best graduation speech sample

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."

• The 8 Best Movie Graduations of All Time
• The Six Products You Need to Look Great in Your Graduation Pics
• 27 Movies You Need to See Before Graduation—No Excuses

Speeches HQ

6 Short Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Students

Graduation day is a key milestone in a student’s life. It’s a time of celebration, reflection, and anticipation for the future. As the caps fly and the tassels are turned, one of the most memorable parts of any graduation ceremony is often the student speech.

These heartfelt addresses capture the essence of the shared experience, inspiring both graduates and attendees alike. Whether you’re a student preparing to speak or an educator looking for examples, this collection of six graduation speeches offers a range of styles and lengths to suit various occasions. Let’s explore these impactful speeches that resonate with the spirit of achievement and new beginnings.

Short Graduation Ceremony Speeches by Students

Prepare to be moved and motivated by these six carefully crafted graduation speeches. Each one brings its own unique perspective to the momentous occasion of graduation.

Speech 1: The Power of Small Steps

Fellow graduates, faculty, and honored guests,

Today, we stand at the threshold of a new chapter in our lives. We’ve climbed a mountain, step by step, day by day. Think back to when we first arrived, feeling small and unsure? Look at us now – confident, accomplished, and ready to take on new challenges.

Our journey wasn’t about giant leaps. It was about small steps, taken consistently. Late nights studying, early mornings rushing to class, countless assignments, and projects – each a tiny step forward. We learned that progress isn’t always visible in the moment, but over time, those small steps add up to something incredible.

As we move forward, let’s carry this lesson with us. Big dreams are achieved through small, persistent actions. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t see the entire path ahead. Just focus on the next step, then the next, and the next. Before you know it, you’ll be standing on another mountaintop, looking back in awe at how far you’ve come.

Congratulations, Class of 2024! Here’s to the power of small steps and the big futures they’ll lead us to. Thank you.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of perseverance and consistent effort. It’s particularly suitable for high school graduations or college commencements where students have overcome challenges to reach their goals.

Speech 2: Embracing Change and Uncertainty

Good morning, everyone.

Change – it’s constant in life, yet it’s something many of us fear. Today, as we graduate, we’re facing one of the biggest changes of our lives so far. It’s exciting, but let’s be honest – it’s also a bit scary.

But here’s the thing about change: it’s the driving force of growth. Consider this. Every time we’ve faced change – starting school, making new friends, tackling tough subjects – we’ve grown. We’ve become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.

So, as we step into this new phase of uncertainty, let’s not shy away from change. Let’s embrace it. Let’s see each new challenge as an opportunity to learn and grow. Let’s be curious, ask questions, and never stop exploring.

The future is uncertain, yes. But that uncertainty is what makes life an adventure. It’s what allows us to shape our own paths and write our own stories.

Class of 2024, let’s embrace the change that’s coming. Let’s approach the uncertainty with open minds and brave hearts. Because it’s in those moments of change and uncertainty that we’ll find our true selves and our greatest potential.

Congratulations, everyone. Here’s to the exciting changes ahead!

Commentary: This speech addresses the fear of change and uncertainty that many graduates face. It’s well-suited for college graduations or any ceremony where students are transitioning to a new phase of life with significant changes ahead.

Speech 3: The Ripple Effect of Kindness

Dear fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, family, and friends,

As we celebrate our achievements today, I want to talk about something that doesn’t require a degree but has the power to change our surroundings – kindness.

Throughout our time here, we’ve learned complex theories and solved difficult problems. But some of the most important lessons we’ve learned have been about human connection. We’ve seen how a simple act of kindness can brighten someone’s day, how a word of encouragement can give someone the strength to keep going.

These small acts might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but they create ripples. A smile leads to another smile. A helping hand inspires someone else to lend theirs. Before you know it, that small act of kindness has touched countless lives.

As we go out into new environments, armed with our knowledge and skills, let’s not forget the power of kindness. Let’s strive to create positive ripples wherever we go. Whether it’s in our future workplaces, our communities, or our personal relationships, let kindness be our guiding principle.

Consider a situation where everyone commits to one act of kindness each day. That’s 7.8 billion acts of kindness making our surroundings a little bit better, every single day. And it all starts with us, right here, right now.

So, Class of 2024, as we celebrate our academic achievements, let’s also commit to being kind. Let’s be the start of a ripple effect that changes our surroundings, one act of kindness at a time.

Congratulations to us all, and thank you.

Commentary: This speech focuses on the importance of kindness and its potential to create positive change. It’s appropriate for graduations at all levels, particularly in schools or programs that emphasize community service and social responsibility.

Speech 4: Learning from Failure

To my fellow graduates, our dedicated teachers, proud parents, and distinguished guests,

Today, we’re celebrating success. We’ve passed our exams, completed our projects, and earned our diplomas. But I want to talk about something else – our failures.

Yes, you heard that right. Our failures. The tests we bombed, the projects that fell flat, the times we felt like we just couldn’t cut it. These moments aren’t often mentioned in graduation speeches, but they’re just as important as our successes.

Why? Because failure is our greatest teacher. It shows us where we need to improve. It tests our resolve and builds our resilience. It humbles us and keeps us hungry to learn more.

Think about that experiment that went completely wrong in chemistry class? We learned more from figuring out why it failed than we would have if it had worked perfectly the first time. Consider that first draft that came back covered in red ink? It pushed us to become better writers.

As we move forward into the next chapter of our lives, we’re going to face more challenges and, yes, more failures. But now we know that failure isn’t the end – it’s just part of the journey.

So, let’s not be afraid to take risks. Let’s not be paralyzed by the fear of failure. Instead, let’s see each setback as a setup for a comeback. Let’s fail forward, learning and growing with each misstep.

Class of 2024, may we have the courage to fail, the wisdom to learn from our failures, and the persistence to keep going until we succeed. Congratulations to us all!

Commentary: This speech takes an unconventional approach by focusing on the importance of failure in the learning process. It’s well-suited for high school or college graduations, especially in fields where innovation and resilience are highly valued.

Speech 5: The Value of Lifelong Learning

Respected principal, beloved teachers, proud parents, and my dear fellow graduates,

Today marks the end of one chapter in our education, but it’s really just the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. We often think of learning as something confined to classrooms and textbooks, but the truth is, our surroundings are our classroom, and life itself is our greatest teacher.

During our time here, we’ve learned how to learn. We’ve developed critical thinking skills, learned to ask questions, and discovered the joy of acquiring new knowledge. These are the real treasures we take with us as we leave.

The fast-changing environment we’re stepping into demands that we keep learning and adapting. The jobs of tomorrow may not even exist today. The challenges we’ll face might be ones we can’t yet foresee. But with our ability to learn, we’re prepared for anything.

So, let’s commit to being lifelong learners. Let’s stay curious. Let’s ask questions. Let’s read widely, listen deeply, and always be open to new ideas. Let’s learn from our successes and our failures, from our joys and our sorrows.

Let’s learn from people different from us, from cultures unfamiliar to us. Let’s learn from nature, from art, from technology. Let’s learn from the past as we create the future.

Because when we stop learning, we stop growing. And we, the Class of 2024, are ready to grow into the best versions of ourselves, to keep evolving, to keep reaching for the stars.

Congratulations, my fellow lifelong learners. Our graduation today isn’t the end of our education – it’s just the beginning. Thank you.

Commentary: This speech emphasizes the importance of continuous learning beyond formal education. It’s particularly appropriate for college graduations or adult education programs, where students are embarking on diverse career paths.

Speech 6: Unity in Diversity

Dear graduates, respected faculty, loving families, and honored guests,

Look around you. What do you see? I see a collection of diverse faces, backgrounds, and stories. Each of us has walked a unique path to reach this moment. We come from different neighborhoods, different cultures, different experiences. Yet here we are, united in our achievement, our hopes, and our dreams.

Our differences have been our strength. In our classrooms and beyond, we’ve learned from each other’s perspectives. We’ve challenged our own assumptions. We’ve grown not just in knowledge, but in understanding and empathy.

As we step into the wider environment, let’s carry this lesson with us. In a society that often seems divided, we can be the bridge builders. We can show that diversity isn’t something to fear, but something to celebrate. That our differences don’t have to divide us – they can unite us, making us stronger and more innovative.

Let’s use our education to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, where every voice is heard, where every story matters. Let’s be the generation that proves that we can disagree without being disagreeable, that we can find common ground without compromising our principles.

Class of 2024, we’ve learned so much from each other. Now it’s time to take that spirit of unity in diversity out into the world. Let’s build communities, workplaces, and a society where everyone can thrive, where our differences are our strength.

Together, we can weave a future that’s richer, more colorful, and more beautiful because of our diversity. Congratulations to us all, and thank you.

Commentary: This speech celebrates diversity and promotes unity, making it suitable for graduations in multicultural schools or universities. It’s particularly relevant in today’s global context where inclusivity and cultural understanding are highly valued.

Final Thoughts

These six speeches showcase the diverse themes and styles that can make a graduation address truly memorable. From emphasizing perseverance and embracing change to promoting kindness and celebrating diversity, each speech offers a unique perspective on the graduation experience.

As you prepare for your own graduation ceremony or help students craft their speeches, keep in mind that the most impactful addresses come from the heart. They reflect genuine experiences, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. Whether short and sweet or longer and more detailed, the best graduation speeches inspire, encourage, and leave a lasting impression on all who hear them.

To all the graduates out there: Your voice matters. Your story is unique. And your words have the power to inspire not just your fellow graduates, but everyone in the audience. So speak from your heart, share your truth, and let your voice be heard. Congratulations on your achievement, and best of luck in all your future endeavors!

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]

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

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

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

In this article:

Graduation Speech Examples

Graduation speech template.

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

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

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

1. Funny Valedictorian Speech

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

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

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

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

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

3. Preschool Graduation Speech

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

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

4. David Foster Wallace Kenyon College Commencement Speech

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

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

5. Middle School Graduation Speech

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

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

6. University of Wisconsin-Madison Commencement Speech 2017

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

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

7. Mark Zuckerberg’s Harvard University Commencement Speech

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

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

8. Al Roker’s Commencement Speech at Champlain College

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

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

9. Steve Jobs’ Commencement Speech at Stanford University

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

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

10. Elementary School Graduation Speech

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

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

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

11. Ellen Degeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University

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

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

12. University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address

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

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

13. Matthew McConaughey Commencement Speech

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

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

14. Commencement Address by Jim Carrey

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

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

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

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

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

16. Inspiring Graduation Speech

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

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

17. Funny Graduation Speech

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

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

18. Moving Graduation Speech

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

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

19. Funny Graduation Speech

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

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

20. Short Graduation Speech

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

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

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

Don’t forget to:

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

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

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

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

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

Consider including:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pet Peeve Speech Topics

Commemorative Speech

2 thoughts on “Graduation Speech [20 Examples + Template]”

This article was of great help to me

Were using this site for our fifth grade graduation super helpful!

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

© 2024 My Speech Class

3 Powerful Commencement Speech Examples for Graduation

Graduation is one of those milestone moments that people remember for the rest of their lives. It’s a time filled with excitement, anxiety, and, most importantly, inspiration. Whether you’re a student about to walk across that stage or someone helping to plan the ceremony, one thing is certain: the right words can make all the difference. That’s where commencement speech examples come into play. These speeches, filled with wisdom, humor, and heartfelt advice, can inspire a generation. Let’s take a look at some powerful commencement speech examples that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

Why Are Commencement Speeches So Important?

Graduation ceremonies are not just about celebrating academic achievements. They’re also a time to reflect on the journey, the lessons learned, and the road ahead. This is why commencement speeches hold so much weight. The best commencement speech examples do more than just congratulate; they challenge, inspire, and motivate graduates to step into the next chapter of their lives with courage and confidence.

The Role of a Commencement Speaker

A commencement speaker has the unique opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the graduating class. This is why selecting the right speaker—and crafting the right message—is crucial. The most powerful commencement speech examples are those that resonate with the audience, providing them with a mix of wisdom, humor, and personal anecdotes that make the message relatable and memorable.

Key Elements of an Impactful Commencement Speech

Every great commencement speech shares a few key elements that make it impactful. Whether you’re crafting a speech of your own or simply looking for inspiration, these elements are crucial to creating a message that will be remembered.

Authenticity and Personal Stories

Authenticity is key. The most impactful commencement speech examples often include personal stories that illustrate the speaker’s message. These anecdotes make the speech more relatable and help to establish a connection with the audience. Whether it’s a tale of overcoming adversity or a funny story from their own college days, personal stories add a layer of depth to the speech.

A Clear and Inspirational Message

The best commencement speech examples always have a clear, inspirational message at their core. This could be advice on facing challenges, the importance of resilience, or the power of staying true to oneself. Whatever the message, it should be something that the audience can take away and apply to their own lives.

Humor and Lightheartedness

Graduation is a joyous occasion, so a touch of humor can go a long way. Many great commencement speech examples incorporate humor to keep the audience engaged and to lighten the mood. A well-timed joke or a funny story can make the speech more enjoyable and memorable.

Call to Action

A powerful speech often ends with a call to action. This doesn’t have to be a grand challenge; it can be as simple as encouraging graduates to embrace change or to be kind in their future endeavors. A call to action gives the audience something to strive for, making the speech not just inspirational, but also actionable.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jimmy Kimmel Live (@jimmykimmellive)

Commencement Speech Examples

Example 1: a commencement speech on embracing change.

Dear graduates, faculty, family, and friends,

Today is a day of celebration, a day that marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. As you sit here in your caps and gowns, I want you to take a moment to reflect on the journey that brought you to this point. It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t always clear where the road would lead. But you made it, and that is something to be incredibly proud of.

As you move forward into the next phase of your lives, I want to talk to you about something that is inevitable and constant—change. Change is something we all face, and it’s often met with fear or uncertainty. But I want to encourage you to embrace it, to see change not as an obstacle but as an opportunity.

When I graduated, I had a clear plan in mind. I knew exactly what I wanted to do and how I was going to get there. But life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, and before long, I found myself on a completely different path than the one I had envisioned. At first, I resisted the change. I tried to cling to my original plan, but the more I resisted, the harder things became. It wasn’t until I accepted the change and leaned into it that I found my true calling.

You see, change is what pushes us out of our comfort zones and forces us to grow. It’s what turns dreams into reality, even if those dreams don’t look the way we originally imagined. Some of you may have a clear idea of what you want to do next, while others may still be figuring it out. Wherever you are on that spectrum, know that it’s okay. Plans will change, and that’s not a failure—it’s an opportunity to discover something new about yourself and the world around you.

As you go out into the world, don’t be afraid to take risks. Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is not the end; it’s merely a stepping stone to success. Every setback you encounter will teach you something valuable, and every challenge you face will make you stronger. Embrace those lessons and let them guide you as you navigate the ever-changing landscape of life.

In closing, I want to leave you with this: The world needs people who are willing to embrace change, who are unafraid to step into the unknown and carve out new paths. You are those people. You have the knowledge, the skills, and the drive to make a difference. So go out there, embrace the changes that come your way, and remember that the only limits that exist are the ones you place on yourself.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. The future is yours to shape.

Example 2: A Commencement Speech on the Power of Community

Dear graduates, esteemed faculty, family, and friends,

Today is a day of joy, reflection, and anticipation. As I stand before you, I see a sea of bright minds ready to embark on the next stage of their journey. You have worked tirelessly to reach this point, and for that, you deserve to be celebrated.

While today marks the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance, it’s also important to acknowledge the people who helped you along the way. None of us achieve success in isolation. We are all part of a community, a network of support that lifts us up when we’re down, and pushes us forward when we’re stuck. Today, I want to talk to you about the power of community and why it will be essential as you move into the future.

When I look back on my own life, I can see how the communities I was part of shaped who I am today. Whether it was my family, my friends, or the mentors who guided me, each played a crucial role in helping me navigate the challenges I faced. They were there to celebrate my successes, but more importantly, they were there to support me when things didn’t go as planned.

As you leave this institution, you will find yourselves in new environments, meeting new people, and building new communities. My advice to you is to invest in those relationships. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, who challenge you to be better, and who support your dreams. But remember, community is not just about what you can get—it’s also about what you can give.

Be the person who lifts others up. Be the mentor who guides those who come after you. Be the friend who is there in times of need. The strength of a community lies in the connections between its members, and those connections are built on trust, empathy, and mutual respect.

In the professional world, your community might be your colleagues, your industry peers, or the networks you build over time. Don’t underestimate the power of these relationships. They can open doors, provide new opportunities, and help you grow both personally and professionally. But again, it’s a two-way street. Be generous with your time, your knowledge, and your support. The more you give, the more you will receive.

Finally, as you achieve success—and you will achieve success—don’t forget where you came from. Remember the communities that helped you get here, and find ways to give back. Whether it’s through mentorship, volunteer work, or simply being a positive influence, your contributions will help build a stronger, more connected world.

As you go forward, remember that you are never alone. You are part of a larger community that believes in you and wants to see you succeed. Embrace that, nurture it, and let it guide you as you step into the future.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. The world is better with you in it.

Example 3: A Commencement Speech on the Importance of Resilience

Today, we gather to celebrate an important milestone in your lives. Graduation is a time of reflection, pride, and excitement for what lies ahead. You’ve worked hard to reach this point, and for that, you should be incredibly proud. But as you move forward into the next chapter of your life, I want to talk to you about something that will be crucial to your success—resilience.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, to keep going when the going gets tough. It’s what allows us to face challenges head-on and emerge stronger on the other side. And believe me, you will face challenges. Life is full of ups and downs, and how you respond to those downs will define your journey.

I remember when I was in your shoes, full of hopes and dreams, ready to take on the world. But life had other plans. I faced setbacks that I never saw coming—rejections, failures, and moments of doubt. There were times when I questioned my path, when I felt like giving up. But each time, I reminded myself that failure is not the opposite of success; it’s a part of it. Every setback taught me something valuable, and every challenge helped me grow.

Resilience is not about never falling; it’s about getting back up every time you do. It’s about learning from your mistakes and using those lessons to move forward. It’s about having the courage to keep going, even when the road ahead is uncertain.

As you step into the next phase of your life, you will face obstacles—some big, some small. You might not get that dream job right away, or you might find yourself in a situation that feels overwhelming. In those moments, remember this: You are stronger than you think. You have already overcome so much to get to this point, and you have the strength to overcome whatever comes next.

Build resilience by embracing challenges rather than avoiding them. See setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and believe in you, even when you struggle to believe in yourself. And most importantly, be kind to yourself. Resilience doesn’t mean you have to be perfect; it means you keep trying, no matter what.

In conclusion, as you move forward into this exciting new chapter, remember that resilience will be your greatest ally. Life will throw challenges your way, but you have the power to overcome them. Keep getting back up, keep pushing forward, and never lose sight of the incredible potential within you.

Congratulations, Class of [Year]. The future is bright, and it’s yours for the taking.

Crafting Your Own Commencement Speech

If you’re tasked with delivering a commencement speech, drawing inspiration from these commencement speech examples can be incredibly helpful. However, it’s also important to make your speech your own. Start by reflecting on your own experiences and the lessons you’ve learned. Think about what message you want to leave with the graduates and how you can deliver it in a way that is both meaningful and memorable. By infusing your speech with personal anecdotes and genuine emotion, you’ll create a message that resonates long after the ceremony is over.

Know Your Audience

Before you start writing, consider your audience. What are their hopes, fears, and aspirations? Tailor your message to resonate with them, using language and examples that will connect on a personal level. The best commencement speech examples are those that feel like they were written specifically for the audience in the room. Whether they are excited, nervous, or uncertain about the future, acknowledging these feelings can create a powerful connection. Understanding your audience’s perspective will help you craft a speech that is both relatable and impactful.

Practice Makes Perfect

Finally, practice your speech until it feels natural. The more comfortable you are with your delivery, the more confident and engaging you’ll be. Remember, a great speech is as much about how it’s delivered as it is about what’s said. Take a cue from the best commencement speech examples and practice until your words flow effortlessly. Rehearse in front of friends or family, and even record yourself to fine-tune your pacing and tone. The more you practice, the more your confidence will grow, allowing you to deliver your message with poise and conviction.

If you’re looking for more inspiration or want to explore some of the most iconic speeches in history, check out our collection of top graduation speeches . These examples can offer further insights into what makes a commencement speech truly memorable.

You may also like

Top 20 most famous motivational speakers, what is haptic communication exploring the power of touch, improve your public speaking with these 7 fun exercises, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

4 High School Graduation Speech Samples That Inspire

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

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

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

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

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

Sample Speeches for High School Graduation

While you probably won't want to use these speeches exactly, they're definitely a great place to start. Use our sample graduation speeches to help inspire your own creativity. Click to download and edit them for your own use. If you have any trouble downloading, please review the troubleshooting guide .

• Graduation Mottos & Slogans to Celebrate Your Class
• 7 Senior Bio Examples to Help You Craft Your Own
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

If you like the style or sentiment of a particular speech, think of how it applies to your own high school experience, and use that as the basis for an original speech of your own.

Sample One: How We'll Measure These Years

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Two: The Future Is in Our Hands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Three: A Debt of Gratitude

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sample Four: Inspirational Moments for Life

You're getting ready to head out into the world as adults. Adulting can be hard, but you'll find all the inspiration you need inside yourself. This last sample speech is an inspirational high school graduation speech that asks each student to look back on some of the moments from high school that will inspire them forever.

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

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

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

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

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

Example of a Humorous Valedictorian Speech

The following video offers a great example of a graduation speech that really speaks to the graduates while being humorous, appropriate, and entertaining. If you have a natural gift for humor, a funny speech like this will be remembered long after other graduation memories have begun to fade.

Tips for Writing a Graduation Speech

Whether you're writing a speech for your homeschool graduation, as the class Valedictorian, or as a graduation thank you speech , there are a few tips for speech writing that can make your talk meaningful and memorable.

Related: Inspirational Graduation Speeches and Themes

Know Your Audience

Even though parents, faculty, and members of the community will be on hand, the focus of your speech should be your classmates. Speak to them!

Grab Their Attention

A good speech grabs the audience's attention and never lets it go. Start off with an attention-grabbing question or a humorous first line, or make a strong statement that provokes curiosity about where the speech is going. Feel free to add appropriate humor liberally. Having a theme for the speech is also helpful.

Tell Stories

Don't just read your speech. Tell your speech by interspersing emotional stories that tug at the heartstrings or inspire positive actions for the future. You might even want to include an original poem to help express your feelings.

Include Everyone

Don't just speak to the academic achievers, sports stars, or popular crowd. Your topic should be all inclusive of your graduating class.

Keep It Short, but Not Too Short

Knowing how long a high school graduation speech should be is important before you start writing. Student speeches at high school graduations are generally between five and 10 minutes long, but closer to five is ideal.

End With a Memorable Message

High school graduation speeches by students and special guests often end with a memorable and actionable sentence that encourages the audience to do something great. It's customary to end by saying, "Thank you" in your graduation speech, which you can do after your memorable one-liner.

Don't Wear Out Your Welcome

A really great commencement speech is enjoyed, not simply endured. Put some serious thought into your speech, say something meaningful, and stick to your topic so your message doesn't get lost. Above all, don't talk too long. Remember that everyone wants to receive their diplomas, shed those caps and gowns , and get on with the celebration.

The 21 greatest graduation speeches of the last 60 years

By german lopez on may 11, 2016.

Graduation speeches are the last opportunity for a high school or college to educate its students. It's unsurprising, then, that these institutions often pull in some of the world's most powerful people to leave an equally powerful impression on their students. Here are the best of those speeches and some of the sections that resonate the most.

David Foster Wallace at Kenyon College, 2005

Jamie Sullivan

“There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says, 'Morning, boys. How's the water?' And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, 'What the hell is water?' This is a standard requirement of US commencement speeches: the deployment of didactic little parable-ish stories. The story thing turns out to be one of the better, less bulshitty conventions of the genre, but if you're worried that I plan to present myself here as the wise, older fish explaining what water is to you younger fish, please don't be. I am not the wise old fish.”

Steve Jobs at Stanford University, 2005

Stanford University

“No one wants to die. Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it. And that is as it should be, because death is very likely the single best invention of life. It’s life’s change agent. It clears out the old to make way for the new. Right now the new is you, but someday not too long from now you will gradually become the old and be cleared away. Sorry to be so dramatic, but it’s quite true. Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma, which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Ellen Degeneres at Tulane University, 2009

Tulane University

“I know that a lot of you are concerned about your future, but there’s no need to worry. The economy is booming, the job market is wide open, the planet is just fine. It’s gonna be great. You’ve already survived a hurricane. What else can happen to you? And as I mentioned before, some of the most devastating things that happen to you will teach you the most. And now you know the right questions to ask for your first job interview — like, ‘Is it above sea level?’ So to conclude my conclusion that I’ve previously concluded in the common cement speech, I guess what I’m trying to say is life is like one big Mardi Gras. But instead of showing your boobs, show people your brain. And if they like what they see, you’ll have more beads than you know what to do with. And you’ll be drunk most of the time.”

Conan O'Brien at Dartmouth College, 2011

“Way back in the 1940s there was a very, very funny man named Jack Benny. He was a giant star and easily one of the greatest comedians of his generation. And a much younger man named Johnny Carson wanted very much to be Jack Benny. In some ways he was, but in many ways he wasn’t. He emulated Jack Benny, but his own quirks and mannerisms, along with a changing medium, pulled him in a different direction. And yet his failure to completely become his hero made him the funniest person of his generation. David Letterman wanted to be Johnny Carson, and was not, and as a result my generation of comedians wanted to be David Letterman. And none of us are — my peers and I have all missed that mark in a thousand different ways. But the point is this: it is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It’s not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right, your perceived failure can be a catalyst for profound reinvention.”

Carol Bartz at University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2012

University of Wisconsin-Madison

“Accept failure and learn from it. Failure is part of life, it’s part of every career, and you have to know how to take advantage of it. The single greatest strength that this country has via Silicon Valley is that failure is seen as a sign of experience. Failure is part of work, it’s part of life. People are willing to take risks on the way to innovation. One of my fondest sayings is fail, fast, forward. Recognize you’ve failed, try to do it fast, learn from it, build on it, and move forward. Embrace failure, have it be part of your persona. You’re going to have long careers, as I’ve already told you, you’re going to have many failures — personal, business, professional. I’ve had my share. But just use this as a building block to your next success.”

President John F. Kennedy at American University, 1963

“Genuine peace must be the product of many nations, the sum of many acts. It must be dynamic, not static, changing to meet the challenge of each new generation. For peace is a process — a way of solving problems. With such a peace, there will still be quarrels and conflicting interests, as there are within families and nations. World peace, like community peace, does not require that each man love his neighbor — it requires only that they live together in mutual tolerance, submitting their disputes to a just and peaceful settlement.”

David McCullough Jr. at Wellesley High School, 2012

Wellesley High School

“Like accolades ought to be, the fulfilled life is a consequence — a gratifying byproduct. It’s what happens when you’re thinking about more important things. Climb the mountain not to plant your flag but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air, and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you. Go to Paris to be in Paris, not to cross it off your list and congratulate yourself for being worldly. Exercise free will and creative independent thought not for the satisfactions they will bring you but for the good they will do others — the rest of the 6.8 billion and those who will follow them. And then you too will discover the great and curious truth of the human experience is that selflessness is the best thing you can do for yourself. The sweetest joys of life, then, come only with the recognition that you’re not special, because everyone is.”

Stephen Colbert at Northwestern University, 2011

Joshua Sherman

“You have been told to follow your dreams, but what if it’s a stupid dream? For instance, Stephen Colbert of 25 years ago lived at 2015 North Ridge with two men and three women in what I now know was a brothel. He dreamed of living alone — well, alone with his beard in a large, barren loft apartment, lots of blonde wood, wearing a kimono, with a futon on the floor and a Samovar of tea constantly bubbling in the background, doing Shakespeare in the street for homeless people. Today, I am a beardless, suburban dad who lives in a house, wears no iron khakis, and makes Anthony Weiner jokes for a living. And I love it, because 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.”

Sheryl Sandberg at Harvard Business School, 2012

Harvard Business School

“I sat down with Eric Schmidt, who had just become the CEO [of Google], and I showed him the spreadsheet and I said, this job meets none of my criteria. He put his hand on my sheet and he looked at me and said, ‘Don’t be an idiot.’ Excellent career advice. And then he said, ‘Get on a rocketship. When companies are growing quickly and having a lot of impact, careers take care of themselves. And when companies aren’t growing quickly or their missions don’t matter as much, that’s when stagnation and politics come in. If you’re offered a seat on a rocketship, don’t ask what seat. Just get on.’”

Michael Lewis at Princeton University, 2012

Princeton University

“In a general sort of way you’ve been appointed leader of the group. Your appointment may not be entirely arbitrary. But you must sense right now its arbitrary aspect: you are the lucky few. Lucky in your parents, lucky in your country, lucky that a place like Princeton exists that can take in lucky people, introduce them to other lucky people, and increase their chances of becoming even luckier. Lucky that you live in the richest society the world has ever seen, in a time when no one actually expects you to sacrifice your interest to anything. All of you have been faced with the extra cookie. All of you will be faced with many more of them. In time you will find it easy to assume that you deserve the extra cookie. For all I know, you may deserve the extra cookie. But you will be happier, and you will be better off, if you at least pretend that you don't.”

Jon Stewart at the College of William & Mary, 2004

College of William & Mary

“Lets talk about the real world for a moment. ... I don’t really know to put this, so I’ll be blunt: we broke it. Please don’t be mad. I know we were supposed to bequeath to the next generation a world better than the one we were handed. So, sorry. I don’t know if you’ve been following the news lately, but it just kinda got away from us. Somewhere between the gold rush of easy internet profits and an arrogant sense of endless empire, we heard kind of a pinging noise, and then the damn thing just died on us. So I apologize. But here’s the good news: you fix this thing, you’re the next greatest generation, people.”

Oprah Winfrey at Spelman College, 2012

Spelman College

“You must have some kind of vision for your life, even if you don’t know the plan. You have to have a direction in which you choose to go. I never was the kind of woman who liked to get in a car and just go for a ride. I had a boyfriend that would say, ‘Let’s just go for a ride.’ I want to know where are we going. Do we have a destination? Is there a plan? Are we just riding? What I’ve learned is that’s a great metaphor for life. You want to be in the driver’s seat of your own life, because if you’re not, life will drive you.”

Neil Gaiman at the University of the Arts, 2012

Lennie Alzate

“The moment that you feel that, just possibly, you’re walking down the street naked, exposing too much of your heart and your mind and what exists on the inside, showing too much of yourself, that’s the moment you may be starting to get it right. The things I’ve done that worked the best were the things I was the least certain about, the stories where I was sure they would either work or more likely be the kinds of embarrassing failures that people would gather together and discuss until the end of time. They always had that in common. Looking back at them, people explain why they were inevitable successes. And while I was doing them, I had no idea. I still don’t. And where would be the fun in making something you knew was going to work? And sometimes the things I did really didn’t work. There are stories of mine that have never been reprinted. Some of them never even left the house. But I learned as much from them as I did from the things that worked.”

George Saunders at Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences, 2013

Syracuse University's College of Arts and Sciences

“Seek out the most efficacious anti-selfishness medicines energetically for the rest of your life. And do all the other things of course, the ambitious things: travel, get rich, get famous, innovate, lead, fall in love, make and lose fortunes, swim naked in a wild jungle river — after first testing it for monkey poop. But as you do, to the extent that you can, err in the direction of kindness. Do those things that incline you toward the big questions, and avoid the things that would reduce you and make you trivial. That luminous part of you that exists beyond personality — your soul, if you will — is as bright and shining as any that has ever been. Bright as Shakespeare’s, bright as Gandhi’s, bright as Mother Teresa’s. Clear away everything that keeps you separate from this secret luminous place. Believe it exists, come to know it better, nurture it, share its fruits tirelessly.”

Nora Ephron at Wellesley College, 1996

Wellesley College

“So what are you going to do? This is the season when a clutch of successful women who have it all get up and give speeches to women like you and say, ‘To be perfectly honest, you can’t have it all.’ Well, maybe young women don’t wonder whether they can have it all any longer, but in case any of you are wondering, of course you can have it all. What are you going to do? Everything is my guess. It will be a little messy, but embrace the mess. It will be complicated, but rejoice in the complications. It will not be anything like what you think it’s going to be like, but surprises are good for you. And don't be frightened. You can always change your mind. I know. I've had four careers and three husbands. And this is something else I want to tell you, one of the hundreds of things I didn’t know when I was sitting here so many years ago: you are not going to be you, fixed and immutable you, forever.”

Aaron Sorkin at Syracuse University, 2012

Syracuse University

“Decisions are made by those who show up. Don't ever forget that you're a citizen of this world. Don't ever forget that you’re a citizen of this world, and there are things you can do to lift the human spirit, things that are easy, things that are free, things that you can do every day: civility, respect, kindness, character. You’re too good for schadenfreude, you’re too good for gossip and snark, you’re too good for intolerance — and since you're walking into the middle of a presidential election, it’s worth mentioning that you’re too good to think people who disagree with you are your enemy. … Don’t ever forget that a small group of thoughtful people can change the world. It’s the only thing that ever has.”

Barbara Kingsolver at DePauw University, 1994

DePauw University

“It’s not up to you to save the world. That’s the job of every living person who likes the idea of a future. But I’m going to go out on a limb here and give you one little piece of advice, and that is, like the idea of a future. Believe you have it in you to make the world look better rather than worse seven generations from now. Figure out what that could look like. And then if you’re lucky, you’ll find a way to live inside that hope, running down its hallways, touching the walls on both sides.”

Jane Lynch at Smith College, 2012

Smith College

“My counsel to you, women of Smith College: let life surprise you. Don’t have a plan. Plans are for wusses. If my life went according to my plan, I would never ever have the life I have today. Now, you are obviously good planners, or you wouldn’t be here. So stop it! Stop it now! Don’t deprive yourself of the exciting journey your life can be when you relinquish the need to have goals and a blueprint.”

Bill Gates at Harvard University, 2007

Harvard University

“In line with the promise of this age, I want to exhort each of the graduates here to take on an issue — a complex problem, a deep inequity, and become a specialist on it. If you make it the focus of your career, that would be phenomenal. But you don’t have to do that to make an impact. For a few hours every week, you can use the growing power of the internet to get informed, find others with the same interests, see the barriers, and find ways to cut through them. Don’t let complexity stop you. Be activists. Take on big inequities. I feel sure it will be one of the great experiences of your lives.”

Eugene Mirman at Lexington High School, 2009

Eugene Mirman

“What’s the worst grade you’ve ever gotten? A D? An F? When I was in eighth grade in Diamond Middle School on a homework assignment — this is true — I once got a -8. Sadly very true. I did my assignment worse than not doing it. But did I let getting a grade lower than the lowest possible grade stop me? No. I was put into resource room in special education, and I turned my F into a D. So you see sometimes you can fail, then barely pass, and then become a comedian.”

Michelle Obama at Spelman College, 2011

“Some of you may have grown up like me, in neighborhoods where few had the chance to go to college, where being teased for doing well in school was a fact of life, where well-meaning but misguided folks questioned whether a girl with my background could get into a school like Princeton. Sometimes I’d save them the trouble and raised the questions myself, in my own head, lying awake at night, doubting whether I had what it took to succeed. And the truth is that there will always be folks out there who make assumptions about others. There will always be folks who try to raise themselves up by cutting other people down. That happens to everyone, including me, throughout their lives. But when that happens to you all, here’s what I want you to do: I want you to just stop a minute, take a deep breath — because it’s going to need to be deep — and I want you to think about all those women who came before you.”

• The formula for a good life after college
• Girls have gotten better grades than boys for 100 years
• The job market for 2014 grads: still awful
• Editor Eleanor Barkhorn
• Designer: Uy Tieu
• Developer Yuri Victor
• Special Thanks Chao Li

The HOUSTON NOVEMBER 7-8 PUBLIC SPEAKING CLASS IS ALMOST FULL! RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW

• Public Speaking Classes
• Corporate Presentation Training
• Online Public Speaking Course
• Northeast Region
• Midwest Region
• Southeast Region
• Central Region
• Western Region
• Presentation Skills
• 101 Public Speaking Tips
• Fear of Public Speaking

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.)

Want to beat stage fright, articulate with poise, and land your dream job? Take the 2-minute public speaking assessment and get the Fearless Presenter’s Playbook for FREE!

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.)

Free Public Speaking Tips , Podcasts

View More Posts By Category: Free Public Speaking Tips | leadership tips | Online Courses | Past Fearless Presentations ® Classes | Podcasts | presentation skills | Uncategorized

Looking to end your stage fright once and for all?

This 5-day email course gives you everything you need to beat stage fright , deliver presentations people love , and land career and business opportunities… for free!