It warms my heart to look back at all the work you have done at school and see your bright future. No matter which path you choose, you can always rely on my complete support and understanding.
• Today is the day to praise your hard work and reflect on the amount of effort put into becoming a graduate. I am a very proud parent of a responsible and smart kid who is now ready to choose his/her own path. I will always be there for you whenever you need me.
• I am both happy and sad to see my little girl graduating. You have become an intelligent young woman so quickly. I am thankful for everything your teachers did to help you grow and become a wonderful person you are.
• You have made this day a very special occasion to all our family. We are all proud to see you graduating and planning your life as a smart and independent adult. We love you and will always support your choices and decisions.

When looking for high school graduation speech examples, you are most likely to find texts that have already been used numerous times. Such speeches are no longer unique or topical. You can use parts of them, but it won’t be enough to construct a speech to remember.

A good high school valedictorian speech example can only offer a few wise thoughts or quotes. However, it will not make your speech as personal as it should be. For a first-time speaker, the best you can take from a sample high school graduation speech is a structure and possible themes. However, you are also at risk of copying clichés and truisms from a sample that will diminish the importance of your message.

Since writing a good speech by yourself can be a time-consuming and exhausting challenge, it is safer to seek professional help. Having found a reliable writing service, you can have a qualified writer compose a speech to remember. While your writer will be working on your message, you carry on with choosing your graduation outfit.

College Graduation Speech

Most college graduation messages tend to look alike and repeat themselves. Naturally, it is not easy to find new words of encouragement for college students every year. Since finishing school is an annual event, college graduation speeches by students are rarely as exciting and memorable as you would expect.

If you consider turning a college graduation speech sample found online into a worthy message, you should realize the risk of getting a second-quality piece of writing. As a rule, sample speeches include numerous sayings and quotes such as cheesy quotes on colleges, pompous college motivation quotes, over-enthusiastic quotes about college life, and tons of overwhelmingly positive quotations on college experiences.

It is utterly up to you what kind of quotes to incorporate into your speech, but here is one of the best how to speech ideas for college students you can find – DO NOT try to stuff your message with as many wise phrases as possible. It is unnatural and rather pretentious, and no one likes it. Using one motivational quote for college students will be enough. You can make it two if they are not too lengthy and add value to your narration.

Here are a few motivational speech topics for college students you can consider to mention in your message to make it worthy and special:

• Personal Growth
• Valuable Contributions
• Humanity and Compassion
• Professional vs. Personal Priorities
• Love and Respect

Graduation Speech Quotes

Here are some quotes from famous people you can use in your speech:

Short Graduation Quotes

• “Take pride in how far you’ve come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy the journey.” —Michael Josephson
• “Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” – Napoleon Hill
• “Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” – Albert Einstein
• “Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.” – Roger Babson
• “Hitch your wagon to a star.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Funny Quotes about Graduation

• “Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.” – Will Rogers
• “It is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o’clock.” – Woody Allen
• “If you feel that you have both feet planted on level ground, then the university has failed you.” – Robert Goheen
• “Thankfully dreams can change. If we’d all stuck with our first dream, the world would be overrun with cowboys and princesses. So whatever your dream is right now, if you don’t achieve it, you haven’t failed, and you’re not some loser. But just as importantly—and this is the part I may not get right, and you may not listen to—if you do get your dream, you are not a winner.” – Stephen Colbert
• “Graduates: you will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells than you have today.” – Tom and Ray, The Car Talk Guys

Quotes about Endings (Finishing)

• “It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.” ― Paulo Coelho
• “Life is not so much about beginnings and endings as it is about going on and on and on. It is about muddling through the middle.” – Anna Quindlen
• “In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves. The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
• “There’s a trick to the ‘graceful exit.’ It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, or a relationship is over – and let it go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its validity or its past importance to our lives. It involves a sense of future, a belief that every exit line is an entry, that we are moving up, rather than out.” – Ellen Goodman
• “I wanted a perfect ending. Now I’ve learned, the hard way, that some poems don’t rhyme, and some stories don’t have a clear beginning, middle, and end. Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what’s going to happen next. Delicious Ambiguity.” – Gilda Radner

“Oh the Places You’ll Go” Quotes for Graduation

• “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.”
• “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who’ll decide where to go.”
• “Kid, you’ll move mountains.”
• “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So… get on your way!”
• “You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.”

Spiritual Graduation Quotes

• “What we are is God’s gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” – Eleanor Powell
• “You get to consciously decide what has meaning and what doesn’t. You get to decide what to worship.” – David Foster Wallace
• “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” – Robert Louis Stevenson
• “God wants us to know that life is a series of beginnings, not endings. Just as graduations are not terminations, but commencements. Creation is an ongoing process, and when we create a perfect world where love and compassion are shared by all, suffering will cease.” – Bernie Siegel
• “You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can’t get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you’re doing, but what you’ll discover will be wonderful. What you’ll discover will be yourself.” – Alan Alda

By now, you should realize that writing senior class president graduation speeches or simple thank you speech for graduation is not that simple at all. To save your time and ensure your farewell message to peers, teachers, and parents is both valuable and entertaining, consider getting a part of speech help from reputable speech writing services . So don’t hold off the joy of getting a speech to remember and order one from a professional writer.

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8th Grade Promotion / Graduation Speech Outline, Models, Quotes Packet

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Students needing direction when penning a promotional speech will find direction from this packet. Includes: Speech outlines x2

Speech 1 Outline: Focuses on the past and the good times the students have shared as a class

Speech 2 Outline: Focuses on the future opportunities

Also included:

Additional Outline, Graduation Speech Models, and Quotes / Poems / Excerpts

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Inspiring Words from Kian Salek 8th Grade Graduation Speech

Every journey we begin comes with its own stories and challenges. Those early days in the classroom, where every corner held something new and every morning brought fresh surprises. It’s easy to look back now and see how much we’ve grown. But at the start, who knew what lay ahead?

Memories were formed in the least expected ways. Between the playful recess and the serious whiteboards, we found our paths. We couldn’t wait for the bell to ring, signaling the end of another day, yet we eagerly awaited what was coming next. It’s fascinating when you think about it–how those short moments became long-lasting memories.

Every student, every teacher, every lesson contributed to our journey. We all had personal stories that marked our time in school. From Nathan’s always insightful replies to the choices we made in class, these are the badges of excellence and growth we now wear proudly. Doubt sometimes crept in, but with each step, we improved and moved forward.

How could anyone forget the feeling of liberty after a test? The analysis of what’s next, the look in the eyes of somebody who just loves finding out more. Every mark we made, every goal we achieved, each contributed to the narrative of our lives. They were more than just grades–they were milestones of our journey.

So, let’s take a moment to reflect on these unforgettable years. We started as kids, unsure of what we could achieve. Yet here we stand, different people now, ready to face the world. That’s the beauty of education–it gives you the freedom to grow, to show the world who you are, without holding back. As we move onward, let us cherish these cherished memories and keep them close to our hearts.

Inspiring Thoughts Shared by Kian Salek

Picture this: a room filled with eager faces, all waiting to hear something that could shape their future. This moment is more than a farewell, it’s a beacon for the days to come. Everyone knows that school can be challenging, but it also serves as a foundation for bigger dreams. Whether it’s about studies, sports, or extracurricular activities, these experiences carry us forward.

Kian Salek took to the stage as a salutatorian , embodying the spirit of the Lancers. He started his speech by acknowledging the hard work and dedication that everyone poured into their education. These aren’t just words; they’re a reflection of the efforts put into every day, making each moment count. Kian wasn’t just addressing students; he was talking to parents, teachers, and everyone who played a role in their journey.

He urged his peers to look at those who have come before them as examples, think about the lessons they’ve learned, and imagine the future they can create. Kian highlighted the importance of teamwork. Whether it’s a group project or a school play, working together can lead to incredible outcomes. As he weaved through famous quotes and anecdotes, he made it clear that although studies are essential, life itself is a continuous learning experience.

One of the best parts of the speech was when he shared a Disney quote, reminding everyone that the journey might sometimes be slow, but each tick of the clock brings new opportunities. He encouraged his peers not to rush, but to trust the process. “Remember,” he said, “the bell that signifies the end of a class is also one that marks the beginning of another.”

Nathan Harvey, a fellow graduate, summed it up well when he said, “I’ve seen us grow not just in height but in wisdom .” It was a day of reflection and aspiration.

As Kian wrapped up his thoughts, he mentioned that their dress may change in high school, but the lessons and experiences will forever be woven into the fabric of their lives. He concluded by giving a nod to the teachers who shaped them, the school that fostered their growth , and the peers who stood beside them. This wasn’t just a speech; it was an authentic call to discover who they are and what they aspire to be .

We may not all be musicians or athletes, but every single one of us has a role to play in the grand orchestra of life. And on this day, the melody was sweet and filled with hope.

The Impact of Graduation Speeches

Graduation speeches hold a special place in our hearts and memories. They serve as a bridge between our school years and our futures. These speeches have the power to motivate and inspire us, encouraging us to take on new challenges with courage and determination. But what is it that makes them so impactful?

The Power of Personal Stories

Personal stories make graduation speeches relatable and engaging. When speakers share their experiences, we feel a connection that transcends the formality of the event. For instance, Ruiz shared how he overcame adversity with the support of his mother. Eva-Rae spoke about her journey through rough times and how she came out stronger. These real-life examples show us that we too can rise above our challenges.

The Emotional Milestone

Graduation is a significant milestone in any individual’s life. It marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As we stand on the cusp of our next adventure, the words spoken during the ceremony resonate deeply within us. Wilson mentioned the feeling of moving from being an outsider to feeling truly part of the community. Mary talked about the courage it took to pursue higher education despite financial constraints. Such stories provide a perfect mix of emotion and wisdom, helping us to enter the next phase of our lives with confidence.

The impact of these speeches isn’t just limited to the day of the ceremony. Weeks and even years later, we find ourselves reflecting on the advice and stories shared. A wise speech can become a guiding light during dark times, offering comfort and direction when we need it most. From stories of overcoming abuse to celebrating personal victories, every narrative holds a lesson for someone in the audience.

Moreover, graduation speeches serve as persuasive reminders of our potential. They subtly pressure us to be better versions of ourselves. These speeches encourage us to act, to take that first step towards our dreams. As Mary eloquently put it, “We’ve come this far, now imagine how much further we can go.” This kind of encouragement is indispensable as we navigate the uncertainties of our futures.

In conclusion, the impact of graduation speeches is profound and long-lasting. They provide us with a blend of personal anecdotes and universal truths. Such speeches are more than just words; they are roadmaps drawn from experience and shared generously, guiding each graduate towards a brighter future.

Key Messages from Kian’s Speech

Kian’s speech touched many hearts with its profound reflections and relatable anecdotes. He shared experiences that every student, whether an eighth-grader or not, could connect with deeply. By recounting specific moments and emotions, he offered a blend of wisdom and encouragement. Let’s delve into some of the standout messages Kian conveyed.

Embracing Challenges and Growth

Throughout his address, Kian emphasized how important it is to embrace challenges. He spoke about facing rough times and how they shape us into stronger individuals. Kian recounted his own struggles during his eighth-grade year, the momentous steps he had to take, and how those challenges became pivotal to his growth. He didn’t shy away from discussing the difficulties brought by the pandemic, the uncertainty, and the need for adaptability. His words served as a reminder that growth often comes not from ease, but from confronting and overcoming adversity.

The Power of Community

Kian also highlighted the significance of community. He talked about the bonds formed among classmates, teachers, and even the wider school staff. He mentioned people by name, recalling specific instances where their support made a difference. Whether it was Mr. Wilson’s encouraging words after a disappointing grade or the reassuring presence of a friend during a rough day, Kian made it clear that community plays an essential role in personal development. He urged his peers to cherish these relationships and continue building them as they progress into higher grades.

Kian’s reflections were not just about academic grades but about finding oneself through various experiences. He spoke on how, regardless of feeling like an outsider at times, one can find strength and purpose within. As he recounted these moments, his words resonated deeply. Struggles with homework, the triumphant feeling of completing a project, and the bittersweet goodbyes at the school bell’s final ring all became part of a shared memory pool.

In conclusion, Kian urged his classmates to keep working towards their goals with determination and an open heart, no matter how fast or slow their progress seemed. The true essence of his speech was a call to self-belief and perseverance, underlined with genuine gratitude and optimism for the future. His message was clear: be present, be engaged, and never stop learning from every experience, whether good or bad.

How to Connect with Your Audience

To truly connect with your audience, you need to engage them on a deeper level. It’s not just about speaking; it’s about conveying emotions and understanding their experiences. People love to feel acknowledged and heard, especially during significant moments. This means your words should resonate with their personal memories and aspirations.

Imagine you’re standing there, the salutatorian, ready to address a sea of expectant faces. You begin by sharing an amazing story that everyone can relate to. Maybe it’s about the time when you couldn’t find your dress for the school dance, or the moment of doubt when the pandemic changed everything. Use examples that are simple yet powerful. Details like lockers, second thoughts, and white uniforms during high events can evoke vivid imagery.

Throughout the year, we’ve all faced challenges and celebrated victories together. Talk about these shared experiences to create a bond. Recall how we’ve supported each other through rough weeks, whether it’s during a high-pressure exam or school events. These moments spent together have made us stronger and better. Mentioning such instances makes your message more relatable and your audience will feel a part of the conversation.

Remind them how amazing it is that their talent has improved and matured. Share anecdotes about the hard work they’ve put in. Speak about individual essays that were particularly impactful or how someone replied to a difficult question with grace. Offering these personal touches shows that you know your audience well and you value their contributions.

Though the journey may be tough, point out how these tough times have only prepared us for higher goals. Reflect on the feeling of leaving familiar hallways, knowing you’re ready for something greater. It’s more than just an end; it’s the beginning of an exciting chapter. These are the kind of memories that stay with us forever.

While you’re celebrating these milestones, give a heartfelt nod to those who supported us – teachers, friends, and family. Share a memory of your mother helping you draft that perfect essay, or how your classmates made school days enjoyable. Such acknowledgments create a genuine and inclusive atmosphere.

In the end, connecting with your audience means being authentic and transparent. Be yourself, and let your words flow naturally. When you speak, let the true essence of your message shine through. It’s not just about the speech; it’s about making every single person in the audience feel valued and understood. That’s the key to a meaningful connection.

The Power of Encouraging Words

Encouraging words have a significant impact on our lives. They guide us, inspire us, and sometimes shape our future paths. When life becomes difficult, these small blurbs of positivity can make all the difference. As we stand at the front of a new chapter, ready to graduate, we should remember the transformative power of simple, heartfelt words.

Imagine a classroom filled with students, each one looking to find their way. Every single person here has a story, often unknown to outsiders. The road to success isn’t always easy. We’ve all faced challenges, felt lifeless moments, and even doubted our potential. But then you hear an encouraging phrase: “You can do it”. These words can light up your spirit like a red hot flame, pushing you forward. Whether it’s a mother telling her child, or a teacher supporting a student, these words hold great power.

Examples from Personal Stories

Mr. Wilson, our teacher, shared his journey the other day. He explained how, in third grade, he struggled with math. Feeling discouraged, he thought he would never improve. But one day, his teacher told him, “Math isn’t the limit of your potential, keep trying!” Those simple words became his motivation. Now, look at him, a beloved teacher who has worked tirelessly to inspire us. His story is just one of many examples that show how words can reshape lives.

Another example is our classmate Jane. She was always quiet, an outsider. However, whenever someone encouraged her, she bloomed. She became somebody who others looked up to because of the encouragement she received. By sharing their experiences, they shorten the distance between dreams and reality. We see that others’ paths weren’t straightforward, yet they succeeded.

Creating a Positive Environment

Creating an uplifting environment is crucial. Whether in a classroom or at home, supportive words should be a norm. Whenever the school bell rings, signaling the end of a class, remember to exchange words of motivation with friends. These exchanges accumulate and create a culture of care and positivity. Their impact multiplies.

As we each move to our next stage, let’s carry these lessons with us. Remember those encouraging words you’ve received, and pay it forward. Help others see the amazing potential within themselves. You never know; a few kind words might be what someone needs to climb higher and achieve their goals. Celebrating these moments together, we all become stronger.

Personal Experiences as a Teaching Tool

Everyone’s journey is unique and filled with lessons. These lessons are our personal experiences. They shape who we are and influence our path. Using them as tools can be transformative. It allows us to connect with others on a deeper level.

Throughout my school journey, I faced many challenges. My path wasn’t always easy. But it made me stronger. I remember a time when I struggled with math. I couldn’t understand the concepts. My teacher, Mrs. Mary, noticed my frustration. She shared her own struggles with the subject from when she was a student. Knowing she overcame it inspired me. Soon, I began to improve my skills. I started to see math not as an enemy but as a puzzle waiting to be solved. Those experiences became part of my growth.

Sharing our experiences can open doors for others. We can help them navigate their journeys. Here are some ways to use personal experiences as teaching tools:

• Relate to their struggles. Understand where they are coming from.
• Share anecdotes. Real-life stories make lessons more memorable.
• Be authentic. Kids can sense when you’re being genuine.
• Encourage reflection. Help them think about their own experiences.

When I look back at my time in school, I see how much I’ve grown. Moving from a hesitant student to a confident one. The personal connections I’ve made with teachers and peers were invaluable. They guided me, supported me, and made my school years truly amazing.

One of my most cherished memories was being part of the school flag-raising ceremony. It was a simple act but full of pride. My peers and I, proudly standing together, Lancers united under one flag. Eva-Rae, my best friend, stood beside me. It was a moment written in our hearts forever.

In conclusion, our personal experiences are more than just memories. They can be powerful teaching tools. They help us connect, relate, and inspire others. Let’s use them to guide the next generation, to help them find their path, and to build better futures.

Never be afraid to share your story. Every story has the potential to change a life.

Importance of Gratitude in Speeches

Gratitude plays a crucial role in delivering impactful speeches. Alongside sharing experiences, acknowledging the contributions of others enriches the message. This balance makes every sentence more genuine and relatable. Surprisingly, expressing thanks can be the biggest takeaway for many schoolers. Gratitude acts as a bridge, connecting the speaker with the audience on a personal level, guiding them through challenges and achievements.

The Power of Sharing Genuine Thanks

One cannot overlook the profound effect of sincere appreciation. When kids hear someone say “thank you,” they feel valued and motivated. It’s like a flag of recognition for their efforts. Moreover, this practice teaches them humility and empathy. Nobody can achieve greatness without support and collaborative effort. The strongest speeches usually have moments dedicated to recognizing these invisible pillars.

• Speakers who take the time to express gratitude appear more grounded.
• Authentic appreciation can leave a lasting impression on both young and old listeners.
• It highlights the importance of overcoming challenges and moving forward together.
• Gratitude can make even a fast-paced speech feel more thoughtful and reflective.

Examples Throughout Time

Evaluating past speeches, one can see the frequent use of gratitude. Historical documents, essays, and spoken words often celebrate those who have supported the speaker. High-profile addresses make it a point to acknowledge the small, consistent contributions of many. For instance, an analysis of speeches by great leaders shows a recurring theme of thankfulness. Personal stories of gratitude, whether ruiz or school, often resonate the deepest, emphasizing shared human experiences.

• Find examples of gratitude in historical contexts.
• Observe how different cultures incorporate appreciation.
• Reflect on personal moments where thanks have been impactful.

In my own experience, expressing gratitude has opened doors. It helped in finding mentors and forming bonds. My studies were enriched thanks to acknowledging the help I received. A simple ‘thank you’ can make someone feel seen and appreciated. Even in the ghetto or smallest schools, the value of thankfulness remains unchanged. This is why incorporating gratitude is not just a tradition but a necessity. It’s a tool that has survived through times, continues to unite us, and gives depth to our words. Even if you couldn’t have all the answers, your appreciation makes an impact. The spirit of thanks has the power to slow down the day and reflect on relationships, making every graduate speech count.

Lessons from Kian’s Perspective

Through the eyes of a young scholar, the journey of academic growth reveals profound insights. These reflections are not merely about saying goodbye, but about embracing experiences that shape one’s future. From navigating rough patches to celebrating victories, each moment has its own significance. They help in building character, resilience, and the courage to pursue dreams.

Personal Improvement and Self-Reflection

Kian often spoke about the importance of self-improvement. He emphasized that growth involves constant reflection. Ruiz, his third teacher, used to say, “Find yourself in your work.” This advice resonated deeply. Although there were moments of doubt, he knew that consistent effort brings progress. The shared journey with friends and teachers also played a vital role. It wasn’t just academic; it was personal. This mingling of experiences helped shape a well-rounded individual. You don’t just graduate from school; you evolve as a person.

Guidance and Wisdom

Wise words from educators like Mary left an indelible impact. She often quoted, “Open your mind and the answers will come.” This perspective encouraged students to think critically, question assumptions, and be open to new ideas. Kian believed that this approach was crucial in finding one’s true path. It wasn’t about following a rigid structure. Instead, it was about an open analysis of choices and possibilities. While some students found this daunting, Kian found it liberating.

One notable moment was when Kian presented a persuasive draft on behalf of his class. It was more than an assignment; it was a manifestation of courage and passion. This experience taught him the power of a well-thought-out argument. It showed that speaking in front of an audience can be empowering. Even though he had doubts, he moved forward and delivered with confidence. This was not just about words on paper but about convincing others and finding their hearts.

These lessons, though simple, are valuable. They helped Kian navigate his school years and prepared him for the next challenges. From the love of learning to the courage to pursue, each phase was a step forward. In the end, it was not just about what he learned, but how he applied it. Truly, these reflections and experiences were the cornerstones of his journey.

Advice for Future Graduates

As you stand on the brink of a new journey, remember this: the path ahead will have its share of challenges and triumphs. Let’s embark on this subject with a sense of excitement and curiosity.

Embrace Every Moment

• Life moves fast; don’t forget to enjoy the short, everyday milestones.
• Celebrate even the small victories – each is a step towards something bigger.
• Remember, it’s okay to slow down and appreciate the present.
• Whenever times seem difficult, pause and look at how far you’ve come.

The biggest lessons often come in the most unexpected ways, and sometimes they arrive when you least expect them. Think about Wilson’s theory: every moment counts.

Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible

Making plans is crucial, but be open to change. Not everything will go exactly as you’ve envisioned it. Be ready to adapt. Life’s narrative is written in unpredictable twists and turns.

• Set achievable goals for your future; they provide direction.
• But don’t be afraid to rewrite your path when needed.
• College, careers, and personal milestones are all part of the journey.
• Trust that things will work out, even if the plan changes.

A wise musician once said, “It’s not the notes you play, it’s the silence in between.” In your life, the pauses will be as meaningful as the actions.

While celebrating your successes, also remember to show gratitude to those who’ve supported you on your journey. From family to teachers, their love and guidance helped shape who you are today.

As the bell rings and you move on to what’s next, take a piece of this place with you. These moments are the building blocks of your future – cherish them. Believe in your potential, because you’re capable of achieving greatness without limits.

How to Create a Memorable Speech

Crafting a memorable speech isn’t just about the words you say. It’s about how you connect with your audience and the emotions you stir. You want to leave a mark, to make each word count. To achieve that, you need meticulous planning and heartfelt delivery. So, let’s dive into what makes a speech unforgettable.

First off, gratitude is key. Always thank your audience. It sets a tone of appreciation and humility. For example, saying “I’m grateful to be here” can instantly win their hearts. Remember the times we’ve spent together in the classroom. Those are the moments that build fond memories.

Next, build a connection. Talk about shared experiences, like the challenges of the pandemic. Mentioning specific names like Mary or Nathan can also make your words more relatable. Although it might feel trivial, every single personal anecdote helps in striking a chord with your listeners. Even stories from the school ghetto can be powerful.

Also, reflection is crucial. Think about everything you’ve worked for. Reflecting on the friendships and the milestones you’ve achieved can serve as a badge of honor. You’re not just saying words; you’re reliving moments. This makes your speech resonate deeply.

Another important aspect is to be persuasive and wise. Persuasive speeches invoke action or change. You could say, “On behalf of the entire class, let’s make a difference.” While being wise, choose your examples carefully. They add weight to your points and make you sound credible.

Let’s not forget emotion. Feeling is what binds us together. Evoking emotion can make your words stick. Say something like, “It feels like just yesterday we began this journey.” Utilize the power of nostalgia; it’s incredibly effective.

And lastly, end strong. Your closing should be a climax, a call to action, or a meaningful excerpt. Summarize what you’ve said in a way that binds all your points together. This culminates your speech into a memorable experience for everyone present.

Remember: Content, connection, and emotion are your greatest tools. When combined, they create a speech that’s not just heard but felt and remembered.

Question-answer:

What are the main themes in kian salek’s 8th grade graduation speech.

The main themes in Kian Salek’s 8th Grade Graduation Speech revolve around perseverance, personal growth, and the importance of community. He reflects on the challenges faced during middle school and how they shaped his character. He emphasizes the value of friendship, learning from experiences, and looking forward to future opportunities with optimism. His speech is both a celebration of past achievements and an encouragement to continue striving for excellence.

How does Kian Salek’s personal narrative, “A Day In Middle School,” differ from his graduation speech?

While Kian Salek’s graduation speech focuses on broader themes of growth, reflection, and future aspirations, his personal narrative “A Day In Middle School” delves into a specific day-to-day experience. The narrative provides a detailed glimpse into his daily life, highlighting the mundane yet meaningful interactions and activities that define middle school life. This contrast allows readers to see both the overarching journey and the individual moments that contribute to personal development.

What lessons does Kian Salek want his peers to take away from his graduation speech?

Kian Salek wants his peers to appreciate the journey they’ve been on, recognizing the importance of perseverance and positive attitude in overcoming challenges. He encourages them to cherish the friendships and memories they’ve made and use the lessons learned as a foundation for high school and beyond. His message is one of resilience, embracing change with optimism, and continuing to strive for success.

Can you provide an example of a specific anecdote from Kian Salek’s personal narrative that illustrates a key point in his graduation speech?

One specific anecdote from Kian Salek’s personal narrative highlights a time when he struggled with a difficult math problem during a class. Instead of giving up, he sought help from a friend and eventually understood the solution. This small victory not only improved his academic skills but also reinforced the importance of collaboration and perseverance. In his graduation speech, Kian references this experience to illustrate how challenges are opportunities for growth and how the support of friends can make a significant difference.

Grade 8 Valedictorian Graduation Speech Rowan Elsmore 2019

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16 Best Graduation Speeches That Leave a Lasting Impression

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

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

1. Steve Jobs: Stanford, 2005

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

2. Michelle Obama: Tuskegee University, 2015

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

3. Natalie Portman: Harvard, 2015

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

4. Amy Poehler: Harvard University, 2011

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

5. Meryl Streep: Barnard College, 2010

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

6. David Foster Wallace: Kenyon College, 2005

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

7. Barack Obama: Howard University, 2016

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

8. Kerry Washington: George Washington University, 2013

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

9. Conan O'Brien: Dartmouth College, 2011

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

10. J.K. Rowling: Harvard, 2008

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

11. Oprah Winfrey: Harvard University, 2013

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

12. Joss Whedon: Wesleyan University, 2013

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

13. George Saunders: Syracuse University, 2013

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

14. Nora Ephron: Wellesley College, 1996

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

15. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Wellesley College, 2015

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

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

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

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A Graduation Speech

As I type this, I am preparing for our fifth high school graduation and looking forward to the celebration of this milestone in our son’s life. At the same time, I am having an emotional crisis. No matter how many times we go through this, it just seems surreal as each child’s life passes so quickly in front of my mind’s eye. I can see back to his dimply cute baby face, then to his broad smile as he worked with his dad on manly projects. My head is spinning with the memories. I’d like to only remember the good times, but has it all been good? Honestly, there were many days of struggles, too. But I have learned to number the days and pray for a heart of wisdom.

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12)

This reminded me of a graduation speech I was asked to give to a homeschool group that had a celebration for their eighth graders graduating into high school. This was a year after my own first homeschool high school graduate. I think it is still relevant today. Let’s listen in:

Greetings parents and graduates! This graduation ceremony is a milestone for the young men and women gathered here today, but also a milestone in the life of the parents of these graduates. I am sure you are all very proud of these young people and very thankful for how far you have all come. Last year, I graduated my first son from our high school, and it was a very emotional time for me. I, who never lack for words, stood before my son and couldn’t say even one word because of all the emotions and memories that were flooding through me in that moment. I am feeling it again with you today. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful support group for home educators in your area that would provide this beautiful celebration.

I’d like to start by addressing the graduates and then I will address the parents and all who have come to support and celebrate these young people.

To the Graduates

Grads, I want you to listen carefully as I read this theme verse. There will be no quiz at the end this time. You’ve earned a break from quizzes today. But, listen carefully, because it’s very important. It’s found in Romans 12 and I am going to read verses 10, 11, and 12.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; Not slothful in business; but fervent in spirit; serving the Lord. Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:10 – 12)

Graduates, this is an exciting time in your life – a time between childhood and adulthood. A time to really start seeking God for direction in your own life. What has He already placed within you that just needs to be developed now for His use? Your theme verse today says, “Not slothful in business” which another translation states, “Not lagging in diligence.” This graduation from 8th grade into high school is not the time to be slack, rather to take the next step in maturity and move forward with your parents in gaining wisdom and direction.

Your parents have sacrificed so much to get you to this place, and have been willing to give all that it takes to educate you to this point. Now, it’s your turn to take these next few years to give back to them by partnering with them and being a student that is willing to learn, one who is teachable, a person of excellence in character, and ready to give it all you have. This is a time to begin to accept responsibility for learning independently, a time to serve the Lord with the gifts He’s given you, a time to take your faith as your own, and acknowledge God as your life planner.

God has so much good in store for you. He needs young men and women of character and strength to be His ambassadors. He needs you to represent Him as the King from another land, the King you hold allegiance to, the King who has your heart and your life in His hands. This is the time to be firm in your commitment to love God and love others; to give of your time and talents whenever and wherever needed; to be an example in life, speech, love and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Your theme verse says “not lagging in diligence, but fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” This is the time to do just that. It’s not a time to be conformed to the world or to give in to worldly pressures or pleasures. It’s not a time to be wasted on temporal things. This is the time to lay aside the idea that you are here to seek pleasure or to be merely entertained. This is the time to choose friends wisely as the Scriptures say that a companion of fools comes to destruction (Proverbs 13:20).

Now is the time, graduate, to serve the LORD, and also to give back to your parents for helping you achieve this milestone today. Now it’s your turn to help them by being teachable, pure and humble. They are proud of you today and will be even more so as they see you growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Congratulations, students, for coming this far and thank you, Lord, for leading us all to this point.

To the Parents

I bet you can clearly remember the day these graduates were born; you remember their first words, and then when they learned to read – how exciting that was! If you take a snapshot of that baby and then look at this graduate sitting before us, you realize in an instant that time doesn’t stand still. And just as fast as this time has passed, the next season in their life will be here soon.

From babyhood to graduation, you have purposed to give them the best. As your theme verse in Romans suggests, and as I said to your graduates, this is also not the time for you as parents to lag in diligence, but to serve the Lord, fervent in spirit, as you take these children through the next milestone in their lives.

This is not the time to quit teaching your student. I am here to say if you can teach a child through eighth grade, you can continue to teach through high school. If God has convicted you to home educate your children when they were young, and you believe He was speaking truth to you when they were young, why would that change? The truth of God’s Word does not change over time. As His truth doesn’t change, so our conviction to follow that truth should remain the same, so we should continue trusting Him for the future.

You can rejoice in hope for where you are heading, therefore, you can be patient in tribulation (and believe me, there will be some trying times as you probably well know) knowing that God is behind you all the way. Not only is He behind you; He is ahead of you preparing the way for each new step.

Parents, I know the joy you feel at this milestone, and I also know the fear you could be feeling for the future. I am encouraging you to cast all your cares on the Lord for He cares for you, and, you can do all things – even teaching high school – through Christ Who strengthens you. Congratulations, parents, for coming this far and thank you, Lord, for leading us to this milestone.

To the Family and Friends

To all of you who support these children and families, I am so blessed to see you here celebrating with them. Homeschooling is a difficult venture for some and one that requires total commitment. So, I admonish you to continue supporting these families with your love and kind words and deeds. You help make this journey of homeschooling smoother by your love and support. As the Romans passage said, we can all be instant in prayer, and I know these families would be blessed to know you are praying for them as they continue the journey.

We can all lift each other up and support each other. Now is the time to rally together and help each other. Those who have homeschooled for a while, you are desperately needed by the new homeschool families to encourage and support them in the beginning of their journey. After I had been homeschooling for several years and was confident in what I was doing, I knew it was time to start giving back to the homeschool community. This is part of our call to be fervent in spirit serving the Lord – to give our help and support because we have been given so much wisdom and encouragement to share. There is a time to be served and then there is a time to serve. We will all be blessed by your service.

Graduates: this is a time to give back to your parents and to be a partner with them as you start to take responsibility for your education and be a blessing to your family and your community. This is the time to be diligent, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord with the gifts He’s given you. You will make your high school years great if you make the Lord great in your life.

Parents: this is the time to continue in diligence serving the Lord by educating His children in a Godly fashion. They are not yours to do with as you wish – they are gifts from God to raise according to His Biblical principles and commands. This is the time to encourage them and support them in the gifts and abilities God has already placed in them to be used for His glory. Continue pouring the Word of God into their lives as you coach them through their high school years and beyond.

To everyone here today: thank you for your support of these graduates. It is incredible to see these young men and women of character and excellence here before us. This is just an inkling of the reward stored up for your obedience to God’s leading in every area of your life. God has been faithful to bring you to this point, and His faithfulness to you will not stop as you continue stewarding and raising His children for His glory.

Now back to you, my readers. We have been given these children to steward for just a few short years, then they are given the responsibility to make their own decisions and live a life of their own choosing. We can give them the best head start into life by teaching them, coaching them, encouraging them, and keeping them Home Where They Belong.

Copyright 2019, The Old Schoolhouse®. Used with permission. All rights reserved by the Author. Originally appeared in the Spring 2018 issue of The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the trade publication for homeschool moms.

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How to Write a High School Graduation Speech (+ Examples)

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

I was in several clubs in high school, I was the valedictorian, and I happened to be the youngest in our graduating class. Needless to say, I had to write and give more than one speech at our graduation.

Being asked to give a graduation speech in high school is a tremendous honor and responsibility. It takes a lot of preparation, from planning to writing and editing your speech.

My guide should show you how to write a graduation speech for high school, especially with the examples I’ve included. Follow the template and tips, and you’re sure to receive a standing ovation from your audience.

How Long Is a High School Graduation Speech?

The best high school graduation speeches aren’t long and boring since the ceremonies already take hours. Aim for an address that doesn’t exceed 10 minutes. Keep your audience’s attention and save some for other people’s speeches.

Your graduation speech should only be around 500 to 600 words. You have to read it slowly and articulate the words clearly. One way to keep it shorter is by removing cliches and other unnecessary content.

High School Graduation Speech Template

Essays and speeches usually have three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is a structure you can follow for a memorable high school graduation speech.

Introduction

• Thank people for attending. Acknowledge the presence of your teachers, parents, and fellow graduates.
• Introduce yourself. Not everyone in the room knows you, even if you’re the class valedictorian.
• Catch the audience’s attention by sharing a motivational quote or saying. Your personal narratives and advice will later be based on this saying.
• Recall memorable high school experiences. Anything is worth sharing, whether it’s a simple day in class or your debate competition.
• Encourage classmates not to forget these beautiful memories.
• Share helpful advice for this new chapter of their lives.
• Restate the quote or saying you mentioned in the introduction.
• End with a call to action that will encourage the graduates to make a difference.
• Thank the audience for hearing you out.

How to Write a Graduation Speech for High School

Public speaking takes a lot of preparation. Here are some tips you should follow when writing and delivering a graduation speech for high school.

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Pick a Theme

Inspirational high school graduation speeches leave a mark on people. If you want to create one, try building it around a central message.

Think about everything you experienced in high school and look for patterns. Was high school about learning from mistakes? Or was it about achieving big dreams with small steps? Consider not only what is essential to you but also what is important for your fellow graduates.

Once you have picked a theme, selecting a quote, including advice, and recalling high school memories will be much easier. Here are some popular themes you can consider using for yours, but make sure to choose ones that are relevant to you and/or your class.

• Embracing failure
• Big things take time
• Achieving big dreams with small steps
• Facing change with grace
• Overcoming adversity
• Becoming a lifelong learner
• Being more intentional and responsible for your future

Begin With Gratitude and a Self-Introduction

Once you step on stage, you must start with a few formalities. Know the name of the previous speakers and acknowledge their excellent speeches. Then, thank everyone in attendance, including the teachers, parents, and fellow students.

Say it’s a privilege to speak before the audience on this special day. This is also the best time to introduce yourself.

Don’t assume that everyone in the room knows who you are. State your name and why you were tasked to create the speech. Below is an example.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones, for the wonderful speech. And thank you to the parents, teachers, staff, and fellow graduates in this room who have made the past four years unforgettable. It’s a pleasure to stand in front of everyone and represent the class of 2022 at this address. I am [name], your class valedictorian.”

Make It About Everybody But You

Your graduation speech is not a mini-biography of your accomplishments. Only sprinkle a few personal anecdotes, then include what the four years of high school have been like for the other students. Below is an example.

“Four years ago, we were freshmen walking through the doors of [school name]. While some of us want to be doctors, artists, engineers, and singers in the future, we all had one goal in mind during that time: to leave a mark on the school in the next four years.”

Recall High School Memories

Tap the ceremony’s nostalgia by recalling important events from the past four years. You can include prom, school fairs, and even mundane scenarios. Include hardships, such as the sudden shift to online classes during the pandemic.

If you are a valedictorian , you should know which memories everyone treasures. Try interviewing some of your peers about their best high school memories. Below is an example.

“Every batch of graduates from [school] has a common core memory. For us, it was probably prom 2022. Instead of getting our beauty sleep the night before the dance, everyone stayed in school until 8 PM because of the last-minute changes. While that experience was full of pressure and chaos, we look back on that memory remembering teamwork and dedication.”

Share Advice

Your advice is the most crucial part of the speech. It serves as a call to action the students will follow in the future.

Make sure to keep it positive and remind everyone that anything is possible. You can also advise them to advocate for others and treat everyone equally.

Here’s an example showing what I mean.

“The future is uncertain, and the only thing we can do is be optimistic about it. We learned to stay determined in the past four years, so we can do it again throughout college or our careers.”

Incorporate Your Personality

Just because you’re speaking for the rest of the class and following an outline doesn’t mean your speech should be boring. You can still infuse your personality through humor, anecdotes , and life experiences.

You can also open your address with something funny, as long as it’s appropriate and timely. If you’re a valedictorian, self-deprecating humor will be a hit. Try adding quirky memories from classes that will immerse your audience.

Leave Your Audience Inspired

You are not at the graduation to merely receive your diploma. As a speaker, you need to leave your audience inspired on the next chapter of their lives. Encourage them to find their purpose and make a difference in the world.

Some speakers end their speeches with another quote. Here is the one I used in my high school speech, but there are tons to be found on the internet you can use that might better suit your needs.

• “All our dreams can come true… if we have the courage to pursue them.” — Walt Disney

Finally, thank everyone for taking the time to listen to your speech. Express gratitude toward your classmates for the memories over the last four years.

Proofread Your Work

Read your writing out loud and fix parts that don’t sound pleasing. Doing so will make your writing more powerful and precise. Look out for flowery language, excessive adjectives, and lengthy sentences.

When editing, make sure to remove cliches from your writing. These are words and phrases that have been overused in speech and writing. These include phrases like “all walks of life,” “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

Try sharing more personal anecdotes and collective memories than tired pieces of advice. This will make the speech more interesting and customized for the audience. Find out what your fellow high school graduates and the rest of the audience want to hear and know, then write it concisely and effectively.

Once you’re done fixing clarity issues, it’s time to fix structural errors. Perform several edits on your speech to remove all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Practice Your High School Graduation Speech

There’s no exact formula for the perfect valedictorian or commencement speech. But if you follow my tips and examples and speak from the heart, your fellow graduates will live by your words as they go about their futures.

Remember to keep your engaging speech positive and inspiring. Recall memories from high school, then make them look forward to creating new ones in their careers or college.

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