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Have you found yourself in the exhilarating position of being chosen to give the keynote speech at a graduation ceremony?

Picture this: The campus is abuzz with activity, and families and friends are flocking in from far and wide. It’s a reunion like no other, where loved ones meet classmates and faculty, celebrating connections that will last a lifetime. It’s a moment of joy, of celebration, and yes, a tad bittersweet, as it marks the end of the graduates’ time in this hallowed institution.

And soon, you’ll be at that podium, delivering the keynote address. What an honor! It means you’re a shining star in your field, highly respected and admired. You’ve been entrusted with the task of inspiring these eager minds before you.

Take these suggestions as friendly advice based on my observations of over 50 commencement speeches. These tips will guide you in crafting an original, inspiring, and memorable commencement speech. They aren’t set in stone or meant to limit your approach to speechwriting. Instead, think of them as a springboard to craft your own unique and captivating address.

👉 3 commencement speech examples

How do I structure the content of my commencement speech?

Use the Past-Present-Future framework as your guide. This is a great starting point, and feel free to play around with this outline as you develop your speech.

Theme: What’s the main message that ties your speech together? If the graduation already has a theme, include it.
Opening: Thank the people who invited you to speak. Introduce yourself.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Share stories and observations from your journey and the graduates’ journeys.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Give 3 pieces of advice.
Key Idea 3: (Future) Frame your advice in the broader context of the graduates’ futures.
Closing: Give a call to action. Tie it back to your theme.

💡 Pro tip: Your graduation speech should include at least 1 or 2 stories. Stories will make your speech personal and engaging.

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How can I make sure my commencement speech resonates with my audience?

Imagine a colorful tapestry of people gathered before you. We have the graduates, bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world. We have their loved ones bursting with pride and joy. Then there are the staff, faculty members, and administrators, all dedicated to nurturing minds and shaping futures.

Here’s the deal: This speech isn’t about you. Nope! It’s about the graduates and their guests. It’s a moment to honor the accomplishments made by these remarkable individuals and their loved ones. It’s not the time to spotlight your own achievements or use it as a platform for self-promotion.

Ask yourself these questions:

Who is my audience? What are their backgrounds? What are their identities? Why are they here?
What would make my talk worthwhile for them?
Why would they care about me and my journey?
If they don’t know who I am, what would make them feel connected to me?

That’s not to say you can’t talk about your accomplishments. In fact, your audience is expecting to hear about those! The key is to frame your achievements in ways that provide value to your audience. For example, if you’ve written a best-selling book, you can ask yourself: Why would my audience care that I accomplished this? What struggles of mine can they relate to? What lessons can they apply to their own lives?

How long should my commencement speech be?

The length of a commencement speech can vary depending on the ceremony.

As a general rule of thumb, aim for a speech that’s 10 to 15 minutes long.

Give yourself enough time to cover all the main ideas you want to share. At the same time, make it short enough so you don’t bore or tire your audience. Finding that sweet spot is key.

💡 Pro tip: Time your speech beforehand. And don’t just do it once. Rehearse it several times to make sure it flows smoothly and fits within the time limit. That way, you can go into the graduation ceremony with the confidence of knowing you’ve got this speech thing down pat.

How can I make my commencement speech memorable?

Let’s talk about how to make your commencement speech memorable.

Connect with your audience: Talk to the graduates on a personal level. Use language they can understand easily. Talk about what motivates or concerns them. Use relatable examples. Lead with emotion. Use the “you.”
Think tweets: Make your messages bite-size. Craft your sentences so they’re easy for someone to share on social media.
Share a story: Stories are powerful tools to capture the attention and emotions of your audience. Recount a personal anecdote that your audience can relate to. Try to surprise them.
Use humor: Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and make your speech more enjoyable. Use appropriate humor.
Share a quote: Quotes are a great way to add wisdom and inspiration to your speech. Use a quote from a famous person, book, or movie that highlights your message and that your audience can remember. This can help reinforce your theme and make it more motivational.

What are some tips for delivering a successful commencement speech?

Delivering a great commencement speech requires a bit of preparation and practice. Here are some tips to help you nail your delivery:

Prepare in advance: Don’t procrastinate! Write it down, rehearse it several times, and time it to ensure it fits within the time limit. Use feedback from others to improve your speech.
Speak clearly and slowly: Avoid mumbling or jumbling words. Keep your chin up, speak slowly enough for people to understand you, and use pauses to highlight important words.
Use your body: Your body language can add oomph to your speech. Use your hands, face, and posture to help express your emotions and message. And don’t forget to make eye contact to connect with your audience!
Manage your nerves: It’s normal to be a little jittery before speaking, but try to relax by taking deep breaths, visualizing yourself rocking the speech, and remembering that your audience is rooting for you to succeed.
Use the “you”: When you use “you,” “we,” and “us,” you invite your audience into your speech. It’s a simple technique, and it makes a powerful difference. So when you review a draft of your speech, look for how to use “you” as often as possible.
Be yourself: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Speak from the heart, stay true to your values, and let your personality shine through. Remember, you’re the guest speaker for a reason!

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How can I make my commencement speech meaningful?

Creating a meaningful commencement speech is all about being true to yourself and connecting with your audience. Here are some tips to make your speech meaningful:

Stay positive: Focus on the good things about your journey. Encourage people to chase their dreams and make a difference in the world. No need to be mean or snarky, even toward your nemeses and naysayers. Keep it respectful.
Be inclusive: Use language that is inclusive and respectful to all members of your audience. Avoid stereotypes based on gender, age, or cultural background.
Show empathy: Tap into the graduates’ experiences and emotions. What would they want to hear about? What would make your speech meaningful to them? Share stories that resonate with them and show that you care about their perspective. Use emotional language to really connect with them. It can be as simple as naming the emotion: “I’m sure you’re just like I was at your age and anxious about what’s to come…” or “I know you’ve all been through a lot to get here….”

What should I avoid when writing a valedictorian speech?

Some common mistakes can detract from your message.

Avoid sugarcoating: Yes, life can be serendipitous and magical, and it’s important to paint an optimistic picture. But what will make people really invested in your speech is honesty and candidness about obstacles you’ve faced. Just think of your favorite movie or T.V. show—there are always hardships and setbacks. Reassure the graduates that they don’t need to win every contest or have good fortune all the time.
Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases that don’t have any originality or authenticity to them. Use your own words to share your message.
Avoid arrogance: Stay humble. You don’t want to come across as egotistic or condescending when talking about your achievements or your classmates. Keep a humble and respectful tone that shows gratitude and appreciation.
Avoid controversial topics: You don’t want to discuss anything that might offend or divide your audience. Keep things upbeat and inspiring so that everyone can relate to your message.
Avoid sensitive language: Don’t use inappropriate language, jokes, or stories that could offend or embarrass anyone in your audience. Keep things respectful and appropriate for all ages and backgrounds.
Avoid rambling: We all appreciate speakers who carefully choose their words, get straight to the point, and conclude with a flourish.
Avoid jargon: Don’t get lost in technicalities. A touch of history or technical detail can be helpful to illustrate a point, but too much can blur your message.
Avoid making fun of other people: Strike a balance between gravity and levity. You can poke fun at yourself, but be careful about poking fun at others. You don’t want to put people down. Even if your intent is good-natured, your message might not be received that way.

What are some creative ways to start a commencement speech?

When it comes to writing the opening of your commencement speech, it can be challenging to set the tone for the rest of your speech. But don’t worry. Here are some creative ways to get you started:

Share a quote: You can start your speech with a powerful quote that relates to your message and sticks in the graduates’ minds.
Use humor: Start with a funny story, joke, or pun related to the graduation. You can include a few jokes. Just be careful not to go overboard with the humor.
Tell a story: Share a personal story. It can be from your earlier years or even just last week!
Ask a rhetorical question: Start your speech with a rhetorical question that prompts your classmates to think about your message and engages them.
Use a metaphor: Introduce some symbolism that relates to your message and paints a vivid picture.

What are some topics to discuss in a commencement speech?

Choosing a theme for your commencement speech can be a real head-scratcher. The key is to weave stories into your speech. Stories that are specific and colorful will keep your audience engaged and entertained. Let’s take a look at some possible themes:

Gratitude: Think of someone who had a life-altering influence on your journey—maybe a mentor, family member, or friend—and share a story about them. You can even reveal a little “secret” about this person you think the audience should know. This will give your speech a more intimate feel.
Cherished memories: Ah, memories. They can be a great way to connect with your audience. Share meaningful memories from times you and your audience have shared, such as major world events or holidays. Try to find a common theme among those memories that can become the theme for your entire speech.
Achievements: As the guest speaker, you’ve achieved a lot, as have the graduates. So why not celebrate those achievements and reflect on the hard work, dedication, and perseverance that led you all to this moment? Use your journey as an example, and inspire the graduates to continue pursuing their achievements.
Change: Reflect on the changes and challenges you or the graduates have faced during your journeys. For example, how has the pandemic impacted you and the graduates? Or how did major advances in technology bring people closer together?
The future: Share your aspirations and goals, and encourage the graduates to pursue their dreams and positively impact the world. This will be a nice contrast to the stories you tell about the past.

What is the best way to end a commencement speech?

Ending a commencement speech is just as important as starting it. The conclusion should leave a lasting impression on your audience and end on a high note. Here are ways you can end your speech:

Tie it back to your theme: Take a moment to summarize your key ideas and highlight the key takeaways of your speech. This will help reinforce your message and ensure that your audience remembers it.
Use humor: End your speech with a lighthearted joke or pun that leaves your audience smiling and wraps up your message nicely.
Express gratitude: Take a moment to thank people who have supported your graduates throughout their journeys. Showing appreciation can create an uplifting ending to your speech.
Encourage action: Inspire your audience to take action based on your message. Encourage people to pursue their passions or make a positive impact.
Share a quote: End your speech with a powerful quote that relates to your message and that your audience can remember. Leave people with a thought-provoking idea.

💡 Pro tip: In the closing of your speech, avoid thanking people from your own life or putting the spotlight on yourself. At this point in your speech, people are ready for it to end, and they’ll disengage if you continue talking about yourself.

How can I find inspiration for my commencement speech?

Finding inspiration for your commencement speech can be challenging, but there are many ways to get inspired. Here are some tips:

Reflect on your experiences: Look back at your journey, and think about the moments that made a real impact on you. Your personal experiences, thoughts, and values are all great sources of inspiration.
Just start writing! Grab your phone (or a pen and paper) and jot down all the ideas that come to your mind, no matter how silly or impossible they seem. You never know—one of those ideas could become a great speech!
Talk to people: Bouncing your ideas off others is always good. Talk to your family, friends, and mentors for their perspectives and insights. They may have valuable ideas and feedback to help you shape your speech.
Research: Listen to other commencement and inspirational speeches to get some ideas. Reflect on what works and what doesn’t.

And don’t forget to have fun with it! This is your moment to shine, so enjoy it and make the most of it. Good luck!

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Examples

Theme: Writing your own story
Opening: Good morning, esteemed faculty, honored guests, and most importantly, the incredible graduates of this extraordinary institution. I am deeply honored to stand before you today as your commencement speaker. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the organizers for this incredible opportunity. My name is [Name], and I have had the privilege of leading one of the most iconic entertainment companies in the world. But today, I’m not here as a CEO; I’m here as a fellow traveler on the journey of life, eager to share my experiences and insights with all of you.
Key Idea 1: (Past) As we gather here today, each of us brings a unique story. My own journey has been one of constant change, and I’m sure many of you can relate. Life rarely follows a straight path, and it’s in those unexpected detours that we often find our greatest growth. I remember facing numerous challenges and setbacks along the way, but it was through those trials that I discovered my resilience and capacity for reinvention.
Let me share a personal story that illustrates the power of embracing change. Early in my career, I found myself working at a struggling television network. The industry was undergoing a seismic shift, with emerging technologies and changing viewer habits reshaping the landscape. It was a time of uncertainty, and many believed that traditional media was on the verge of obsolescence.
Instead of resisting the winds of change, I chose to lean into it. I recognized the potential of emerging platforms and technologies, and I saw an opportunity to redefine the way stories were told and consumed. We took bold risks, embraced digital innovation, and transformed the network into a global entertainment powerhouse. Through perseverance and a willingness to adapt, we not only survived but thrived in the face of disruption.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Change is not something to be feared but rather an opportunity for growth and reinvention. Graduates, as you navigate the uncertainties of your own journeys, remember that the most significant rewards often come from embracing the unknown and charting new paths.
I encourage you to reflect on your own journeys. Recall the moments of triumph and the moments of defeat, for both have played an essential role in shaping who you are today. Embrace your past, learn from it, and carry those lessons forward as you embark on this new chapter of your life.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Now, let me share with you three pieces of advice that have served me well in navigating the complexities of the present.
First, embrace change. We live in a rapidly evolving world where innovation and disruption have become the norm. Embracing change allows us to see opportunities where others see obstacles. It’s the willingness to adapt, to challenge the status quo, and to continuously learn that will set you apart.
Second, nurture your relationships. Success is seldom achieved alone. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, push you to grow, and believe in your potential. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with extraordinary individuals who have shaped and influenced my journey. One such person was a mentor who saw potential in me when I doubted myself. This mentor provided guidance, challenged me to stretch beyond my comfort zone, and instilled in me a belief in my abilities. Their belief in me fueled my confidence and propelled me to new heights. It was through their mentorship and the support of countless others that I could overcome obstacles and achieve success. These relationships not only enriched my professional life but also brought immense joy and fulfillment to my personal life.
Third, never stop dreaming. The power of imagination knows no bounds. Dare to dream big, to envision a world that is better, brighter, and more inclusive. It is through audacious dreams that we have seen remarkable progress throughout history. So, be bold in your ambitions, and have the courage to pursue your passions, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Key Idea 3: (Future) As you look to the future, I urge you to consider your role in shaping it. The world is in dire need of innovative thinkers, compassionate leaders, and advocates for positive change. Each of you has the power to make a difference, to contribute to the betterment of society in your own unique way.
But remember, the journey ahead will not always be smooth. There will be moments of uncertainty, doubt, and fear. Embrace those moments as opportunities for growth. Take risks, learn from failures, and never lose sight of your core values. In a world that often feels divided, let empathy guide your actions and decisions. Seek common ground, build bridges, and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
Closing: I want to leave you with a call to action. Embrace change, nurture relationships, and never stop dreaming. Embody the spirit of curiosity, resilience, and compassion as you go forth and write your own story. Remember, it is in the face of adversity that the most remarkable chapters of our lives are written.
Graduates, the world needs your unique talents, your fresh perspectives, and your unwavering determination. Seize the opportunities that come your way, and remember that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact. Together, let’s build a world where every individual can thrive, where creativity flourishes, and where kindness reigns.
Congratulations, Class of [Graduation Year]! May you find fulfillment and purpose in the pursuit of your dreams. Thank you, and best of luck on your extraordinary journey ahead!
Theme: Resilience
Opening: Thank you so much for having me here today. I have to admit, when I got the call to give this commencement speech, I was like, “Are you sure you’ve got the right [Name]?” But here I am, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to celebrate this incredible milestone with all of you.
Before we dive in, let me introduce myself. I’m [Name], a singer-songwriter, cat enthusiast, and professional overthinker. And today, I’m here to share a few stories and hopefully make you smile, think a few new things, and maybe have a fresh perspective on what’s ahead of you.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Let’s start by thinking about the past. Some of you might have faced challenges and maybe even had a few shake-it-off moments. Trust me, I’ve had my fair share of those too. Back in high school, I was the awkward, nerdy girl with big dreams and even bigger glasses. I remember auditioning for the school musical and completely butchering my audition song. It was a cringe-worthy moment that made me question if I had any talent at all.
But you know what? I didn’t let that failure define me. I dusted myself off, practiced harder, and eventually landed the lead role in the following year’s production. That experience taught me the power of resilience and the importance of pushing through those moments of doubt.
Here’s the thing: Setbacks and failures don’t define you. They’re just pit stops on the road to success.
I also remember when I was just starting out in the music industry. I was rejected by so many record labels. They said I didn’t fit the mold, that I wasn’t marketable. But instead of giving up, I decided to write my own story and create my own mold. And look at where we are now. So, embrace your unique journey and remember that the world needs your originality.
Key Idea 2: (Present) Now, let’s think about where we are today. You’re probably all feeling a little trepidatious about what’s to come. Here are three pieces of advice I want to share with you that will hopefully get you excited about what’s coming.
First, never underestimate the power of staying true to yourself. As many of you know, I’ve been in the spotlight for quite some time, and with that comes a fair share of criticism. I’ve been labeled as too pop, too country, too this, too that. It’s enough to make anyone question their authenticity.
But instead of letting those criticisms bring me down, I chose to embrace my true self and let my music speak for itself. I realized that I couldn’t please everyone, and that’s okay. The moment I stopped trying to fit into other people’s boxes and started being unapologetically me, that’s when everything changed.
Second, surround yourself with people who lift you up. The journey can be harrowing, but it’s a lot more fun when you have a squad by your side. Find your ride-or-dies—your cheerleaders—and keep them close. And hey, if you find a friend who appreciates your puns as much as mine do, you’ve hit the jackpot.
Third, take risks and embrace failure. Yes, failure can be scary. But it’s also a great teacher. My own failures have been some of my biggest blessings in disguise. So, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, try new things, and learn from your missteps. Remember, it’s not the number of falls that matters but the number of times you get back up.
Key Idea 3: (Future) And finally, let’s think about the future. A little scary, right? You’re about to enter a world filled with endless possibilities. It’s like a blank space waiting to be filled with your dreams and aspirations. But with that comes a lot of uncertainty.
I want to remind you that it’s okay to not have all the answers right now. Life is a series of plot twists, and we can’t always predict what’s around the corner. But that’s where resilience comes in. When life throws you a curveball—and believe me, it will—you have the power to adapt, to rise above, and to come back stronger.
Embrace change, because it’s often in the most unexpected moments that we find our true selves. Your path might take unexpected turns, and that’s okay. Keep your head up, your heart open, and your dancing shoes on, because you never know when a great beat is about to drop.
Closing: So, graduates, as you embark on this exciting new chapter, my call to action for you is simple: Embrace the power of resilience. Remember that setbacks are just setups for comebacks. Embrace your unique journey, work hard, surround yourself with uplifting people, take risks, and never be afraid to get back up after a fall.
And don’t be afraid to let your unique voice and talents shine. Embrace your quirks, celebrate your individuality, and never apologize for being authentically yourself. In a world that’s constantly trying to mold you, be the one who breaks the mold.
In the words of one of my favorite songwriters James Taylor, “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” So, trust in yourself, believe in your dreams, and go out there and write your own beautiful, messy, and extraordinary stories.
Congratulations, Class of [Year]! You’re ready to take on the world, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll accomplish. Now go out there and make your mark, because the world is waiting for your magic.
Thank you!
Theme: Embracing the unexpected
Opening: Good evening, and thank you to the faculty, everyone’s loved ones, and—most importantly—the graduates. Thank you for having me here. Wow, I can’t believe I’m standing here today. I mean, I’m just a guy who tells jokes for a living. I’m honored to be here.
Now, if you don’t know who I am, I’m [Name], the host of a show where I get paid to make fun of the news. But tonight, I’m not here to make fun of you, graduates. Well, maybe just a little bit. But my main message for you today is this: Life is like a game of chess, and you are the queens and kings ready to conquer it!
First of all, let’s take a moment to appreciate this incredible milestone in your lives. Graduation is a big deal! It’s the moment when you transition from being a student who occasionally naps in class to an adult who occasionally naps at work. Cherish this moment, because soon you’ll be saying goodbye to ramen noodles and hello to a lifetime of avocado toast.
Key Idea 1: (Past) Each of you has gone through a long and unique journey that has led you to this point. Some of you took the scenic route through multiple majors, while many of you sprinted to the finish line with laser focus. But regardless of your path, remember that life is not a race... unless you’re running from your student loan officer.
I remember when I graduated. I had big dreams of becoming a comedian, but my mom wanted me to be a doctor. So, I compromised and became a comedian who makes jokes about doctors.
When I started hosting my show, I had no experience in political satire or news journalism. I had to dive headfirst into a world that was unfamiliar to me. But that curiosity allowed me to learn, grow, and adapt.
My point is, your journey may not always go as planned. But we embrace the detours, because they often lead us to the most unexpected and rewarding destinations.
Key Idea 2: (Present) I have three big pieces of advice for you today.
First, never be afraid to fail. Failure is like a rite of passage for successful people. Just ask Thomas Edison. He tried and failed a thousand times before inventing the light bulb. Imagine if he had given up after 999 attempts. We’d all be sitting here in the dark, waiting for someone else to brighten our lives. Embrace failure, learn from it, and then fail again, because that’s how you grow.
I once had a comedy set that went so badly, I could hear crickets chirping. And trust me, there were no actual crickets in the theater. It’s those moments when we feel like we’ve hit rock bottom that we find the strength to bounce back even stronger.
Second, embrace your weirdness. We live in a world that loves to put people in boxes, but you don’t have to fit into any box society tries to squeeze you into. Be yourself. Your quirks and uniqueness make you special, so own them and let your freak flag fly high!
Lastly, never underestimate the power of laughter. Laughter is the universal language that can bridge gaps, break down barriers, and bring joy to the darkest moments. Laughter has the power to heal, to unite, and to give yourself a good ab workout. So, keep finding humor in life, especially when times get tough.
And humor is just the older sibling of kindness. In a world that often feels divided and polarized, kindness can be a superpower. It costs nothing to be kind, but it can make all the difference in someone’s day or even their life. So, be kind to others, and be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with compassion, forgive your mistakes, and remember that you’re only human.
Key Idea 3: (Future) Now graduates, think about what’s ahead of you. You have the power to shape the world in ways that previous generations couldn’t even imagine. But with great power comes great responsibility, like that Spider-Man guy always says. Don’t wait for others to make a difference; be the ones who step up and take action.
And as you embark on this next chapter of your lives, never stop learning, exploring, and questioning the world around you. Remember, curiosity didn’t kill the cat—it made it a more interesting and informed feline. So, don’t be afraid to venture into the unknown. You might just discover something amazing about yourself and the world.
Closing: I want you to take absolutely everything I’ve said today and apply it to your lives. Immediately. No, really, there’s going to be a quiz later. Embrace the power of laughter, learn from your failures, stay curious, be kind, and create your own future. And don’t forget to laugh along the way, because life is too short to take everything too seriously.
Congratulations, Class of [Year]! You did it!