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How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Last Updated: December 10, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Lynn Kirkham . Lynn Kirkham is a Professional Public Speaker and Founder of Yes You Can Speak, a San Francisco Bay Area-based public speaking educational business empowering thousands of professionals to take command of whatever stage they've been given - from job interviews, boardroom talks to TEDx and large conference platforms. Lynn was chosen as the official TEDx Berkeley speaker coach for the last four years and has worked with executives at Google, Facebook, Intuit, Genentech, Intel, VMware, and others. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,150,627 times.

Giving your valedictorian or graduation speech at the end of your time at high school is both an exciting and sometimes daunting task, and it is one that most speech givers relish. Its aim is to provide a persuasive, moving, and ultimately uplifting speech. You want to give your listeners a fond farewell to high school, and also inspire them to go out and achieve greatness. That's quite a task for a speech giver in just one address. You can do it, though, as long as you plan and prepare your address before you get up to speak.

Planning Your Speech

Step 1 Read other graduation speeches.

  • Steve Jobs at Stanford in 2005
  • J.K. Rowling at Harvard in 2008
  • David Foster Wallace at Kenyon in 2009

Step 2 Find a theme.

  • “Find and follow your passion”
  • “You do not need to be perfect”
  • “If you think and believe you can, you can”
  • “Try selflessness and give back”

Step 3 Make an outline.

  • Your outline should include multiple parts, sections, and subsections.

Step 4 Talk to other students.

  • Note any themes or trends amongst the students. Find the most common and important ones, and stick with those.
  • Don't forget the smaller memories and lesser-known stories. Mentioning them during your speech will help make those people feel noticed.

Step 5 Remember your audience.

  • If you aren’t sure how your speech will go, think about if you were listening to it. Is this the kind of speech you would like to hear at your graduation? [5] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source
  • If you’re not sure you would enjoy it, your fellow students probably won’t either.

Step 6 Keep it short.

  • Talk to your principal or teachers to get a sense of how much time you have. If they don’t have good guidelines, 5 to 10 minutes should be more than enough.
  • The average speaker reads about 120 words in a minute. That is a little less than 1 page of double-spaced,16-point font, which you’ll want because it is easier to read. [7] X Research source

Step 7 Put your most important message at the end.

  • Keep the message short, brief and to the point. This will make it easier to remember.
  • Your message does not have to be philosophical or mundane. It can be humorous.

Including Important Parts

Step 1 Thank people.

  • One way to make this more accessible to the rest of the class is to finish this section by encouraging or reminding the other graduates to thank someone too.

Step 2  Include a...

  • One style of joke is the funny inspirational quote, like Will Rogers’s “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there,” or Ben Franklin’s “You will find the key to success under the alarm clock.” These clever lines can be a good start to a speech, introducing your big theme. [10] X Research source
  • Look for funny stories specific to your school. These can help personalize your speech, and reference things that most of the audience will recognize. You can make fun of school construction that was “building the future one closed hallway at a time.”
  • You only need to include a few jokes. This is a valedictorian speech, not an audition for your stand-up comedy career.
  • Remember to write them down and rehearse them just like the rest of your speech. You don’t stumble over the punchlines or forget how they go on the big day.
  • Keep it clean. Your audience will include teachers, parents, grandparents, and siblings, including your own, so make sure your jokes are appropriate for all.

Step 3 Reflect on the past.

  • Make sure you mention specific accomplishments. Look for sports championships, awards, charity events, anything that you or your classmates accomplished during your time in high school. The more examples you can include that don’t involve you, the better. You are celebrating your whole class’ accomplishments, not just your own.

Step 4 Talk about what comes next.

  • As the valedictorian, you are probably going on to college after graduating. That may not be true for everyone in your class, so don’t forget to mention other possible avenues like getting a job or serving in the military.
  • If you aren’t sure what kinds of things your classmates are doing after graduation, that’s a great thing to ask when you talk to them.

Step 5 Tell a personal story.

  • If you don’t have a specific funny story about you or your friends, consider talking about how you’ve changed over your time in high school. Think about how you felt when you started as a freshman, how you got lost in the large school, or couldn’t reach your locker. A personal story is also a good way to add a little self-deprecating humor, as long as you are comfortable telling a story where you don’t look brilliant or cool.

Step 6 Avoid cliches.

  • This means quotes too. One or two good quotes from famous people can be useful, as long as they relate directly to your main point. Remember that people want to hear you talk, not recite a list of famous lines.

Delivering Your Speech

Step 1 Practice your speech.

  • If you can, recreate the setting as much as possible. Wear your cap and gown so you will be comfortable in them, and practice at the podium or where the graduation is, if possible. The more familiar you are with the setting, the more comfortable you will be in giving your speech.

Step 2  Keep it...

  • Letting one or two tears out can be fine. You can always pass it off by blaming allergies, or make a joke about it being dusty in the room.

Step 3 Enjoy yourself.

Sample Valedictorian Speeches

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

Expert Q&A

Lynn Kirkham

  • Remember that you were picked to be valedictorian for a reason. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, to speak as the representative of your graduating class, so give it your best. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Bring a copy of your speech. While you may be able to memorize it, practicing in front of the mirror or your friends is a bit different than speaking at the actual graduation. Even if you think you know it all by heart, you’ll want the little reminder just in case. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

  • Avoid doing distracting things while giving your speech. This means keeping your phone off, making sure you don’t have a noisy keychain or coins in your pocket, and not chewing gum while speaking. These will make it difficult for people to hear you, and won’t keep their attention on your words. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 2
  • Many high schools will review your speech before you give it to make sure you don’t touch on any controversial or inappropriate topics. It is not a good idea to submit one speech to the school, then give a completely different one as a way to get around this. Thanks Helpful 17 Not Helpful 6
  • Avoid plagiarism. This is your speech, not a chance to use someone else’s. Make sure your work is original to you and your school. With so many speeches available online, it can be tempting to just copy one for yourself, but remember that will make it easy for people to catch you as well. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 7

You Might Also Like

Prepare and Give a Speech

  • ↑ https://personalexcellence.co/blog/graduation-speeches/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/speeches/
  • ↑ http://onlinespeechwriting.com/how-to-write-a-valedictorian-speech-an-effective-guide.html
  • ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/audience/
  • ↑ https://skillpath.com/blog/hate-public-speaking
  • ↑ http://blog.oup.com/2015/05/how-to-write-graduation-speech/
  • ↑ https://www.bigbencomedy.com/archives/what-do-you-do-when-nobody-laughs/
  • ↑ https://routinelynomadic.com/funny-inspirational-quotes/
  • ↑ https://www.hawaii.edu/mauispeech/html/practicing_speeches.html
  • ↑ http://www.npr.org/2010/12/06/131734718/just-breathe-body-has-a-built-in-stress-reliever

About This Article

Lynn Kirkham

To write a valedictorian speech, start by deciding on your theme. Choose something inspiring, like “find and follow your passion,” “you don’t need to be perfect,” or “if you think and believe you can, you can.” Then, make an outline of the speech with a few major points and a couple of jokes throughout, and plan to make your most important point at the end. Remember to thank the people who have helped your class along the way, and take time to reflect on the past. For tips on handling speech anxiety and connecting with your audience, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Frantically Speaking

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

Hrideep barot.

  • Speech Writing

high school graduation ceremony

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

writing a 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

high school 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.  

Hrideep Barot

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Speechworks

Here’s a template for a valedictory speech.

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.

Speeko

How to Write a Valedictorian Speaking (Ideas, Tips, and Examples)

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

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Close up, my dear valedictorian! You’re in for a fantastic ride, and it’s your time to shine! I have an prodigious responsibility and an incredible respect in ship a speech that actually captures your experiences, thoughts, and values. Here’s a Template for a Valedictory Speech

Yours speech should reflect your unique experience and which you represent. So, let’s explore ways for make your speech magical!

👉 3 valedictorian speech examples

Valedictorian vs. salutatorian speeches: What’s the difference?

Traditionally, the salutatorian’s play is for welcome everyone to the graduation ceremony on behalf of the graduating class.

In difference, your speech is explicitly directed toward your former and given toward the finalize of the ceremony. Your role is to encourage your comrades to reflect on their experiences, celebrate the momentum, and share wisdom with the years ahead.

💡 Specialist tip: Work with the salutatorian to make sure your speeches aren’t too similar.

So what should I say?

Use who Past-Present-Future framework as your guide.

Theme:  What’s the main message that ties your speech together? If the graduation already has a theme, include it.

Opening:  Introduce yourself.

Key Idea 1: (Past)  Share a story, memory, or viewing highlighting a positive value about your friends, schools, community, with past events.

Key Thoughts 2: (Present)  Talk about what manufactures today special.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  Talk about how you look forward to the years going. Mention the uncertainties ahead. Give examples of people’s future plans, such as professions, skills, and geographical locations. Make predictions. Share advice.

Closing:  Give a call to action. Tie it back to to theme.

💡 Pro hot: Your closure speech should include at least 1 or 2 stories. Stories will make your speech personal or getting.

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

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What ideas should I include for my valedictorian speech?

Your speech shouldn capture how everyone in your class feels. And don’t oblivion to add your own personal touch too! Here have a few important pieces until keep in mind:

Gratitude:  First and foremost, show your gratitude. Express thanks to the people who have aided to: your parents, your teachers, your classmates, and your friendship. Lets your how just how much your support has designed to you.

Reflection:  Take some time to reflect. Exchange class achievements, challenges, and memories. Talk about the experiences that have helpful shape you and your class as people. And don’t forget to press on the lessons you’ve learnt along the way!

Inspired:  Share your aspirations, and please certain are your classmates’ goals of your classmates (no need in name names). Encourage your classmates to follow their dreams, take risks, and positively influence the world. It’s an large task, but I have faith in you.

Fun:  ADENINE little laughter can go a long way in breaking the ice and connecting with your audience. If you’re not spontaneous funny, that’s well! This doesn’t mean you have to tell a joke or share a funny story. Her can make your lecture fun by using a lively volume and include body language.

Advice:  Last but not least, offer some advice. You’ve gained plenty of wisdom away your experiences and to people who had swayed you. So take this opportunity to share some of which skills with your classmates.

Methods long should a valedictorian speech be?

The length of a valedictorian speech can vary depending at your ceremony. But as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to aim for a speech that’s around 5 to 10 minutes long.

Now reason is that? Right, you’ll want to give herself enough time to cover all the hauptfluss ideas you want to share. But at the same time, you’ll want to make this short enough so that you don’t bore or tire your audience. So finding that sweet spot is press.

💡 Maven tip: Time your speech beforehand. Or don’t just do it once. Repeat it plural times at make sure i flows light and suitable within the time limit. The way, you can go into your graduation ceremony with the confidence of knowing you’ve got this speech thing down pat.

How can I make mys valedictorian address memorable?

Let’s talk about how to make your valedictorian speech memorable. More are some tips for help you achieve that goal:

Connect with your audience:  Voice to your classmates on a personnel level. Fork example, you can inform an inside joking so alone your classmates would understand and then explain the joke momentarily till everyone use in attendance.

Share a story:  Books belong powerful tools to capture the attention and emotions of your audience. Recount a personalize anecdote such their audience can relationships the.

Utilize humor:  Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and make your speech more enjoying. Use appropriate jokes, puns, or humor related to to graduation or my. But remember until keep it respectful both appropriate for your audience.

Share adenine quote:  Quotes are a wide method to add wisdom and inhalation to your address. Use a excerpt from one famous person, book, or movie that highlights your message and that your audience can remember. This can help reinforce your theme and make it more memorable.

What are some tips for delivering a successful valedictorian speech?

Delivering a great valedictorian speak supported a bit off preparation and practice. So, here are some points to help you nail your delivery:

Prepare in advance:  Don’t procrastinate! Write it down, rehearse it many times, and time it the ensure it fits within the time limit.

Speak clearly or slowly:  Avoid murmurous or jumbling talk mumbles. Keep your chin up, speak slowly enough for people to understand you, additionally use take to stress important words.

Use your body:  Your body language can help add several oomph to your speech. Use your hands, front, and bearing to help express your emotions and message. And don’t forget to make eye get to connect with your interview!

Manage your nerves:  Don’t rented nerves get to thou. It’s common to can one little jittery before speakers, but try to relax by getting deep breaths, visualizing self rocking which speech, and setting on your message.

Use the “you”:  When you use “you,” “we,” and “us,” you bring yours audience closer to you and make themselves feel included. It’s a easier technique, and he makes one powerful difference. Accordingly when you review a design from your speech, face for select to application “you” as often as potential.

Practice:  Practice do perfect, my comrade. Praxis the speech different times before the graduation ceremony on get comfortable with your message and delivery. Use feedback from others at improve your speaking.

Be yourself:  Don’t trying on be someone you’re not. Speak from the heart, how really to thy values, and let own characteristics shine through. Remember, you’re the valedictorian for a justification!

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

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Wherewith can I make my valedictorian speech meaningful?

Creating a meaningful valedictorian speech is all about being genuine to yourself and connecting with your crowd. Here are einige tips to construct our languages meaningful:

Residence positive:  Focus on the good things about your theoretical journey and yours future schedules. Encourage your classmates to pursue their dreams and make one gap in the world. And hey, negative must to be medium press snarky. Keep it respectable.

Be inclusive:  Include everyone in your speech. Use language is a inclusive and respectfully on all members of your audience.

Show empathy:  Try understanding and connecting with your classmate’s experience additionally emotions. What would they want up listen about? What would make your speech meaningful to them? Split stories that resonate with them and show that to care about their point. Use emotional choice to really unite with them. Items can be as simple as naming the emotionality: “We’re all  anxiously  about what’s to come…” or “I know you all are just as  thrilled  about the future as I am….”

That should I avoid once writing an valedictorian speech?

When you’re putting together your valedictorian speech, some common falsche additionally pitfalls can disparage from your message and ship. Here are some tips to help thee avoid common mistakes: AN few penalties about yourself so will be read aloud during the grad ceremony as you cross the stage. Follow the guidelines below and read the sample ...

Avoid clichés: Steer distinct of abused phrases that don’t have each origins or truth to them. Use your own words both experiences to share your message.

Keep humble: You don’t want to come across as arrogant or condescending whenever talking about respective achievements either your classmates. Keep a humble and respectful volume this shows thanks and appreciation.

Skip controversial topics: You don’t want to discuss anything that might offend button partitioning your audience. Keep things upbeat and inspiring so that everyone can relate to is message.

Mind your language: Don’t use inappropriate wording, jokes, or stories that could offend or embarrass somebody in your listener. Keep things considerate and appropriate for all ages and backgrounds.

Don’t ramble: Your focused, press don’t go off on a tangent in their speech. Keep gear concise and focused on your main ideas on ensure owner message happen across clear.

What are some creative ways to start ampere valedictorian speech?

When it comes to writing the crack of your valedictorian speech, it can be challenging to set which tone for the rest of yours speech. But don’t worry. Her were several creative ways go get you started: Learn wie to deliver a winning valedictorian speech with our helpful ideas, topic, and examples. Spot how to capture owner audience's attention, make will speech remembering, and depart a lasting impact. With ours guidance, you'll be well on your way to crafting a valedictorian speaking that truly standing

Share a quote:  You can start your phone with a powerful quote that relates to own message and sticks in your classmates’ minds.

Use humor:  Start with adenine funny story, joke, or pun related to your graduation or comrades. You can contain a scarce jokes. Just be careful not on go overboard with the humor.

Saying a story:  Share a personal story. It can subsist from your before years in school or even just last week!

Ask a rhetorical asked:  Start your speech about a rhetorical question that cues choose classmates to think about their message and gets them engaged.

Use a metaphor:  Start with adenine metaphor that relates to your message additionally stains a vivid picture in your audience’s minds.

What are some topics to discuss inbound a valedictorian speech?

Choosing a theme for their valedictorian speech can be a real head-scratcher. The key is to weave stories into owner speech. Stories the are specific and vivid will keep your audience engaged and entertained. Let’s take a look to some possible themes:

Gratitude:  Think to someone who had a life-altering influence switch your academic journey—maybe a teacher, progenitor, or friend—and share a story about your. You pot even reveal a low “secret” regarding this person you think the audience should know. This desire deliver your speech a more intimate feel.

Cherished memories:  Ah, memories. Yours can be a great way to connect with your audience. Share neat of their favorite moments you and your classmates have shared. Try on find a common theme among those memories such can become the theme fork your entire speech.

Achievements:  As the valedictorian, you’ve achieved a lot, and so have your peers. So reason not celebration those achievements additionally reflect on the hard work, induction, and perseverance that led you show to this flash? Use your getting as an example, or inspire your classmates to continue pursuing their achievements.

Change:  Reflect on that changes and challenges them and your mates have faced at your academic journey. Available example, how did the pandemic impact own class? Or how did major advances in technology bring your class nearer together?

The future:  Share choose aspirations and goals, or inspire your classmates to pursue to dreams and positively impact who world. This become be an nice contrast to the my you tell about the past.

What is that best way to end a valedictorian speech?

Ending a valedictorian spoken is fairly as important as starting it. The ending should leave a lasting impression on your target and finalize on a high tip. Here are ways you can end your speech: Could 6, 2020 - Explore Janet Collert's rack "Valedictorian speech examples", followed by 143 my on Pinterest. See more inspiration around valedictorian speech examples, valedictorian, speech.

Tie thereto back to your theme:  Pick a moment to summarize your key ideas and highlight the key results of your speech. Such will help reinforce to contact and ensure that will audience remembers it.

Use humor:  End your speech with a lighthearted joke or pun the sheet your audience smiling and envelopes up your message nicely.

Express gratitude:  If thou haven’t thanked people older in you speech, take a minute until appreciate your comrade graduates, you teachers, to family, and anyone else those has endorsed she throughout your academic journey. Showing thanking and appreciation can creates a positive, uplifting ending in your speech.

Encourage action:  Inspire your audience to take plot on on my message. You could encourage them into pursue hers passions or make ampere positive impact.

Share a quote:  End your speech with an powerful quote this relates to your news and that your audience can remember. Leave them with a thought-provoking idea.

How canister I find inspiration for my valedictorian speech?

Finding inspiration for your valedictorian lecture can be challenging, though there are many ways on procure inspired. Here are some picks:

Reflect on your experiences:  Look behind at our journey, and think with this moments that made a real impact on you. Your personal lessons, thoughts, plus values are all great sources of inspiration.

Right start writing!  Grab your calling (or a pen additionally paper) the jot down all the ideas that come to will mind, no matter what goofy or impossible they seem. You not know—one of such ideas could turn into a great speech!

Talk until people:  Bouncing your ideas off rest is always a good idea. Talk to your family, friends, and teachers available their perspectives and inside. They may have valuables ideas plus feedback on aid you shaping your speech.

Research:  Take a listen the other valedictorian speeches, outset speeches, and inspirational speeches to get some ideas. See what working and what doesn’t.

And don’t remember to have enjoyment is computers! This remains your minute to brilliancy, so enjoy it and build the most of it. Fine luck!

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

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🎭 Example 1

Theme:  Community

Opening:  Good back, esteemed departments members, parents, families, friends, and fellow graduates. As the valedictorian, it’s an honor to have you all at our grad ceremony. My name remains [Name]. Today footprints the end of a section in our lives and the beginning the a new one.

Key Idea 1: (Past)  4 years ago, we were just a group of freshmen with no clue of what we endured doing, trying to find our way tested the laboratory: which classes to sign up for, which extracurriculars to join, which friend group to strive to fit into. And will, before wee knew it, we be seniors. We had a sense of aim, trying on drop our mark set this educate. We’ve had countless memories, coming finals-week jitters to the carefree day starting senioritis. Plus wee made it through, and here ours are today, ready up take on the world.

As a theater kid, IODIN verbracht a lot of my time by rehearsing for an play or performing to one. During we first year, I was cast in our school’s creation of “Grease.” I was thrilled. I had always wanted until player Sandy, and my dream finally came true. When, on getting night, natural struck. As I walked onto the tier, I glided on one piece of confetti. But ME didn’t drop flatly in my face. No, even worse: I forgot my cable. The silence in the auditorium was deafening. Mein heart was pounding up to may heed. The for a moment, the entire world froze. But then, the person gaming Frenchy ad-libbed a pipe toward get us back on track, and that show continued on.

Later, IODIN was talking to my parents about a, or they were no key that anything had gone inaccurate.

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Looking go on so moment, I realize that language and even life are filled at moments like that. We all stumble at different points, additionally we has to be there for each other. School isn’t just about textbooks. It’s about the community we discover out from the classroom. This are how we grow into the best versions is ourselves. No matter how long our friends stay in our lives, they permanently shape my worldview. As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said: “One’s mind, once elongated by adenine new idea, never regains its originals dimensions.”

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As for the future, who knows as it holds? But to thing is for sure: we will create the most of it. We having total worked extremely hard until get to where we are today, and I own no doubt that we wish go to done so in the future. We’ll scatter around and world and turn part of different communities. Furthermore one world will never recovery its source dimensions.

Closing:  So, up everyone here, I urge your until allow yourself to slip over the cream, forget your lines, and—most importantly—let people will there for you. Learn from thy communes, grow with your communities, and maybe even how build one of your owns. Congratulations, Class of [Year], also let’s all enjoy today as ampere once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

🏀 Instance 2

Theme:  Perseverance

Opening:  Good afternoon, fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, our, and friends. Mys name is [Name], and I am honored the greeting you all to this momentous occasion: our finish. And I can’t help but feel an sense of nostalgia by the memories we’ve done and a sense in excitement on the future that lies ahead starting us.

Push Thought 1: (Past)  In the past four years, we’ve laughed, cries, learned, and grewn together. We’ve experienced moments the succeed and junctures of defeat.

One-time of the highlights are my school experience used being a basketball player. For early-morning practices to late-night games, it has taught meier some valuable life lessons.

During our junior year, we were in one middle of a critically competition. With only a few transactions left on the beat, ME had the ball in my hands, or I is ready to make one game-winning shot. EGO could hear the all and screams of my teammates and fans in the background. But then, out a everywhere, I tripped and fell, losing an ball and my chance to win who game.

I felt defeated both embarrassed. It was that ampere lower score. But Coach [Name] later told me this: “Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, things don’t go as projected. However it’s how we react to those moments that define us. It’s all about perseverance.” How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples) — Speeko - the #1 public speaking usage

Keys Idea 2: (Present)  Today, we’re ready to take on the after chapter of unsere lives. Right marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Today is a day we honorable our teachers, manage, and staff who have guided and supported us throughout our journey. Today represents a significant milestone in our lives and the begin of ampere novel chapter.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  And in the futures, I can’t wait to show what our getting take contact. Some of us will go on go college, others determination enter the workforce, additionally some want serve our country in which military. Someone will become an entrepreneur, artist, or athlete—or all is the above. Whatever path wealth choose, I’m confident that we can all attain greatness. And we willingness beyond have many moments of triumph as well as many moments of defeat. It’s how we responses in those moments that will define about. Whatever we do, I hope we never forget the lessons wee own learners here on [School name] and continued to grow starting unsere experiences.

Closing:  Thank him to my friends and families for your unwavering supported. And to mystery fellowship graduates, ME am honored toward have collective these foursome years with you all. Congratulations, Class on [Year]! Let’s make the future bright!

📚 Example 3

Theme:  Appreciate the small instants

Opening:  Good evening, fellow graduates, esteemed faculty, proud parents, and distinction guests. It’s an honor to stand befor you in the valedictorian of our graduating type. Own name is [Name]. I’d enjoy at warmly welcome everyone in attendance and express my gratitude for being portion of such memorable occasion.

Key Think 1: (Past)  I’d similar to get one moment to reflect on to past experiences. Four years ago, we came into which hallways as timid rookies, doubtful what the next quaternary years would fetch. We stumbled through our first day of school, wrestling at finds the paths to our classes. But quick enough, we found are route or began to thriving.

One of my fondest storage can although I what a sophomore and sat down in one classroom for one final exam. I sat down, confident in how well MYSELF prepared, only to realize I knew something via what what on the exam leaves. Subsequently frantically flipping through insert notes, I looked top to see aforementioned wrong teacher staring at me from the front von the room. Subsequently I looked around and realized IODIN was surrounded through seniors! I had walked into the wrong classroom. It was one humbling experience, to say the least. And it been a small moment, but it’s one ensure I’ll none forgot.

Key Inception 2: (Present)  Looking back, I realize now that it’s not just the intellectual achievements that make our time here so special. It’s that small rotary, the smile shared in his friends, the support of our teachers, and the sense of community that make like into remarkable experience.

Today can ampere date we’ll remember for years to come. We’re stuffed with excitement, anticipation, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It’s a day that marker the end of one chapter in our lives and the beginning of a new can, a day where us celebration which culmination of yearning of hardness work, dedication, and perseverance. Today, we’ve come together more a [School mascot] community, ready to pick on the world with confidence also termination. Computer is a day that remembers us concerning the without potential were hold through ourselves and the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As we stand on the cusp of our past, the worldwide is our oyster. We have been given and tools to succeed, real immediate it is up toward us to utilize they to who best from our ability.

We’re moving forward into the next phase starting our lives, and wealth can’t forget the values and lessons we will learned with our while here. The friendships we’ve constructed, to teachers who’ve managed us, and the experiences that have shaped us—these will anytime be a part of how. These graduation character from parents to their kids wants have your wailing the happiest tears

Closing:  So, the my fellow graduates and everyone who has come here to sustain us, let us celebrating our accomplishments, cherish the low moments, also face move the an bright save. Thank you, furthermore congratulations into the graduating class of [Year].

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

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Inspiring Valedictorian Speech Examples to Help You Write Your Own

VALEDICTORIAN Speech

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 .

How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian

A good valedictory speech takes preparation and practice

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The valedictory speech is a staple of graduation ceremonies. It is usually delivered by the valedictorian (the student with the highest grades in the graduating class), although some colleges and high schools have abandoned the practice of naming a valedictorian. The terms "valedictory" and "valedictorian" come from the Latin valedicere , meaning a formal farewell, and this is core to what a valedictory speech should be.

Understand the Goal

The valedictorian speech should fulfill two goals: It should convey a "sending off" message  to the members of a graduating class, and it should inspire them to leave school ready to embark on an exciting new adventure. You likely have been chosen to deliver this speech because you've proven you are an excellent student who can live up to adult responsibilities. Now it's time to make every student in your class feel special.

As you prepare your speech , think about your shared experiences with the class and the people with whom you shared them. This should include popular and quiet students, class clowns and brains, teachers, principals, professors, deans, and other school employees. It's important to make everyone feel as if they played an important role in this shared experience.

If you have limited experience in certain aspects of school life, ask for help in collecting important names and events you might not know about. Are there clubs or teams that won prizes? Students who volunteered in the community?

Compile a List of Highlights

Make a list of highlights of your time in school, putting more emphasis on the current year. Start with these brainstorming questions:

  • Who received awards or scholarships?
  • Were any sports records broken?
  • Is a teacher retiring after this year?
  • Did your class have a reputation with teachers , good or bad?
  • How many students remain from freshman year?
  • Was there a dramatic event in the world this year?
  • Was there a dramatic event at your school?
  • Was there a funny moment everyone enjoyed?

You might need to conduct personal interviews to learn about these benchmarks.

Write the Speech

Valedictory speeches often combine humorous and serious elements. Start by greeting your audience with a "hook" that grabs their attention. For example, you could say, "Senior year has been full of surprises," or "We're leaving the faculty with lots of interesting memories," or "This senior class has set records in some unusual ways."

Organize your speech into topics describing these elements. You might want to start with an event that's on everyone's mind, such as a championship basketball season, a student featured on a television show, or a tragic event in the community. Then focus on the other highlights, putting them into context and explaining their importance. For example:

"This year, Jane Smith won a National Merit Scholarship. This may not seem like a big deal, but Jane overcame a year of illness to achieve this goal. Her strength and perseverance are an inspiration to our whole class."

Use Anecdotes and Quotes

Come up with anecdotes to illustrate your shared experiences. These brief stories can be funny or poignant. You could say, "When the student newspaper printed a story about the family who lost their home to a fire, our classmates rallied and organized a series of fundraisers."

You can sprinkle in quotes from famous people as well. These quotes work best in the introduction or conclusion and should reflect the theme of your speech. For example:

  • "The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again." (Charles Dickens)
  • "You will find the key to success under the alarm clock." (Benjamin Franklin)
  • "There is only one success: to be able to spend your life in your own way." (Christopher Morley)

Plan for Time

Be mindful of the appropriate length of your speech. Most people speak about 175 words per minute, so a 10-minute speech should contain about 1,750 words. You can fit about 250 words onto a double-spaced page, so that translates to seven pages of double-spaced text for 10 minutes of speaking time.

Tips for Preparing to Speak

It's important to practice your valedictory speech before giving it. This will help you troubleshoot problem spots, cut boring parts, and add elements if you're running short. You should:

  • Practice reading your speech aloud to see how it sounds
  • Time yourself, but remember you may speak faster when you're nervous
  • Focus on remaining calm
  • Put aside comedy if it feels unnatural
  • Be tactful if broaching a tragic topic you feel needs to be included. Consult a teacher or adviser if you have any doubts.

If possible, practice your speech using the microphone in the location where you'll be graduating—your best chance might be just before the event. This will give you an opportunity to experience the sound of your magnified voice, figure out how to stand, and get past any butterflies in your stomach .

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Amazing Valedictorian Speech Examples & Tips | SpeechPaths

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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Valedictorian Speech: How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Valedictorian Speech

So you did it! You graduated at the top of your class. Now you have to write your Valedictorian Speech. However, since this is the first (and only) time you will ever do it, you may not know exactly how to write a valedictorian speech . You are not alone. Just about every Valedictorian or Salutatorian has gone through this. You work very hard to get to the top, and now you have five minutes to educate, entertain, and inspire your classmates. And, of course, the task is so much easier because your classmates are so accepting and non-judgmental. (Yeah, right!)

Well the outline below can show you step-by-step how to write a Valedictorian Speech (or Salutatorian Speech). This is the final part of our five part series on How to Design a Presentation . In the previous posts, we have covered how to persuade an audience , best practices for a commencement speech , and wedding toast tips . So, check out any of the other posts for additional details.

A Few Tips About How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Before you get started with your speech, it is a good idea to Create a Theme for Your Graduation Speech . Take a look at the later half of the previous post about Graduation Speeches for ideas on possible themes. Basically, the theme is the overall point or inspiration of your speech. If you start with a good theme, all of your stories, jokes, and inspirational quotes will mesh well together.

  • Start with Some Humor

How Humor helps your speech

(This might work if you are really short or if your friends don’t really think of you as athletic.) I remember the first time that I saw an NBA game on TV. I was memorized. The players were so big, so talented, and so athletic, that I was just hooked. I remember, jumping off the couch and running to my dad and shouting, “Dad, when I grow up, I’m going to be an NBA star!” My dad just rolled his eyes and said, “Son, graduation is tomorrow night, why don’t you just work on your speech.”
(This one works well if a superhero movie was popular when you were a kid.) I remember the first time that I saw the Batman movie. He was so cool and so rich that he could spend his nights fighting crime. I knew then and there what I wanted to be when I grew up. I jumped off the couch and ran to my mom shouting, Mom, when I grow up, I’m going to be Batman.” My Mom looked me dead in the eye and said, “You graduate next week. Stop trying to get out of delivering that speech.”

Alternatively, just tell a funny story from your experience at school. These stories are easy to prepare, and they will help you reduce your nervousness when speaking. (Stories are easy because they add some humor and are easy to remember.)

  • A Fun Way to Create a Kind Of Nostalgia Feel is to Recount Things Seen in the Four Years

One of the fun things about High School is the life-long memories created in these years. If you want a little inspiration, download the old Billy Joel song, “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

Be nostalgic

For example, you might say something like… “Since we walked into this school as freshmen, we have seen smartphone apps that help people recover from strokes. A millionaire TV star was elected president. Our baseball team won district for the first time in 22 years. Mr. Jones lost a lot more hair. (I think a lot of that was as a result of the stress that I put on him. I apologize sir.) Etc.

This type of recitation is unique to a Valedictorian or Salutatorian speech. Keep in mind that, although you are the person speaking, you are really a representation of the entire class. So, the more that you help the class relive the good times, the more that they will like your speech.

  • Add an Inspirational Quote Followed by a Story From Your School Experience

If you want to continue with a little more humor, you can quote a “lyrical poet” (pop star). Although by quoting a song, you can add some humor. However, if you pick a good lyric, you can make your presentation inspirational as well. For instance, if you say something like, “One of my favorite lyrical poets… Lorde, once said, ‘If your dreams don’t scare you, they aren’t big enough.'” Just make sure that the lyric is clean. (Remember, your grandma is in the audience.) Alternatively, you can pick a real inspirational quote or even a movie quote. (Just Google inspirational quote or inspirational movie quotes.) For a list of 30 song lyrics that you can choose from, visit this LifeHack article .

The most important part of this section of your speech, though is to tell a good story about your experience in school related to the quote. Although this article is about how to write a Valedictorian speech, remember that the speech is really about the entire class. So, a story that your classmates will relate to will work best. So, if you happen to use the Lorde quote, then just think about a big accomplishment of the class. Then, show how that accomplishment occurred because we dreamed big and the process was uncomfortable. So, if the baseball team won the district championship, use that. If the One-Act-Play team made it to State, then use that story. In fact, if you pick a good quote, you can use a series of some of the best accomplishments of the entire school as your evidence that the quote is true.

  • End With a Call to Action

How to end a graduation speech

If you used the Lorde quote about dreaming big earlier in the speech, then you might end with a similar quote from a famous person. You might say something like…

Walt Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” So, class of [YEAR], go on to the next stage of your life with courage, and dream big enough so that is a little bit scary along the way!

There is No Magic in How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Just remember that there is no magic pill that will help you create a great graduation speech. However, if you follow the steps above, the process should be easy and fun. If you use any of the tips, make sure to comment on the post or on our podcast. We’d love to hear how the process worked for you.

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7+ Valedictorian Speech Examples & Samples in DOC

Valedictorian Speech Examples

You have been named valedictorian, congratulations! In writing your valedictorian speech, a speech outline is necessary. A speech outline will help you compose a well-organized valedictory speech. Speech outlines will help you identify the important details of your speech and put them in order. Simply put, speech outlines will be your guide from the beginning to the end of your speech composition.

College Valedictorian Speech

college valedictorian speech

Graduation Valedictorian Speech

graduation valedictorian speech

Short Valedictorian Speech

short valedictorian speech

School Valedictorian Speech

school valedictorian speech

Student Valedictorian Speech

student valedictorian speech

Sample Valedictorian Speech

sample valedictorian speech

Valedictorian Nomination Speech

valedictorian nomination speech

Class Valedictorian Speech

class valedictorian speech

What Is a Valedictorian Speech?

A valedictorian speech is a message delivered by the class valedictorian near the end of the graduation ceremony. A good valedictorian speech is, usually, a meaningful farewell message intended to express the valedictorian’s thoughts and feelings throughout his/her four years in school. You may also see  how to start a speech .

Here, a valedictorian usually retells memorable experiences the whole class shared together, insights, realizations, reflections, and of course, learned lessons. As you can observe in some valedictorian  speech examples in PDF  format found here, a valedictorian speech can be pretty lengthy and is of course, quite boring. You may want to take a look at  speech examples for student  examples if you’re having a hard time writing your valedictorian speech.

How to Start a Valedictorian Speech

Most great speeches are not created overnight. If you do not know where to begin, there are various speech templates and examples you may refer to. Now writing a valedictorian speech is an important responsibility that requires planning, creativity, and practice. Here are some steps to help you write a successful valedictorian speech:

Step 1: Brainstorming and Outlining

Begin by brainstorming ideas and organizing your thoughts into an outline. Consider your personal experiences, what you learned during your academic journey, and what you want to say to your peers and teachers. Write down all the key points that you want to include in your speech and organize them into a logical order. Read books and other  graduation speeches , and look for inspiring quotes and anecdotes to include in your speech.

Step 2: Introduction

Start your speech with an introduction that captures your audience’s attention. Consider using a personal story or a quote that relates to the occasion. This will help you connect with your audience and set the tone for the rest of your speech.

Step 3: Thanking the Teachers and Staff

Acknowledge the hard work and dedication of your teachers and staff members. Express gratitude for their support and guidance throughout your academic journey. This is an opportunity to recognize the efforts of those who helped you achieve your academic goals.

Step 4: Reflections on the Academic Journey

Reflect on your academic journey and share your personal insights with your audience. Discuss your experiences and challenges, and how you overcame them. Share your growth and achievements, as well as any lessons you have learned along the way. This is an opportunity to inspire your peers and offers valuable advice.

Step 5: Encouragement and Inspiration

Offer words of encouragement and inspiration to your peers as they embark on their next chapter in life. Share your hopes for their future success and emphasize the importance of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. You can also offer advice on how to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.

Step 6: Conclusion

End your speech with a memorable conclusion that summarizes your key points and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Consider using a call to action that encourages your peers to make a positive impact on the world. Here are samples of how to conclude a speech .

Step 7: Rehearsal

Practice your speech several times to ensure that you are comfortable with the content and delivery. This will help you build confidence and deliver your speech effectively.

What should I include in my valedictorian speech?

Your valedictorian speech should include a mix of personal reflections, advice and inspiration for your peers, and recognition of the hard work of your teachers and staff members. You should also consider using anecdotes, quotes, or other forms of storytelling to engage your audience and make your speech more memorable.

How long should a valedictorian speech be?

The length of a valedictorian speech can vary depending on the requirements of the school or the expectations of the audience. In general, a valedictorian speech should be no longer than 10 minutes to keep the audience engaged and attentive.

What are some tips for delivering a successful valedictorian speech?

To deliver a successful valedictorian speech, be confident and passionate about your message. Use body language and vocal variety to keep your audience engaged, and make eye contact with different sections of the audience to connect with them. Finally, practice your speech several times to ensure that you are comfortable with the content and delivery.

You’ve finished planning, now start writing. Remember, your valedictorian speech is an opportunity to reflect on your academic journey, inspire your peers, and leave a lasting impression. Check out some speech examples in doc format, and some  presentation speech examples .

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Home Blog Education What Makes a Great Graduation Speech

What Makes a Great Graduation Speech

What Makes a Great Graduation Speech

If you’re looking for advice on how to write a graduation speech, then there’s a good chance you’re either: getting ready for your moment to shine at graduation and want to make it as memorable as possible or are scared to death of public speaking and want any help you can get before graduation

Whether you’re a college student or almost a PhD, you’ll have to catch and keep the audience’s attention. You’re probably not going to be the only speech that day as well, which means you’ll want to stand out. 

Whatever the motivation, here is everything you need to know about what makes a great graduation speech. 

How to Write a Graduation Speech

Don’t be daunted by the importance of the graduation speech. It’s easier than you think! A lot of you have already written and presented a whole thesis defense , after all. You’ve got this! 

Graduation speeches are usually somewhere between 5 and 15 minutes at most. With these tips and recommendations, you’ll build a memorable speech in no time. It´s important to remember that this is not a business presentation, so you can get creative and innovative with how you talk to the audience.

Tips for Brainstorming your Graduation Speech

Starbursting Brainstorming PPT Template

Talk to your peers about what graduation means to them. 

Get their thoughts, feelings, and dreams about moving on to the next chapter of life. If you share pieces of what they’ve told you, it will make them feel heard and appreciated. 

Don’t just talk about yourself. 

Talk about your whole class, think about what motivates you all together, important shared memories or memories that might bond you.

Watch graduation speech examples online. 

Notice what you like and don’t like. Do your research take notes and jot down the likes and dislikes you find in the speeches.

Pick a central theme. 

This theme should be present throughout your speech, from the beginning to the end. Don’t start with one concept, but migrate to another concept at the end. Continuity will not only help you prepare your speech more easily, but it will help keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation.

Focus more on the future than the past. 

Yes, you have all worked a lot to get where you are, which deserves to be celebrated. However, your graduation speech will be much more memorable and engaging if you inspire students on all the possibilities there are in the next step after graduation. 

Avoid copying what everyone else does. 

That’s a great way to get people to just tune you out completely. Be original. A great way to make this happen, is by creating a very particular PowerPoint Presentation that can be really eye-catching and creative.

Be yourself

Are you known for your witty, dry humor? Find ways to insert that into your speech. Even if you’re not the funniest person, you can still make your graduation speech unique. Knowledgeable? Give the audience a piece of interesting trivia they never knew before. A movie fan? Everyone loves a good movie reference. A speech that embodies who you are will always be more engaging than one that feels like someone else wrote it.  

Graduation Speech Graduates Group PPT Template

Ideas on How to Start a Graduation Speech 

Start by thanking someone specific..

Instead of naming a long list of people you’d like to thank, choose one or two people and go into a little more depth on why you’re thanking them specifically. Tell an anecdote or short story about how they’ve helped, inspired, motivated, or supported you throughout your studies. Whether you make it heartwarming or humorous, people will start to feel invested in you, the same way that person was. 

Start your graduation speech with a (tactful) joke

A little humor is an easy way to win your audience’s attention. Just make sure your joke is funny (and appropriate) by running it by several people before you put it in the final speech. Even if you start with a joke, it should still be related to the central theme of your graduation speech. 

Tell a short story

An exciting story will immediately captivate your audience. It is a great way to connect with your peers, engage your audience, and segway into your main theme of the speech. The story should be appropriate, of course, and most importantly, short. A long, meandering story will lose listeners. 

Share an interesting fact.

Of course, if you want to start your graduation speech with a fact, it will have to tie into your overall theme. And do make sure it is interesting. No one needs to know the current population size of polar bears, unless aspiring to be a generation that protects and improves the polar bear habitat is a major part of your theme.

Graduation Speech Speaking Man PPT Template

Ideas on How to End your Graduation Speech 

End with a quote .

Some people think using famous quotes in speeches is a bit cliche, though we think a little differently. The correct quote at the right moment can be either powerful or funny, depending on what kind of graduation speech you’re going for. 

Share your best words of wisdom. 

Everyone has the wisdom to share. You may want to share the one, most important thing that you’ve learned. Or you might like to share a piece of knowledge that your grandpa always told you. Either way, if you think it will linger in the minds of your audience and help them out one day, then this can be an excellent way to end your speech. 

Finish with a relevant memory 

Nostalgia is a powerful motivator. Tap into this power by sharing the funniest, most empowering, or character-building memory you have of your time in school. Whether your audience laughs, cries, or claps, it will leave them with a good feeling. 

Inspire with a call to action

Some of the best graduation speech examples you can find end with an inspiring call to action. What is a call to action? It’s a command that makes your audience want to get up and do what you just suggested. It motivates. It inspires action. Ending your graduation speech with a call to action is a dynamic and memorable way to close. 

Graduation Speech Woman with Title PPT Template

Advice on How to Present your Graduation Speech

Practice out loud.

When preparing to present your graduation speech, you’ll want to practice out loud frequently. If you practice your speech following this formula, then you’ll be ready for the big day: 

  • Read through your speech out loud, fixing errors, as well as anything that sounds uncomfortable.
  • Practice giving your speech in the mirror. 
  • Practice your speech in front of your family members multiple times. 
  • Say your speech to your close friends. After all, on graduation day, you’ll have to present it to them anyway. Sometimes things that seem like a good idea alone, or with your family, might change a little once you practice in front of your friends. The best speeches will work for you, your family, and your friends! 
  • Add pauses for laughter or emphasis.

If you’re planning on presenting a funny graduation speech, or at least funny parts, make sure you plan for short pauses for laughter. Even if your speech isn’t funny, there probably will be points where you want to pause briefly to let a vital message sink in. When you’re practicing the speech, you can go ahead and make these pauses, so they don’t surprise you when it’s time to present.

Don’t speak in monotone.

Avoid speaking in a monotone. Put inflection in your words. Since you’re most likely going to be presenting to a large audience, you may want to exaggerate that inflection a little. 

Speak slowly

It is very common for first-time speech givers to speed up because they’re nervous. You can combat this by intentionally slowing down your speech. Make sure to practice it this way every time.

Make eye contact 

As you give your graduation speech, look from one person to another in the eyes. Don’t linger too long on any one person, yet don’t just flit from one to another. You are talking to these people, which means you can make eye contact the way you would if you talked to them! This is a great way to keep people engaged with your speech, as well. 

Graduation Speech Examples 

Here’s a headstart on some  research of graduation speech  examples that will help you brainstorm your own speech. 

Graduation Speech Steve Jobs Quotes PPT Template

Some other interesting examples are:  

In these famous speeches, you can see some important openers and closers that were used to deliver commencement and graduation speeches.

Angela Davis – Pitzer College – 2012

“Good morning. What a beautiful day in Grinnell, Iowa! Congratulations, first of all, to the Class of 2007. I loved your glazed looks as you marched in. “Is this happening?”
“We are the ones we have been waiting for.” 

John F. Kennedy – Yale University – 1962 

“Let me begin by expressing my appreciation for the very deep honor that you have conferred upon me.”

Notable quote:

“For the great enemy of truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.”
“We will generate a vision and an energy which will demonstrate anew to the world the superior vitality and the strength of the free society.”

Meryl Streep – Barnard College – 2010

“Thank you, all. Thank you, President Spar, Ms. Golden, President Tilghman, Members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished faculty, proud swelling parents and family, and a gorgeous class of 2010.” 
“You know you don’t have to be famous. You just have to make your mother and father proud of you, and you already have. Bravo to you. Congratulations.” 

How to Write a Graduation Speech – Final Advice 

Find your theme. Be yourself. Practice, practice, practice! Slow down. Breathe. You’ll do just fine. And congratulations on graduating! 

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how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

High school valedictorians put a year like no other in perspective

how to write a valedictorian speech 2021

Of the 3.5 million or so high school seniors graduating this spring, a few — a very few — will be named valedictorian, that most elusive of high school honors.

Top of the class. The crowning academic achievement of years of grueling study and homework, papers and projects, quizzes and tests.

And then another hurdle. Step up in front of classmates and deliver the speech of a lifetime. A young lifetime, to be sure, but still. There’s pressure to find words to put the final year of school in context for your fellow graduates. To craft a message that will resonate, reassure, maybe even inspire, as life after high school looms.

That’s difficult enough in a normal year. But this year, when school often didn’t feel like school at all, when classmates and teachers were mostly thumbnail images on a flickering screen, when faces and emotions were masked and the country shrouded in disease, death and discord, finding the words to make sense of it all and find shards of light and purpose has been all the more challenging.

Valedictorians are encouraged to think big and bright. With their speeches, they are expected to summon optimism and tap into an idealistic vision for the future.

The word valedictorian comes from the Latin vale dicere or “to say farewell.” So it is a goodbye speech, but also a “Look at what we’ve done” speech. And what seniors have done this year has never been done before. From start to finish, this school year has been under a cloud. At some schools, the doors never opened and learning took place not in thousands of classrooms but in millions of bedrooms and kitchens, on back porches and in parking lots or wherever the WiFi signal was strongest.

Partly hidden by isolation, many of the nation’s schoolchildren struggle with mental health

For those lucky enough to have classes in-person, the experience was masked and distanced, tracked and tested, and always a small coronavirus outbreak away from everyone being sent home. Anxiety was a constant, especially for administrators and staff and teachers — God bless the teachers — but also the students who didn’t want to bring covid-19 home to their parents and grandparents, who didn’t want to be part of worsening the worst health crisis of their lives.

So, yes, vale dicere to all that. Goodbye and good riddance. But also . . . look at what they’ve done.

As uncertainty swirled around them, they stayed focused. They adapted their learning. They finished their assignments. They passed their tests. They supported one another. They gutted and gritted it out even when the end seemed out of reach.

“I’ve witnessed a lot of burnout in my school, inside and outside of the classes, just because of how this environment has kind of exhausted a lot of people,” said Grayson Catlett, who is graduating at the top of his class at Central High School in Chattanooga, Tenn.

But the difficulties of learning during the pandemic and witnessing and experiencing the racial and political tumult the country has endured over the past year has had another effect as well, Catlett said. It has made him and his classmates more resilient, and he plans to reflect on that in his speech.

“We’ve been through a lot and just graduating high school in general this year is rewarding,” said Catlett, who will study political science at the University of Pennsylvania. He plans to end his speech saying, “If this is all the stuff that we could overcome, I’m finding it hard to imagine what we can’t.”

How a rural Virginia town came together for an unforgettable pandemic prom

In addition to building resilience, the past year has provided context and opportunities for reflection for Catlett and his cohort of seniors throughout the country. It has made them think more, they say, about the world and their place in it. And their purpose in it.

For Lana Lubecke, valedictorian at Kalani High School in Honolulu, the pandemic and the political and social turmoil of the past year gave her a stronger sense of what she wanted to do.

“Before the pandemic, I felt like I was stretched really thin,” Lubecke said. “And when basically everything was canceled, I kind of got the time to sit back and be like, what do I care about? What activities do I want to prioritize? What are the most meaningful and how do I think I can make the most impact? And I think I learned a lot.’

With time to step back and assess, Lubecke said she realized she wanted to become more civically engaged in her community. She has spent part of the past year advocating for education equity and making better educational opportunities available for more students.

There is wisdom to be gleaned from these young minds and perspective beyond their years and the accolades they’ve accumulated.

Being a high school valedictorian isn’t a sure ticket to fame and fortune, but some have become famous and fortunate. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was first in her high school class. Same with sociologist and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois and actress Natalie Portman. “Weird Al” Yankovic too. Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post and many other things, was valedictorian at Miami Palmetto Senior High in 1982 and told the Miami Herald at the time that he wanted to “build space hotels, amusement parks, yachts and colonies for 2 or 3 million people orbiting around the Earth.”

Valedictorians are encouraged to think big and bright. With their speeches, they are expected to summon optimism and tap into an idealistic vision for the future. It’s a final pep talk for classmates, many of whom will never see one another again once their mortarboards are tossed in the air.

But a rosy outlook can be hard to summon for seniors who have come of age in the past decade. The pandemic is only the latest in a parade of events that have disharmonized their young lives.

“I wonder if adults, you know, realize that people my age were 13 and 14 during the 2016 election?” said Carmelina Komyatte, a senior and the valedictorian at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Ind. “Like, I remember I was 13 years old watching the ’Access Hollywood tape’ of Donald Trump, you know, admitting to sexually assaulting women. . . . And I was 14 for Charlottesville, and I was a freshman for the Parkland shooting. So, I think no one can say that our generation is idealistic about politics. We’re definitely not.”

But if not idealistic, they are determined. Komyatte, who will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall, said her message to her classmates is to not be discouraged or defeated by the challenges they have faced. She and her cohorts, she said, need to go into the next chapter of their lives “with purpose and with the intention to help others and to make an impact and to use your gifts and your opportunities and your resources, you know, to do all the good that you can do.”

Many school districts have ended the practice of designating a student as valedictorian. Competition for the top spot had become unhealthy, they said. Students sued if they weren’t named valedictorian or if they had to share the title. Yes, that really happened. Schools didn’t need the headache. So goodbye to all that, too. But there is a reward for those schools that have continued to award the top student and allot five minutes for a farewell speech. There is wisdom to be gleaned from these young minds and perspective beyond their years and the accolades they’ve accumulated.

“Being the valedictorian, like, that’s not that’s all I am as a person,” said Ben Barnes, a senior at Energy Institute High School in Houston who will attend the University of Virginia this fall. “And even if someone is at the bottom of their class, that’s not all they are as a person. There’s so much more to people than what they’re doing after high school.”

In interviews with The Washington Post, 10 valedictorians from high schools across the country discussed their path to the top spot and shared their thoughts on the challenges of the past year and what they plan to say to their fellow seniors at graduation.

Benjamin Barnes

Energy Institute High School in Houston.

Being valedictorian was never a goal for Ben Barnes.

“It’s a huge honor, of course. And I’m really proud, but I kind of have to keep it in perspective, because I really have been blessed in way that a lot of people haven’t been fortunate enough to have been blessed.”

Barnes credits his family, teachers, friends and God for his accomplishments. In his speech, he plans to emphasize that where you graduate in your class isn’t a defining characteristic.

“As much as it has been drilled into our heads that grades and test scores and things like that are the most important measure of the person, I kind of want to challenge that stance. . . . There’s so much more to people than what they’re doing after high school or their SAT test scores. And I just want to convey that and, I guess, encourage people in that way.”

He will attend the University of Virginia.

Grayson Catlett

Central High School in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Grayson Catlett says he hopes his generation brings more honesty to politics and to debates about issues. He has seen how the past year has deepened divides and torn communities apart. He plans to address the discord and the role his fellow graduates might have in mending rifts.

“In my speech, I’m going to be bringing up how, kind of, all of these adversities have helped my class build resilience. Because there’s just been so much going on, from the pandemic to protests and everything else that, you know, it’s kind of setting our expectations for the world that’s lying ahead of us.”

He will attend the University of Pennsylvania.

Susana Chavez

International High School at Langley Park in Bladensburg, Md.

When Susana Chavez moved from Guatemala three years ago to live with her brother in Maryland, she didn’t even realize she would be able to attend high school. She was 16, and her goal was to get a job. But her mother and brother encouraged her to go to school, and on June 1, she’ll graduate as the valedictorian.

During her first two years in high school, Chavez spent eight to 10 hours a day on weekends cleaning houses and landscaping. Now, she’s a clerk in a shop. She’s used to hard work. She has been doing it since she was 6, when she helped her mother plant crops, take care of farm animals and collect wood to sell. One day, she wants to return to Guatemala to make sure impoverished kids there have a better life.

“I know that my mom, she will be proud of me, because my mom, she can’t even write and read. She told me, if you go to school, it’s an opportunity for you to learn to do something different. She said, ’Do something different if you don’t want to work hard as me.’ So I was like, ’yeah, I will.’ ”

Chavez will attend Prince George’s Community College.

Johnny Cortez

East Early College High School in Houston.

Johnny Cortez will attend Duke University this fall to study computer science and business. His parents came to Texas from Mexico when they were in their teens and Cortez, the youngest of seven children, will be the first in his family to attend college out of state.

“Coming from a big family of immigrants and going to school on a full ride, that’s a big deal for us,” he said. Being valedictorian was also a big deal and something he wanted throughout school.

“Honestly, it’s just great, because I feel like I’m in a position where, you know, a lot of people are kind of looking at me for an example,” Cortez said. “And I want to represent our school and try to be the best example for others.”

He’s worried about the lingering effects of the pandemic, but he is most concerned about this country’s justice system.

“The way the justice system works, I think there’s so many flaws in it. You know, the U.S. has one of the largest prison populations of any country, despite being only 5 percent of the world’s population. I think there needs to be a huge reform of how the prison system works and with policing. I don’t think the iron fist should be the solution to all our problems. And I don’t think we should just throw everybody in jail.”

He will attend Duke University.

Diana Flores Valdivia

Chula Vista High School in Chula Vista, Calif.

Diana Flores Valdivia came to Southern California from Mexico with her sister and parents in 2016 when she was 13. She spoke English but not well, and she took extra classes to become fluent. Her mother works in a hotel, and her father drives for Uber. What they want most for her, Flores Valdivia said, is an opportunity.

Five years after coming to America, Flores Valdivia is graduating from Chula Vista High School in Chula Vista, Calif., at the top of her class of 500 or so students. She knows what that means to her parents. And she knows what she wants to say to her fellow graduates.

“During these hard times, especially with the racial division, me graduating and being valedictorian, I feel proud because I feel like I’m representing my community,” Flores Valdivia said. “And I’m showing that Mexicans and Latinos, we come here for a better life, and we do not come here to steal but rather to contribute to this country. We work hard and we’re honest. And that’s what I want to show with my accomplishments. I also want to inspire people in my community and let them know that if I can do it, they can do it. And if anything, our background only makes us stronger.”

She will attend Cornell University.

Carmelina Komyatte

Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, Ind.

It’s not a stretch to say that being valedictorian runs in Carmelina Komyatte’s family. Her older brothers were also valedictorians, making this the third year in a row that a Komyatte was the top student at Bishop Noll Institute.

Following a year where the country has been engulfed by the pandemic, protests over racial injustice and a bitter election, Komyatte says she wants to offer words of support to her classmates as they move from the small universe of their high school to the world beyond.

“I think it’s important we don’t get discouraged because of everything that’s happened and know that it is our job and our responsibility to create the world we want to live in and to demand better from society and from the world. You have to demand the things that you want to see. Demand respect and dignity and equal treatment and equal opportunities for people.”

She will attend the University of Notre Dame.

Lana Lubecke

Kalani High School in Honolulu.

As high school seniors graduate at what everyone hopes is the end of the pandemic, Lana Lubecke says she is feeling excited about the future.

“I’m a little nervous, but I’m optimistic right now that with the vaccine rollout, hopefully there’ll be some sense of normalcy,” she said. “And I hope that all the discussions that have been raised during the pandemic about political polarization and about racism in this country, I hope that that’s kind of opened doors to make more real change in the near future.”

Her message to her fellow graduates is “to find something that motivates you and do something about it. Even if what you do doesn’t work out, at least you’ll learn something and you’ll end up in this place where you’re ready to try again or try something new.”

She will attend the California Institute of Technology.

Casen Miller

Emery High School in Castle Dale, Utah.

In his rural Utah high school, Casen Miller has been able to attend school masked but in person for almost his entire senior year. He’s grateful for that. But the year has sometimes been a struggle, and Miller says the pandemic and politics have put America to a test.

“We’re just not a very peaceful country right now,” said Miller. “There’s a lot of like fighting going on, disagreeing opinions, riots, outbreaks, all that kind of stuff.”

But Miller is confident the country can heal.

“I think for the next couple of years it’ll be hard, because it’s so divided right now,” he said. “But I feel like in the future, we will be able to find a way to come together.”

In his speech to his fellow graduates, Miller wants to talk about how everyone’s journey is different.

“I’m definitely going to address how not everyone is going to take the same path,” Miller said. “Some people are just going to graduate high school, go straight to the workforce. Some people are going to go all the way through college. Some are going to go to college and realize it’s not for them. But we don’t all have to take the same path to be successful.”

He will attend Utah State University.

Onovughakpor Otitigbe-Dangerfield

Albany High School in Albany, N.Y.

For Onovughakpor Otitigbe-Dangerfield, being valedictorian wasn’t just a personal achievement, it was a historic one. The senior at Albany High School in Albany, N.Y., became the first Black valedictorian in the school’s 152-year history. Next month, she’ll graduate at the top of her class of more than 600 students.

She wants to highlight how the support of family, mentors and friends is essential to anyone’s success.

“There’s an African proverb that if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together. And that’s really like the most perfect way I could put my experience. This honor is definitely a reflection of the constant support that I’ve had from family, from teachers, my guidance counselors, coaches, friends, all of that,” Otitigbe-Dangerfield said. “And I think sometimes, you don’t learn early enough how important it is to develop a cohort of allies of people in your corner that can offer you a perspective that you don’t see yourself and then also advocate for you and let you know of opportunities. Because I honestly didn’t do this alone at all.”

She will attend Harvard University.

Livingston High School in Livingston, N.J.

For Rosa Xia, the entire school year has been virtual. In many ways, Xia said senior year left her feeling disconnected, and it made her sad to not be able to spend more quality time with her friends or have meaningful conversations in person. But, she said, “I’ve kind of accepted that that’s just how it is.”

Speaking at graduation will be the first time since March 2020 that she will see most of her fellow seniors. And in many cases, it will be the last time. She has been trying to not think too much about her valedictory speech.

“I really don’t like speaking in front of people that much,” she said, laughing. Still, she has an idea of what she wants to convey.

“We suffered through a lot this year because of the pandemic. And I guess we’re stronger than we think we are. Even when we were all remote, everyone put a lot of effort into trying to stay engaged and trying to make classes engaging and trying to relate to each other.”

Photo editing by Mark Miller. Copy editing by Melissa Ngo. Design by J.C. Reed.

The pandemic school year

Students, guardians and teachers experience a very different school year as the coronavirus disrupts the country’s education system..

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Current school year: Staying at home | Asian American students missing from classrooms | Schoolchildren struggling with mental health

Higher ed: Living on campus during the pandemic | Education Department extends pause on federal student loan payments | Mental health crisis on college campuses

The latest DMV news: Random coronavirus testing at D.C. schools | Alexandria adopts 3-foot distancing in classrooms | In-person learning expands in D.C., but mostly at wealthiest schools | Four days a week of in-person learning in Fairfax

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  • Example of a Valedictorian Speech

Looking for an example of a valedictorian speech ? You'll find one below. Use it to inspire you to write your speech. You can add and change the details to personalize it to your situation.

For help preparing your speech, read our Guide:  How to Write Valedictorian Speech .

Contents of the Example Below:

  • Start of the Valedictorian Speech
  •  Links  to additional help including another example of a valedictorian speech, a video example, and the do's and don't of a graduation speech.

"Valedictorian" derives from the Latin phrase vale dicere, meaning to say farewell. In some nations, the student with the highest grade average of a graduating class accepts the role and delivers the final goodbye speech at the graduation event, the valedictorian address. (Valedictorian. (2018, November 14). Retrieved from  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valedictorian )

In an excellent example of a valedictorian speech, the speaker gives thanks to faculty and administrators, celebrates and reflects on experiences with classmates, and inspires graduates to excel in the future. Afterward, the school officials hand out diplomas and send the students on to the next stage of life.

Example Valedictorian Speech by Graduate

Being your class Valedictorian is a great honor and achievement. Giving a speech that lives up to your prior success is a challenge. Important things to remember about giving a valedictory graduation speech are that:

  • it doesn't have to be lengthy to be memorable
  • it should honor the school and its officials
  • it should connect with your fellow students in an inspiring way.

Example of a Valedictorian Speech Head

Start of My Example of a Valedictorian Speech

Principal Stevens, Trustees, Faculty members, family, friends and fellow graduates, today is a day to be thankful and to be inspired.

Valedictorian Speaker

Body of the Valedictorian Speech

First, we have much to be thankful for. Here at Peterson School we have received a great education thanks to our fine administration and teachers. We are prepared to move on and to take on whatever challenges come next in our lives.

Fellow graduates, I want you to know what a great gift it is to be as prepared as we are, because not all schools offer such an advantage. Here we have had a high degree of academic excellence and whether you intend to continue your education or not, you will benefit from what you learned here.

We can also be thankful for our families. These past four years have presented us with a lot of ups and downs and it is good to know that we had our families in our corner, supporting us along the way. Thanks Mom and Dad. I would not be here today without you.

Finally, we can be thankful for each other. The friendships that we have made here will last a lifetime. In the same way we have supported each other and helped each other succeed in these years at Peterson, I hope we will continue to provide support and encouragement for each other in future endeavors.

Now, what can we be inspired by today?

Personally, I am inspired by our classmate Alan Rockford who has overcome so much adversity to be here graduating today. Alan, you have been tenacious and have had such a great attitude in the face of so many setbacks. Whenever I get a little down about something that didn't turn out just the way I wanted it to, I remember some of the talks we have had and it gives me the perspective I need. Thank you for that, congratulations, and all the best!

I'm also inspired by Bill Thomas and Tony Marcos who are leaving later this week for Marine boot camp. Billy and Tony, I honor you for making the choice to serve our country and I feel proud to know you. Please take care of yourselves and keep in touch.

Conclusion of the Valedictorian Speech

Often on graduation day we look outside for heroes but I see them right here among us. I have seen in my years at Peterson that we don't have to look far for inspiration and that we each have the potential to make an inspiring contribution to others, by being true to our values and committing ourselves to lofty goals.

When you leave here today, celebrate what you have accomplished, but look forward with an eye toward how you, too, can be the inspiration for others.

Congratulations Class of 2015!

Listen to this speech

End of the valedictorian speech

  • Guide:  How to Write Valedictorian Speech .
  • Find an additional example of a valedictorian speech here  submitted by Leon.
  • Watch a video example of a valedictorian speech by Paul Stephen . While the video is low-res, Paul's speech is substantial and includes great humor and attention gathering quotes. 

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Have you been chosen to give a high school graduation speech? A little overwhelmed? Then take a look at this sample speech which will inspire you and help you prepare your own.

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High school academics can be very competitive for driven students who hope to earn the coveted title of valedictorian. But how exactly do high schools choose valedictorians? Does the title mean anything for college applications? In this article, I’ll give you the details on what it means to be a valedictorian, how valedictorians are chosen, and whether this is a critical factor in the college admissions process.  

What Is a Valedictorian in High School?

If you are named valedictorian, it usually means that you have reached the highest level of academic achievement out of all the students in your class.  At some schools, multiple students are named valedictorians.  Valedictory honors are determined by GPA , which may be measured differently depending on your high school. I’ll go over more specifics about variations in policy in the next section.

The high school valedictorian traditionally delivers a speech (the “valedictory” speech) at graduation.  Fun fact: The term valedictorian comes from the Latin  vale dicere meaning “to say farewell” since the valedictorian usually delivers the last speech at the ceremony. 

How Are High School Valedictorians Chosen?

The valedictorian will almost always be the student in your class who has the highest GPA, but GPA can be measured on more than one scale (and sometimes schools have more than one valedictorian!). If your school uses weighted GPAs , meaning students in higher level classes can earn higher GPAs, the valedictorian is virtually guaranteed to be the student who has earned the highest grades in the most difficult classes.  Weighted GPAs are typically measured on a 5-point scale, with a 5.0 being equivalent to an A in an Honors or AP class .

Other schools use an unweighted GPA scale , meaning that course levels are not taken into account when calculating GPA. On an unweighted scale, GPAs only go up to a 4.0, which is equivalent to an A in any class regardless of level. In this case, the valedictorian could be a student who was in lower level classes but earned all A's.

In recent years, some high schools have adopted the policy of naming multiple students valedictorians.  Since college admissions are so competitive now, more and more students are pushing themselves to achieve high levels of academic success in high school. By naming multiple valedictorians, schools acknowledge the impressive achievements of several students in a more equitable manner and reduce pressure and competition.  Sometimes valedictory honors are given to all students who achieve straight A averages or to several students who have all earned the same top GPAs. 

In this case, there might not be an actual valedictory speech (unless all the valedictorians write a speech together and say it in unison, which would be really creepy, so I’m all for it). The policy of naming multiple valedictorians has faced criticism from those who argue that it simply points to rampant grade inflation and devalues the title of valedictorian. However, when GPAs are only separated by tiny fractions of points, it may make sense to recognize more than one student with this honor.

There are also policy variations in which classes count towards the GPA that determines class ranking.  Some schools might only include grades from courses in core subject areas  while others may include both core classes and electives. You can check with your guidance counselor to see what your school’s policies are.

Since the valedictorian is usually the student  ranked #1 in each class, it’s not easy to predict what GPA you’ll need in order to earn the title. You may have heard about students who were valedictorians of past classes but earned a lower GPA than the student ranked fifth in your class.  Some classes are more or less competitive than others!

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What About Salutatorians? What Other Ranking-Based Honors Do High Schools Offer?

Valedictorian isn't the only title that students can earn for academic achievements in high school. At most schools, the salutatorian is the student ranked second in the class after the valedictorian.  Usually, the salutatorian will also give a speech at graduation. Salutatorians are slightly cooler than valedictorians. (Okay, I'm biased because I was salutatorian in high school, but let's face it, it's kind of true.)

Some high schools will also offer Latin honors to students who achieve certain GPAs.  You may have heard of this practice in the context of college academics. Students are given the titles of cum laude , magna cum laude , and summa cum laude as markers of their academic achievements.  Different high schools will have different GPA thresholds for each honor.  At a school with weighted GPAs, for example, students who earn GPAs above a 3.6 might be cum laude , students who earn GPAs above a 4.0 might be magna cum laude , and students who earn GPAs above a 4.4 might be summa cum laude .

These honors are also sometimes given out based on class rank percentile. A school that organizes honors this way might decide that the top 5% of the class is considered summa cum laude , the top 10% is magna cum laude , and the top 25% is cum laude. If your high school doesn't have Latin honors, that’s not a big deal.  It’s just another way of recognizing students with high GPAs who have worked hard but haven’t quite reached the level of valedictorian or salutatorian. 

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What Are the Benefits of Being Named Valedictorian?

The title of valedictorian, as we have seen, can mean different things depending on your high school. It’s an impressive honor, but the title alone shouldn’t make much of an impact on your chances of college admission. If you're a valedictorian, you will have a very high GPA (and probably high test scores as well), and those qualifications will be the things that actually get you into selective colleges .

When you first apply to college, you won't know yet whether you're valedictorian or not, and neither will the schools.  You won't find out for sure until the spring when you've already received admissions decisions from colleges. Because the GPAs of valedictorians can vary from year to year, the title means far less than the grades that got you there. This is especially true in the context of the new trend of naming multiple valedictorians; the term is more watered down than it used to be.

Even though it might not matter that much in college admissions, there are other benefits to being named valedictorian. You may be eligible for special scholarships at the colleges where you've been accepted because of your status as a valedictorian. This is common at public universities that hope to lure in high-achieving students with tuition deals.

You'll also be recognized for all of your hard work and get to deliver a speech to your entire class. It’s a great opportunity to tell some hilarious jokes and/or send a meaningful message. I would recommend telling jokes because you’ll be remembered as the only non-boring part of graduation. If the thought of giving a speech makes you want to puke, then this might not be a plus, but it really is a good chance for you to be honest and share your reflections on the last four years.

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What Should You Do If You Want to Be Valedictorian?

If you have your sights set on the title of high school valedictorian, you should be prepared to challenge yourself. Students who become valedictorians begin and end their high school careers in the toughest classes with the highest grades.  For an overview of some of the skills and study habits you should adopt if you hope to be at the top of your class, take a look at my article on  how to get good grades in high school.

Also, try to keep things in perspective. Don't sacrifice your mental health in the name of your goal - it's not worth it just for the recognition. Your goal should motivate you to stay engaged in your school work and challenge yourself, but it shouldn't make you break down in tears because you have to spend eight hours on homework every night. Only you know what your limits are and what you can handle. If you push your intellectual boundaries and maintain high grades, you will be accepted to some great colleges whether or not you end up becoming valedictorian. 

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At most high schools, the valedictorian is the top student in the class as determined by GPA.  Some schools use weighted GPAs while others use unweighted GPAs, and this may affect the type of student who ends up as valedictorian. Some schools even name multiple valedictorians to recognize exceptional academic achievements by more than one student.  The valedictorian is traditionally asked to give a speech at graduation.  

You don’t have to be valedictorian or salutatorian of your high school to be accepted to a highly selective college!   Since the GPA of the valedictorian at any given high school will vary from year to year, colleges don’t assume that everyone who ends up as a valedictorian should be admitted or that students who aren’t given the highest honors in their class should be denied. If you consistently work hard in your classes and earn high grades, you'll be rewarded in the college application process even if you're not the valedictorian.     

What's Next?

Valedictorian may be the top honor, but your class rank still might be important even if you're not number one. Learn more about what a good class rank is in this article.  

Are you curious about where you stand with your GPA? Here's a step by step guide for how to calculate your cumulative GPA based on your high school grades so far. 

If your GPA is lower than you would like, read this guide to learn some strategies that will help you improve! 

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?  We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

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Samantha is a blog content writer for PrepScholar. Her goal is to help students adopt a less stressful view of standardized testing and other academic challenges through her articles. Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar.

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COMMENTS

  1. 4 Tips To Write The Best Valedictorian Speech (With Samples!)

    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:

  2. How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (with Pictures)

    Part 1 Planning Your Speech Download Article 1 Read other graduation speeches. One good way to prepare for your speech is to look for people who have already done it. Find other great graduation speeches, and look at the themes they hit and the jokes they told.

  3. How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples)

    Theme: Community Opening: Good afternoon, esteemed faculty members, parents, families, friends, and fellow graduates.As the valedictorian, it's an honor to have you all at our graduation ceremony. My name is [Name]. Today marks the end of a chapter in our lives and the beginning of a new one.

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

    Book Free Consultation 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.

  5. Here's a Template for a Valedictory Speech

    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.

  6. 12 Best Valedictorian Speech Examples to Work With

    The main parts of a valedictorian speech consist of: The opening. The opening of your valedictorian speech sets its entire tone. It is essential to engage the audience from the very beginning. Start by choosing a theme that will guide each point of your speech till the end. Some of the popular valedictorian speech theme examples include:

  7. How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples

    Learn select to deliver a winning valedictorian discourse with our helpful ideas, tips, and examples. Discover how to capture your audience's attention, make your speech memorable, and leave a lasting impact. With unseren guidance, you'll be well on your way to crafting a valedictorian discourse that truly stands outgoing.

  8. Inspiring Valedictorian Speech Examples to Help You Write Your Own

    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.

  9. How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian

    The valedictorian speech should fulfill two goals: It should convey a "sending off" message to the members of a graduating class, and it should inspire them to leave school ready to embark on an exciting new adventure.

  10. Amazing Valedictorian Speech Examples & Tips

    Example #1 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.

  11. 10 Tips to Creating a Magical Valedictorian Speech

    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.

  12. Writing Your Valedictorian Speech

    Updated August 12, 2021 Image Credits It is truly an honor to be named as class valedictorian. But with the award comes the pressure of writing your valedictorian speech. Writing this speech can be a challenge, especially if public speaking isn't your strong suit. Not to worry.

  13. Graduation Speech: How to Write a Valedvictorian Speech

    Self-deprecating humor works best. One technique that works really well as an opener is to use the "a recent, 'when I grow up story'. Basically, you open with a story about wanting to be something grand when you were "younger," but then confuse that the story actually took place recently. Below are a couple of examples.

  14. How to Write a Valedictorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples

    When itp comes to writing the opening of your valedictorian speech, it can be challenging to place the tone for this rest of thine speech. But don't worry. Here are some creative ways go get you started: Learn how to deliver one winning valedictorian speech with our helpful ideas, tips, and examples.

  15. Valedictorian Speech

    Details File Format DOC Size: 3 KB Download Short Valedictorian Speech best-speech-topics.com Details File Format DOC Size: 3 KB Download School Valedictorian Speech wikihow.com Details File Format DOC Size: 4 KB Download Student Valedictorian Speech carychristianschool.org Details File Format

  16. How to Write a Valedictorian Speech: Examples and Ideas for 2023

    1st Step • Start your speech with the greetings - We should always start our speech with formal greetings to all the guests present in the hall. 2nd Step • Crafting a Unique Introduction - After the greetings, Comes the introduction part.

  17. What Makes a Great Graduation Speech

    Education • June 3rd, 2021. If you're looking for advice on how to write a graduation speech, then there's a good chance you're either: getting ready for your moment to shine at graduation and want to make it as memorable as possible or are scared to death of public speaking and want any help you can get before graduation.

  18. Ten high school valedictorians on what the pandemic taught them

    By Joe Heim. May 22, 2021 at 7:00 a.m. EDT. Susana Chavez, 19, is the valedictorian of International High School at Langley Park in Maryland. After a year of worldwide upheaval, the Hyattsville ...

  19. Example of a Valedictorian Speech

    For help preparing your speech, read our Guide: How to Write Valedictorian Speech. Contents of the Example Below: Start of the Valedictorian Speech; Body; Conclusion Links to additional help including another example of a valedictorian speech, a video example, and the do's and don't of a graduation speech "Valedictorian" derives from the Latin phrase vale dicere, meaning to say farewell.

  20. 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 va...

  21. Writing Lessons : How to Write a Valedictory Speech

    When writing a valedictory speech, try to achieve an emotional connection with the audience and individual students in order to inspire and increase credibil...

  22. What Is a Valedictorian? Defining High School's Top Honor

    If your school uses weighted GPAs, meaning students in higher level classes can earn higher GPAs, the valedictorian is virtually guaranteed to be the student who has earned the highest grades in the most difficult classes. Weighted GPAs are typically measured on a 5-point scale, with a 5.0 being equivalent to an A in an Honors or AP class.

  23. How to write a Good Graduation Speech (Top 7 tips)

    ____________ Keep your graduation speech - Original. Share your feelings - Let's face it ! Nothing matches originality and uniqueness. Express your own emotions, speak about what you truly feel and it's 100% sure that you will have an awesome speech. Describe the Uniting Factors of your batch - Every High school batch is unique.