The valedictory speech can inspire students and teachers alike.
Delivering the valedictory speech at graduation is a time-honored tradition that holds significant weight for the speaker. In addition to the privilege of this speech, the topic needs to be one that graduation attendants and fellow classmates alike can appreciate. Professional speech coach Joey Asher suggests that valedictory speeches should entertain the audience and take no more than 10 minutes to deliver. Choosing an inspirational topic can also strike just the right chord.
Learn From Your Mistakes
This topic has been touched upon in the past by two celebrities who delivered college graduation speeches. Michael Dell, owner of Dell Computers, spoke to the University of Texas at Austin class of 2003 and warned graduates they will make mistakes. Similarly, obstacles will also be met. Learning from those mistakes, however, can build knowledge that will lead to success.
JK Rowling, author of the Harry Potter book series, delivered a commencement speech at Harvard in 2008 and spoke of her own failures. By living in anticipation of making mistakes and failing, Rowling cautioned that students may as well not live at all. For valedictory speeches, this topic could encourage fellow graduates to live boldly. In addition, the speech could advise students to expect mistakes and to use them as lessons for the future.
Classmates and Teachers
According to Joey Asher, veteran speech coach and author, a simple but effective valedictory speech topic is that of crediting fellow graduates and high school teachers. For example, the beginning of the speech might mention how much the graduating class has learned during four years of high school. Credit may then be given, for instance, to Mrs. Smith for teaching literature and to Mr. Davis for teaching trigonometry.
These lessons can then be tied into the class motto or theme, such as "Work Together" or "Seeing Is Believing." The speech can lead into ways the class demonstrated its theme throughout four years together. A fundraiser, homecoming dance or other memorable events should be mentioned. As a finale, the speech might thank specific students and faculty members for their contributions to the class, and these references can be serious, humorous or a combination of both.
Dare to Dream
Many teenagers today are "dared" into mischievous stunts for the thrill of recognition among peers, a chance at celebrity or the receipt of money. For a valedictory speech, this concept of dare might be turned into a positive challenge for the class. Rather than daring to be recognized, students should instead consider how their dreams can lead to a difference in the world. Whether someone wants to become a volunteer, attend medical school or join the armed forces, her efforts can change lives if she dares to dream in a grander and more influential manner.
Live Like There Is No Tomorrow
The late Randy Paush, a former professor at Carnegie Mellon, delivered that school's commencement speech in 2008. His speech focused on the importance of people's living true to themselves and pursuing their dreams. He also insinuated that life is not about the amount of time on earth but instead how that time is spent. To drive home his points, Paush talked about the reaper and how beating it can only be done by living life to the fullest. This valedictory speech topic can be delivered in the same manner, suggesting that each individual of the class seek what is important to him and do all that can be done each and every day.
