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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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  • Delivery Techniques →

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 .

introducing valedictorian speech

Valedictorian Speech Examples Challenge Class To Reach For The Stars

Valedictiran speech examples - valedictorian inspoired graduates

A valediction speech is a short speech that recaps the years the graduating class spent at the school and honors their achievement. The valedictorian prepares it, and it may be heartfelt, humorous, or inspirational. The best valedictorian speech examples advice, wish the graduates good luck, thank honored guests, and reminisce about the journey the class has experienced together.

At high school and college graduations, the students who rank the highest in the class are the ones who speak on behalf of their classes. The top student, called the valedictorian, presents a short speech known as the valedictorian speech .

This often follows words by the salutatorian, the second highest-ranking student, who also gives a speech.

Table of Contents

What Is The Definition Of Valedictorian Speech?

A valedictorian speech is a commencement speech given by the person with the highest grade point average (GPA) in the graduating class. It is worth noting that some schools have a weighted scale to ensure that students who have taken honors or advanced placement classes outscore students with an easier load of courses through their high school years.

It is a high honor to be the person to give this speech, as it is clear to all that the valedictorian has engaged in years of hard work to get to that point.

Valedictorian speech example/ Highest-ranking classmate speaks

What Is A Valedictorian Speech About?

The graduation day speech given by the valedictorian is typically given after the salutatorian has spoken. While the salutatorian speaks on behalf of the graduating class, the valedictorian is speaking for (and to) his or her fellow students who are graduating.

Topics presented during great valedictorian speeches include:

  • Gratitude:  The valedictorian or salutatorian expresses gratitude to everyone who has helped the graduates get to where they are appropriate, including faculty members, family, community members, friends, and fellow graduates. Speakers should communicate with other speakers to prevent duplication.
  • Memories:  It is worth noting that class valedictorian recount not only their personal memories but those relevant to the entire class during their high school experience.
  • Future Endeavors:  As graduates prepare to move to the next stage of life, a speaker may discuss what the future holds for the assembled students.
  • Inspire:  The speaker inspires the class to pursue their dreams as they move on to the next stage of life.
  • Quotes:  Quotes that inspire or reflect are excellent for graduation speeches. One might choose inspirational quotes to help set the stage for the speech or as part of the conclusion. The quote can also help transition between main points.

How Do You Write A Short Valedictorian Speech?

What if you are tasked with writing a very short speech? In some middle or high school graduation ceremonies, the speakers are requested to keep it short (3-5 minutes). When that is the challenge set before you, speech writing can feel tricky.

When given a shorter time, you need to get a lot of bang with fewer words. Shorten your introduction. Limit your main ideas to two (rather than 3-4). Find efficient transition thoughts. As you conclude your speech, you can pull the ideas together in a few sentences to make sure the anecdotes you have shared are clearly linked for those listening. One important rule for public speaking is quality over quantity. You can say a lot in just a few words!

Maya Angelou quote

What Do You Do If You Have A Lot Of Things To Say In A Valedictorian Speech?

It may be necessary to limit your speech due to certain factors. First, knowing how long the faculty advisors expect you to speak is important. Traditionally the valedictorian speaks for anywhere from 5-10 minutes.

As you begin brainstorming about your speech, sticking to the main ideas that resonate with most people assembled is essential. In other words, this is not about you and your best friends. The speech you prepare for the graduating class’s big day should engage the entire class. This is not the time or place for inside jokes or stories involving just a few class members.

Valededictorian speech examples appeals to whole class

Often, a class’s years together may revolve around a significant event that occurred during high school or college. Recent classes may have bonded over Covid restrictions, but natural disasters, the untimely death of a classmate, or political upheaval may have marked the years. (Ask grandparents. They may remember the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Vietnam War, or Y2K as the focal point of their school years.)

One should also refrain from discussing anything controversial during a graduation speech. While current issues can be significant and worth talking about, this is not the forum for doing so.

When choosing anecdotes to share, limit it to three or four stories or thoughts that can be somehow linked together in an interesting way.

How To Write A Valedictory Speech For Graduation?

Wondering how to write your speech?

  • Talk to others:  Classmates will have ideas on important memories you might want to share.
  • Brainstorm:  Give yourself some time to think things through and brainstorm ideas on topics to cover.
  • Planning:  Make an outline or organize your thoughts before writing. Do you have stories you can pull together?
  • Write:  Start writing your speech! Like all speeches, the valedictorian speech should have a beginning, middle, and end.
  • Read it out loud:  As you read your speech out loud, set a timer. Do you fit within the parameters given to you?
  • Revise:  All great writers revise. Don’t assume your first copy is the best.
  • Practice:  Once you have the final speech written, be sure to practice it either with someone, in front of a mirror, or by making a video.

What Are Some Valedictorian Speech Examples?

Valedictorian  Carl Aquino , graduating class of 2010 from West Hall High School, compares life to solving a Rubik’s Cube. He gives his speech with the help of a classmate who accompanies him by playing the guitar. You will enjoy the stories and analogies he uses with such fun humor.

Chase Dahl  of Weber High School class of 2015 gave another speech in a unique style. His speech is also a fairly short 5 minutes.

What Is The Best Valedictorian Speech Example?

Arguably, a contender for the best high school valedictorian speech ever was given by Alex Stone, part of West Boca Ratan’s high school class of 2022. He was particularly poised as he hit all the required elements for a graduation speech, wove an important personal loss into his speech, and tied the speech together with the quote by May Angelou, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away,

A former English teacher and currently an elementary principal in a rural school, Pam has honed her speaking skills in the classroom and before professional groups. Pam enjoys sharing her insights about public speaking almost as much as she enjoys running, which she does daily.

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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 1,151,074 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

introducing valedictorian speech

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

introducing valedictorian speech

  • 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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Sample of a Valedictorian Speech; Tips, Template, Expert Analysis

Valedictorian Speeches are usually considered one of the main highlights of any graduation ceremony. As a Valedictorian, giving your peers a speech that encapsulates your entire experience during the years of graduation is a mighty task. Therefore, we present this article to make this task a little less difficult for you. Throughout this article, we ... Read more

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Reported by Ritesh Sharma

Published on 25 October 2023

Valedictorian Speeches are usually considered one of the main highlights of any graduation ceremony. As a Valedictorian, giving your peers a speech that encapsulates your entire experience during the years of graduation is a mighty task. Therefore, we present this article to make this task a little less difficult for you.

Throughout this article, we will provide you insights into preparing a powerful and memorable Valedictorian Speech. We will share all the key tips, templates, and Expert Analysis for such a speech. We will also provide you with a Sample of a Valedictorian Speech that will help you prepare your own speech with the utmost finesse.

So, if you are a Valedictorian worried about the speech for your graduation ceremony, go through the complete article.

Sample of a Valedictorian Speech

  • 1.1 Valedictorian Speech Introduction
  • 1.2 How to Prepare the Body of the Speech?
  • 1.3 Sample of A Memorable Conclusion to a Valedictorian Speech
  • 2.1 Final Words

Valedictorian Speech Template

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Prior to preparing any speech, it is extremely beneficial to know its template. Once you know the template of a speech, it is relatively easier to fit your substance into that template. In the case of Valedictorian Speeches, the conventional template includes the following entities:

  • A notable theme : One thing that binds all the elements of a speech together is a recurring theme. So, while preparing your speech, you can select and construct any theme around it.
  • The introduction part: A casual introduction where you talk about yourself to your peers very briefly.
  • Discussion of Past: In this part, you will mostly reminisce about your experience during your graduation years with your peers.
  • Significance of Today: After talking about your past in your institution, you will talk about the significance of today’s event. For this, you will show gratitude towards the event organizers, your teachers, and your friends.
  • Expectations from the Future: In this part, discuss what you think the future holds for you and your peers.
  • Conclusion of the Speech: Conclude your speech neatly by tying your ending message to the recurring theme.

Tips for a Valedictorian Speech 1

Valedictorian Speech Introduction

An engrossing introduction is necessary to engage the audience in your speech from the very start. When writing a Valedictorian Speech, there are multiple ways to prepare the introduction part .

The most common way to develop such an introduction is by using a quote. However, remember that if you have selected a theme for your speech, your quote must be in accordance with that theme.

Another good way of grabbing the attention of the audience is by using an inoffensive joke that evokes laughter from your peers. Similarly, you can share a small anecdote or story with which your peers can resonate.

Once you capture the attention of the audience, proceed to introduce yourself. Tell everyone present in the event your name, discipline, etc., and briefly establish your theme.

How to Prepare the Body of the Speech?

After introducing yourself and establishing the theme of your speech, you can move toward its body. If we go by the conventional structure of a Valedictorian Speech, the body of the speech has three major parts.

The first part includes a discussion of the past. For this, you can recall all of the achievements as well as the ups and downs you have had during your graduation years. It is suggested that you portray your raw emotions towards your institution and peers during this part for more impact.

After this, talk about the significance of today. Tell everyone why the graduation ceremony event matters and show gratitude to everyone who made it happen.

Finally, talk about what you expect from the future for you and your friends. Encourage your friends to put all of their efforts into making a good career after graduation.

Sample of A Memorable Conclusion to a Valedictorian Speech

To make your Valedictorian Speech a complete success, you must follow up the insightful body of the speech with a memorable conclusion. In this part, you must emphasize the takeaways of the recurring theme of the speech.

For example, if the theme of your speech is “The Sky Is The Limit”, remind your peers how capable they are and how they should not stop the hard work. Moreover, to end your speech on a powerful note, you can also give some message through the end sentence that motivates your peers to do better.

You can also go ahead and express your gratitude towards everyone once again while ending your speech.

Sample of a Valedictorian Speech

Good Morning/ Afternoon/ Evening to everyone present here. It is my utmost privilege to stand here in front of you all as the Valedictorian of our class. My name is [your name] and today, I proudly represent my class and my institution as we all celebrate this momentous occasion of the graduation ceremony. It still feels surreal to think that today marks the end of one of our lives most beautiful and important chapters.

When we all joined this institution a few years ago, we had no clue where life would take us. But as time passed, we all became an inseparable part of each other’s life. We went through all the thick and thin together, overcame all the hardships, and celebrated all the achievements together as a team.

During our graduation, we made some of the best memories I will cherish for my entire life. My friends and esteemed faculty have helped me become a better version of myself at each step of my college life; I have nothing but gratitude towards them.

We are all gathered here today to celebrate four years of togetherness, dedication, and perseverance. I specifically want to thank all the organizers of this event whose hard work made today a more special day than it already was.

As a new chapter of our lives begins from today onwards, I want to wish all my friends good luck for a super successful future. I firmly believe that we will also take the values and lessons we have acquired from this institution with us into this next phase of our lives. Thank you, and once again, congratulations to the graduating class of [your class].

Final Words

We hope our article successfully provided useful details for preparing your speech through our tips and Sample of a Valedictorian Speech. Our page is rich with useful content like this that we publish regularly.

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10 Tips to Write the Best High School Valedictorian Speech

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

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

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

How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

introducing valedictorian speech

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

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

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

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

Tip 2: Check for Themes

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

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

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

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

Tip 3: Use an Outline

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

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

Tip 4: Make Your Valedictorian Speech About Everybody But You

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

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

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

Tip 5: Your Opening Line

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

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

Tip 6: Practice Like It’s Real

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 8: Learn the Art of Stage Presence

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

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

Tip 9: Inspire Your Fellow Students

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

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

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

Tip 10: Hire a Speech Writer

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

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

Cheat Sheet of Inspirational Quotes

introducing valedictorian speech

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

Cheat Sheet of Funny Graduation Quotes

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

Valedictorian Speech Example

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

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

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

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

Practice, Practice, Practice

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

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

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Writing Your Valedictorian Speech from Beginning to End

Decide on a theme.

Writing your valedictorian speech starts with creating a theme or main message for your speech. What do you want to portray to your classmates? Some common themes for graduation speeches are:

  • Past, present, future: describe how your classmates have gone from kindergarten up to 12th grade together, and now, you are looking toward the future; or for college graduations, you can describe freshman week to senior year to careers.
  • What your education has done for you and your classmates.
  • How you are going to fit into the world with this degree.
  • Hard work and perseverance paid off for your education, and they will pay off in your future.
  • Memories from school will keep you grounded as you go out into the world and start a new life.

Be Thankful

Most speeches generally starts with a thank you section. You want to thank the hosts of the graduation and the people responsible for giving you the opportunity to speak. For example, a high school speech giver might thank the school board members, the superintendent, the principal and the student body before beginning the speech.

Get Your Audience’s Attention

When creating your valedictorian speech, the next thing you need to do is decide how you want to begin your speech. You can start with a/an:

  • inspirational quote

One of the most popular ways to start a speech that really grabs the audience’s attention is to use an anecdote. An anecdote is a true story that fits with the theme of your speech. You could tell a story from your own life, from a famous person’s life, from your parents’ lives or from a classmate’s life. As long as it is inspirational and says something about the future or about a positive outlook on life, you can use the story. Many speech writers will start with a story from an essay in a book series like Chicken Soup for the Soul or Cup of Comfort.

The Body of the Speech

Depending on the theme you choose when writing your valedictorian speech, you will create an outline that has a beginning, middle and end – just like if you were writing an essay. In the body of the speech, you may include stories, quotes, memories, facts and even current events. The important thing is to keep in mind what your theme or message is, and everything in your speech should fit that theme. For example, if you are doing a past, present and future speech, then you would have three parts to the speech, and each would highlight that time with stories, quotes or facts. The body of your speech is the longest part and could vary anywhere from five minutes to 15 minutes, depending on your school’s requirements and guidelines.

In Conclusion

When writing your conclusion, remember this is the last message you will leave with them. So, it should summarize our overall message, be inspirational, or possibly have a call for action. For example, if your theme is how you and your classmates are going to fit into the world, you could finish the speech with a prediction – what do you see some of your classmates doing in the future? If you can find a quote by a famous person, that’s another good way to end a speech.

Giving a valedictorian speech at graduation is a privilege, so speak from your heart and deliver an honest message.

Valedictorian Speeches, https://www.stfranciscollege.edu/about/ValedictorianSpeeches

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How to Write Valedictorian Speech

A Guide - How to Write Valedictorian Speech.

This guide to writing a valedictorian speech include recommendations for the three types of stories or anecdotes to include in a valedictorian speech and what to include in a valedictorian speech outline.

Guidance Contents:

Three Common Valedictorian Stories

  • The First Day Story
  • The Overcoming Challenges Story
  • The Unforgettable Moment Story
  • Common Features of a Valedictorian Speech
  •  Introduction
  • Inspiration

First Step - How to Write Valedictorian Speech

Include a Story

A valedictorian speech often includes anecdotes or stories that are inspirational, heartfelt, and reflective of the shared experiences of the graduating class. You could include one of three relatable stories: The First Day, Overcoming Challenges, or The Unforgettable Moment.

1. The First Day Story

The first day story is a common anecdote in which the valedictorian describes their first day at the school or university, often emphasizing their feelings of nervousness, excitement, or confusion. This story can be used to highlight how much they and their classmates have grown and changed since that first day. It also helps to create a sense of shared experience and connection among the audience.

Example : "I still remember my first day here, lost and overwhelmed, trying to find my way to the right classroom, while also trying to look like I knew exactly what I was doing. Now, we're all here, about to walk across this stage with confidence, ready to take on the world."

2. The Overcoming Challenges Story

The overcoming challenges story focuses on a particular challenge or set of challenges that the valedictorian or their classmates faced during their time at the school, and how they overcame it. This could be related to a tough class, a difficult project, or personal struggles. This story is meant to inspire resilience and perseverance.

Example : "Remember that time when we were all struggling with that complex physics project? We spent sleepless nights working on it, supported each other, and eventually, we overcame. That's what we do. We face challenges head-on, and we conquer them."

3. The Unforgettable Moment Story

The unforgettable moment story is a type of anecdote that describes a memorable event or experience that happened during the course of their education. This could be a memorable school trip, a winning moment in a sports competition, or an inspiring talk by a guest speaker. This story aims to evoke nostalgia and to remind everyone of the good times they've shared.

Example : "Who could forget the time we won the state championship? That moment was not just about victory, but about teamwork, commitment, and our collective spirit. As we move forward in our lives, let's carry this spirit with us."

Remember, when learning how to write a valedictorian speech, the best stories or anecdotes for a valedictorian speech can resonate with the audience, evoke emotions, inspire, and create a sense of unity and shared experience.

The Most Common Features of a Valedictorian Speech

A valedictorian speech often follows a similar structure to other public speeches. Here's a simple outline of the most common features of a valedictorian speech to help you know how to write a valedictorian speech:

Introduction of the Valedictorian Speech

  • Greeting : Welcome the audience, and express gratitude for being selected as the valedictorian.
  • Context : Mention the significance of the occasion (graduation).
  • Preview : Briefly overview the speech’s main points.

Body of the Valedictorian Speech

  • Personal Reflection : Share personal experiences, growth, and lessons learned throughout your academic journey.
  • Shared Memories : Recall specific memorable experiences or events that the entire class can relate to.
  • Acknowledgment : Recognize the contributions of teachers, parents, staff, and classmates to your success and the success of the class.
  • Overcoming Challenges : Highlight the obstacles faced and how they were overcome, emphasizing the strength, resilience, and camaraderie of the class.

Inspiration: a Specific Aspect of a Valedictorian Speech

  • Inspirational Message : Share an inspiring message or story to motivate your classmates for the future.
  • Future Aspirations : Discuss the potential of your graduating class and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
  • Quote : Incorporate a relevant quote that encapsulates your message and provides a guiding principle for the future.

Conclusion of a Valedictorian Speech

  • Summary : Recap the main points of your speech.
  • Final Message : Leave the audience with a final thought, wish, or call to action.
  • Farewell : Express hope for everyone's future and bid your classmates, teachers, and everyone present a fond farewell.

Remember, the secret to a compelling valedictorian speech is to weave your unique experiences and insights into a broader tapestry of shared experiences, making it relatable to all present.

Wrap Up How to Write Valedictorian Speech

Crafting a valedictorian speech is a remarkable opportunity to encapsulate years of experiences, growth, and shared memories into a powerful narrative. It's a way to inspire and provide a sense of closure and new beginnings. Remember, the secret to a compelling valedictorian speech is to weave your unique experiences and insights into a broader tapestry of shared experiences, making it relatable to all present.

Incorporating stories such as the first day of school, overcoming shared challenges, or unforgettable moments can help you highlight the journey you and your classmates have taken together. These stories add a personal touch and evoke shared memories and feelings, making your speech more engaging and memorable.

As for the structure, remember the importance of a well-organized speech . Begin with an engaging introduction and progress with a substantial body that includes personal reflections, acknowledgments, shared memories, and inspirational messages. Finally, conclude by recapping the main points, delivering a final heartfelt message, and bidding your audience a fond farewell.

Your valedictorian speech is not just a summary of your academic journey. It's also an inspirational send-off for your classmates as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

So, make it heartfelt, make it engaging, and most importantly, make it memorable. With these insights and tips, you can create a valedictorian speech that will resonate with your audience and leave a lasting impact.

Happy writing!

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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.

by Doug Staneart | Free Public Speaking Tips , Podcasts

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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

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Graduation Valedictorian Speech

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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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As the pinnacle of academic achievement in high school or college, the valedictorian speech is a momentous opportunity for top graduates to share reflections, inspirations, and aspirations with their peers, families, and educators.

A great valedictorian speech is more than a recitation of gratitude and accomplishments; it’s a heartfelt, inspiring narrative that weaves together personal stories with universal themes of hope, resilience, and ambition.

3 Sample Valedictorian Speeches

In this article, we provide three sample valedictorian speeches crafted to captivate and inspire audiences. Each speech includes fictional details to enhance relatability and depth.

Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, faculty, family, and my fellow graduates, today marks a pivotal moment in our lives. As we gather in the spirit of celebration and reflection, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you as the valedictorian of the class. Our journey to this moment has been filled with challenges and triumphs, moments of uncertainty, and periods of exhilarating discovery.

Introduction

When we embarked on this academic voyage, we were individuals from diverse backgrounds, holding a mosaic of aspirations. Today, we stand united, a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Our time at this esteemed institution has been more than just an academic endeavor; it has been a crucible, shaping us into the individuals we are today. We have been guided by an exceptional faculty, supported by devoted families, and inspired by each other’s ambitions.

The Journey

Reflecting on our journey, it’s evident that each step was a building block, a series of lessons learned, friendships forged, and dreams nurtured. We have delved into complex theories, grappled with challenging concepts, and sought to understand the intricate workings of the world around us. We have been challenged to think critically, act compassionately, and lead ethically. Our education has been an intricate blend of intellectual rigor and character development, preparing us not just for the professional realm but for the broader challenges of life.

Overcoming Challenges

Our path was not always smooth; we encountered obstacles that tested our resolve and determination. There were late nights and early mornings, times of self-doubt, and moments when the end goal seemed distant. Yet, with each challenge, we grew stronger, more resilient. We learned the value of hard work, the importance of persistence, and the satisfaction of overcoming difficulties. These experiences have left an indelible mark, shaping us into adaptable, determined individuals ready to face the future with confidence.

Moments of Triumph

Amidst these challenges were moments of sheer joy and accomplishment. The late-night study sessions that culminated in understanding a complex concept, the successful projects and presentations, the community service initiatives, and the cultural festivals—each event added color and vibrancy to our collective experience. We cheered each other’s successes and provided support through setbacks, creating a community of learners who thrive together.

As we stand on the precipice of the future, it is crucial to acknowledge those who have made this journey possible. To our esteemed faculty, your wisdom and dedication have not only educated us but also inspired us to strive for greatness. You have been our mentors, guiding us with patience and passion. To our families, your unwavering support and sacrifices have been the backbone of our success. Your belief in our dreams has been a source of constant encouragement. And to my fellow graduates, your camaraderie, and spirit have made this journey an unforgettable experience.

As we look forward, the future is an unwritten script waiting for us to make our mark. We are equipped with knowledge, skills, and a sense of purpose. The world we are entering is complex and ever-changing, but we are ready. We are the innovators, thinkers, and leaders of tomorrow. Our education has not just prepared us for a career; it has prepared us to make meaningful contributions to society. We are poised to tackle the challenges of the future, to create, to innovate, and to lead with integrity.

Call to Action

As we embark on this next chapter, let us take forward the lessons we have learned and the friendships we have formed. Let us be bold in our aspirations, ethical in our approach, and compassionate in our interactions. The world needs bright minds and kind hearts—let us be both. Let us not shy away from challenges but embrace them as opportunities for growth. Let us remain lifelong learners, forever curious and forever driven to improve ourselves and the world around us.

In closing, I am reminded of the profound journey we have shared. It has been an honor to learn, grow, and evolve alongside each of you. As we scatter across the globe, pursuing our unique paths, let us carry forward the legacy of our alma mater with pride. Let us continue to support each other, celebrate each other’s successes, and uplift each other during times of need. Today, as we close this chapter and begin anew, let us step forward with hope, determination, and the unyielding spirit of a graduate ready to make a difference. Congratulations, Class of [Year]! Our adventure is just beginning.

Esteemed faculty, proud parents, devoted friends, and, most importantly, my fellow graduates, it is an honor to speak before you on this momentous day. We gather here, cloaked in our gowns and caps, not just as a formality, but as a symbol of our dedication, our achievements, and the journey that has brought us to this pivotal moment in our lives. This day is not just a personal triumph but a collective victory for all who have supported us through this journey.

As we stand at the precipice of the future, it is natural to reflect on the past. Our journey through [School Name] has been transformative, an epic saga filled with challenges, achievements, and a constant quest for knowledge. We entered as young hopefuls, eager and perhaps a bit anxious about the path ahead. Today, we emerge as graduates, ready to embark on new adventures, armed with the education and experiences that we have gained.

The Path We’ve Walked

Our time here has been marked by an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and a drive to exceed expectations. We’ve spent countless hours in the library, participated in discussions that challenged our perspectives, and engaged in activities that pushed us beyond our comfort zones. Our education was never confined to the classroom; it spilled over into every aspect of our lives, teaching us about ourselves and the world we inhabit.

Celebrating Diversity and Unity

One of the most beautiful aspects of our journey has been the diversity of our class. We’ve learned from each other, blending our cultures, ideas, and dreams. We’ve created a vibrant tapestry that reflects not just who we are as individuals but also what we can accomplish together. Our differences have not divided us; instead, they have enriched our experience and given us a more profound understanding of the world.

Acknowledging Challenges and Resilience

Our path has not been devoid of obstacles. We’ve faced personal and academic challenges, moments of doubt and disappointment. Yet, here we stand, a testament to our resilience and determination. Each setback has taught us valuable lessons, forging our characters in the fires of perseverance. Our triumphs are all the sweeter for the hurdles we’ve overcome.

A Tribute to Our Pillars of Support

This journey would have been impossible without the unwavering support of those around us. To our esteemed professors, your wisdom and mentorship have illuminated our paths. You have not only been educators but also guides, challenging us to reach new heights. To our families and friends, your love and encouragement have been our anchor and our refuge. You celebrated our successes and stood by us through trials, believing in us even when we doubted ourselves.

Looking Forward

Today, as we stand ready to turn the page, we are not saying goodbye but rather stepping into a new chapter. The world awaits, ripe with challenges and opportunities. We are the architects of our destinies, equipped with a formidable arsenal of knowledge, skills, and experiences. Let us move forward with courage and optimism, ready to innovate, inspire, and contribute to a world that is ever-evolving.

As we embark on our next journey, let us pledge to carry the lessons we’ve learned into the future. Let us continue to be driven by curiosity, integrity, and a desire to contribute positively to our communities and beyond. Let us hold onto the friendships we’ve formed, the memories we’ve created, and the dreams we’ve nurtured.

In conclusion, my fellow graduates, today marks an end and a beginning. It is the end of our time at [School Name] but the beginning of a new, exciting phase of our lives. As we spread out across the globe, let us take pride in our achievements and face the future with confidence. We are the leaders, the innovators, and the dreamers of tomorrow. Congratulations to each one of you, and here’s to a future filled with promise and adventure. Well done, Class of [Year]!

Distinguished guests, beloved faculty, cherished family, friends, and my esteemed fellow graduates, as we assemble under the banner of accomplishment and anticipation, I am profoundly honored to address you as the valedictorian of this graduating class. Our collective journey has been an intricate blend of individual stories, each contributing to the beautiful mosaic that is our graduating class. Today is not just a culmination of academic rigor; it is a celebration of growth, resilience, and shared dreams.

We embarked on this academic journey as eager minds yearning to explore the vast landscape of knowledge and opportunity. We were driven by aspirations as diverse as our backgrounds, yet united by a common goal: to learn, to excel, and ultimately, to emerge as graduates ready to contribute to the world. Today, as we look back on the years that have shaped us, we also look forward with a sense of purpose and excitement.

Our Shared Odyssey

Our time at [School Name] has been an odyssey of transformation. We’ve navigated through courses that challenged our understanding, participated in discussions that sparked our curiosity, and undertaken projects that pushed our boundaries. Our education has been a holistic one, not just academically enriching but also personally transformative. We’ve laughed, debated, and sometimes even stumbled, but every step was a lesson leading us to this very day.

Embracing Our Differences

What makes our journey truly remarkable is the diversity we’ve embraced. Each of us brought unique perspectives and talents to the table, creating a rich and dynamic learning environment. We’ve learned the power of collaboration and the strength found in embracing our differences. Our varied backgrounds and viewpoints have not only enhanced our learning experience but have prepared us to be global citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.

Overcoming and Growing

Our path was not devoid of trials. We’ve all faced moments of doubt and adversity, academic challenges, and personal hurdles. Yet, each obstacle was an opportunity for growth. We’ve learned resilience, adaptability, and the undeniable power of persistence. These experiences have not weakened us; rather, they have fortified our resolve and equipped us with the grit necessary to face the complexities of life.

Heartfelt Gratitude

As we stand on the brink of a new beginning, it is essential to express our deepest gratitude. To our dedicated faculty, you have been our mentors and guides, challenging us to think critically and act compassionately. To our families and friends, your unwavering support and sacrifices have been the wind beneath our wings. Your belief in our potential has been a constant source of strength and motivation.

Vision for the Future

As we look to the horizon, the future is replete with possibilities. We are entering a world that is ever-evolving, filled with challenges but also opportunities for innovation and leadership. We are ready to apply our knowledge, embrace lifelong learning, and make a meaningful impact. Let us be agents of change, leaders in our fields, and compassionate citizens of the world.

Our Commitment

As we step into the future, let us carry the torch of [School Name] with honor and responsibility. Let us commit to using our education as a tool for positive change, to pursuing our passions with integrity, and to lifting others as we climb. Our journey does not end here; it evolves. We are the authors of the next chapter, ready to make our mark with confidence and grace.

Closing Reflections

In closing, my fellow graduates, let us savor this moment of achievement and joy. As we scatter in pursuit of our next adventures, let us hold onto the memories, friendships, and lessons that have shaped us. We are bound together by this shared chapter of our lives, and no matter where we go, we carry a piece of [School Name] with us. Congratulations, Class of [Year], for all that we have achieved and all that is yet to come. The world awaits, and we are ready!

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Example of a Valedictorian Speech

If you have graduated as the class valedictorian and want to make a speech, read this article that will give you tips on how to write one, as well an example of a valedictorian speech.

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Example of a Valedictorian Speech

In the simplest of terms, a valedictorian speech is the term used to describe the speech given by the student who has the highest rank in a class that is graduating. Since the name accorded to the student is valedictorian, the name is thus derived. These speeches are in some way, the other form of a farewell speech, and therefore it is important that the speaker imbues the monologue with emotions, memories, and events that everyone, especially your classmates can identify with. The aim is to motivate your fellow students and to say farewell to people you have spent a good part of your life with. The article below contains an example of a valedictorian speech.

Points to Remember while Writing

  • Introduction : Depending on our preference, you can start your speech with a quote or even an anecdote, or you can simply decide to start by thanking the audience present. The tone of your introduction will decide the tone for the rest of your session. So, if you want to write something funny, then your introduction should be humorous as well.
  • Body : The main body should be full of anecdotes, stories, things that brought you and your classmates together, and events from your school life that have been most memorable. Recount accomplishments, and talk about what you are doing in the future.
  • Conclusion : Your conclusion, just like your introduction needs to have a powerful impact, and should leave an impression on your audience. End with a quote that is motivating and inspiring. A conclusion should leave your listeners with something to think about.

Sample Speech

There are many ideas that you can use while writing speeches as the valedictorian of your batch. As mentioned before, remember that they are generally an embodiment of your experience at the school or college that you have been a part of. Write from your heart, and there is no way that you will go wrong.

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Former prime minister Scott Morrison is delivering his valedictory speech in parliament before he retires from politics.

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No, Trump Did Not Refer To His Wife Melania as 'Mercedes' at CPAC 2024

A clip from the former president's speech at cpac provided fodder for late night television, but was stripped of relevant context., alex kasprak, published feb 27, 2024.

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On Feb. 24, 2024, former president Donald Trump addressed the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), an influential meeting of American conservatives presently aligned with Trump.

A portion of that speech went viral, because it was interpreted as evidence of Trump referring to his wife Melania as "Mercedes." That claim even reached late night television, when it was featured on a Feb. 26, 2024, segment on "Late Night with Seth Meyers":

introducing valedictorian speech

These claims are false, because they omit obvious context indicating that the former president was referring to a Mercedes Schlapp. Among other connections, Schlapp  served in the Trump Administration as White House director of strategic communications. 

The American Conservative Union, which runs CPAC, is chaired by her husband , Matt Schlapp. At the beginning of the speech, Trump thanked both of them , looking to his far left as he did so:

introducing valedictorian speech

This indicates that Mercedes Schlapp was in attendance and likely seated in that general direction during Trump's speech. Other views of the conference room during his remarks indicate that some sort of VIP area may have been placed in the general direction of Trump's gaze:

introducing valedictorian speech

The Schlapps were not the only people acknowledged by Trump. Much of the introductory portion of his one-and-a-half-hour speech was dedicated to recognizing people of note in attendance. Trump frequently looked to the people gathered in that area to his left, commenting to them when a name he mentioned got a notably receptive response from the crowd. 

Trump did not acknowledge Melania in this portion of the speech. Along with a lack of photos of her at the event, this suggests she did not accompany the former president to CPAC. Trump's first reference to the former first lady occurred midway through the speech. Melania's name interrupted a story denigrating President Joe Biden's cognitive abilities:

[Biden] trips over the machinery and [...] if there's a wall behind him, he ends up walking into the wall […]. [The U.S. Secret Service] will run up and grab him and take him off the stage. This is what we have as our president. But the worst thing is when I do that… the fake news…  I call up my wife, our great first lady. She was a great. People love her. People love her…

The crowd applauded and rose to give a standing ovation. Following that, Trump looked in the same direction as earlier, remarking — once again — about the notably receptive response. This time, he directed his comment to Mercedes. "Oh, look at that," he said. "Wow, Mercedes, that's pretty good."

introducing valedictorian speech

This crucial context is omitted when presented as evidence of Trump supposedly forgetting the name of his wife. It is clear, given the context of his introductory remarks, that Trump is referring to the same Mercedes as earlier in the speech. 

Because viral and comedic claims that Trump referred to his wife as Mercedes during Trump's 2024 CPAC speech omit the crucial context that he was referring to Mercedes Schlapp, the claim is "False." 

Haberman, Maggie, and Annie Karni. "Mercedes Schlapp Leaving White House Press Office to Join Trump Campaign." The New York Times, 1 July 2019. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/01/us/politics/mercedes-schlapp-trump-campaign.html.

LIVE: President Donald Trump Speech at CPAC 2024 | NEWSMAX2. www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoXKP55cC9Y. Accessed 27 Feb. 2024.

"Trump Calls Himself a 'proud Political Dissident' in CPAC Speech." AP News, 24 Feb. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-cpac-vindication-judgment-day-2c73c0e64ff5b25afd2e3b09fd75204a.

Williamson, Elizabeth. "Meet the Schlapps, Washington's Trump-Era 'It Couple.'" The New York Times, 30 Apr. 2018. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/30/us/politics/schlapp-trump.html.

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Alex Kasprak is an investigative journalist and science writer reporting on scientific misinformation, online fraud, and financial crime.

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  1. 14+ Perfect Valedictorian Speech Examples in MS WORD

    introducing valedictorian speech

  2. how to write a valedictorian speech for high school

    introducing valedictorian speech

  3. Valedictorian Speech Examples

    introducing valedictorian speech

  4. 14+ Perfect Valedictorian Speech Examples in MS WORD

    introducing valedictorian speech

  5. 14+ Perfect Valedictorian Speech Examples in MS WORD

    introducing valedictorian speech

  6. How To Write An Amazing Valedictorian Speech

    introducing valedictorian speech

COMMENTS

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

    Learn how to deliver a winning valedictorian speech with our helpful ideas, tips, and examples. Discover how to capture your audience's attention, make your speech memorable, and leave a lasting impact. ... Opening: Introduce yourself. Key Idea 1: (Past) Share a story, memory, or observation highlighting a positive quality about your classmates ...

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

    Tips To Keep In Mind While Writing Your Valedictorian Speech. 1. Talk About Things You've Learnt Outside The Classroom. While classroom learning is something that's common to most of the students in the audience-that is, all of you probably learned the same coursework-what's different is the stuff that you learned OUTSIDE the classroom.

  3. 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.

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

    Step 2: Check for Themes. Once you've talked to others in your graduating class, look for any recurring themes. Write these down, and then think about world and school events that fit in with that theme. Tap into the nostalgia factor as you prepare to say goodbye to your school and classmates.

  5. 12 Best Valedictorian Speech Examples to Work With

    A valedictorian speech is a motivating speech that a top achiever of a class delivers at their graduation ceremony. ... Begin by introducing yourself as the humbled valedictorian and thanking the school for honoring you. Express gratitude for the opportunity to speak. Once you are done introducing yourself and showing gratitude, introduce an ...

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

    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.

  7. Crafting an Unforgettable Valedictory Speech: A Guide and Sample

    This part is your final chance to inspire and should be as memorable as your opening. Remember, your valedictory speech is a reflection of you and your experience, so make it personal. A typical valedictory speech usually lasts between 5 to 10 minutes. This translates to roughly 750 to 1500 words, depending on your speaking speed.

  8. Valedictorian Speech: Goodbye To School, Hello To The Future

    They typically make a speech at graduation that bids goodbye to classmates, thanks the schools and teacher on behalf of the class, and offers inspiration. At high school graduations, the valedictorian , the person in the graduating class with the highest GPA or record of achievement, speaks for the class about their high school years and the ...

  9. Valedictorian Speech Examples Tell Class Reach For The Stars

    The best valedictorian speech examples advice, wish the graduates good luck, thank honored guests, and reminisce about the journey the class has experienced together. ... Shorten your introduction. Limit your main ideas to two (rather than 3-4). Find efficient transition thoughts. As you conclude your speech, you can pull the ideas together in ...

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

    6. Keep it short. Your speech is just one part of a larger ceremony, and people probably won't want to listen to you give a half-hour lecture on the nature of friendship and the universe. Keep your thoughts short and to the point. Plus, if you don't like giving speeches, keeping it short will make it go faster. [6]

  11. Sample of a Valedictorian Speech; Tips, Template, Expert Analysis

    Valedictorian Speech Introduction. An engrossing introduction is necessary to engage the audience in your speech from the very start. When writing a Valedictorian Speech, there are multiple ways to prepare the introduction part. The most common way to develop such an introduction is by using a quote. However, remember that if you have selected ...

  12. 10 Tips to Write the Best High School Valedictorian Speech

    Tip1: Talk About What You've Learned in Your Speech. The perfect valedictorian speech is one where you share the essential lessons from high school. These are not lessons learned in the four corners of the classrooms but life learnings you can apply everywhere. You can talk about the importance of loyalty to your friends, sportsmanship after ...

  13. Writing Your Valedictorian Speech from Beginning to End

    Homework Help & Study Guides. Writing your valedictorian speech is an honor and a privilege. You will decide on a theme, how to begin your speech, and what to say at the conclusion. The sample outline provides ideas for the introduction, middle and end. Quotes and stories from famous people can also be used, and humor is always a plus.

  14. How to Write Valedictorian Speech

    First Step - How to Write Valedictorian Speech. Include a Story. A valedictorian speech often includes anecdotes or stories that are inspirational, heartfelt, and reflective of the shared experiences of the graduating class. You could include one of three relatable stories: The First Day, Overcoming Challenges, or The Unforgettable Moment.

  15. How to Write a Graduation Speech as Valedictorian

    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 ...

  16. Amazing Valedictorian Speech Examples & Tips

    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. ...

  17. Graduation Speech: How to Write a Valedvictorian Speech

    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.

  18. 10 Tips to Creating a Magical Valedictorian Speech

    10. Thank People. Always thank people in your speech. You didn't become the valedictorian on your own. And your fellow graduates didn't get to the stage on their own either. Acknowledge teachers, parents, friends, and siblings who contributed to not only your success but the success of fellow graduates.

  19. PDF Sam Johnson Valedictorian Speech

    Introduction to Valedictorian Sam Johnson '12 by Upper School Principal Andrea Hollnagel. Samuel Johnson earned the privilege of speaking today because he worked diligently to become this year's class valedictorian. Sam can best be described as humble. Given all of his accomplishments to date, one might think the opposite would be true.

  20. Writing Your Valedictorian Speech

    Need some tips for writing your valedictorian speech? Read on for some helpful advice.

  21. Valedictorian Speech

    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.

  22. 3 Valedictorian Speech Samples That Will Impress

    Sample 1. Ladies and gentlemen, honored guests, faculty, family, and my fellow graduates, today marks a pivotal moment in our lives. As we gather in the spirit of celebration and reflection, it is with immense pride and a deep sense of gratitude that I stand before you as the valedictorian of the class.

  23. Example of a Valedictorian Speech

    In the simplest of terms, a valedictorian speech is the term used to describe the speech given by the student who has the highest rank in a class that is graduating. Since the name accorded to the student is valedictorian, the name is thus derived. These speeches are in some way, the other form of a farewell speech, and therefore it is ...

  24. Scott Morrison makes warning on China in departing speech to parliament

    The 30th prime minister of Australia also used his valedictory speech to give a parting warning of China's continuing tactics to coerce or seek advantage over Australia.

  25. Scott Morrison gives valedictory speech

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  26. No, Trump Did Not Refer To His Wife Melania as 'Mercedes' at CPAC 2024

    Because viral and comedic claims that Trump referred to his wife as Mercedes during Trump's 2024 CPAC speech omit the crucial context that he was referring to Mercedes Schlapp, the claim is "False

  27. An F.B.I. Informant, a Bombshell Claim, and an Impeachment Built on a

    For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio, a new iOS app available for news subscribers. Hosted by Michael Barbaro Featuring Michael S. Schmidt Produced by Rikki ...

  28. Houthis say they will introduce military 'surprises' in Red Sea

    DUBAI, Feb 29 (Reuters) - Yemen's Houthis will introduce military "surprises" in their Red Sea operations, the Iran-aligned group's leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said in a televised speech on Thursday.

  29. Electronics

    Vietnamese is an under-resourced language. The requirement for a large-scale and high-quality Vietnamese speech corpus increases on demand. We introduce a new large-scale Vietnamese speech corpus with 100.5 h collected from various audio sources in the Internet. The raw collected audio was processed to obtain clean speech. Transcription of the clean speech was made manually. The new corpus was ...