Commencement Speech for College

Last Updated: May 31, 2024

Commencement Speech for College

Graduation. A happy milestone for any student. Making speeches for this type of event is normal if not expected. As expected, this speech is made either by teachers or outstanding students as a way of saying thank you for the hard work they have put in. Commencement speeches often differ in length. They could be short or long. This article will show you some examples, definitions and tips to writing a good commencement speech that could wow the crowd. 

8+ Commencement Speech for College Examples

1. College Graduates Commencement Speech

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2. College Student Commencement Speech

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3. Columbia College Commencement Speech

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4. College Commencement Speech Template

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5. Olin College Commencement Speech

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6. Community College Commencement Speech

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7. Standard College Commencement Speech

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8. Degree College Commencement Speech

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9. Science College Commencement Speech

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Definition of Commencement

A commencement means the beginning of something. The beginning of a moment.  A ceremony where a community celebrates new beginnings. It is a type of event wherein students formally receive their degrees or diplomas. A ceremony which students, parents, and teachers attend to celebrate a new milestone in life.

Definition of Speech

The term Speech is defined as a means of communication between two or more people. A conversation, an exchange of ideas, opinions and expressions. A formal address or a lecture a person makes for an event. Speech is an art of expressing one’s belief, ideas, thoughts through formulating words. Speeches are often used in lectures, public speaking, events and in any formal or informal place for discourse.

Definition of Commencement Speech

A commencement speech is a type of speech that is delivered by a student, a teacher, a politician or the dean of that university. This speech is made for graduating students. Commencement speeches are often written to celebrate experiences, accomplishments, achievements and their hopes for their future. Commencement speeches can range from any appropriate topic that blends with the theme of the graduating class.

Importance of Commencement Speeches

The use of and importance of a commencement speech, is to inspire everyone, especially the graduating class. The speech is not used to amuse or to entertain students and those who are listening. Neither is it used to bore them. The importance is to instruct the students of their future endeavors. To instruct them in a way that would also inspire them to see the bigger picture.

Tips for Writing Commencement Speeches

Writing commencement speeches is going to be a challenge. Without a doubt, any type of speech can be a challenge, but like any challenge, there is always a solution. Some tips for helping you get started on writing a commencement speech.

  • Draft your speech- As excited as you are in making it possible, write a draft first. Write down all your ideas. They do not need to be a full sentence, as this is merely a starting point. Drafting helps make your speech better. Pour out your heart into it even if it is simply a draft. Brainstorming ideas start here.
  • Thank the people who made it possible- Do not forget to thank the people present. Fellow graduates, parents, teachers, dean, special guests. This should be the first few sentences to be seen in the speech. The rest follows.
  • Go straight to the point – Do not beat around the bush. Do not use words you do not mean. As well as to avoid having to make the speech too long. The speech is made to inspire people, not to bore them.
  • Avoid making negative remarks – Say what you want to say. However, avoid making negative comments or remarks like “you will regret it”. This is not inspiring and should never be said or placed in the speech.
  • Inspire not Regret – Remember that this speech is made to inspire and not to make students regret their decision. Your speech should sound inspiring. Share an experience you had that inspires you.
  • Revise and present- Once you have written your speech, from the draft that you made, revise. Check for details you may misplace. Double check your spelling as well. With that being said, it’s time you present that awesome speech.

FAQs

What is a commencement speech?

A commencement speech is a type of speech that is made during a graduation ceremony. Commencement speeches are usually given by outstanding students, their dean, a teacher or a politician attending the graduation.

Why is a commencement speech important?

A commencement speech is important because this is the speech that should inspire students once they get out into the real world. College was practice, real life is the real deal. This speech is to simply prepare students to see the bigger picture.

How long should my speech be?

Your speech should not last more than ten minutes. The reason for this is because a commencement speech is not made to sound boring nor amusing. This is a serious type of speech made for graduation events.

How many words will it count for writing a commencement speech?

Around one thousand to two thousand five hundred words.

It goes without saying writing speeches can be the biggest challenge anyone has to face. Writing a speech to inspire can be more of a personal thing than based on academics. When you write your commencement speech, remember to inspire. Students need inspiration more than they need a good scolding. Let them see the bigger picture by placing it in your speech. Lastly, do not overdo it. Let it flow. Your main course is to inspire. Good luck and congratulations to all graduates.

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