Graduation Speech
Write a 1.5 to 2 pages typed graduation speech (MLA style: Times New Roman, 12-point font, double spaced).
Please include paragraphs for introduction, main body, and conclusion as a general outline of your speech.
Your speech should be at least 5 paragraphs. Be sure to follow the characteristics of a gracious speech and use the content ideas as a guide (see below).
Hallmarks of gracious farewell speeches
These are the characteristics of a speech that an audience, (your classmates, teachers, family, and friends), would be delighted to hear:
1. It is respectful and sincere. The speech expresses appropriate honest and genuine feelings about people, events and ideas.
2. It is positive. The speech acknowledges memories, projects and events positively, without undue exaggeration or puffery, and expresses hope for the future. If being positive is difficult be very careful about publicly passing judgement or making comments that could cause embarrassment or something far worse.
3. It is brief. The speech is succinct and concise, minus padding or waffle. There are no prizes for rambling on and on. Two typed pages is enough!
Content ideas for a graduation speech
In preparing a speech to mark the occasion of graduation, here is a list of the type of material expected and appreciated in a farewell and/or moving on speech.
1. A brief summary of involvement (eg. how long you have been with the school, club, team, etc)
2. What you have enjoyed, admired or appreciated
3. The admiration and appreciation you have for the people - their qualities/skills/faith
4. What you feel about leaving
5. Your gratitude and thanks for support, opportunities to learn, friendship...
6. Special memories or good-humored anecdotes (brief stories)
7. How your faith in God has carried you through
8. What, or where, you are going to
9. Hopes, good wishes, and prayers for those remaining and/or graduating
10. A special “sendoff” for those graduating
Obviously, you are not expected to cover all ten points in lavish detail. Pick what feels right to you and applying the brevity, positive, respectful and sincere guidelines, prepare your speech.
For a great example and tutorial, see GRADUATION SPEECH MINI-LESSON
(The speech and speech transcript can be found on the “Additional Resources” page 43.)
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