So you’ve been asked to give a graduation speech? Congratulations! That’s a credit to you as a person, and whoever asked you definitely rates you highly. Preparation is critical to success. Whether you read straight from a prepared speech or just get up and talk, you need to follow a structure. Here’s how I structured my first graduation speech and the video of that speech. 

Through trial and error with public speaking, I’ve discovered that when I give a speech, I prefer not to write it word-for-word. I much prefer to just get up and talk. Of course planning ahead is important. I like to have a series of dot points that I plan to hit throughout my speech and let it unravel naturally. I believe this gives me the ability to read the audience and either delve deeper into a point or move on. That was how I delivered a graduation speech to the graduates of my former primary school recently. 

There are times when writing out a speech is important. I gave the eulogy at my grandmother’s funeral and that was one time I needed to read word-for-word. If you’re not used to public speaking or you’re very nervous, I believe having both a written speech and dot points is the best option so you cover all bases. There’s nothing worse than losing your place in a written speech and trying to find it. With the eyes of the audience on you, losing your place feels like an eternity. Having dot points allows you to switch if you need to. 

My Structure for Delivering a Graduation Speech

• Your fondest memory from school. Start by telling a story about that time in your life. The fondness will shine through in your expression and the audience will immediately be able to connect with you. Story telling is very effective as it is fundamental to who we are. 

• Give thanks, appreciation and credit. Thank the person or people who invited you to speak and the important people in the room. For my speech this was the principal, assistant principal, teachers, staff, parents and students. 

• Something unique. Each school and community is unique in some way. Talk about that uniqueness and empower the audience. Encourage the graduates to use that uniqueness as they move forward with their lives. 

• Your background. Give a brief timeline of your life so far. Talk about two or three memorable experiences that have occurred between when you were the age of the graduates and now. If you have unique life experiences that have dramatically impacted on who you are, this is the time to talk about those.

• What you learned. Describe what you’ve learned. Delve deeper into your experiences and describe what those experiences taught you and how they helped you to get where you are now. What do you know now that you wish you knew back then?

• Where you are now. Describe what you’re doing with your life now.

• Nuggets of success. Based on what you’ve learned about yourself and what you wish you had’ve known back then, give three concise tips that the graduates can use to help them succeed into the future. 

Giving a graduation speech is a real honour. It’s a recognition that you’ve done well in life. It proves you’re a leader and an inspiration to others. Follow this structure to ensure you’re speech is one that makes an impact.

What else would you include in a graduation speech? 

Leave your answer to that question in the comments section below.