how to make a valedictorian speech funny

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Better Guide: How to Write a Funny Valedictorian Speech

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Writing a funny valedictorian speech can be both challenging and rewarding. For those who have the knowledge, experience, and wit to pull it off successfully, the rewards are substantial. With the right guidance and techniques, anyone can learn how to write a funny valedictorian speech that will leave the audience laughing and inspired.

This article explores how to make your speech stand out by injecting humor and levity into the mix. But it still maintains a level of professionalism and respect for your audience. To leave the audience smiling as they hear your speech, read on – we’ve got tips and examples to help you do just that!

How to Write a Funny Valedictorian Speech

To inject humor into your graduation speech, follow the tips below and write a speech that enlivens the environment and makes the crowd smile .

Begin With a Lighthearted Quote or Anecdote

To break the ice and get everyone laughing, consider beginning your speech by sharing an amusing quote. You could also share a story related to high school or life in general.

Use Humor That’s Appropriate for All Ages

When incorporating humor into your valedictorian speech, ensure it is age-appropriate and won’t offend any graduates or their families.

Share Humorous Memories

Graduation is a time of nostalgia, so include some funny recollections from high school that everyone can relate to and appreciate.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Self-Deprecating Humor

As long as it’s done tastefully, self-deprecating jokes about yourself can add levity to your speech. It helps you connect with the audience on a more personal level.

Keep Language Concise yet Descriptive

Choose simple words when possible but don’t sacrifice creativity for brevity. Your grads want to hear something unique and memorable, not a dull and lifeless string of clichés.

Make Eye Contact With the Crowd

Regular eye contact will show the audience you are confident in what you are saying. It conveys that you’re comfortable interacting with them – even if they are not responding with laughter!

Vary Your Speaking Cadence and Pitch

Changing up your cadence will keep the audience engaged and interested throughout your speech, while inflection and pauses can emphasize key points.

Wrap Things up on an Optimistic Note

End your speech with a sincere note about looking forward to the future and wishing each graduate success in whatever comes next.

Examples of Funny Graduation Speech

Here are some examples of funny graduation speeches to help you craft an engaging one for your own:

Graduation Speech Example 1:

I know we’re all feeling rather nostalgic about this momentous occasion. After four years of classroom shenanigans, rigorous exams, and late nights spent procrastinating on homework—we are finally here! Graduation day has arrived.

As a kid, I always imagined the kind of valedictorian speech that would be delivered today—a harangue, perhaps? An ode to our dear teachers and beloved alma mater? Well, let me tell you something—the reality is much more grandiose than any of us could have ever imagined! This graduating class deserves not just the best possible congratulations but an homage of the highest order.

We have worked hard, grown together, learned from one another, and ultimately come out as some of the greats. You see, folks, graduations don’t come around too often, so make sure you soak it up every single second you can get. Live life like no other and appreciate every second of your journey, as it is fleeting but also monumental in its own special way. Don’t forget who you were before graduation because you will need those memories for fuel during moments of challenge and adversity in life. It’s time to part ways and go off into the world with the same courage and spirit that brought us here to begin with. Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Graduation Speech Example 2:

Good morning everyone! Today, on this incredible day of graduation, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude and appreciation for each and every one of you. As your valedictorian, it’s an honor to address our class before we move on to the next chapters in our lives.

I remember when we first met four years ago; so many uncertain, awkward faces. But here we are now – a group of talented, determined kids ready to take over the world with great confidence. We’ve grown and changed together – making mistakes, learning from them, and coming out stronger than ever. We were always there to support each other, even through tough times. And look at us now – graduating as some of the best students in our school district!

I’d also like to thank our teachers who went above and beyond to ensure we had the highest quality education possible. Each and every teacher helped shape our knowledge and taught us invaluable life lessons that will serve us well in the future. Without their dedication and passion for teaching, none of us would be where we are today. Congratulations to the entire Class of 2021! Here’s to our bright futures ahead.

Graduation Speech Example 3:

Greetings, Class of 2021! As we come to the end of this exciting and challenging journey, I’d like to thank each and every one of you. Thank you for your enthusiasm in making our graduating class one of the greatest and most successful classes ever.

I remember when we first arrived here as a bunch of ragtag kids. We were trying to figure out how to make it through high school with all its trials and tribulations. But look at us now! We have flourished over these past four years by consistently pushing ourselves and our peers outside our comfort zones. We proved that there is always room for growth and improvement.

This graduation ceremony marks an amazing milestone. After today, we can go forth into the world feeling like educated global citizens capable of tackling any challenge or adventure. The skills we have honed here have prepared us well for whatever future lies ahead. And let’s not forget those numerous shenanigans (I’m looking at you, Tom!) that gave us some of our best memories along the way.

It has been my honor to lead this remarkable group of students. Now, it is time for each of us to take what we’ve learned and build something even greater than before. Go, be the best version of yourself that you can be. Do great things, learn new things, travel to places you haven’t seen yet, and never stop striving for excellence!

I’m wishing you nothing but the best on your graduation day and beyond. Congratulations again, Class of 2022!

We hope this guide will help you feel more confident and at ease when writing your valedictorian speech . Now go out there and conquer the world with your fun speech skills!

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Five Tips for a Valedictorian Speech that Gets Laughs

Have you been elected valedictorian? Are you the one who will be called up on stage to speak in front of all your classmates, family, friends, and teachers at the graduation ceremony? Your audience expects a memorable speech that is both inspiring and funny. Perhaps your speech will will end up on Youtube where it will be preserved for years to come. The pressure is enormous. But don’t worry! Just follow these five tips and you will write a hilarious speech in no time.

Tip 1: Pick a Funny Opener

Alfred Hitchcock said about movies: “Start with an earthquake, then slowly increase the level of suspense.” The same is true for graduation speeches. Your first sentence should shake your listeners. Then you can go on and dazzle ‘em.

The best way to draw in the attention of your audience right from the start is humor. By the way, if you are graduating from high school this year, – even college students might not know! – you might not know who be familiar with Hitchcock, he was considered one of the best movie makers of all times. But let’s look at some funny openers.

Talk show host Conan O’Brien began in his graduation speech at the University of Dartmouth in 2011 like this: “Graduates, parents, relatives, teachers and old people that just come to these things: Good morning and congratulations…”

You could easily change this opener to fit your speech situation. For example, you could also welcome the bored siblings, tourists, who lost their bearings or people from the street who were hoping for free drinks.

The humor in the valedictorian speeches often plays with the fact that after passing their exams, student can now afford to speak up much more freely. Even small taunts to the teachers are allowed, as long as they don’t go too far. Like this example:

“At the beginning of my speech, I want to thank the teachers. They do not always have an easy time with their students. They are often incredibly loud, they cannot focus well and for long stretches of time they have absolutely no clue what the class is all about. That’s right, dear teachers, I’m talking about you. But the fact that all students who are sitting in front of me today have graduated from high school shows that despite these deficits, you have done well. I think, that deserves a big round of applause.”

If the speaker was not his teacher’s favorite student, he or she could start their speech like this: “When Principal Rogers was considering which one of his students would be a good candidate to deliver a speech at our graduation ceremony, my name was at the top of his list. The title of this list? Worst Case Scenario.”

Hundreds of funny and inspiring ideas by America’s top graduation speeches can be found here .

Tip 2: Look Back at Your Time in High School

At graduation ceremonies there are usually several speakers, a teacher, a parent or a guest speaker. But only one speaker knows everything about what went on during the graduates’ high school years. Only one speaker has been there, at parties, behind the school building or in the backseats of parents’ cars. And that speaker is you.

Use your knowledge to make some jokes. You don’t have to give away secrets. Just let your audience know that you have them. How this can be done, was shown by J.K. Rowling in her speech at Harvard (even though she didn’t speak as a graduate, but as a world famous writer):

“The friends with whom I sat on graduation day have been my friends for life. At our graduation we were bound by enormous affection, by our shared experience of a time that could never come again, and, of course, by the knowledge that we held certain photographic evidence that would be exceptionally valuable if any of us ran for Prime Minister.”

Or you can do it like this. “I had planned to talk extensively about the most embarrassing anecdotes that happened in recent years. I even wanted to present some funny pictures and videos. But since the offers for hush money have been generously increased by several of my classmates, I have decided to delete those passages from my speech.”

Tip 3: Give Some Tongue-in-Cheek Advice

Not only teachers and parents can make suggestions for the future of the graduates. Valedictorians can, too. But make sure you spice up your advice with a pinch of humor.

You can find inspiration in the speech delivered by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres in 2009 at Tulane University in New Orleans. “Never follow anyone else’s path, unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path and by all means you should follow that. Don’t give advice, it will come back and bite you in the ass. Don’t take anyone’s advice. So my advice to you is to be true to yourself and everything will be fine.”

Your audience should always feel that you don’t take yourself too seriously, for example like Tim Minchin did in his speech at the University of Western Australia in 2013: “You may find some of my tips inspiring, some you may find them boring. Surely, you will have forgotten all of them next week.”

Lots of witty phrases for graduation speeches can be found here .

Tip 4: Get to the Point and Come to the End

Speeches are like love affairs: It’s not difficult to start one. But only few people manage to end them gracefully. A pleasant exception was Jimmy Kimmel’s speech in Las Vegas in 2013: “With your degree you have not only proven that you are smart people. You have also shown something even more important. You have proven that you can finish something. That being said, I think this is a great opportunity to show that I can finish something as well and finish this speech.”

Denzel Washington concluded with his graduation speech at the University of Pennsylvania 2011 like this: “When you leave the friendly confines of West Philly: Never be discouraged. Never hold back. Give everything you’ve got. And when you fall throughout life—and maybe even tonight after a few too many glasses of champagne—fall forward. [Learn from your experiences] Congratulations, God bless you.”

Tip 5: Don’t Be Scared

A rousing graduation speech needs a hilarious opener, a humorously-packaged look back, some words of wisdom and a crisp conclusion. However, there is something even more important than all this: your enthusiasm. Your audience must feel that you are excited about your speech.

Unfortunately, this is something many speakers struggle with. The reason for this is usually stage fright. Some people are simply too scared of public speaking to ignite the spark in their audience.

However, there is a simple cure for your anxiety. Don’t take yourself too seriously – and let your listeners know that. Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling did a pretty good job at this in her graduation speech in Harvard in 2011: “The first thing I would like to say is ‘thank you.’ Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honor, but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight.”

Or you can say this: “Opera singer Enrico Caruso badly suffered from stage fright and is said to have thrown up many times shortly before his performances. My anxiety is usually not that bad, but for the case of an emergency, I would like to ask the people in the frond row to move their chairs backwards a little bit.”

More humorous phrases that will relax even the most terrified of speakers can be found here. Take these five tips to heart and you will give a graduation speech that will sweep your audience of their feet. Good luck to you!

• Millennials

6 Unforgettable Valedictorian Speeches That Captivated and Amused

The valedictorian speech is a pivotal element of graduation ceremonies, symbolizing the culmination of hard work and the threshold of the future. While these speeches typically convey gratitude, recount experiences, and inspire peers towards future endeavors, infusing them with humor adds an unforgettable flair. Let’s look how humor not only enhances these valedictorian speeches but also creates lasting connections among graduates.

The Role of Humor in Valedictorian Speeches

Humor serves as a powerful tool in valedictorian speeches, cutting through the formality to humanize the speaker and engage the audience. A joke can lighten the heavy load of emotional goodbyes and nervous anticipations. It makes the speech not just a formal farewell but a memorable, relatable, and enjoyable moment. Humor bridges the gap between the speaker and the audience, ensuring the message resonates deeper and lingers longer.

Analysis of Notable Funny Valedictorian Speeches

Speech 1: “the unexpected journey”.

At a Texas high school in 2014, a valedictorian turned a typical recount of high school into a hilarious saga of mishaps and inside jokes. Quoting the speech: “We came, we saw, we conquered… mostly ourselves, each other, and occasionally the syllabus.” This approach not only lightened the mood but highlighted the shared experiences of the class, making the speech a collective reflection filled with laughter.

Speech 2: “The Future According to Google”

A valedictorian in 2017 cleverly used Google’s autocomplete feature to predict the future for her classmates, bringing humor to the uncertainties of post-graduation life. “When I typed ‘students are’ into Google, it suggested ‘robots’—a nod to our multitasking prowess, comparable to our smartphones.” This speech cleverly wove technology into humor, reflecting the digital native generation’s traits in a light-hearted manner.

Speech 3: “Class of the Zombies”

In 2019, another valedictorian depicted their class’s journey through high school as surviving a zombie apocalypse. “Like zombies, we’ve had our moments of mindless wanderings and a relentless pursuit of goals—fueled by an insatiable appetite for knowledge… and maybe those cafeteria cookies.” This thematic approach used humor to discuss common high school experiences, making it relatable and entertaining.

Speech 4: “Diary of a Wimpy Kid Grows Up”

Using the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series as a backdrop, a valedictorian humorously narrated their evolution from a timid freshman to a confident senior. “I thought high school would be like the books—turns out, the only cheese touch was in the cafeteria.” This nostalgic and humorous angle celebrated personal growth and the universal journey of self-discovery during the high school years.

RELATED: 73 Graduation Cap Ideas to Honor God

Speech 5: “Graduation: There’s an App for That”

During a graduation ceremony in 2018, one valedictorian took a modern approach by comparing high school to a smartphone filled with different apps. “Each subject was like an app, some more buggy than others, and let’s just say not all updates were improvements.” By using technology as a metaphor, the speaker brought humor to the relatable frustrations and joys of learning, sparking laughter with comments on the school’s “operating system” and “user support” (teachers and staff). This creative analogy not only amused the audience but also highlighted how integral these experiences were to their development and readiness to “upgrade to the next version”—college or the workforce.

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4 Tips To Write The Best Valedictorian Speech (With Samples!)

You have a special honor to reflect on the past and inspire your classmates. Use our tips and templates to craft a perfectly memorable speech.

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Congratulations on being Valedictorian! 

You made it through the last 4 years, so believe us when we say writing a valedictorian speech doesn’t have to be complicated. Use our templates to write the perfect speech, and don’t miss our cheat sheet of inspirational quotes you can use at the bottom of the article.

Valedictorian Speech FAQ

What is a valedictorian speech?

A valedictorian speech is a graduation speech usually given by the student or students at the top of the graduating class. It is a farewell address to the other students in the graduating class to remember what has been accomplished and give inspiration for the future. 

How long should a valedictorian speech be?

A valedictorian speech should be from 5 to 10 minutes long but also check with your school administrators to find out what length they expect. Shorter is usually better. 

What are some features of valedictorian speech?

A valedictorian speech should include highlights, lessons learned, people who deserve thanks, and remembrance of anyone who may have died. Wrap up your speech with something motivational. 

What should I talk about in a valedictorian speech?

In your valedictorian speech, talk about the shared experiences of your class. Include any significant events and teachers who made a big impact, and include funny stories. Make sure to talk about the past and look forward to the future. See our templates below for more ideas.

How do I end a valedictorian speech?

To end a valedictorian speech, conclude with a final story or a statement that wraps up all your thoughts. End on a high note; remember that your final thoughts are what will stick the longest with your audience. 

How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Step 1: ask around .

What memories will you take with you after you leave high school or college? 

Ask other students what their defining memories are, what they learned, and what their hopes are for the future. Remember, this speech is for all of you, so take the time to ask others to share their experiences. 

Ask Your Fellow Students These Questions: 

• What was the funniest moment for our class?
• What was a recurring joke from the last few years?
• What will our class be known for? 
• Was there a dramatic event on campus that impacted you?
• What dramatic event in the world impacted you the most? 
• What awards or accomplishments did our teams, clubs, or individuals receive? 
• Who is your favorite teacher? What are they known for? 
• Describe the last 4 years at our high school/college/university using 1 word. 

Step 2: Check for Themes

Once you’ve talked to others in your graduating class, look for any recurring themes. Write these down, and then think about world and school events that fit in with that theme. Tap into the nostalgia factor as you prepare to say goodbye to your school and classmates. 

Example Themes:

• Learning from mistakes
• Failure as an opportunity for growth
• Tenacity in the face of adversity
• Learning how to treat each other with kindness
• Overcoming the loss of friends or a teacher
• Teachers and students who inspire
• Overcoming obstacles as a team
• Accomplishing unexpected success

The great thing about choosing a theme is it provides you with a focus for the speech. Use your theme to guide what you reflect on and your main point. 

For example, if your theme is a failure as an opportunity for growth, you can tell a story about your experience with failure. Give examples of how classmates or teachers encouraged you to use failure as a springboard for success. 

Or, say the theme is overcoming obstacles as a team, you can reflect on obstacles that your class may have overcome, including challenges from current events. From there, you can inspire and encourage everyone to view future barriers in light of obstacles that have already been overcome. 

Step 3: Use This 3-Part Outline 

We know you hoped never to write another outline again. Don’t worry; you can skip the stuffy Roman numerals and break your speech into 3 sections. 

Here’s an inspiring outline that is especially suitable for a valedictorian speech:  

• Gratitude (although this isn’t present in many speeches, this is a key part of a valedictorian speech). What are you grateful for? List the funny moments you are grateful for. The teachers you are most thankful for. The parts of the school that helped you and your class the most.
• Reflect (similar to the above outline, reflecting looks at what is and what has happened). Is there an overview you can give of the last four years? What was Freshman year like? Sophomore year? Prom? Any particularly interesting homecomings you can reflect on?
• Inspire (inspire your audience in a way that directly links to what you have just reflected on.) What should they remember about the last four years that they should use in the next four years? What lessons have you learned? What can we hope for?

Step 4: Your Opening Line

The hardest part of your valedictorian speech might be the opening line. But don’t worry–we have some ideas for you in our video below!

Never Start a Presentation with…

• Anything technical! People make this big mistake when they have not done a tech check ahead of time or are feeling nervous. Never start with these openers:

Is this microphone working?

Can you hear me?

Wow, these lights are bright!

• Your nervousness. Many people think it is vulnerable to start with how nervous they are about speaking — you can mention this later, but it should not be the first thing. Why? People will then only be looking for signs of your nervousness. Don’t start with:

I’m so nervous right now!

Wow, there are so many people here.

I’m not a great public speaker.

• A lackluster or non-believable nicety. It’s great to be grateful to the person who introduced you, but it’s not a great way to include the audience. It’s ok to thank the audience for being there—but do it at the end (not as your opening line). These are all too boring:

Thanks for having me.

Thanks for that intro.

Nice to be here.

Boring! One exception here is if you can make it funny. Ken Robinson started with a nicety and then turned it into a joke. He said, ” “Good morning. How are you? It’s been great, hasn’t it? I’ve been blown away by the whole thing. I’m leaving.”

Action Step: Instead, start with a big idea, an important question, or a story, or grab one of our inspirational quotes below. These immediately capture attention. More Speech Opener Ideas here .

Step 5: Practice Like It’s Real

Practice your speech like it’s dress rehearsal:

• Grab a parent or grandparent. Ask supportive friends and family, but don’t ask anyone that makes you nervous. For now, you’re building confidence. If you don’t want to practice with other people watching, record yourself giving the speech so you can rewatch it and notice any areas you can improve. 
• Wear your graduation outfit. If you already have your cap and gown, wear that as well.
• Practice in a similar environment. For example, practice the speech in your backyard if the graduation is going to be outside. Will you be at a podium? Try to practice with a high table.

Pro Tip: If you plan to wear heels, ensure you’re comfortable walking up and down stairs. If you aren’t, practice wearing the shoes you’ve picked, or consider wearing different shoes. 

Bonus Step 6: Learn the Art of Stage Presence

Did you know that public speaking is actually a skill? Many people struggle with stage anxiety because they feel they ‘missed the memo’ on public speaking or they are lacking because they do not have a natural stage presence. Not true!

Stage presence and public speaking are skills you need to be taught—very few people have them naturally. 

Watch our video below to learn the 7 steps to overcome stage fright and beat performance anxiety:

Here are all the aspects of public speaking you can master.

• How to make a first impression with an audience
• How to have stage presence
• Powerful body language
• How to speak with a commanding voice
• What to do with your hands while speaking

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

Master Your People Skills

• Create a Memorable Presence
• Communicate with Confidence
• Achieve Your Goals

Have a question about the presentation or People School? Email Science of People support .

Valedictorian Speech Examples

High school valedictorian speech template.

This template uses Nancy Duarte’s 4-step outline of what could be and a promise for a new norm. 

• Include funny or interesting pop culture and world events.
• Add an anecdote for humor.
• Tie it to your chosen theme.

Over the last four years, we have been devastated by the unacceptable ending of Game of Thrones, faced a global meltdown, and fought for #FreeBritney. And while most of us won’t remember the limits, differentiation, and integration needed for Calculus—sorry, Mrs. Meyers—we have learned what it means to persevere in the face of personal and global challenges. 

What Could Be: Use the theme to point to something positive you can attain as a class.

As we leave this point, we look forward to an uncertain but beautiful future. Despite the obstacles we may face, there is so much opportunity in front of us. 

What Is: Give some anecdotes of accomplishments and awards from your class. Include names and make the stories specific but concise. 

I know this because I’ve seen you overcome obstacles and accomplish big and small things. We’ve been inspired by the likes of Larry Owen, who showed great tenacity while recovering from his life-threatening football injury; the kindness of Jill Knight, our class president, who spearheaded the fundraiser to help hungry children; and so many others. When we raised money for Ukrainian refugees, we learned that each of us has the power to impact the world when we work together. 

What Could Be: Drive home the theme again.

That power doesn’t stop when we leave this school. As we make decisions about the future, we enter the world with our eyes wide open, determined to make the changes required to secure our future and care for our earth. 

What is: Transition into thanking anyone who needs to be thanked, and include anyone you are grateful for. Be specific about why you are thanking them, and have a quick anecdote if it’s relevant. 

On behalf of myself and my fellow graduates, I want to thank some of the people who have brought us here. 

Mr. Knitt taught us to think about the consequences of our actions. That’s a lesson I didn’t enjoy, but one I won’t forget. 

Mr. Owen was always there when we needed someone to talk to, and he taught us that it’s essential to listen even when we don’t know what to say. 

Ms. Jackson may have had the most challenging quizzes, but she also encouraged us to push ourselves to accomplish more than we thought possible. A big thank you to all teachers, administrators, and our families. 

Promise/New Norm: Close with any final thoughts, and include a quote if you like. 

Today, we graduate! As we go out from this place, I want to leave you with this quote from Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, the emperor of Rome. 

“Never let the future disturb you. If you have to, you will meet it with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.” 

Class of —! 

College Valedictorian Speech Template

This template uses the 3-part outline of thank, reflect, and inspire. 

Gratitude: Start your speech with something funny, like a quote or something attention-grabbing, then lead into thanking the people who have helped you get to where you are.

The comedian Lily Tomlin once said, “I always wanted to be somebody, but now I realize I should have been more specific.” 

Each of us is on the path to becoming somebody, and we are thankful for the teachers, administrators, and family who have shown us glimpses of who we can become. 

Reflect: Reflect on the past and how that interfaces with the future. Think about what you have learned from the time you spent getting your degree. 

Unexpected moments of both uncertainty and joy filled the past four years. As you look back at the late-night studying, the endless papers, and the assigned reading, you should be proud of what you have accomplished. 

You have invested in your future, and now your future is suddenly not far off but within your reach. 

It’s a bit scary, isn’t it? We’ve worked so hard to reach this moment, but it’s not the end of the journey; it is only the start of a new adventure. 

What can we take with us as we go out into the world? What lessons have we learned that will carry us forward? 

During my time at ___ University, I’ve realized that success is not my GPA, my social status, or even my potential to get a job in my career of choice. I’ve learned the people who influence the world are those who prioritize kindness and strength of character. People like Professor Scoggins, who invested in me, pushing me further than I thought possible, and like Mr. Robbins, who does maintenance on campus—he always has a kind word for anyone who stops to talk to him. 

I am more confident today, not because I hold a degree in my hands, but because of the friendships I have formed and the obstacles I have overcome. 

Inspire: Use the lessons learned from the past to inspire your fellow graduates to go into the world and embrace the future. 

Let us not pursue success and recognition as we go into the future. Instead, let us pursue kindness and generosity, believing each person to be valuable and worthy of our respect. 

I leave you with this quote from Bob Marley: “The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” 

Thank you, everyone, and congratulations! 

Get Inspired By Great Speeches

When writing your speech, think about what makes you unique. Instead of confining yourself to an expected template, use your personality and giftings to create a memorable speech.  

Everyone appreciates humor; if you can make your audience laugh, you’ll leave a lasting impression. Make the humor meaningful, like this Harvard speech. They playfully talk about how to remember the past while moving into the future.

If you can’t be funny, be passionate. This speech from a Plano Senior High School Graduation isn’t amusing but filled with passion and encouragement. In under five minutes, Hana Lone recalls some of the shared memories of the graduating class and motivates listeners to be successful and kind people. 

Bonus Speech: What Not to Do

As you prepare your speech, remember it’s not an autobiography of your accomplishments or experiences. A great valedictorian speech is about your shared experience as a class. While Rory Gilmore’s address from The Gilmore Girls made us all cry, it’s a great example of what NOT to do in real life. Not everyone has a shared interest in you and your success, so skip the self-focus and keep your speech directed to your graduating class. 

Cheat Sheet of Inspirational Quotes 

If you can’t think of anything inspiring to say, an inspirational quote never fails to be… inspiring. We’ve gathered some of the best quotes to use in your speech. 

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. —Eleanor Roosevelt, Diplomat & activist

The future depends on what we do in the present. —Mahatma Gandhi, Lawyer and activist

Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future. —Robin Sharma, Canadian writer

We did not come to fear the future. We came here to shape it. —Barack Obama, Former US president doing the best at this moment, puts you in the best place for the next moment. —Oprah Winfrey, Talk show host & businesswoman

Success isn’t always about ‘greatness.’ It’s about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. —Dwayne Johnson, Actor & businessman

We have a choice. To Live or To Exist. –Harry Styles, Singer-songwriter & actor

Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present. —Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, Roman emperor and philosopher

The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively. —Bob Marley, Singer-songwriter

The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. —Coretta Scott King, Activist & civil right leaders

You have to expect things from yourself before you can do them. —Michael Jordan, a Professional basketball player

I’ve failed over & over & over again in my life & that is why I succeed. -–Michael Jordan, a Professional basketball player

You can’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get. -–Michael Phelps, a Competitive swimmer

It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up. —Babe Ruth, a Professional baseball player

Now that you know how to write your speech, learn how to deliver it. Use these 15 Science-Based Public Speaking Tips to Be a Master Speaker.

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Amazing Valedictorian Speech Examples & Tips

Memorable valedictorian speech examples (+ tips & ideas).

Becoming a valedictorian and giving a speech in front of other fellow graduates is a great honor. On the flip side, drafting a memorable speech that the audience will remember for a long time is a huge stress. You need to reflect about four years in high school, choose a theme that will resonate with others, and keep the audience engaged during the entire speech.

To make things easier for you, in this post, our pro speechwriters share the secrets for writing a perfect speech for your graduation ceremony.

Keep reading to find out:

• tips & tricks for writing a great valedictorian speech,
• two speech examples for your inspiration, and
• recommendations for polishing your delivery.

Are you too stressed to write your high school graduation speech? No worries - our experienced speech writers can craft your text from scratch or revise it. We prepare witty, inventive, and attention-grabbing speeches even if you need them by tomorrow. Contact us ASAP to get a free quote and your special student discount!

Good valedictorian speech examples

If you're not sure where to get started, take a look at the example valedictorian speeches to get inspired:

Source:  https://www.sampletemplates.com/business-templates/valedictorian-speech-examples.html

This speech reflects on the unique experience of everyone present and the importance of seeing each day as a learning experience. It also has an inspirational note, encouraging the classmates not to let our self-doubt stand in front of the new opportunities. As any other valedictorian address, it expresses gratitude to teachers, peers, parents, and faculty, and mentions that graduation is only the start of an exciting life.

Source:  https://www.docformats.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Graduation-Speech.png

This concise valedictorian speech congratulates proud graduates and is less formal than the previous one. It emphasizes the importance of education and academic excellence, as well as the friends you made in high school, and ends on a high note, congratulating peers on graduation day and encouraging them to take any path that students want in life.

You can use these examples to get an idea of how to organize your text and what to add. Below, we'll share tips and guidance for writing memorable, inventive valedictorian speeches.

What to say in your graduation speech: Tips & strategies

Good valedictorian speeches share some common elements. They express gratitude for being invited to speak, reflect on shared memories of school days, and look forward to the next phase of life. Here's how to craft a strong high school graduation speech:

Begin with a welcome and gratitude

The opening of your valedictorian speech sets the tone for the rest of your presentation, so it's essential to grab your audience's attention from the start.

Begin your speech by thanking everyone who helped you achieve something in life and guided you along the journey - teachers, students, and parents. This will set a humble, appreciative tone. Congratulate fellow students on their big day and start with an anecdote or an interesting fact.

Choose a theme for your valedictorian speech

Good speeches have a central element that sets the tone. You may use one element for the entire graduation speech, or use two or three, just be sure to keep your speech concise. Reach out to other presenters to make sure that they don't use the same theme as you, otherwise the audience will be bored. Here are some popular valedictorian speech perspectives you can use:

• friends and friendship
• shared memories
• overcoming obstacles and failures
• advice to achieve success
• importance of gratitude
• stories about classmates, etc.

Mention collective experiences

After four years in high school, you and your classmates surely have some interesting stories and experiences. Consider telling about challenges you faced, anecdotes, or stories about important milestones. You can mention both achievements and learning experiences.

Sharing such stories will make your speech personal and human, and also will remind your friends and teachers about the most memorable moments.

Use inspiring quotes

Every great valedictorian speech quotes some accomplished person: Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rawling, Steve Jobs, etc. A relevant quote helps inspire the audience, better get your message across and surely draws the attention. Use quotes related to education, achievements, professional development, staying true to yourself, and overcoming setbacks.

Reflect on challenges you faced

Your graduating class surely had its fair share of challenges. Recollect the obstacles that the entire class or several students faced and how they overcame these challenges in your valedictorian speech. Such stories highlight resilience and determination, and show the life lessons you learned.

Similarly, you can tell about the shared triumph - winning in the contest or achieving a big goal together. Just be sure to pick stories that matter to your classmates and resonate with everybody. Such stories will inspire your peers to do better and overcome adversity in the future.

Storytelling techniques make any speech better. They keep the audience engaged and make people relate to your message. Weaving in inspirational stories will also remind your peers about the friendship and the importance of events they had together.

Look into the future

Graduating from school is not the end of your academic journey. In addition to reflecting on the past, a good valedictorian speech also looks positively in the future. Encourage your classmates to embrace change, pursue their dreams fearlessly, and make a positive impact on the world. No matter what path they choose, wish well to everyone in your graduating class and express hope for a great future.

Mention the importance of developing their talents and gaining knowledge for achieving success in life. Encourage everyone to grow professionally and personally. Everybody has the power to make a difference, so, you might want to make this a central element of your speech.

End on a positive note

At the end of the speech, recap the key points and remarkable moments you've shared in your address. Remind the audience about the amazing journey you had together. You don't know if you'll cross paths with your classmates and whether you'll go to the same university. So, wish them luck in all future endeavors and thank them for the time spent together.

Consider adding an inspiring call to action as well. Encourage your friends to pursue their dreams, realize their potential, and stay true to themselves. This will leave your audience with a closing statement that exudes optimism for the future and the great opportunities it holds.

Practice delivering your speech

Your valedictorian speech won't captivate the hearts of the audience if you don't show genuine emotions and read it from paper. After you've written your speech, take some time to polish your delivery. Practice speaking it at home in front of the mirror, or deliver the speech to your friends and family.

Watch your body language and use gestures.

Speak in front of the mirror to control your gestures, facial impressions, and other elements of body language. Use specific hand movements, facial expressions, and posture to enhance your message and connect better with the audience. Make sure that your posture and face are consistent with what you are saying.

Pay attention to your vocal delivery.

Use appropriate pauses and variations of tone to make your speech not only informative, but also emotional. Practice speaking in the microphone to choose the appropriate volume of your speech. Record yourself to see shortcomings in your delivery and fix them. Use a positive, hopeful tone to inspire your classmates and leave a lasting impression.

Maintain eye contact.

When delivering your valedictorian speech, you'll need to maintain eye contact to keep your audience engaged. Learn to scan the room and make eye contact with different sections of the audience. If this sounds challenging at first, try looking at the most distant person in the hall and speaking to them.

Mistakes to avoid when delivering your valedictorian speech

When it comes to delivering a stellar valedictorian speech, content and delivery are equally important. Be sure to avoid these common mistakes to leave a lasting impression:

• Don't read your speech  - while using speaker's notes is okay, reading from paper makes a poor impression. It shows your fellow graduates that you didn't take enough time to rehearse and practice.
• Don't rush  - some people start speaking faster when they get nervous. Yet, there's a risk that the audience miss the content of your speech. Practice to maintain a steady pace so that everyone understands your message.
• Don't use little-known facts  - in your speech, use stories that most graduates know and will find relatable. Sharing a story about your friend that anyone knows isn't likely to sound impressive.
• Don't keep it too formal  - leaving high school is an important emotional moment, so being too reserved can spoil the moment. Use genuine emotions when crafting your valedictorian speech - they will surely resonate with the audience.
• Don't overuse cliches  - each bad valedictorian speech is full of cliches. To make your speech memorable, use authentic stories and vivid language. If you struggle to pick the right words, consider working with a speechwriter.

By following these tips, you'll craft a valedictorian speech that reflects your shared journey, motivates your classmates for great things in life, and leaves everyone uplifted and inspired. So, encourage your classmates to strive for excellence in everything and highlight the potential of each individual.

Use storytelling techniques, show genuine emotions, and use an enthusiastic tone to get your speech remembered by everyone.

Let our valedictorian speech experts help and impress your graduating class

Writing and delivering a valedictorian speech is a responsible task. If you feel the pressure or your perfectionism gets in the way, consider getting help from a talented speechwriter. At SpeechPaths, we prepare affordable speeches for any special occasion, including high school graduation.

You'll work one-on-one with a pro writer who will find the right words and use storytellin

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10 Tips to Creating a Magical Valedictorian Speech

So, you're the class valedictorian. That's amazing. Congratulate yourself on a job well done.

But now isn't the time to sit and relax. You need to write a valedictorian speech to give at your commencement exercises. And it needs to be reflective of your high school or college career.

Don't stress, though. You got through four years and  earned the highest grades in your class . Clearly, you know a thing or two about writing and delivering a good speech.

In case you can't call to mind a great speech off the top of your head, we've got a few tips for you.

Read on for some tricks and tips that will make your speech memorable.

1. Whatever You Do, Do Not Talk About Webster's Dictionary

Have you ever been to a valedictory speech where the valedictorian says a word like "honor" or "memory" or even "valedictorian" and then talks about how Webster's dictionary defines it?

It's such a trope, it's made its way into popular culture.

That means seriously, don't use it. Talk about anything else other than how Webster's dictionary defines certain words central to your speech.

Generally, you want to avoid  graduation speech cliches  and make your speech a certified original. 

2. Talk About What You've Learned in Your Valedictorian Speech

We're willing to be that many of your most important lessons weren't learned in the classroom despite your success in it.

Take some time to talk about the lessons you've learned amongst your friends, when you were in the school play, from your time on the soccer team or any other way you learned a lesson throughout your time in school.

3. Make a Few Jokes

Don't get up there and list memories that you had or talk about success in a dry form.

Inject a little humor in there. Make your fellow students laugh with a funny story about something that happened during your last four years together. We're willing to wager that at least one funny thing happened in biology class or one of your teachers is known for a hilarious quirk.

4. Inspire Your Fellow Students

Commencement isn't just about celebrating the fact that you finally earned your diploma.

It's also about looking forward to the future and all of the places life will take you after graduation. You want your fellow students to leave your speech feeling as though they've got the world by the tail and can do anything now that they're graduates.

5. Use Quotes

Don't use Webster's Dictionary to define words, but  do use quotes  to uplift your fellow graduates. Maybe even pick a quote out ahead of time to reflect on and craft your speech around it.

The quote doesn't have to be from someone famous or well-known, it just has to make your fellow graduates think and feel inspired by their words. It could even be a "famous" quote from one of your teachers or faculty members!

6. Keep It Short and Sweet

Remember, your speech is important, or you wouldn't have been asked to give it. But don't go overboard. People aren't there to see you specifically. They're there to celebrate their accomplishments or the accomplishments of family and close friends. You don't want people to be checking their watches during your speech or wanting you to hurry up.

Therefore, don't ramble on forever. Your speech should be no more than 10 minutes unless you're given other instructions.

7. Speak to Other Students

Don't just craft a valedictory speech in the cold confines of your room. Instead, speak to other students and find out what they're interested in, what has inspired them and what they'll remember most. Your graduation is about all of the students, not just you, and you'll want your speech to recognize their collective memories.

8. Make Your Most Important Point the Final Point

Your speech should be you leading up to the final point of the speech, which will be the most important part. This should be the line that people remember, and that people take away from your speech. You can end it with a quote, a memory, or words of wisdom to impart on your class, just as long as you end it with a punch.

9. Always Practice Your Speech Before Hand

Never give a speech without practicing it. As valedictorian, we trust you already know that, but we just want to make sure.

Try your speech out on a couple of fellow graduates and ask them what they think of it. You might even practice on your parents or some of your teachers. If there are parts of the speech they dislike, ask them to provide you with a few pointers so that you can make it better.

If you had a speech and debate teacher at school, he or she might be keen to help you practice your speech. Take advantage of that, as you won't always have that luxury in the "real world."

10. Thank People

Always thank people in your speech. You didn't become the valedictorian on your own. And your fellow graduates didn't get to the stage on their own either.

Acknowledge teachers, parents, friends, and siblings who contributed to not only your success but the success of fellow graduates. You may even want to ask the students to give their families and teachers a round of applause to show how much they respect them.

Writing the Perfect Valedictory Speech

A valedictorian speech shouldn't be overwhelming or daunting. Instead, think of it as a way to connect with your graduating class one last time before you all go your separate ways. And, if you're planning a career where you will be public speaking, think of it as a great way to practice.

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Don't stress, though. You got through four years and  earned the highest grades in your class . Clearly, you know a thing or two about writing and delivering a good speech.

Generally, you want to avoid  graduation speech cliches  and make your speech a certified original. 

Don't use Webster's Dictionary to define words, but  do use quotes  to uplift your fellow graduates. Maybe even pick a quote out ahead of time to reflect on and craft your speech around it.

Going on to college after high school and haven't found a scholarship yet?  Click here for our directory  to help you on your way!

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Crafting a Memorable Valedictorian Speech: 5 Tips and Ideas

• The Speaker Lab
• February 16, 2024

Table of Contents

Standing at the podium to deliver a valedictorian speech marks a pinnacle moment for high school graduates. While it’s an honor that speaks volumes about dedication and academic prowess, it also carries the weight of expectation.

This guide will walk you through creating a memorable valedictory address. You’ll learn how to reflect on collective milestones and incorporate those unique stories that bind your class together. We’ll explore themes like overcoming adversity and extracting life lessons from your high school years—all designed to leave everyone feeling inspired as they part ways.

Understanding the Valedictorian Speech

In academia, traditions run deep and none stands out quite like delivering that commencement speech amidst fellow graduates. The valedictorian speech is more than just a final farewell to high school. It’s a beacon of inspiration for every graduate sitting in their cap and gown. When you’re tasked with delivering this pivotal speech, remember: You’re not just speaking as an individual; you represent your entire graduating class.

Achieving this honor means you’ve scaled heights academically within your school community. But let’s face it—being top dog isn’t just about having bragging rights at family gatherings or making grandma proud. It signifies commitment beyond individual success—it speaks volumes about what one can achieve with determination.

You’re no ordinary student. As a result, you are now tasked with crafting words that will echo long after tassels have been turned at graduation ceremonies.

Significance in Academic Tradition

In academic tradition, there’s something almost sacred about commencement speeches. After all, they mark both an ending and a beginning. The best ones capture the essence of shared journeys through stories from freshman year fumbles to senior year triumphs—and everything in between.

In addition to recounting these stories of growth and camaraderie, a great valedictorian speech recounts lessons learned inside classrooms and on sports fields alike. As we at The Speaker Lab know, these narratives can shape powerful messages .

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Crafting Your Valedictorian Speech

To strike the right chord with listeners takes careful consideration—you want each word to resonate authentically without falling into cliché traps often heard at graduations. To get you started, here are some ideas on what you might include in your graduation speech . In addition, consider these examples from The New York Times .

Reflecting on Collective Experiences and Aspirations

Weave common threads throughout your narrative—think back row shenanigans or early morning bus stop meetup. Memories like these will draw laughter and nods from classmates who’ve lived these moments too.

You can even reflect on how you’ve tackled challenges like the global pandemic and how you’ve navigated changes like online classes. Events like these have impacted you and your classmates profoundly and they’re worth reflecting on.

Beyond merely recounting achievements, your words should also echo the aspirations and spirit of your high school class. This moment serves as both reflection on what has been accomplished and anticipation for all that lies ahead, uniting everyone under common hope as they prepare to part ways into diverse futures.

Incorporating Personal Faith

Talking about personal faith can be powerful but it’s key to respect everyone’s beliefs. For those from Christian backgrounds, mentioning how God has influenced your journey might resonate deeply. It’s about balancing personal truth with inclusivity—giving thanks without assuming uniformity among fellow graduates.

Universal Values for Collective Inspiration

When delivering your valedictorian speech, try incorporating values that you and your classmates share. This could include anything from teamwork to cooperation, hard work, or perseverance. Brainstorm values that mean something to you personally and then choose themes from that list that will resonate with your classmates as well.

Highlighting Collective or Personal Accomplishments

We all know high school wasn’t just a walk in the park. Think back to freshman year, when everything was new and challenging. You had to navigate not only math class but also social dynamics and personal growth spurts.

This is where your valedictorian speech can shine by highlighting your collective accomplishments. Emphasize how you learned how to work together, transforming trials into triumphs. The moments spent tackling group projects or cheering each other on during sports events show more than your ability to overcome adversity—they showcase your school’s spirit of unity.

Alternatively (or perhaps in addition), highlight personal growth, and the ways you saw yourself and others improve, whether academically or as a person. Whichever approach you take, speaking on the triumphs of high school gives you and your classmates the chance to appreciate the challenges you overcame. By adapting, innovating, and pushing past comfort zones, you and your classmates made it to the finish line: graduation day.

Personal Touches in Your Speech

Your personal growth is another treasure trove for material. Maybe there was an “aha” moment with Mr. Smith, the math teacher who turned numbers into life lessons. Or perhaps Ms. Wilson’s U.S. history class pushed you out of your comfort zone more than once. These individual stories add a personal touch to your speech while granting recognition to teachers who made a positive impact on your high school career.

And don’t forget your fellow students. If you’ve attended your high school for awhile, chances are you’ve made some close friends. Go ahead and give a shoutout to those that made a difference in your life. As valedictorian, you want your words to resonate—to leave everyone feeling seen, understood, celebrated even as they prepare to part ways beyond high school graduation.

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FAQs on Valedictorian Speeches

What should i say in my valedictorian speech.

Highlight shared triumphs, express gratitude, and inspire your peers to embrace future challenges with optimism.

What is a valedictory speech example?

An effective valedictory speech might start by recalling a common freshman challenge and end on hopeful notes about the journey ahead.

How do you make a valedictorian speech unique?

Weave in personal stories that echo the class’s spirit. Use humor wisely and leave them pondering fresh ideas or perspectives.

What is the main purpose of a valedictorian speech?

To celebrate achievements, acknowledge collective growth, and rally classmates for upcoming adventures beyond high school halls.

Delivering a valedictorian speech is an art. It’s your story, your graduating class’s journey, everyone’s milestone. Remember the key takeaways: weave together personal triumphs with shared moments that defined you all.

Reflect on the lessons learned beyond textbooks—those are what will shape you moving forward. Embrace adversity since it taught you resilience and brought out collective strength you never knew you had.

Your valedictorian speech should be more than words—it’s a celebration, an inspiration, a final bow to high school life as you ignite excitement for what comes next. So go forth and conquer!

• Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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Your Guide To Writing The Perfect Valedictorian Speech (With Sample Speech)

Hrideep barot.

• Speech Writing

So, you have managed to achieve the feat that’s probably the dream of most high school students: you’re the valedictorian. 

Congratulations, that is amazing.

You definitely deserve a pat on your back–maybe multiple ones. 

But, while this sounds like the perfect time to sit back and relax, it’s probably not. You still have one big task left to complete: delivering your valedictorian speech. 

But don’t worry. 

You managed to seize the highest marks in your class. Compared to that, delivering this speech should be a piece of cake. And even if it’s not–if you’re someone more comfortable with books than speaking in front of other people–don’t worry. We’ve got you. 

For delivering a memorable Valedictorian speech, keep in mind a few things like incorporating humor and storytelling, having a theme, getting other students’ insight & keeping your most important point for the end of your speech.  

We’ve delved into them deeper in the following sections. 

Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing Your Valedictorian Speech

1. Talk About Things You’ve Learnt Outside The Classroom 

While classroom learning is something that’s common to most of the students in the audience–that is, all of you probably learned the same coursework–what’s different is the stuff that you learned OUTSIDE the classroom. 

Talk about your personal experiences. The valuable lessons that seemingly trivial incidents taught you, what you remember the most from time spent with friends, etc. Teach them something they haven’t learned before; something that doesn’t involve an unwieldy textbook. 

2. Make Sure To Incorporate Humor 

Don’t just step up on the stage and start talking about a bunch of motivational stuff. If you truly wish to motivate your peers and make them remember you, then you need to incorporate humor in your speech. 

That’s because humor is a universal way to connect with people & make good memories with them. Think about all the good moments in your life, and chances are, you’ll realize you were smiling in more than one of them. 

For Example: “Your families are extremely proud of you. You can’t imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money.”

We can also use the Paraprosdokian technique to make our speeches funny. It’s a simple technique which means narrating a story and having a surprise twist at the end. Want to know how some of our most beloved celebrities go about using this technique (and how you can too)? Check out this (entertaining) video we made:

3. Tell Stories 

Stories are another excellent way of connecting with your peers. Especially if it’s a popular story that most people recognize or was maybe quite the rage at a time in your school–chances are, at a time like this, repeating it will work to evoke fonder memories and emotions in your audience. 

So, make sure to use stories in your speech. 

For Example: Have you ever been the new kid in school? Well, I have…

We’ve created an entire video on how your can go about narrating great stories. The narrative structures and techniques discussed here will help you craft a compelling and engaging narrative:

4. Have A Theme 

Themes are a great way to enhance the impact of your speech. That’s because they are a common point that your entire speech is organized towards anything that you say in your speech can inevitably be traced back to it. 

Pick a theme that can inspire your audience. For example: 

• Why the best years of our life are  not  behind us
• What high-school didn’t prepare you for
• Why it’s okay to fail
• Why not being the top of class is not a big deal
• Why the small picture is more important than the big picture

5. Talk To Other Students 

Your valedictorian speech is not just a cornerstone in your own high-school life, but also a testament to the life and experiences of the other students in the audience. So, why not include them in the writing of your speech?

I’m not asking you to get another student to write your speech for you. Rather, what I’m suggesting is talking to other students, and getting insight into their own thoughts, experiences & emotions. 

You can use them or the common themes you hear to structure your speech, and even include a couple of incidents or other things into your speech. This will greatly increase the impact that you make. 

Check our article 11 Engaging Ways To Interact With The Audience to make your speech a wholesome and interactive experience for the audience. 

6. Keep It Short & Simple 

Remember that your speech is a part of a larger ceremony that’s taking place and that most people in the audience are unlikely to pay attention to an hour-long speech. 

So, make sure that your speech is short and simple. Stick to the main points. A general guideline would be to have your speech be anything between 5-15 minutes. You can confirm if you have a time limit with the principal. 

7. Keep Your Most Important Point For The End 

How you end your speech is just as important as the way you begin it. That’s because while your beginning will determine whether people pay attention to your speech–or doze off–the ending will determine the takeaway that people return with. 

Your speech should be organized in such a way that it leads up to the final point that you make, which should be your most important point. 

This is going to be the line that people will most likely remember for a long time, the main takeaway from your speech. It can be a quote, the summary of a story or memory that you’ve spoken before, a few words of wisdom, or even a quote. 

For more inspiration on how to end your speech, check out our article on 50 Speech Closing Lines (& How To Create Your Own) l The Ultimate Guide 

How To Start Your Valedictorian Speech 

1. Start With An Anecdote 

As I mentioned before, stories and anecdotes are a must in any speech. And what better way to include them in your speech than have them right at the beginning? 

Stories will work to hook your audience right from the beginning and make it more likely that they will stick with you till the end. 

For Example: In Grade 11, one of my friends started the fire alarm…

2. Use A Prop 

Props are another great way to start off your speech. They are eye-catching, and if used correctly, can create an entire story for your audience. So you’re hitting two birds with one stone!

However, before using props, one thing to keep in mind is to make sure that they’re relevant to the topic at hand. Don’t just use a prop for the sake of using one. 

Examples of props:

• Your high-school yearbook
• A photograph
• A memoir from a popular school incident
• Your graduation cap
• Memorable food from cafeteria

3. Make Them Imagine 

Another great way to start off your speech is to make your audience imagine a scenario. By evoking the power of imagination, you will pique your audience’s mind and make it more likely that they will pay attention to you. 

You can make them imagine many scenarios. You could get them to picture the future, or even make them recall a particular incident from the past. 

For Example: Imagine you’re sitting in the classroom…

4. Sing A Song 

This is a different–and somewhat unconventional–way to start off your speech. Was there a song or piece of lyrics that were really popular back in high school? Maybe something that was viral with a lot of students. 

Well, now would be a great time to make them remember it. Not only will this evoke fond memories, but it might also make them join in with you, thus taking the interaction to another level. 

5. Tell A Joke 

Another great way to start off your speech is by telling a joke. As I mentioned, humor is an essential element for any speech or presentation. It can spice up a boring speech, and make a more difficult point easy to remember. 

Start off your speech with a joke. This can be done in the form of a normal punchline format, or you could mix up different elements by telling a funny story or using your prop as a joke. 

For Example: I was good at math, once they decided to mix the alphabet into it. 

For more information on how to open your speech, check out our article on 50 Speech Opening Lines (& How To Create Your Own) l The Ultimate Guide. 

How Long Should The Speech Be? 

As mentioned above, you need to remember that you’re not giving an isolated speech. Neither is the speech the only important component of the entire event. 

Rather, your speech is part of a bigger ceremony that is going to be likely many times longer than it. 

So, it’s important to make sure that you don’t dawdle on for too long. Not only will this make most of the students in the audience more impatient, but longer speeches generally tend to be less intirguing and harder to retain. 

That’s why it’s important to keep your speech short. Preferably somewhere between 5-15 minutes. 

This will give you ample time to cover your most important details, while also making sure that your fellow students and teachers don’t doze off from boredom. 

Sample Valedictorian Speech

You’re probably wondering why I’m smiling like an idiot right now–and why I have been the entire way on the stage. Well, that’s because as I prepare to deliver my final speech on this stage, I can’t stop thinking about my first time up here. When I first came to high-school, I was a shy kid whose worst fear was speaking in front of a big crowd of people. That’s because I have always been very imaginative, you see. But instead of using my imagination for writing stories as I now do, I used to use it to imagine the worst possible stories and scenarios in my head. And so when I somehow let my English teacher convince me to take part in a debate competition during my freshman year, most of my energy was focused on all the things that could go wrong during my speech rather than the speech itself. You know, like, me stumbling and falling on my face as I climbed all those big steps to the stage. Or me forgetting my speech in the middle. Or me bursting into tears from all the nerves and pressure–which is exactly what happened. Yep, ALL OF IT. Not only did I fall falt on my face the moment I stepped on the stage, but I also proceeded to tick off the other two items on the list–all within the span of two minutes. I was so embarrased that I swore to my mother I would NEVER in my life take another step inside this high-school. My mom indulged me for one day, and then sent me packing straight to school counselor’s office the next day. You’re probably wondering why I’m recounting what was probably the most embarrasing moment of my life on the best moment of my life. Well, that’s because, while at that moment it certainly felt that way, now I know that I’m not alone. Over the course of these four years, every single one of you has probably felt at least once as embarrased as I felt on that day. This speech is for all of you who’ve ever felt so humiliated that they felt like crawling under a giant rock and never showing your face to the other people sitting around you again. And yet, WE DID IT. The fact that we’re sitting in this room today is proof that we did. Despite the embarrasement or fear or regret or failure, we showed up. Maybe we didn’t show up right away, but we did pick ourselves up and got things together eventually. And in the end, that’s what matters: not when you get yourself together, but the fact that you do. As most of us in this room know from experience, being a senior is not all fun and games. Applying to a bunch of colleges, juggling classes and assignments, making sure your grades don’t slip, trying to squeeze in as many last-time high-school experiences as you can in the little time you can find between all them…well, it’s not easy. And yet we made it–all of us did. Graduation marks the close of a big chapter in our lives. It has been a chapter filled with tears and laughter, pranks and solutions, good memories and bad memories, of last-minute studying for exams taking place the next day, running behind the school bus in a seemingly impossible attempt to catch it, of attempts to stifle laughter in the middle of exams, and much much more… I can say with confidence that none of us sitting in this room today are the same person that we were on the day your story began. And all of us have witnessed each other bloom in this journey. And this is not the end–today, the doors to a new journey have been opened to us. And as we prepare to take our first step in this new journey, I’d like to thank each and every single one of the people who have helped us pass the previous one. I would like to thank our principal, all of our teachers and staff, our parents, and each and every single one of you sitting in this room today. Thank you. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve been a small part of our journey or a big one, it doesn’t matter whether you’ve been in every single chapter of this book or only a paragraph–it wouldn’t have been the same without you. And I would like you to thank yourself as well. Thank yourself for having the courage to stand up after you fall, and to have the strength to show up day after day. Thank yourself for showing up despite the terrible food–if you can call it that–served in the cafeteria every single day. Give yourself a pat on the back. You deserve it.

Valedictorian Speech Examples

1. the king’s academy class of 2019.

Takeaway: This speech is a great example of how you can structure your entire valedictorian speech around a central theme to make it more memorable and intriguing. You can use it to select & organize your own speech.

2. La Plata High School Class of 2015

Takeaway: This speech is a great example of how you can effectively incorporate humor into your own speech. Use it to structure the flow of humor in your speech and to understand how to use humor without making it seem too forced.

3. West Hall High School Class Of 2010

Takeaway: This is an excellent speech to figure out how you can creatively use props in your own speech to make it a more interactive, visually appealing & memorable experience for your audience.

To conclude, writing a memorable Valedictorian speech isn’t as daunting of a task as it sounds. For delivering a memorable Valedictorian speech, keep in mind a few things like incorporating humor and storytelling, having a theme, getting other students’ insight & keeping your most important point for the end of your speech.  

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30 Graduation Speeches Designed to Make You Laugh More Than Cry

Want to learn to give a great speech with a little humor here are 30 great examples..

If you're successful, chances are you're called on sometimes to make speeches . Maybe you love speaking in front of a crowd ; maybe you don't. Regardless, a lot of people will tell you that if you want to get on the right side of the crowd right away, start with a little humor.

I'm not sure that's always the best way ever to give a speech , but if you're up for it, you're in luck. It's that time of year--commencement speech time--and we've pulled out 30 well-honed speeches with laugh lines that worked (and in a few cases, even inspired).

(This column is part of my year-long, monthly series, 366 Quotes for 2016 . Impatient? Want to get all 366 quotes I came up with back at the start of the year? Just click here to download them .)

1. "...The first thing I would like to say is 'thank you.' Not only has Harvard given me an extraordinary honor, but the weeks of fear and nausea I have endured at the thought of giving this commencement address have made me lose weight. A win-win situation! Now all I have to do is take deep breaths, squint at the red banners and convince myself that I am at the world's largest Gryffindor reunion."

--J.K. Rowling

2. "Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there."

-- Will Rogers

3. "So, what's it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don't recommend it."

-- Bill Watterson

4. "Remember that there's no one way of doing things. You know how when you unscrew something it's 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'? If you just get a hammer and hit it really hard, whatever it is, I guarantee you it'll open."

-- Fred Armisen

5. "I did fail. Time and time again. I was too short for this or too strange for that. I even had one casting director for a movie say "he'll never work in comedy." I was taking my punches but I was in the fight. That's a metaphor of course, I highly doubt I have any ability to take an actual punch."

-- Charlie Day

6. "Try putting your iPhones down every once in a while and look at people's faces."

-- Amy Poehler

7. "So long as your desire to explore is greater than your desire to not screw up, you're on the right track."

-- Ed Helms

8. "Pursue whatever it is that you want to do with your life. It is the only secret to happiness that I know except for maybe true love, that and maybe having the amazing health insurance plan that our congressmen have."

-- Lewis Black

9. "You're about to enter into a world filled with hypocrisy and doublespeak, a world in which your limo to the airport is often a half-hour late. In addition to not even being a limo at all; often times it's a Lincoln Town Car. You're about to enter a world where you ask your new assistant, Jamie, to bring you a tall, non-fat latte. And he comes back with a short soy cappuccino. Guess what, Jamie? You're fired. Not too hard to get right, my friend...."

--Will Ferrell

10. "Go to it. Be bold. Be true. Be kind. Rotate your tires. Don't drink so much. There aren't going to be enough liver transplants to go around."

-- Richard Russo

11. "If you think nobody cares if you're alive, try missing a couple of payments."

-- Earl Wilson

12. "I don't even remember who the speaker was at my graduation. I remember squinting a lot and a vague sense that I would never again be around so many attractive, available young people in my life. It is my solemn duty to inform you that that fear is entirely well founded. This is coming from a guy who works in Hollywood, by the way."

-- Bradley Whitford

13. "I'd like to begin by thanking the class marshals for inviting me here today. The last time I was invited to Harvard it cost me $110,000. So I was reluctant to show up. "

-- Conan OBrien

14. "So I turned 40 years old one day. And you know what happened? I turned 41. THEN, I turned 42! And it just kept on going, just like that, the number kept going up! Wait! Wait! Somebody press the pause button! I just got used to being 40!"

-- Jane Lynch

15. "There's few things that get you over your own crap more than working hard."

-- Adam Savage

16. "The unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life, is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective."

-- Jon Stewart

17. "Let's talk about the future, your future. A lot of you are probably worried about employment. Unfortunately most of you will end up getting jobs, especially now that you have the burden of a degree. You are the elite. You will be tomorrow's captains of industry. Sitting in front of me is probably the next Bill Gates, Donald Trump or even Ronald McDonald."

-- Sasha Baron Cohen (as Ali G)

18. "My favorite animal is the turtle. The reason is that in order for the turtle to move, it has to stick its neck out."

-- Ruth Westheimer

19. "I want to thank you for bestowing upon me this Honorary Doctorate of Amphibious Letters. To tell you the truth, I never even knew there was such a thing as "Amphibious" Letters. After all those years on Sesame Street, you'd think I'd know my alphabet. It just goes to show that you can teach an old frog new tricks."

-- Kermit T. Frog

20. "Follow your passion, stay true to yourself, never follow someone else's path unless you're in the woods and you're lost and you see a path then by all means you should follow that."

-- Ellen Degeneres

21. "It really is a true honor to be with all of you...as you embark on this exciting and challenging journey of being sober during the day."

-- Maya Rudolph

22. "You will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells than you have today."

-- Tom and Ray Magliozzi

23. "If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito."

-- Bette Reese

24. "Now I usually try not to give advice. Information, yes, advice, no. But, what has worked for me may not work for you. Well, take for instance what has worked for me. Wigs. Tight clothes. Push-up bras."

-- Dolly Parton

25. "My father could have been a great comedian, but he didn't believe that that was possible for him. So he made a conservative choice instead. He got a safe job as an accountant. And when I was 12 years old, he was let go from that safe job, and our family had to do whatever we could to survive. I learned many great lessons from my father, not the least of which was that you can fail at what you don't want, so you might as well take a chance on doing what you love."

-- JimCarrey

26. "They are all nerds, all of you, except here's the difference. You are the nerds who are going to make some serious bank, which is why I am here today ... to marry the best-looking amongst you."

-- Mindy Kaling

27. "Now that you've graduated, just remember: Bosses don't usually accept notes from your mother."

-- Melanie White

28. "Life is an improvisation. You have no idea what's going to happen next and you are mostly just making things up as you go along."

-- Steven Colbert

29. "Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated."

-- Garry Trudeau

30. "I don't think there's anything certainly more unseemly than the sight of a rock star in academic robes. It's a bit like when people put their King Charles spaniels in little tartan sweats and hats. It's not natural, and it doesn't make the dog any smarter..."

A refreshed look at leadership from the desk of CEO and chief content officer Stephanie Mehta

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5 Tips For Writing A Memorable High School Valedictorian Speech

Some might assume that earning the highest grades to become the valedictorian in your high school graduating class was tough. But anyone who has made it that far will tell you: writing a memorable valedictorian speech is the real challenge. After all, as a high point of your class commencement ceremony, this once-in-a-lifetime moment honors not only four years of high school but must encourage everyone to look forward to the future. It's a tall order but follow our five tips below to write a valedictorian speech that your audience hears, remembers, and draws inspiration from.

1. Begin with a Goal

A helpful way to start is by understanding the unique goal of your valedictorian speech. Of course, you want to deliver a fitting send-off message to your graduating class. Still, to be memorable, you must also get them excited about the future as if an epic adventure starts soon. For inspiration, see the winners in our NSHSS Virtual Valedictorian Speeches , there you will find a recurring idea or central theme cementing each speech.

Examples of themes suited for high school graduation include:

•   People at school that inspired you
•   Significant changes between freshman year and now
•   Tips for moving forward after graduation

By establishing a personal theme, you'll produce a unique valedictorian speech that only you could write.

2. Make it Everybody

As valedictorian, you are there to represent the entire graduating class, not just your own experience. Be sure not to turn your valedictorian speech into a mini-biography of your high school accomplishments. While you're welcome to add personal anecdotes for flavor, it would be best to talk about everyone else in your class. It might take extra work to find out what the four years have been like for them. Using your chosen theme, provide the captive audience with memories and insights that their family and friends are eager to hear. That will guarantee your valedictorian speech achieves stellar status.

3. Hit the Highlights

To make your valedictorian speech genuinely unforgettable, you can tap graduation's unavoidable nostalgia by recounting the highlights of the past four years in high school. Sure, four years may not be a lifetime, but everyone in your class takes away lifelong memories from such a short period. With the right theme in mind, and a list full of memories you’ve gleaned, you’ll know the best anecdotes and stories that will resonate with everyone. In addition, you can include global events of importance that occurred during your high school years. Just remember to focus on the positives you all experienced together. 

4. Humor Speaks Volumes

Reading your greatest hits of high school memories like a shopping list will quickly bore your crowd. Why don't you write your valedictorian speech with a fusion of humor, no matter how tiny? We suggest making a big splash with something funny to open your address, then doling it out in smaller bits and pieces for the remainder. The best kind of joke to charm your listeners is self-deprecating humor, such as something that you (the valedictorian) failed at in high school. Or asking the audience if your hair looks good from the back row. Even a funny memory about a quirky teacher or favorite classes can likewise immerse your audience. It's a fun way to liven up your valedictorian speech.

5. Leave your audience inspired!

You've honored the past four years with many cherished memories recalled in a celebratory way. The other half of your valedictorian speech should inspire your fellow students. We suggest writing a clear call to action to end your address. You're not at your commencement to pick up your diploma. You're there to see everyone off to all the places they'll go after graduating. To leave everyone feeling inspired to face their next challenge, you can end your valedictorian speech with an inspirational quote. Since you and your fellow graduates should try to live by this quote going forwards, choose one that ties back to your theme and leaves everyone motivated. This circular approach will help round out your speech as a whole. 

 Examples of quotes suited for high school graduation include:

•   "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." - C. S. Lewis
•   "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." - John Dewey
•   "There are no regrets in life. Just lessons." - Jennifer Aniston

In the end, there is no perfect valedictorian speech, they are all different in their own unique way. Find a speech that best suits the way you want to send off your fellow classmates into their next adventure. But, when in doubt, follow these five tips to write a memorable one. While your address is vital to the ceremony, remember to keep it short and sweet. Unless otherwise instructed, cut it to ten minutes maximum, so people stay attentive. It might help to imagine yourself twenty years from now watching your valedictorian speech on YouTube. Will you regret anything you've written? Maybe, you’ll chuckle to yourself. Maybe you’ll cry. And maybe, just maybe, you too will be left feeling inspired by the young, wise voice calling out to from your past. 

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Inspiring Valedictorian Speech Examples to Help You Write Your Own

Most of us remember delivering a speech in front of our classmates during graduation, whether as salutatorian or valedictorian.

While inputting the right facts and research can be challenging, it’s important to make sure that your graduation speech is inspiring and motivating. Afterall, this is the last time you see many of your class mates, so you want your message to have an impact.

That’s why we’ve compiled some of the most memorable and inspiring valedictorian speeches. Review these examples to get ideas and help you craft your own unique speech. With thoughtful words and effective storytelling , you’ll be sure to make a lasting, positive influence to your classmates!

Reflecting on Our Journey

Throughout high school our journey of self-discovery and growth has been a constant.

As we look back on our journey, it’s important to recognize the significant role that memories have in helping us shape our lives and define who we are. What we reflect on can be both uplifting and humbling while inspiring us to strive for further success.

The more we reflect on our past experiences, the better able we are to learn from failures and successes alike. This not only helps us acknowledge our accomplishments, but it also gives us perspective and insight into how far we’ve come as individuals.

Reflecting on our journey is an opportunity to celebrate the best moments of our years in high school, from sports victories to unforgettable conversations with friends. It also allows us to appreciate all that we learned during those formative years that has helped shape the person we have become today.

It’s natural to feel hesitant about taking time out of a busy day to look back on our individual paths.

But it is a beneficial exercise, even if viewing the past causes painful emotions or overwhelming feelings of nostalgia. Reflection helps us fully appreciate what was achieved and reminds us to take time out of our daily routine for introspection.

Now that we have taken the time to reflect on our individual journey up to this point in life, let’s take a look at some of the notable accomplishments made by members of our class. In the next section, we will examine how remembering some of these triumphs can help provide insight into future goals and ambitions.

Remembering Our Achievements

The valedictorian’s job is to honor the successes and hard work of the graduating class. This can be done by looking back at our collective achievements over the past few years.

From faculty members to peers, remembering everyone who contributed to our success encourages a sense of gratitude and pride in our accomplishment.

One option for doing this is by recognizing special accomplishments or awards that were earned during our time together.

Names can be called out and stories can be shared , only if appropriate and welcomed by those mentioned. It is important to check with anyone beforehand if they are comfortable being publicly remembered in such a way.

It could also be done through sharing meaningful interactions and experiences with classmates. Narratives about how we have learned from one another and grown together remind us of all that we have accomplished, both as individuals and as part of a collective body.

Finally, it may be beneficial to recall moments of progress and growth throughout all of our years in school. Celebrating, even our smaller triumphs along the way further highlights the successes that brought us here today.

Remembering our achievements serves as a reminder of all the hard work our graduating class has put into their education and provides an opportunity to give credit where it is due.

Let us take this moment to pause and recognize everyone who was involved in ushering us here to this milestone moment in time. Now let us transition into celebrating our success as we look ahead at what is possible for us next on our journeys beyond this pivotal rite of passage.

Celebrating Our Success

When it comes to delivering the valedictorian speech, an important element is celebrating our success. The idea of celebration can take on different forms, from lightheartedness to a more serious acknowledgement of a job well done.

It’s up to individual taste as to how you as the valedictorian choose to celebrate and recognize your peers’ many accomplishments that brought you all together.

For those who prefer something more humorous and attractive to the crowd, celebrating with jokes or funny stories that have become part of the shared history of the graduating class can have a greater impact than simply citing general successes.

It shows familiarity and genuine appreciation for the special moments you’ve had with your peers that has led to your combined achievement.

Others may choose a more solemn tone, thanking their entire class for their hard work and dedication over the years which enabled them all to come so far in their respective fields.

This kind of approach also has its merits, as it adds a level of gravity to the speeches, conveying real admiration and gratitude amongst graduating students.

No matter which route one takes, celebrating success has long been an integral component in setting graduation ceremonies apart from everyday life.

As such, valedictorians do not only recognize the accomplishment of graduating classes but also the memories and stories held within their hearts that made it meaningful. Following this section about celebrating our successes, we’ll now discuss how we can look ahead to the future.

Looking Ahead to the Future

It’s perfectly natural to spend some time looking back and reflecting on our successes during the past few years, but when it comes to speeches, valedictorians should also look ahead.

Looking ahead creates a sense of direction and hope that can be shared with the other graduates, reminding them of all of the future possibilities that lie ahead. It also helps to encourage graduates to set goals for themselves and strive for a brighter future.

When talking about the future, many people have conflicting views on whether tackling hard challenges or taking risks should be considered a positive outlook.

On one hand, some would argue that taking risks can lead to incredible rewards and great opportunities. On the other hand, others may point out that the cost of taking too big of a risk can be very costly in terms of time and money spent.

However, instead of debating which side is right or wrong in this scenario, it is more important to focus on how graduates can prepare themselves for whatever life may bring their way.

Valadictorians can use their speech as an opportunity to challenge their peers by inspiring them to make proactive steps towards achieving their dreams – no matter what obstacles they may face along the way.

This may include setting goals apart from just focusing on academic performance; such as staying active, forming meaningful relationships and continuing to learn new skills.

Furthermore, valedictorians can talk about any struggles or set-backs they faced during their journey and about how perseverance eventually played a role in helping them reach their desired outcome – which could serve as an inspiration for those listening .

Overall, by looking ahead and encouraging their peers not just to take risks but find ways to proactively approach their future endeavors, valedictorians can get across an important message – even if it’s through leaving a graduation ceremony with mostly unanswered questions – that they are ready for the next step and up for the challenge.

With these thought processes in mind, let’s now look towards how we as individuals can set goals and understand the power of embracing each challenge head-on.

Setting Goals and Embracing the Challenge

It is no secret that words have the power to both motivate and to inspire. As graduating seniors, now is the time to reflect on our successes, our failures, and the many challenges we have faced in high school.

It can be easy to move onto the next step in life while leaving the past behind us; however, it is important that we acknowledge our individual growth and progress.

Having goals helps us to stay focused on what we set out to achieve. Presenting a detailed outline of your life’s purpose can help to keep you motivated and inspired throughout future milestones.

Remind your classmates that setting goals is essential for any success and should include listed plans; such as attainable academic objectives, personal fitness goals, financial milestones and career aspirations. Making achievable short-term objectives also allows you reflect on your progress as you reach them one by one.

Embracing challenge gives us an opportunity to enhance skills , learn from our mistakes, gain mental strength and resilience, improve problem solving capabilities and explore new ideas that just may lead to something great.

Even though a challenge may be uncomfortable or difficult, sometimes taking risks are necessary for growth. Highlight those times when everyone tried something unexpected out of their comfort zones and how they overcame their fears into becoming confident individuals who tackled anything that came their way because they weren’t afraid of failing.

Demonstrating this important message will help your classmates recognize that push through hard things in life; there are so many more opportunities waiting for them once they continue down this path in life until eventually reaching their end goal!

Through setting achievable goals paired with embracing the challenge of not knowing the outcome, we can take control of our own paths rather than allowing our futures to follow whatever route happens along the way.

Let your classmates know that every step taken in order to achieve something great adds up over time which is why it’s important not to give up no matter how long or hard it may seem! Now onto saying goodbye…

Saying Goodbye to Our Classmates

Saying goodbye to our classmates can be a hard task for any valedictorian speaker. On one hand, we want to express our gratitude for all the time shared together and the memories created. We have supported one another through difficult times and celebrated our successes together.

All of these experiences have brought us closer and given us the strength to overcome anything that comes our way.

On the other hand, some may argue that it is important to move on from this chapter in life and looking forward to what lies ahead in the future.

After all, every good ending paves the way for new beginnings and this could very well be a start of something great. It’s essential to take all these emotions while saying goodbye – sadness, happiness, excitement – and expressing them through an emotional yet motivating valedictorian speech tailored specifically to your graduating class.

These arguments aside, a valedictorian speech is not complete without expressing both appreciation and hopefulness of what lies ahead. To craft a memorable farewell speech that resonates with your classmates, you must include everything mentioned above and show your utmost sincerity in thanking your peers.

Armed with these sentiments, you can now put pen to paper for an example valedictorian speech that is sure to capture and move your entire audience.

An Example Valedictorian Speech

An example of a valedictorian speech can illustrate the harmonious combination of humor and humility, storytelling and self-reflection that creates an inspiring speech.

One such valedictorian speech was delivered by Valedictorian Avery June of Elmore County High School, who told moving stories about growing up in rural Alabama and the profound impact her teachers had on her success.

She poignantly noted that while she had pride in her own accomplishments, they were only part of her journey. Her understanding of the influence of her teachers and peers was instrumental in creating a sense of community and school spirit.

At the same time, not all good valedictorian speeches will be purely reflective or serious. There is a place for levity and humor, as demonstrated by another example valedictorian speech – given by Australian Valedictorian Tom Alchin from St Ives High School – which bravely mocked both himself and his school’s teachers to much applause.

He reminded the entire assembly of their shared accomplishments despite any internal disagreements – ultimately leading to contagious positivity and celebration. By using a humorous approach , he embodied the spirit of togetherness amidst any differences between individuals at the school.

These examples show how effective an inspiring valedictorian speech can be when rendered correctly – walking a fine line between self-reflection and levity without sacrificing either ambition or collaboration.

From these examples we can see how a valedictorian speech can set the tone for celebration while showing admiration for our schools’ greatest resource – its people.

In the next section, we’ll explore further examples which showcase proud alumni stories as well as advice on representing our schools with pride during a valedictorians speech. With this in mind, let us turn to exploring how we can be proud ambassadors for our schools during our own special day.

Being Proud of Our School

When it comes to delivering a powerful valedictorian speech, there is nothing more powerful than a heartfelt thanks and recognition of the school that you attended.

Every academic institution has unique features that set it apart from other schools, and as such, being proud of your school should play a prominent role in any valedictorian speech.

While everyone takes pride in their individual successes, acknowledging one’s school can be just as important—possibly even more important. Students should take time out of their speech to thank their school, students, teachers, administrators, and staff.

Doing so will provide an opportunity to show gratitude, recognize all those who have helped along the way, and provide an optimistic outlook of what the future holds for each student’s home school.

In addition to thanking components of the school community, valedictorians should also use their speech as an opportunity to speak about specific qualities about their home institution that makes it special.

Depending on the size or focus of the school (i.e., public vs. private), there may be some unique aspects worth mentioning from curriculum to diversity. Being able to recognize these qualities during a person’s valedictorian speech will serve as a direct compliment to the entire school community and provide validation for all its efforts.

It is important for a valedictorian to keep in mind though that not every criticism leveled against one’s school needs to be addressed during this time—instead, focus solely on what makes it great and why you chose to spend your time there.

Bring up positive stories or anecdotes if pertinent and while providing constructive criticism can be useful in other contexts and situations like alumni mentorship panels or boards of trustees meetings, remember that using your valedictorian speech is not really the place or time for it.

At the end of the day, no matter how much one does or does not agree with certain aspects of their school’s policies or traditions taking pride in where one went to high school should be sincere and heartfelt before anything else. With this in mind, being proud of our school should be at the center of any inspiring valedictorian speech!

In conclusion, crafting a memorable valedictorian speech can be an intimidating task. However, taking the time to plan out your speech and focus on elements such as tone , storytelling, and timing can help to make your valedictorian speech stand out.

Additionally, you should consider practicing in front of an audience or recording yourself ahead of time so that you can get comfortable with delivering your speech in front of a larger group.

Ultimately, a great valedictorian speech will take time and effort. But by utilizing inspiring valedictorian speeches as examples and paying close attention to the style and delivery of your own speech, you’ll be able to craft a meaningful and memorable valedictorian address for all to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions and Responses

What is the expected format of a valedictorian speech.

The typical format for a valedictorian speech is to first thank everyone involved in making the event possible and congratulate fellow classmates on their accomplishments. This can be followed by a brief reflection on the past four years, including any challenges that have been faced, before transitioning into an inspirational message about the future. The conclusion should include a memorable quote or saying to sum up the main themes of the speech.

In terms of structure, it is important to begin with an attention-grabbing statement , introduce topics in an organized manner, use vivid language and thought-provoking examples, and end with a strong conclusion . Additionally, it is important to vary sentence length and speak at a moderate pace so that your audience will remain engaged and follow your message.

How can I make sure my valedictorian speech is effective and impactful?

Making sure your valedictorian speech is effective and impactful requires you to be organized and creative. Before writing a word, brainstorm themes that represent your personal experience in the best light. Once you’ve identified your core message, you can begin structuring the speech in three parts: an opening statement, the body of the speech, and a closing.

When crafting your opening statement, use humor and heartwarming anecdotes to grab the audience’s attention. Opening statements should have a strong emotional connection with everyone in attendance.

The body of the speech should emphasize your core message by examples from your own life or experiences in high school. Try using visual aids such as pictures or videos to drive home key points in your presentation. Additionally, include quotes from educators, authors, politicians, or other influential figures to add depth to your delivery.

Finally, wrap up with a call-to-action for attendees to take away from the ceremony. End by expressing gratefulness for being selected valedictorian, for having been granted the opportunity to attend school with peers and teachers who have shaped their journey thus far.

By building an emotional base at the beginning of the speech and staying organized throughout, you can ensure that your valedictorian speech is both effective and impactful – regardless of how many people are present!

What are some tips for writing a valedictorian speech?

1. Think carefully about your topic. Consider what would be meaningful and inspiring to your classmates as they prepare to transition into the future. Take time to brainstorm ideas and narrow down your focus until you come up with something that stands out.

2. Get organized. Once you have chosen a topic , create an outline that divides your speech into sections, beginning with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Develop your main points and make sure that each one is addressed within each section of the outline .

3. Start writing as soon as possible. Begin drafting the body of your speech , utilizing concrete examples when possible to make it relatable and memorable for your peers. You can always edit your work later, but getting started is key in order to finish on time.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to teachers or other members of the school community who may have advice or feedback on how you can improve your speech before delivering it. Even if they are not familiar with valedictorian speeches specifically, they may be able to provide insights on writing or public speaking in general that will benefit you as you create your address.

5. Practice, practice, practice ! Rehearse your speech in front of friends and family until you are comfortable speaking it aloud from memory; this will help build confidence and give you the chance to iron out any issues before taking the stage at graduation day .

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How to Add Humor to a Graduation Speech

Last Updated: June 19, 2024

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been viewed 105,594 times.

Boring graduation speeches are an impending tragedy. If you've been tasked with giving one, you can learn to inject a little humor into the proceedings. Learn to pick appropriate jokes that will have your audience in stitches. Learn to nail the tone and deliver your speech to emphasize the humor, as well as the heart.

Picking Appropriate Jokes

• Will Rogers: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."
• Ben Franklin: "You will find the key to success under the alarm clock."
• Bill Watterson: "What's it like in the real world? Well, the food is better, but beyond that, I don't recommend it."
• Ray Magliozzi: "You will never have more energy or enthusiasm, hair, or brain cells than you have today."

• Pick a pearl from a favorite rap song: "As the venerable Lil Wayne taught us, 'Real G's move in silence, like lasagna.' And that's what I want to talk to you about today. No, not the questionable Italian casseroles lovingly served by the lunch ladies at our school, but moving forward. In silence. Like the real G's that Jefferson High School has made us."
• Reference some "low" culture: "Wondering these halls, we were like so many Mario Brothers in the sewers of our lives. Getting lost and finding our way. Reaching for stars. Thinking we were sparkling and invincible. Trampling strange mushrooms. Smashing turtles with hammers. Doing battles with princess-stealing dragon creatures who live in fiery realms. Well...we did some of that."

• If you're giving a speech because you're an exceptional student or an administrator, it could get a good opportunity to self-deprecate. Tell a story about a time you failed spectacularly.
• Try to think of something everyone will be able to recognize. If your school has been under construction all year, make jokes about "building the future one closed hallway at a time."
• Avoid telling "inside" jokes unless you're going to explain them. If something is funny to you and your swim-team friends, but nobody else knows what it means, it's not good for a graduation speech. Remember who your audience is.

• Attack the "hard-work" cliché: "Lots of people will tell you that success comes with hard work. And that the only way to climb that ladder of success is by keeping your hands out of your pockets. But it isn't true. Some people are just lucky. And that's what I want to talk about today..."
• Pick on the "I see the future innovators of the world" cliché: "I look out at you, my fellow graduates, and you know what I see? I see a future of loan debt. I see the students who will break their thumbs on the Xbox of life. The kids who will back-up the emergency rooms of the world, on Halloween, when the partying was too intense. Who will have 14 grandmothers die during finals week. And who will take control of their lives."
• It helps to not take yourself too seriously when you're adding humor to a more serious speech.

• Pick a common joke that you like and tell it. Knock-knock jokes, chicken crossing the road jokes, talking dog jokes, jokes about moths visiting podiatrists. You can use any joke if you put the work into it.
• "My dad used to love to tell a joke. It goes like this: A guy and a skeleton walk into a bar. The guy orders two beers and a mop. I think there are two kinds of people in this world. Skeletons, and the people who mop up after them when they drink too much."

Finding the Right Tone

• You probably won't make everyone laugh, even if your joke is great. Don't worry about broadcasting to everybody in the audience, but try to keep it clean for as many people as possible. Remember they are there.

• It's probably not necessary to name specific people at all in your speech. Even if you think they might laugh to be called out for something in the graduation speech, you never know who'll take offense. Don't tease anyone but yourself.

• Sometimes, it can be hard to think of a joke to go along with a specific theme, and it's a lot easier to find a specific theme from a joke you want to tell.

• Stephen Colbert at University of Virginia
• Neil Degrasse Tyson at Mount Holyoke College
• Evan Biberdorf's High School Graduation Speech
• Lance Jabr's High School Musical
• Conan O'Brien's Harvard Commencement

Delivering Your Funny Speech

• Lead in a general way, thanking everyone who has already spoken and brought you up to the stage. Even if your speech involves voices and costumes, don't forget the standard "thank you" stuff.
• It's hard to guess the mood of a particular audience. Some might be rowdy and ready to laugh, others might be kind of somber, or bored. Start normally and find the right tone for the day.

• You can always avoid emphasizing the jokes with your voice. Just read it as straight as possible, instead of pausing dramatically for emphasis and waiting for the laughter to die down.
• Mark all your jokes with one color, or with an underline, and then let all the straight stuff stay in regular font and text. If you need to, you can quickly see the jokes you can skip over. Just focus on the content.
• It helps to really live in the moment when you're giving a speech. Pay attention to how your audience responds and react to what you're getting from the them.

• If you're going to belt a Sinatra song dramatically, you've got to stay serious so people will laugh. If you're going to give a fake-academic talk, stay in professor mode all the way through.
• Don't laugh at your own jokes. Practice saying them so you won't be giving away your own punchlines.

• Slow down the speed that you're reading your words, as well as your pauses in between sentences. Give each sentence a full stop.
• If people are laughing, just stop talking for minute. Don't try to talk over the laughter.

• Practice your speech several times. Have it nearly memorized, without actually memorizing it. Nothing stops a joke dead in the water like bad timing.

• End on some positive note. People like to be moved at a graduation, as well.

Expert Q&A

• Think of a funny story that happened while you were in school, and add it to the speech. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Find a joke or two that relates to you, your classmates or your school. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Run jokes with friends. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Don't insult any teachers or administration with your jokes. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about giving a graduation speech, check out our in-depth interview with Patrick Muñoz .

• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI
• ↑ http://campusgrotto.com/funny-graduation-speeches.html

About This Article

To spice up your graduation speech with some humor, try using a funny but inspirational quote. For example, you could use Robert Orben’s famous line, “A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that 'individuality' is the key to success.” Or make a funny reference, but treat it seriously, like referencing the Mario Brothers as a point of reaching for the stars. Keep your audience in mind while you’re coming up with the humor in your speech. You probably won’t be able to make everyone laugh, but if your fellow classmates are your target audience, you can use jokes and references that they’ll think are funny. For tips on how to connect the humor to something heartfelt, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

10 Tips to Write the Best High School Valedictorian Speech

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Writing a valedictorian speech can be challenging. Your audience has high expectations for you because you’re the highest-ranking student in the batch.

Don’t stress out. I’ve got nine tips for writing the best high school valedictorian speech that will make sure you leave an impact.

How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Do you want to create a memorable speech? Follow these ten tips to write the perfect graduation speech.

Tip1: Talk About What You’ve Learned in Your Speech

The perfect valedictorian speech is one where you share the essential lessons from high school. These are not lessons learned in the four corners of the classrooms but life learnings you can apply everywhere.

You can talk about the importance of loyalty to your friends, sportsmanship after losing a game, or teamwork from your school play.

Tip 2: Check for Themes

Almost every school graduation event has a theme. People at school will expect you to follow this idea while incorporating your own memories, advice, and stories.

If there is none, you can create a personal theme that shows the essence of your entire high school experience. Think about school events that fit in with the theme, then start writing your valedictory speech.

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Some sample themes include teachers and students who inspire, overcoming failure, connecting amidst adversity, and more.

Tip 3: Use an Outline

Follow this outline when creating a farewell address for your fellow high school students.

• Introduction
• Greet everyone congratulations.
• Introduce yourself.
• Give an overview of the last four years, from freshman to senior year. Mention significant moments like prom, homecoming, debate competitions, and more.
• What are you grateful for? Recall fun moments from high school you appreciate. Mention teachers you want to thank and the parts of the academic institutions that helped you achieve.
• Tie everything together.
• End with a memorable line.

Tip 4: Make Your Valedictorian Speech About Everybody But You

As valedictorian, you represent the entire school graduating class. So it only makes sense that you talk about everybody. Don’t turn it into a biography of your school accomplishments.

In Gilmore Girls , Rory wrote a valedictory speech entirely about herself. It’s the best example of what you should not do in real life. Not everyone cares about the books you read or your family members. It’s one of my fav shows, and I adore that character, but I shook my head at that scene.

Gather information about what the four years have been like for your classmates. Are there any school memories worth mentioning? Ask them what they want you to include in the speech. That will ensure your valedictorian speech becomes remarkable.

Tip 5: Your Opening Line

The hardest part about writing any speech is starting the introduction. Your opening line should instantly grab everyone’s attention, whether it’s your schoolmates, teachers, or parents.

Do not start your address with “Can you hear me?” or “Is this microphone working?” You also don’t want to share your nervousness while on stage.

Tip 6: Practice Like It’s Real

There are two ways to practice your speech. First, you can read your manuscript and rehearse your non-verbal cues. Make sure you maintain eye contact with the audience and use your hands for gestures.

You can also read it in front of trusted people so they can give you suggestions. Speaking in front of people will build your confidence. But if there’s no one around to help you, record yourself giving the speech to analyze areas of improvement.

Tip 7: See Your High School Years With a Sense of Humor

Another tip is to open your address with an attention-grabbing joke. This will keep your audience from being bored during the program.

One of the best jokes as a valedictorian is a self-deprecating one. It will make you more relatable to your batchmates. You can also share funny memories with classmates, teachers, and school administrators.

Tip 8: Learn the Art of Stage Presence

An outstanding stage presence is critical in giving an excellent speech. One way to achieve this is by embracing the power of the pause. It allows you to gather your thoughts and follow the outline you prepared for the speech.

Dressing to impress, respecting the audience’s time, and adjusting the tone of your voice also help. These small practices will allow you to get your audience’s reaction and remembrance.

Tip 9: Inspire Your Fellow Students

One of the critical features of a valedictorian speech is that it should be inspiring. Graduation is not only about celebrating the fact that you finished high school.

You also want your fellow students to look back at the best high school memories and then look forward to the future. Valedictory speeches should make everyone excited about college and their careers.

With the central theme in mind, try giving your fellow graduates an inspiring piece of advice. It can be about hard work, patience, overcoming self-doubt, and more. You can also use motivating quotes that will make a memorable valedictorian speech.

Tip 10: Hire a Speech Writer

Consider hiring a captivating valedictorian speech writer if you are having trouble putting your thoughts into words. They will help you deliver concise, clear messages that resonate with the crowd.

Professional speech writers also have excellent editing skills. They can spot spelling and grammar mistakes to produce the perfect speech.

Cheat Sheet of Inspirational Quotes

• “Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” – John Dewey
• “I’ve learned it’s important not to limit yourself. You can do whatever you really love to do, no matter what it is.” – Ryan Gosling
• “There are no regrets in life. Just lessons.” – Jennifer Aniston
• “You must have some vision in your life. Even if you don’t know the plan, you have to have a direction in which you choose to go.” – Oprah
• “Take your risks now. As you grow older, you become more fearful and less flexible … Try to keep your mind open to possibilities and your mouth closed on matters that you don’t know about. Limit your ‘always’ and your ‘nevers.’ Continue to share your heart with people even if it’s been broken.” – Amy Poehler
• “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – Muhammad Ali
• “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” – Nora Ephron
• “You and you alone are the only person who can live the life that writes the story that you were meant to tell.” – Kerry Washington

Cheat Sheet of Funny Graduation Quotes

• “The unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life, is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective.” – Jon Stewart
• “Big pay and little responsibility are circumstances seldom found together.” – Napoleon Hill
• “At graduation, you get to wear a cap and gown, but it’s a good idea to also wear something underneath it.” – Greg Tamblyn
• “Remember, when it comes to applying for jobs, books ARE judged by their cover!” – Patricia Akins
• “Minds are like parachutes. They only function when open.” – Thomas Dewar

Valedictorian Speech Example

Today, December 10, 2022, we have become [name of school] graduates. We recall endless lectures, meeting best friends during lunchtime, and looking forward to prom and homecoming. We also remember occasional sports events, field trips, and examinations. Now, we are future pharmacists, engineers, teachers, doctors, business owners, and more. Some of us plan to start new families, while others might want to take the independent route.

This year’s graduation theme is relevant to our experiences. University of the Future: Reimaginations, Reconfigurations, and Realizations. It’s time for us to reimagine a life of connecting beyond the four walls of the classrooms. The pandemic taught us the hard way to reconfigure learning and connect despite the spatial distance. Our four years in school also made us realize that our families, friends, teachers, and school administrators are our rock.

We are thankful for our teachers who encourage group collaborations and have become a source of motivation despite the challenges. We are grateful for the employees behind Tech Support, Registration, Student Advising, and other offices because they ensure that a collective space for sharing and learning is operating smoothly and democratically. Most of all, we are thankful for fellow students who humanize our learning experience and offer support beyond school-related matters.

When you leave the hall today, celebrate everything you have accomplished. Celebrate every hardship you encountered from freshman to senior year. Thank yourself for staying strong and persevering despite everything. Look forward to the future while keeping your connections with everyone in this room. Congratulations, Class of 2022!

Practice, Practice, Practice

The only way to give the best high school valedictorian speech is to practice it regularly. Read it in front of a mirror, make revisions when necessary, then recite it in front of a few people. Check for their reactions and feedback.

Once you have perfected your speech, you’ll be prepared to take on the stage like an expert public speaker.

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Here’s a template for a valedictory speech.

You thought becoming the valedictorian of your high school class was tough? That’s nothing compared to giving a great valedictory speech. Spend just a few minutes on YouTube and you’ll see that most valedictory speeches are boring and, worse, embarrassing.

But there’s hope! You can give a great valedictory speech.

Great valedictory speeches follow a pattern. They offer a fond reflection on the high school years. They connect with audiences using anecdotes and lots of name-dropping. And they offer gratitude. With that in mind, the key to a great valedictory speech is to keep it simple, short (ten minutes is perfect), mention lots of people by name, tell stories, and practice it so much that you don’t have to read it. You want to deliver it like you’re having an animated chat with a close friend.

Here’s a template to pass along to the valedictorian in your life.

My fellow graduates. Over the last four years here at [Insert name of high school.], we have learned a lot. Mr. [Insert name of math teacher.] taught us how to [Insert a complicated sounding math thing.]. Ms. [Insert name of English teacher.] taught us [Insert interesting tidbit from a favorite piece of literature.]. And Mr. [Insert name of widely known funny, popular teacher.] taught us [Insert something odd that parents might be surprised to learn. For example maybe he taught you how to swear in Portuguese. Or maybe he taught you the best way to approach a girl at a dance. Make it funny but revealing about a beloved teacher.].

And all of this knowledge will no doubt be valuable as we go forward in life. But I think that the most important thing that we have learned over the last four years is [Insert major theme. Keep the theme simple. Good themes include “How to build relationships and rely on each other,” “How to Work Together as a Community,” “How to respect each others differences,” and “How much we need each other to succeed.” Don’t worry if it’s corny. If it’s from the heart, go for it.].

Over the next few minutes, I’d like to talk about what we’ve learned, the people we have to thank, and the people we have to remember. [Notice that you’re setting up a little three-part structure, letting your listeners know where the speech is going.]

I told you that the most important thing that we learned was [Restate the theme.].

Let me give you just a couple of examples of what I’m talking about. [Give three or four quick and fun examples that bring in as many of your classmates’ names as possible. People love hearing their names. One of the examples might sound like this. “In ninth grade with our first pizza drive, we raised a lot of money for homecoming. It was a true team success. John Smith was our pizza baker. Cindy Jones showed us how to track and spend the money. Fred Williams played a critical role in getting people to turn out for the event with his creative posters. And Garth taught us that indeed one person can eat three entire pies in one sitting.” Give one longer example that is personal. For example, you might tell about how one of your teachers took an interest in your writing and encouraged you to submit your stories for publication. Be sure to tell about how you thought the story was really stupid but your teacher disagreed. Be sure to thank the teacher by calling her out from the audience, asking her to stand and asking the audience to give her a round of applause. Finish the story by telling how this teacher taught you that “Nothing we accomplish is done alone. Rather, we need each other for support and coaching.”]

Next, I’d like to take a moment on behalf of myself and my fellow graduates to thank the people that have brought us here.

[Pick five or six people to thank. But don’t just give their names. Tell why you’re grateful to them. And in telling why, give anecdotal context. For example, “I’d like to thank my mother Wendy Johnson, who taught me that if I want to make it to the bus stop on time, I can’t spend 20 minutes checking Facebook.” Or “I’d like to thank my Math teacher, Ms. Jackson, who drilled into my head “Getting the right answer isn’t everything. How you get there is important. So show me your stinking work!”]

Finally, I’d like to take a moment to remember our classmates and teachers who are not with us today.

[Here is where you mention anyone in your school community that died during your years in school. Once again, don’t just give their names. Give their names and then give a personal remembrance. “We all miss our friend Jenny Wilson. She was a wonderful sister and daughter, a great friend, and the best cheerleader on the squad. We also miss our teacher Mr. Carson. Mr. Carson didn’t allow us to show up late in his class. And we loved him for his humor. No one went through his class unchanged for the better.”]

So now we’re high school graduates. And soon we’re going to be signing each others’ yearbooks and saying goodbye. There will be hugs and tears. We’ll do our best to stay in touch. But we’ll be living our lives and doing our best.

As a final thought going forward, I’d like to leave you with a quote from [Insert name of someone you’d like to quote. The best people to quote are people that you’ve personally learned from, like your parents or grandparents. For example, “My grandfather told me that ‘A high school education is a great thing just as long as you’re willing to learn something after you graduate’.”]

He said, [Insert final quote.]

Thank you all.

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How to Write a Graduation Speech (Graduation Speech Examples)

Have you been asked to deliver a commencement speech? Or have you worked your butt off to become valedictorian or salutatorian, and now you have to deliver a graduation speech? In this post, we will cover one of the more challenging types of presentation creation: How to Write a Graduation Speech . (By the way, I have also included a few popular graduation speech examples as a guide for you.)

This post is a continuation of our How to Create a Presentation series. We are going to break this post down into three parts, though. We will show you how to create a commencement speech in this post. Next week, I’ll show you how to write a valedictorian speech and how to deliver a salutatorian speech. Each of these graduation speeches has a slightly different purpose, but all of them need to be inspirational and funny.

How to Write a Commencement Speech

The commencement speech is often the keynote speech of the graduation ceremony. This presentation should be uplifting and entertaining, but this graduation speech should also teach a life lesson to the graduating students. If you do a search on YouTube of the best graduation speeches, many of these speakers will be famous comedians. When a comedian delivers a commencement speech, and the speech is posted on YouTube, it will always get a ton of views. The humor alone will make people want to watch the video. Three of the most popular of these speeches are by Conan O’Brien, Will Ferrell, and Ellen DeGeneres. The interesting thing about the speeches from these famous comedians is that, yes, they are funny, but the inspiration comes from what they learned from their failures.

“There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life life trying to push you in another direction.” Oprah Winfrey, Harvard University Commencement Speech

A Good Structure When You Write a Commencement Address

Thank the crowd.

Start with Something Funny

Be Inspirational

The inspirational part of your commencement speech will come from the theme of the graduation speech . (For Sample Graduation Speech Themes , see the section below.) The easiest way to develop a theme is to look for an inspirational famous quote about success. You can do this by just going to Google and type in “success quotes”. Once you come up with a great quote, you can either paraphrase the quote and make it your own or quote the original speaker.

Tell Stories from Your Own Experience Related to Your Quote (Theme).

This the most important part of how to write a graduation speech. The stories and examples are what the audience will remember. These stories add emotion and inspiration to your graduation speech. They also help you build rapport with the audience. Finally, these stories make your delivery much easier. You don’t have to memorize a lot of material. Instead, just play the video in your head of what happened and describe the incident to the graduates.

For a great example of this, watch the YouTube video on Stanford University’s channel where Steve Jobs gives the commencement speech. I love this speech, because Jobs skips the introduction and the funny stuff and starts his speech with the following. “I’m going to tell you three stories.” It’s simple, and the crowd loves him.

End with an Inspirational Call to Action.

So as you go on to the next stage in your life and you experience failure… because you will experience failure, use that as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere. Don’t rest on that success. Use it as a stepping stone to your next success. Persevere, and you will experience a series of successes and failures that will allow you to accomplish something great!”

Use this outline to create a simple 20 to 30 minute speech. (The shorter the better… No one gets a diploma until you finish.)

Sample Graduation Speech Themes

If you are having trouble coming up with a theme for your graduation speech, here are a few Sample Commencement Speech Themes. As you read through them, think about which them or quote has been most applicable in your career? Once you choose a graduation speech them, use the outline above to create your speech.

• Hard Work Leads to Success

“I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” — Coleman Cox

• Create Your Own Path.

“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation.” — Herman Melville

• Make Things Happen.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” — Henry David Thoreau

• Don’t Settle for Average. Strive for Greatness.

“Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.” –John D. Rockefeller

• Don’t Wait for the Perfect Opportunity. Look for a Way to Create Your Own Opportunity.

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” — Chris Grosser/blockquote> The Road Ahead is Hard, But It Leads to Success. “Successful people do what unsuccessful people are not willing to do. Don’t wish it were easier; wish you were better.” — Jim Rohn

• Focus on Your Dream.

“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” — Bruce Lee

• Learn from Every Mistake to Move Toward Success.

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” — Conrad Hilton

• When Your Why is Big Enough, Your How Will Appear.

“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.” — Jim Rohn

• Happiness is the Key to Success.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” — Albert Schweitzer

Use the Speech Creator as a Guide to How to Create a Graduation Speech

Once you have chosen a them, and you have a few stories to inspire your audience, use our Online Speech Writer to help you organize your thoughts. (It’s free.)

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Home » Ideas » 51 Best Graduation Speech Ideas (Serious, Funny, etc.)

51 Best Graduation Speech Ideas (Serious, Funny, etc.)

Presenting a graduation speech is both exciting and a bit terrifying. You are both the first and last high school voice many in your audience will hear. You will be speaking to your fellow graduates, parents, teachers, and extended family members, so your speech must be understandable to everyone. You need to engage your listeners immediately and share a speech that is both enjoyable and informative. To be successful, you must remember that the key to creating a graduation speech that is both memorable and enjoyable is preparation. We will walk you through the process, discussing the different types of graduation speeches, how to pick a theme for your graduation speech, and how to write and deliver your graduation speech.

Table of Contents

Types of Graduation Speeches

You probably will not be the only speaker to take the podium. When it is your turn, you want your speech to grab your audience’s attention and keep it. Think about the last few years of your schooling, the general personality of your class members, and what makes your educational experience unique. Graduation speeches can be divided into several different categories:

Serious Graduation Speeches

Inspirational graduation speeches, funny graduation speeches.

Begin by brainstorming about your experience in school, asking the question: What has my school experience taught me and my fellow students about life, facing problems, and growing up? Then consider choosing one of the following upon which to base your speech:

Life Lessons

Students do not only learn subject matter in school. School teaches one how to relate to others, that hard work leads to success, and that you get the most out of any endeavor if you give it 100%. Some good speech ideas if you wish to talk about life lessons are:

• The Most Important Lesson I Learned in School
• Let’s Remain Lifelong Friends
• The Importance of Taking Risks

Facing and Overcoming Problems

Simply talking about the problems your graduating class has encountered leads to a depressing speech but recounting how those problems were overcome can be inspiring and uplifting. You may have lost a beloved teacher or fellow student, had an extreme weather experience that damaged the school, or had fundraisers for much needed supplies and equipment. Consider the following speech topics if you wish to talk about overcoming adversity.

• Never Give Up!
• Learn from Your Mistakes
• Remember This?

High school graduation frequently is the beginning of adulthood. Maturity involves being able to make good decisions, accepting responsibility, and being willing to be held accountable for our actions. Making comparisons about how you and your classmates behaved as freshmen and the changes you have made now that you are seniors makes for an interesting and fun graduation speech. Some speech ideas that deal with maturity are:

• Be Yourself
• Facing the Next Big Challenge

You may decide the best speech for your audience is one that will inspire them. You can move your audience to have an emotional response with one of the following:

• Reflections and Memoirs Looking back on your high school years and the changes you and your classmates have been through is an excellent way to create a speech that perfectly ends your high school years.
• Expression of Gratitude Thanking your parents, teachers, friends, and family members for support and assistance throughout your education careers can end with a standing ovation. Additionally, you may wish to have graduates present a flower to the person who helped them the most.
• Inspiring Quote Beginning your speech with an inspirational quote from a famous person or even a Bible verse can set the tone for your speech and provide a coherent theme.
• Song Lyric If you and your classmates have a popular song that most of you know and love, use some of the lyrics to create your theme. You might wish to quote the lyrics at the beginning of your speech and then close by playing a few verses for your audience
• Inspiring Story Use a popular media story or a few about inspiring class members, maybe one or two that overcame an obstacle to be successful.
• Anecdotes and Stories about Your Class Sharing some funny and serious stories about your class members sets the foundation for a fun speech. Just make sure the stories are uplifting and do not cause anyone embarrassment. The goal is to show how bonded your class has become.
• Student Accomplishments If you have one or more students or a sports team that made an impact on the school, sharing their accomplishments can provide a truly inspirational speech. Emphasize how their accomplishments strengthened the entire class.

If you are known for your sense of humor, you may wish to try a humorous graduation speech. Humor is never boring, if you have the talent for delivering this type of speech. Consider using one of the following approaches:

• Pick Appropriate Jokes Sprinkling a few jokes throughout your speech can keep your audience’s attention and provide a bit of humor. Consider some takes on why the chicken crossed the road or some silly knock-knock jokes.
• Use Funny Inspirational Quotes A quick google search for funny inspirational quotes will provide fodder for your topic. You could reminisce about your class after quoting, “Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.” (Abraham Lincoln)
• Use Irony Reference something surprising, such as a popular song, movie, or activity. For example, “Life Is Like a Monopoly Game.”
• Tell a Funny Story Specific to Your School Make sure your story is audience appropriate and they will relate to it. Telling a story about yourself, perhaps about a time in school when you failed, can provide humor.
• Poke Fun at the “Traditional” Graduation Speech Although it can be difficult to write, if done well, this speech is very funny. Use some of the clichés such as “dream big,” “never give up,” and “you are the future” as a springboard for your humorous speech. Speak slowly and distinctly, so that your audience can here every word. If people are laughing, stop talking for minute. You want your audience to have an opportunity to respond to your humor.

Graduation Speech Themes

Your graduation speech theme will help you tie all your ideas together. Your speech should last at least five minutes, but not longer than ten to twelve. Keep this in mind as you brainstorm ideas to pick a theme for your speech. Below we have listed some common graduation speech themes that have worked well for others. Remember that no matter which theme you choose, you can make your speech unique with personalized content – content that your audience can relate to.

• Who Are You?
• Believe in Yourself
• Be an Original, Not a Carbon Copy
• Step Up and Out
• Striving on to Perfection
• Learn from Other’s Mistakes
• Live in the Moment
• You Are What You Believe
• What I Learned in High School
• What Comes Next?
• Take a Leap of Faith
• Our Class United When
• Set Goals for Success
• Giving Back
• Follow Your Dreams
• High School Mistakes I Learned From
• Why I Don’t Want to Leave High School
• My Best High School Memories
• Overcoming Obstacles
• The Importance of School
• Never Stop Learning

8th Grade Graduation Speech

If you are in middle school and have been chosen to present an 8th grade graduation speech, keep your speech simple and short – not longer than five minutes – and follow the following format:

• Greet the audience.
• Introduce yourself.
• Reflect on your time in middle school highlighting a few special moments.
• Talk a bit about future expectations for your class.
• Thank your teachers, fellow students, and parents.
• Conclude your speech with a quote, Bible verse, or line from a song or poem.

High School Graduation Speech

Giving the high school commencement speech is truly an honor. If you are chosen to represent your classmates, choose a theme that reflects your personality and one you feel comfortable addressing because you know your topic well. Make sure you practice before the big occasion and memorize as much of your speech as possible. Have clear notes with you in case you forget something. Use engaging gestures, look at your audience, and speak in a slow, yet natural, pace.

Get your audiences attention with a quotation, anecdote, or a clever joke. Make sure your theme is clear and that all your content is cohesive and concise. Illustrate your theme with a story or example, reminiscing about the times you and your classmates enjoyed.

A high school graduation speech should last about ten minutes. Close your speech by thanking your audience; fellow students, parents, and teachers. Tie together the points you have presented during your speech and end with a clever statement your audience will remember.

How to Write a Graduation Speech?

Writing your graduation speech will be much easier if you have a plan. Our step-by-step guide on how to write a graduation speech will walk you through the entire process.

• Brainstorm Ideas Begin by brainstorming ideas. Think about the future and what kind of challenges you and your fellow students may face after graduation. Consider your past school experiences, concentrating on those which are unique and interesting.
• Pick a Theme Your theme may become obvious as you list your brainstorming ideas. If not, check out the list of themes we have suggested and pick one that fits your experiences and personality.
• Stick with Your Theme. Do not allow yourself to include anything in your speech not related to your theme. Find a quote, song lyrics, or a popular news story related to your theme if you wish to include one.
• Build the Basic Structure of Your Speech After identifying the theme of your speech, begin to organize your speech by creating an outline: Welcome Introduce Topic (Theme) Give Example, Testimonial, or Tell a Story or Joke Add Originality Conclusion Thank Your Audience Leave Them with a One Line Summation

Delivering Your Graduation Speech

Once you have completed your graduation speech, you are ready to prepare for delivering it. Find out when on the program you will be speaking so you will be ready. Knowing if you are first, last, or somewhere in the middle of the program can help you feel more comfortable about delivering your speech. Adhere to all the following suggestions to make sure your speech is the best it can be.

• Memorize Your Speech Reading your speech can destroy the delivery, making you sound robotic and impersonal. You will probably want to have some notes but try to speak as much as possible from memory.
• Time Your Speech You may be told how long you have for your speech. If not, try not to talk no more than about ten minutes; a longer speech may not keep your listeners’ attention.
• Speak Slowly When one is nervous, they speak faster. Try to speak slowly and enunciate each word. Pause when necessary for an audience response to a joke or funny comment.
• Speak with Emotion Vary your tone of voice and match your emotions with your content.
• Make Eye Contact Look at your audience. If doing so makes you nervous, pick a spot on the wall at the back of the room and look at it as you speak. You can also pick out a few people in the audience you know and make eye contact with them.

Before you deliver your speech, practice, practice, practice! Deliver your speech to your family, the mirror, your dog – anyone that will listen. Ask for advice and take it. When you give your speech, if you make a mistake, repeat the sentence or word and keep going. Smile at your audience when appropriate. Your enthusiasm for your subject will be felt and enjoyed.

Finally, remember to have pictures or a video taken while you are giving your speech. You have earned the privilege of speaking for your entire class – a huge responsibility and one you will remember for years to come. Smile, have fun, and your audience will enjoy and remember your graduation speech.

Susan majored in English with a double minor in Humanities and Business at Arizona State University and earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Liberty University. She taught grades four through twelve in both public and private schools. Subjects included English, U.S. and world history and geography, math, earth and physical science, Bible, information technologies, and creative writing.

Susan has been freelance writing for over ten years, during which time she has written and edited books, newspaper articles, biographies, book reviews, guidelines, neighborhood descriptions for realtors, Power Point presentations, resumes, and numerous other projects.

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Funny Graduation Speeches

Michele is a writer who has been published both locally and internationally.

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Graduation speeches infused with humor bring life to these traditional celebrations and speak to the nature of the youth in attendance. If you're not a natural comedian, these funny graduation speech ideas provide a great starting point to customize your speech.

Funny High School Graduation Speech #1 - Finding Out Who You Are

Who are we? That is a great question. We've spent the last 13 years of our lives trying to prepare for that, but it isn't something that you can Google. Well, you can Google it, but make sure that you turn on the safe search first. There is no telling what your results might be.

• 4 High School Graduation Speech Samples That Inspire

It's Okay to Not Know

However, Google won't tell us where our passion lies. It won't tell us who we are. And while some of us know, (your parents are breathing a deep sigh of relief right now), others of us don't, (sorry Mom and Dad). We don't know what we want to be when we grow up yet, and that is okay. Well, your parents might not think so when you are on your fourth major and they're paying your tuition, but it is still okay.

A New Chapter and Finding Your Passion

High school was fun, but we have turned a page in our life. We have moved from childhood into adulthood and now is the time to find our passion. It's time to learn what we want to be if we haven't figured it out, or follow our dream if we have. So parents, open up your wallets because studying philosophy isn't cheap.

Thank You All

Teachers, your passion and dedication has helped us to realize that being first in line isn't a life or death situation. And thank you for understanding that dogs can eat anything from homework to gym shorts. True story. Faculty, thank you for putting up with us from our nose picking days to raging hormonal breakdowns. Through it all, you have been our rocks. So as we take this final walk out of this school, we thank you all for helping us to answer the question of who we are.

Humorous Sample Speech #2 - Learn From Your Mistakes

We all make mistakes. I know that I have. Stealing Shelly's boyfriend in 3rd grade was definitely a mistake, but I think I did her a favor. Staying up the night before ACTs was a mistake, but I'm standing up here so it wasn't that bad. I have made mistakes. Hundreds, no thousands, okay maybe millions, of mistakes within my short 18 years, including that funny student council speech I made sophmore year that turned out more stupid than funny.

Mistakes Help You Grow

Have I learned from all of them? Probably not. But more often than not mistakes helped me to grow. I mean I learned that volunteering to give a graduation speech was probably not my best choice 13 hours and four speeches later. But then again, I'm killing it right now, so time well spent. I also learned that I'll probably never volunteer for this again. So as you can see, mistakes are all about learning.

New Adventure - New Mistakes

As we bust through this new adventure in our lives, some call being a grown up, I call the end of freeloading, we will make mistakes. We will choose the wrong major and have to pay thousands extra in student loans, but we will learn to be more frugal. Honestly, we will probably just learn how to live on Ramen, but who knows. We will miss deadlines and be late, but all these things will make us grow and change. Our mistakes will become as important as our successes because they will define us.

So, don't aim for perfect, instead, it is better to be flawed. So, thank you, parents and teachers, for letting us make mistakes. Thank you for molding us into the imperfect creatures we are today. And most of all thank you for allowing us to learn from our mistakes as we move forward.

Customization Options for the Funniest Graduation Speech

Each sample speech is general enough to be used for most school graduations. If you want to create an original speech, you can modify both samples by:

• Changing out terminology with words like high school or senior class
• Adding in personal stories or examples
• Including funny sound effects and facial expressions where they make sense
• Changing the greeting or closing statements

Tips for a Great Speech

Giving a speech in front of a large crowd, especially in front of people you know well, can be a challenge if you plan to give an unexpected surprise like a funny speech. These suggestions and ideas will help you prepare so your speech gets the positive reaction you hope for.

Bits of Humor

You don't have to be known for your humor to add it into a speech, but there is a right way and a wrong way to give a humorous speech. Funny graduation speeches command an audience's attention and involve them in the ceremony. However, adding humor that is well-timed, appropriate, and funny can be tricky. Keep the following points in mind as you plan your speech.

• Timing is everything. Take a look at your speech ahead of time and decide where humor will be most appropriate.
• Stories of classmates and faculty members are your best sources for funny stories. Think about funny moments that included others at the school.
• Search for funny quotes , jokes , sayings , poems , song lyrics or even newspaper headlines that could be related to the ceremony. Be sure they complement the moment.
• Don't be afraid to talk about yourself, especially any embarrassing moments you might have experienced during your academic years.
• Tell stories. Even without trying to inject humor, you might find that your stories about your graduating class, the faculty, and the administration are funny.
• Refer to subjects that everyone is familiar with, such as politics or especially pop culture. Think about popular TV shows, bands, movie stars, etc. Remind the audience about fads that have been popular while your graduating class has been in school. If you know a funny story relating to this theme, tell it.

Practice Pointers

Before the actual ceremony, you'll want to practice your speech several times. You'll also want to:

• Give a copy of your speech to the principal and any other faculty members involved in the ceremony. Be sure you get their approval before you give your speech.
• Practice your speech in front of several friends and ask for their honest feedback.
• When adding humor to a speech, it is important that you stress certain words to add emphasis to the funny parts of the speech.
• Don't just focus on stories that relate to you and your friends. It's important to include as many of the groups in your school as possible. You want to reach all of your audience, not just some of them.
• Funny graduation speeches should not be rude or cruel. Do not use this time to ridicule a teacher or principal who is disliked by you or your friends. Be sure your speech material is appropriate.
• Sometimes, there is a fine line between poking fun at something or someone and being offensive. Use tact and consideration in your speech.

A Fun Way to Say Goodbye

Your graduation speech is the perfect time to sum up your experiences over the past years and close this chapter of life. Infuse the speech with a youthful spirit, ingenuity, and humor to make it an experience others will never forget. Now all you have to do is figure out your graduation thank you speech to give to your loved ones at your party.

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r/AskReddit is the place to ask and answer thought-provoking questions.

Anyone have any funny/good ideas for my valedictorian speech in two days.

Well I'm giving the valedictorian speech for my Highs School this Saturday. I was wondering if Reddit could help me brainstorm. Right now it's set up as a list of advice/memories/fun facts/stories/other. So if there's a good idea it could quite possibly become part of the list. Also I'm looking for more funny/unconventional ideas other than stereotypical graduation speeches.