Commencement Speeches are all about Achievements and Challenges
Commencement is a very descriptive word for graduation. After all it is a time for a new beginning. It may be leaving middle school for high school, high school for university or university for the working world. Commencement speeches, therefore, have to capture the mood of the moment.
Speakers at commencement ceremonies should be aware that they are influencing lives by what they say. Bland commencement speeches won't make the graduates think. Speakers should capture the attention of the graduates and ensure that they think about the future. They should give them guidelines for a better life. That does not mean that they should speak about material wealth and how to gain it. The world is full of that message already. Rather they should speak about being good citizens and making the most of opportunities. They should speak about having the right values and explain that success is being able to live happily with yourself and others. They should challenge graduates to be the best they can be.
One of the best ways of getting such a message across is to paint word pictures of what the future can hold. It helps too if you can add humour to your speech because everyone likes a funny story. Commencement speeches should stress that being adaptable is very necessary in today's world. They should emphasise the fact that learning is for life. Such speeches should be practical as well as inspirational. If you can tell graduates what to do about problems or challenges and who can help them they will benefit greatly.
If you are a guest speaker you will probably have been asked to speak because you are successful in some field. Empathise with the students. Explain that not too long ago you were just like them. Tell them your story and about the different milestones in your life. Explain that they too can be achievers.
It's not fashionable to talk about religion and indeed it may not be acceptable at your particular commencement ceremony. Study after study however proves that those who have a faith are happier and more contented. If you share that belief that is a very important message to get across to graduates and will help them all their lives. Commencement speeches should get across the message that the graduates have done well so far but that the future is in their own hands.
Speakers at commencement ceremonies should be aware that they are influencing lives by what they say. Bland commencement speeches won't make the graduates think. Speakers should capture the attention of the graduates and ensure that they think about the future. They should give them guidelines for a better life. That does not mean that they should speak about material wealth and how to gain it. The world is full of that message already. Rather they should speak about being good citizens and making the most of opportunities. They should speak about having the right values and explain that success is being able to live happily with yourself and others. They should challenge graduates to be the best they can be.
One of the best ways of getting such a message across is to paint word pictures of what the future can hold. It helps too if you can add humour to your speech because everyone likes a funny story. Commencement speeches should stress that being adaptable is very necessary in today's world. They should emphasise the fact that learning is for life. Such speeches should be practical as well as inspirational. If you can tell graduates what to do about problems or challenges and who can help them they will benefit greatly.
If you are a guest speaker you will probably have been asked to speak because you are successful in some field. Empathise with the students. Explain that not too long ago you were just like them. Tell them your story and about the different milestones in your life. Explain that they too can be achievers.
It's not fashionable to talk about religion and indeed it may not be acceptable at your particular commencement ceremony. Study after study however proves that those who have a faith are happier and more contented. If you share that belief that is a very important message to get across to graduates and will help them all their lives. Commencement speeches should get across the message that the graduates have done well so far but that the future is in their own hands.
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