Write the perfect graduation speech
Every day of high school, for four years, we watched morning announcements on our classroom TVs. And every year, for four years, our principal Mrs. M finished announcements with the same cheesy line: make it a great day or not, the choice is yours.
I cannot tell you how many times we joked about that line.
Fast forward to graduation night, when Mrs. M took a moment to poke fun of herself. She told us that it would be the last time we would have to hear her signature catchphrase. She mused that it was the end of an era in our lives, of our high school chapter—but she knew we would all choose greatness, every day, anyways.
She did a lot right during that speech. As we approach graduation season, I know many of you are planning speeches, from drafting your own to ghostwriting for your district’s leadership. We’re sharing a few tips to help you along the way!
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Make It About Your Audience
We’re not subtle about our stance: we don’t believe in writing for “the general public.” But when it comes to end-of-year speeches (and especially an event like graduation), it gets even more specific than that.
Focus on families and students. This is not the time to talk about your strategic plan or how well your district managed the pandemic. It’s all about making your audience the star of the speech. For example, when talking about how we would make every day a great day, Mrs. M shared anecdotes about her time with our class—and how she knew that we could do anything we set our minds to. (Including the time we snuck a pup into our Spanish class every day for a week before being discovered.)
Use humor. Do you have a school-wide joke? A funny incident related to the graduating class? Share it! In just a few lines, Mrs. M was able to make us nostalgic, to laugh with her as she poked fun of herself, and to ground us in what the night was all about: the future. But remember to keep it FUN and positive. (Here's an example of some not-so-great practices to avoid.)
Show your personality. It’s important to remember that your audience is most going to connect with you, if you’re being your genuine self. For example, if you’re not a formal speaker in your everyday life, this is not the speech where you start! In addition to being a district leader, you’re also someone with a family and friends, hobbies, with passion for education. From anecdotes about your first child’s graduation (that is sure to help you connect with parents and caregivers) to sharing how much each graduating student means to you, let your personality shine through!
Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself. If you have a signature catchphrase, a story you like to tell, or something you’re known for, use it. You don’t have to create all-original content every time. Is there a quote, song lyric or saying you love? Use it, just make sure to credit the author.
And finally, bring the happy. Y’all. We are TIRED of being stressed, of wondering what the future will bring. Remember that your end-of-year speech is an opportunity to bring positive energy to your district’s families and to look toward a bright, promising future. Focus on the good ahead!
When writing a speech like this, I like to ask myself, “will students and families both walk away feeling warm and looking forward to the future?” If my answer is yes, I’ve done my job well.
Not only will this end one class’s journey on a high note, it will also build excitement for students who are returning to your district in the fall.
So, make it a great speech. (Or not. Like Mrs. M taught me, the choice is yours.)
