| Graduation speeches are remembered forever and | | | | much as you can with as few words as you can, as |
| mark a special day full of accomplishments. If the | | | | that makes a more powerful public speech. |
| task of delivering a graduation speech has fallen on | | | | Do your research. Read or listen to graduation |
| you, there are some things to keep in mind. | | | | speeches of others to get inspiration. Learn from the |
| Write something that appeals to the audience. Are | | | | mistakes of past speakers so you can do better this |
| you speaking before a college or a high school | | | | time. Double-check the information included in your |
| student body? Will there be parents around? Make | | | | speech, and ask for clearance from higher-ups if you |
| sure that your material is both relevant and | | | | have to. |
| entertaining across your audience's age groups. Avoid | | | | Lastly, organize. Even the most brilliant thoughts can |
| mentioning anything that may be construed as | | | | get lost in a disorganized speech. Write a summary or |
| offensive. Ask yourself, "What will they want to | | | | outline and use it, especially if you are giving a long |
| know, and what do they need to know?" | | | | speech. You will be more coherent and your audience |
| Be sincere. Avoid using superlatives, as they tend to | | | | will be better able to follow you. Use visual aids if |
| make speeches sound more like marketing gibberish. | | | | necessary, but use them sparingly. Many speakers |
| Also avoid using trite remarks, such as "As you can | | | | use computer software to create a slideshow |
| see," or "it is indeed an honor and a privilege," etc. | | | | presentation. If used correctly, slideshows can |
| These tired phrases do not help progress your | | | | enhance your speech. Used poorly, though, it will just |
| thoughts, and instead retard them. Focus instead on | | | | distract your audience. Before you end your speech, |
| substance. This creates a permanent impression of | | | | say a few inspiring phrases that that summarize your |
| intelligence, honesty, and professionalism. Say as | | | | main ideas. |