Learning how to write a graduation speech is important because the speech is your chance to share some wisdom, reflect on your journey, and even inspire your peers as you all head off into college or the real world.
Take David Foster Wallace’s “This Is Water,” a speech he gave at Kenyon College in 2005. Wallace took something as ordinary as a trip to the grocery store and turned it into a powerful lesson about awareness and the choices we make in how we think. He drove home the point that we have the power to decide what matters—which, for him, is what adulthood is truly about.
Now, Wallace was an outsider—a commencement speaker—addressing a graduating class. But his approach to writing and delivering a speech offers valuable lessons for anyone learning how to write a graduation speech, including students. In this blog, we’ll break down the key elements that make a graduation speech memorable and give you practical tips on how to craft one that sticks with your audience.
- Step 1: Know Why You’re Delivering a Graduation Speech.
- Step 2: Set the Right Tone.
- Step 3. Keep Your Speech Short and Sweet.
- Step 4: Kick Off with a Strong Start.
- Step 5: Develop the Theme of Your Graduation Speech.
- Step 6: End Your Speech with Something Memorable.
- Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice.
- Step 8: Polish Your Graduation Speech.
- Step 9: Deliver Your Speech.
- Best Graduation Speeches by Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Step 1: Know Why You’re Delivering a Graduation Speech.
According to Dr. Dimitris Xygalatas, a cognitive anthropologist at the University of Connecticut, rituals like graduation ceremonies help us transition smoothly from one life stage to another, giving us a sense of closure and purpose. Graduation rites are a time for graduates, families, and educators to come together and celebrate what’s been achieved while looking ahead to what’s next.
When you write a graduation speech, therefore, don’t just pat yourself on the back for making it this far. Also acknowledge the people who helped get you there—family, friends, teachers. This shared recognition turns the ceremony into a meaningful experience that strengthens the bonds between everyone involved.
Step 2: Set the Right Tone.
Most graduation speeches go for an inspirational tone, pushing graduates to take on the world with confidence. But humor works too, and it can make your speech stand out. Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth is a great example of how jokes can connect with the audience while still packing in some solid advice. The trick is to find the right balance—be light-hearted enough to keep things fun, but sincere enough that your message doesn’t get lost in the laughs.
Understanding how to write a graduation speech means picking a tone that fits your personality and meets your audience’s expectations. Whether you’re aiming to inspire, entertain, or do a bit of both, the tone you set will shape how your speech lands.
Step 3. Keep Your Speech Short and Sweet.
The sweet spot for the graduation speech you’re writing is usually between 5-10 minutes, which is around 750 to 1,500 words. This length gives you enough time to share your message without losing your audience’s attention. Aim to speak at a pace of about 150-175 words per minute and allow room for natural pauses and emphasis.
When planning how to write a graduation speech, staying within the time limit is important. Schools often set strict time guidelines, so it’s a good idea to practice your speech to make sure you’re hitting the mark.
If your speech runs long, think about cutting out any parts that are repetitive or less impactful to keep things tight and focused. Remember, your goal is to leave your audience inspired, not overwhelmed.
Step 4: Kick Off with a Strong Start.
Getting your audience hooked right from the start is essential, and one of the best ways to do that is to write a relatable and thought-provoking opening for your graduation speech.
Take a cue from David Foster Wallace’s famous “This Is Water” speech, where he kicked things off with a simple story about two young fish who don’t realize they’re swimming in water. This little parable set the stage for his theme about the unnoticed realities of everyday life and how our perspectives shape our experiences. You can write something similar in your graduation speech—start with a story or metaphor that ties into your main theme.
Humor is another great way to break the ice, just like Conan O’Brien did in his Dartmouth College speech. He used humor to instantly connect with the audience, sharing his career challenges with a light-hearted tone. You could start with a funny take on the struggles you and your classmates have faced. Writing this in your graduation speech not only gets everyone engaged but also creates a laid-back, relatable vibe.
Step 5: Develop the Theme of Your Graduation Speech.
The body of your speech is where you dive into your message. In his speech, Wallace used the mundane routines of adult life to highlight the importance of awareness and choice. He also talked about the frustrations of grocery shopping and rush-hour traffic to show how easy it is to slip into a self-centered mindset.
You can write the same by sharing personal stories or observations in your graduation speech that make your theme real and tangible for your audience. Whether you’re focusing on resilience—like O’Brien did when he talked about bouncing back from setbacks—or on the power of conscious thinking, as Wallace did, the key is to connect your stories to the bigger message you want to get across.
Step 6: End Your Speech with Something Memorable.
Conan O’Brien wrapped up his speech with the simple but powerful advice: “Work hard, be kind, and amazing things will happen.” That straightforward message stuck with his audience because it was clear, actionable, and meaningful.
Similarly, Wallace ended his speech with a reminder to be more conscious and aware, urging graduates to make deliberate choices about how they think and live: “This is water. This is water.” With these words, he not only reinforced his central theme but also cleverly circled back to the parable he shared at the beginning, bringing his message full circle in a way that made it resonate even more.
When you’re figuring out how to write a graduation speech, aim to end with a message that sums up your theme and leaves your audience with something to think about or carry with them as they move forward. Your conclusion is your last chance to leave a mark, so make it count.
Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice.
Practicing the graduation speech you wrote out loud is one of the most important steps in getting ready for the big day. When you rehearse, you’re training yourself to deliver your speech naturally and with confidence. Going through your speech a few times helps you get comfortable with the content, eases your nerves, and lets you fine-tune your tone, pace, and gestures.
While experts suggest rehearsing at least three times, the more, the better. This repetition helps you internalize your message, so when the time comes, you can speak smoothly without relying too much on notes.
If you can, practice in the same space where you’ll be speaking. This way, you can get a feel for the environment and avoid any surprises on the big day.
Rehearsals also play a huge role in managing stage fright, which is something even experienced speakers deal with. Techniques like deep breathing and visualization during your practice sessions can also help calm your nerves and ensure everything goes smoothly when it counts.
Step 8: Polish Your Graduation Speech.
Editing the graduation speech you wrote for clarity and impact is just as crucial as practicing how you deliver it. As you rehearse, you’ll likely find areas that don’t flow well or where your points could be sharper. That’s your cue to make adjustments.
For instance, if a section feels awkward or doesn’t land the way you hoped, try rephrasing it or swapping it out for a more compelling story or example. Also, keep an eye on your transitions between points; they should feel natural to keep your audience engaged.
Another smart move is to get feedback from someone you trust. Having a friend, family member, or mentor listen to the graduation speech you wrote can offer valuable insights you might not have considered. They can point out spots where your message isn’t clear, suggest tweaks, and help you polish your delivery.
Step 9: Deliver Your Speech.
Connecting with your audience is what makes the graduation speech you wrote really land. Start by making eye contact with different parts of the audience—it helps create a connection and keeps everyone tuned in. Use natural gestures to emphasize your points, but don’t overdo it. Your gestures should enhance your words, not distract from them.
Strategic pauses can also improve your delivery. A well-timed pause gives your audience a moment to digest what you’ve said and adds weight to your key points. The goal here is to make your speech feel more like a conversation than a performance.
As you think about how to write a graduation speech, these delivery techniques will help ensure that your message is felt by everyone in the room. Good luck—and congratulations!
Best Graduation Speeches by Students
We’ve already talked about the commencement speeches by David Foster Wallace at Kenyon and Conan O’Brien at Dartmouth—great examples, sure, but they were from notable figures. What about the graduation speeches written and delivered by students themselves?
Carl Aquino (2010 West Hall High School Valedictorian)
Carl Aquino’s valedictorian speech cleverly compared his high school experience to solving a Rubik’s Cube. He talked about the twists and turns of high school life, using the Rubik’s Cube as a metaphor for persistence, problem-solving, and the joy of finally overcoming obstacles.
But Aquino took it a step further by actually solving a Rubik’s Cube during his speech. As he talked about the challenges and triumphs of high school, he worked the cube in his hands, turning it into a visual representation of the journey he was describing. The audience watched as he skillfully twisted and turned the cube. By the time he finished his speech, the once-messed-up cube was perfectly solved.
Solving the Rubik’s Cube right in front of everyone not only drove home his message of perseverance and triumph but also left a lasting, tangible impression that made the graduation speech he wrote memorable.
Erica Goldson (2010 Coxsackie-Athens High School Valedictorian)
Another unforgettable graduation speech was written by Erica Goldson. In her valedictory address, Goldson critiqued the education system itself. She questioned the value of traditional academic success, pointing out how it can often stifle true learning and creativity.
Goldson’s honesty was striking. She admitted, “I have no clue about what I want to do with my life; I have no interests because I saw every subject of study as work, and I excelled at every subject just for the purpose of excelling, not learning.” This raw reflection hit hard because it laid bare the pressure students face to prioritize grades and accolades over real intellectual and personal growth.
Goldson’s words became widely recognized for their boldness in challenging the status quo and advocating for an education system that values critical thinking and creativity over rote memorization and conformity. Her speech remains a powerful reminder that a graduation speech—especially from a student—can also be a platform for initiating meaningful discussions about the values and goals of education.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you start a graduation speech?
When figuring out how to write a graduation speech, the key is to grab your audience’s attention right from the start. You could kick things off with a powerful quote, a quick story, a funny anecdote, or a thought-provoking question. A lot of great speeches begin with a personal story that ties into the overall theme. The main thing is to engage your audience immediately and set the tone for what’s to come.
How do I close a graduation speech?
To close your graduation speech, aim for something memorable and impactful. You might go with a call to action, an inspiring quote, or a reflective thought that ties everything together. Echoing a theme you introduced at the beginning can help bring your message full circle. Ending with a note of gratitude or optimism can also leave a lasting impression on your audience.
How long or short should a graduation speech be?
Your graduation speech should typically run between 5 to 10 minutes, which is about 750 to 1,500 words. That’s enough time to get your message across without losing your audience’s attention. Make sure to time your speech during practice to keep it within this range.
What to avoid when writing a graduation speech?
Avoid falling into the trap of clichés and giving generic advice. Steer clear of language that’s too formal or stiff—it can make you feel disconnected from your audience. Also, don’t turn your speech into a list of personal achievements. Focus on shared experiences and lessons that everyone can relate to. Keep an eye on the clock too—brevity is your friend. Avoid going off on tangents or making the speech drag on for too long.
What are graduation speech examples that can inspire me?
If you’re looking for inspiration, check out some famous graduation speeches like David Foster Wallace’s “This Is Water” at Kenyon College or Conan O’Brien’s 2011 speech at Dartmouth. For student examples, Carl Aquino’s and Erica Goldson’s valedictory addresses are powerful ones. These speeches can give you ideas on how to shape your own.
Takeaways
When writing your graduation speech, remember the following:
- Your graduation speech is your chance to reflect on the journey you and your classmates have shared. It’s also about inspiring the audience to face the future with confidence.
- Pick a theme that hits home, like resilience, growth, or change—something that resonates with your classmates. Back it up with personal stories that connect to the bigger picture.
- Break your speech into three parts: an engaging introduction, a focused body with 2-3 key points, and a memorable conclusion. Keep it short and sweet, aiming for a 5-10 minute window.
- Rehearse the graduation speech you wrote a few times to nail the delivery. Get feedback from friends or family, and tweak it as needed to improve clarity and impact.
- If you’re looking for an extra edge, consider reaching out to a college admissions consultant. They can offer expert advice on crafting your speech and help you with your college admissions goals.
