how to write salutatorian speech

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How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

Last Updated: January 12, 2023 Approved

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 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 236,646 times.

Delivering a salutatorian speech is a great honor. But before you can deliver it, you have to write it. Before you begin, think about your topic and find out how long you have to speak. Thoughtfully structure your speech, and solicit comments on it from trusted teachers, families, and friends. Use clear transitions between the various ideas and parts of your speech to make it clear and memorable.

Knowing Your Limits and Choosing a Topic

• Finding out what your limits are ahead of time will prevent you from extensively rewriting your speech later after you’ve discovered your speech is too long or does not address the right topic.
• It usually takes about two minutes to read a double-spaced page.

• Common topics include why graduation is special or why you’re proud of your graduating class.
• Choose a topic you have a genuine interest in, not one that you feel you are supposed to show interest in.
• To help you brainstorm, talk to your friends, parents, and/or classmates about what they’d most like to hear in a speech.

Structuring Your Speech

• You might write, for instance, “As the Chancellor said, I am Noah Wimbly, and I am so honored to stand here before you today.”

• For instance, you might write, “I want to speak to you about three things: justice, knowledge, and peace.”
• If you cannot boil the subject and major points of your speech down into a sentence or two, you should rethink your structure.

Closing the Speech

• Additionally, thank the audience for their time and for attending.

• It’s also a good idea to keep your speech short because the schedules of large events like graduations often fall apart. A shorter speech could prove helpful toward getting the schedule back on track, if necessary. [16] X Research source

Editing the Speech

• Revise passages that sound clunky or awkward when read aloud.
• Read your speech out loud both to yourself and to a small audience of friends or family. Incorporate your test audience’s feedback into the speech.

• Time your speech using your smartphone to check on the flow and length of the speech.

• It's a good idea to practice in front of audiences. Ask your family and friends if they'd be willing to listen to you practice the speech a few times before graduation.

Speech Help

Expert Q&A

• If there's a word you've written but never spoken, make sure you're pronouncing it right before you actually deliver the speech. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-and-usage/graduation-speech-writing-outline.html
• ↑ Lynn Kirkham. Public Speaking Coach. Expert Interview. 20 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/7-steps-to-an-inspiring-and-memorable-speech.html
• ↑ http://www.speech-topics-help.com/salutatorian-speech.html

About This Article

To write a salutatorian speech, choose 1 topic to form the backbone of your speech. For example, you could talk about why graduation is special or why you’re proud of your class. Or, talk about the history of your school and its values. Try reading and watching other salutatorian speeches for inspiration. You should always thank the previous speaker for introducing you. Then, start with a brief introduction to tell people what you’ll be talking about. Consider adding an anecdote or a quote to emphasize your point. To close your speech, you can thank your teachers, parents, and friends who’ve helped you along your journey. You can also wish your fellow graduates luck and encourage them to use their talents to make the world a better place. For more tips, including how to edit and practice your salutatorian speech, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Effective Guide: How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

Table of Contents

Writing an effective salutatorian speech is a challenging yet rewarding experience.

It takes creativity, dedication, and plenty of practice to craft the perfect words. It must inspire your peers as you send them off into their future endeavors. But with the right guidance and valuable tips, anyone can learn how to write a salutatorian speech that celebrates the occasion. It highlights the importance of being there for each other in our collective journey through life.

This article discusses how to create an impactful salutatorian speech and provides examples of how to best accomplish this important task.

What Is a Salutatorian Speech?

A salutatorian speech is an address typically given by a graduating student with the second highest grades in their class . It often serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize students’ academic achievements and hard work while offering inspiration to their peers.

This type of oration is unique because it combines elements of both reflection and motivation. It allows the speaker to impart words of wisdom gleaned from their educational experiences and hope for the future. As such, a salutatorian speech can be considered a meaningful moment of closure as graduates bid farewell to their alma mater.

How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

To craft a compelling salutatorian speech for your graduation day, follow the tips below on how to write an effective salutatorian speech:

Brainstorm Ideas

Take the time to reflect on meaningful memories, important lessons, and experiences you have had during your school years.

Consider stories or quotes from teachers, mentors, friends, family members, etc., that have positively impacted your life. Incorporate these elements into your salutatorian address.

Outline Your Speech

Start by outlining the main ideas and points you wish to convey in your speech.

Aim to be clear and concise with each point while conveying emotion as needed. Be sure to include examples that will help illustrate a specific idea or point. Use uncommon words to add variety and interest to your speech.

Write the Draft

Taking your outline as a guide, begin writing out the full draft of your speech. Include powerful imagery, metaphors, and storytelling elements throughout to bring it alive for the audience. Incorporate humor where appropriate.

Also, use this opportunity to recognize and thank key individuals who have helped shape you throughout your school experience.

Practice Your Delivery

Once you’ve written down your speech, practice saying it aloud several times before delivering it to your classmates. This will give you an opportunity to refine and tweak it until you are completely comfortable with the delivery.

Enlist the help of a friend or mentor if desired to provide feedback on phrasing, pronunciation, and flow of the message.

Delivering the Speech

On graduation day, take a few deep breaths before beginning your speech. Speak confidently and clearly, and make sure to look up at the crowd often as you deliver your address.

Finally, end strong and with impact – after all, this is likely one of the most memorable days of your young life!

Great Example of a Salutatorian Speech

Below are two examples of great salutatorian speeches to help you craft a compelling one for your own.

Salutatorian Speech Example 1:

Good evening everyone! I want to take this moment to congratulate the entire graduating class of 2021. We made it! What an accomplishment, what a huge milestone in our lives! All that hard work finally paid off, and now we stand here today, ready to move on to the next chapter.

I’d like you to join me as I reflect on these past few years at school. We’ve gone through countless exams, projects, and assignments together. As individuals, each of us worked diligently toward our own success. But despite having different aspirations for our futures, our class was united by something deeper: camaraderie. Throughout every obstacle and challenge we faced, someone from our class always had our back. That is what has kept us going this far – and will continue to help us achieve even more great things in life.

You won’t want to lose focus in the hustle of everyday life. But don’t forget to pause for a minute and appreciate how far you have come – because no one gets here alone. So I encourage you to look around and acknowledge those who helped you reach graduation day. It’s our family, friends, teachers, and classmates alike.

We may be parting ways soon but know that with all the knowledge and experience gained throughout these years at school, anything is possible. The world is full of opportunities – go out and make your dreams happen! Congratulations once again, class of 2021!

Salutatorian Speech Example 2:

Good morning, fellow classmates and guests! Today marks the end of our journey together in this school. I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have achieved over the past four years. From sports championships won to friendships forged, these accomplishments are worth celebrating.

I know many of us have mixed feelings as we leave our beloved class behind. We’ve studied hard, laughed loud, and shared some incredible experiences. Graduation day is an opportune time for us to remember those moments with fondness and look ahead to the future with anticipation.

Today is about the commencement of a new chapter and an opportunity to honor the people who helped us get here. From parents, teachers, and coaches, to friends, they all offered guidance along the way. For without them, none of us would be here today ready to tackle what lies ahead.

As we go forth into the world beyond our classrooms, let us embrace its challenges and seek out ways to grow as individuals. Class of 2021, congratulations on your graduation and best wishes for a bright future!

Writing an effective salutatorian speech is a skill that requires careful thought and planning.

By paying close attention to details such as structure, language, experience, and emotion, you can create a unique and memorable experience for the audience. With these tips and examples in mind, you will be well on your way to crafting an inspiring speech !

Abir Ghenaiet

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

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Introduction

You don’t become the salutatorian of your graduating class by luck; you do so by working hard and getting the second-best grade. After your hard work pays off, the next step is to deliver the salutatorian speech during your graduation ceremony. 

This is where many people get nervous, but we’re here to show you how to get on stage and deliver a great speech on that day. These detailed tips, steps, and salutatorian speech examples will guide you toward giving a speech you won’t forget easily, as you’ll see later in this article. But first, let us go over what a salutatorian speech is and why it is so important.

What is a salutatorian speech?

A salutatorian speech is a speech given by the salutatorian of a graduating class , either in high school or college. A salutatorian is a student with the second-highest cumulative GPA in the whole set. As a result of their academic achievement, salutatorians are honored to deliver a speech during the graduation ceremony.

The word salutatorian comes from the word salutatory , which means ‘welcoming.’ Hence, a salutatorian speech is given at the opening of the graduation ceremony. With this speech , the salutatorian is tasked with welcoming people to the graduation ceremony, acknowledging important guests, and speaking to the audience on behalf of their fellow students. 

How to write a salutatorian speech

1. find out everything you need to know about the graduation ceremony.

Different schools have different rules guiding student behavior, so you must find the ground rules about giving speeches and what to avoid. Talk to a teacher or organizer beforehand so you know how to tailor your speech . Ask if there are any specific rules you should follow or avoid. Also, find out what you’re expected to cover in your speech .

You should also find out how much time you have, what jokes or quotes are inappropriate, and what kinds of speeches are allowed . A great way to avoid trouble is to review your speech with a staff member before the ceremony.

2. Choose a suitable topic

The typical salutatorian speech already has a theme, but you can always add your spin. You can decide to give a funny speech , a motivational speech , or both. Whatever you choose, you need good salutatorian speech ideas that tie it together so it doesn’t look all jumbled up. Awesome salutatorian speeches tend to have a mix of different themes that blend well together.

3. Study your audience

The audience for salutatorian speeches is usually the parents, graduating students, and staff of the school. With that in mind, you must study them beforehand to understand how to address them. How will they respond to your salutatorian speech ideas? Will they enjoy the salutatorian speech examples you have in mind? Answering these questions can help you understand how to deliver your speech . If you’re stumped, check out some salutatorian speech examples.

4. Brainstorm 

Brainstorming before writing your speech is important because it helps you arrange your thoughts. It will help anyone come up with the most awesome salutatorian speeches. Brainstorming will help you figure out the direction you want your speech to go, what stories you want to include, and any other salutatorian speech ideas you may want to implement .

When brainstorming , you must do your research and look for other salutatorian speech examples. That will help you develop more salutatorian speech examples and salutatorian speech jokes.

5. Check out other salutatorian speech examples

Looking up other salutatorian speech examples will give you an idea of what you’re expected to do. It is part of your research, and you can learn many new things. You can also check out other speeches that aren’t necessarily salutatorian to better understand speechwriting.

There are many awesome salutatorian speeches online, and you can find templates that will help you structure your work. Good research will provide you with more ideas to help you develop a great salutatorian speech .

6. Structure your speech 

The structure of your speech is the most important part of the speech -making process. Awesome salutatorian speeches have a typical structure or outline you must follow – but we’ll get to that soon. First, you need to know the direction of your speech and create your outline accordingly.

Then, you need to assemble all the salutatorian speech ideas, quotes, and salutatorian speech jokes you have into a rough draft. This draft will be your first draft. It doesn’t have to be perfect because you will still edit it. Remember that you will still do major editing and leave room for improvement.

7. Edit the speech until you get a final draft

Once you have your first draft, the next step is to edit the speech until satisfied. The editing part is where you refine the speech and make it good enough to deliver in front of your school. As you edit, you need to keep the following in mind;

• Your speech needs to be short and straightforward. Take out any lengthy words and sentences and ensure that they fit into your required time
• Make sure you check for grammatical mistakes and spelling errors. You can use editing apps to help you out or get the help of an editor
• Get rid of filler words . They will make your speech cumbersome without adding anything to it.
• Take out any boring or monotonous parts of the speech and ensure it is engaging enough to retain your audience’s attention

8. Get some other opinions

Once you are satisfied with your final result, it is time to get some external opinions. Many skip this step, and it doesn’t always turn out great. When you try out your salutatorian speech in front of others, you can get a good idea of how your audience will respond on graduation day. 

Practice giving your speech in front of some of your classmates, teachers, or family members . Try out your salutatorian speech examples on them and see how they respond. Ask for feedback and see how you can improve your speech . Also, try out your salutatorian speech jokes and stories on them and see if they find them appropriate and entertaining. 

9. Practice the speech before the day

The popular saying goes, ‘Practice makes perfect,’ and few things  embody this saying more than speeches . You must practice your speech for several hours without sounding stiff and unnatural. As you practice, you can find ways to improve your salutatorian speech more.

An easy way to practice is by using a mirror. When you practice your speech in front of a mirror, you can see where your mistakes are and make adequate corrections to your posture, carriage, and demeanor. You can also practice in front of a friend who can give you honest feedback. 

Source: https://unsplash.com/photos/vEgVWRBr2VY  

Salutatorian speech outline

A salutatorian speech comes at the beginning of a ceremony, so it differs from many speeches. The speech primarily welcomes guests and family to a graduation ceremony. It has three distinct sections that we will look at in this section. They are;

1. Beginning

At the beginning of the speech , you welcome the guests to the event. If there are any special guests, they are also acknowledged here.

• Start with a strong message
• Welcome every guest to the event
• Call out special guests of honor and welcome them, especially
• Thank everyone for coming to celebrate with you

This is where you give the main part of the speech . Here, you thank the people who contributed to your graduation. Remember that you’re also speaking for your classmates, so don’t make it too personal.

• Thank your parents and teachers 
• Include quotes and personal stories
• Talk briefly about the journey so far

The ending should be directed to your classmates. This is your chance to talk to them and congratulate them on their achievements .

• Congratulate your classmates and wish them future success
• Share a few personal lessons you learned on the way
• Leave them with an impactful message they will remember

Source: Pinterest

Tips for delivering your salutatorian speech

1. keep your language simple and easy to understand.

Don’t forget that your audience will be made up of mainly your classmates and family . You don’t need to use complicated words or long sentences in your speech . Your aim should be to leave them with something good and not confuse them. Clear and simple language will make it easier for you to understand when giving your speech .

2. Try to get your audience to relate to you

This tip sounds easy to follow since you’ll talk to an audience with your classmates. However, remember that you give your salutatorian speech to the other guests on behalf of your classmates . If you want them to follow your speech , try to be relatable.

3. Don’t go over the slated time limit

Typical salutatorian speech examples don’t follow a specific time limit, but you can find that out by asking a teacher in your school before graduation day. Since the salutatorian speech happens at the beginning of the ceremony, you may get a limited time. You have to make sure your speech fits into that time so you don’t go over and bore people with an extra-long speech .

4. Write down your key points

Writing down key points you can reference during your speech is important for most speeches. For your salutatorian speech , you may want to write down the names of the important guests you have to welcome and other important topics in your speech . This way, you avoid making an embarrassing mistake or straying from the main purpose of your speech .

5. Project a confident persona

Becoming a salutatorian is no easy feat, so you have to take your speech seriously. This means that you have to be confident and comfortable on the stage. Remove all signs of nervousness from your posture and be charismatic.

6. Maintain a polite demeanor

Nobody wants to listen to a grumpy or bored person deliver a speech , no matter how short that speech is. It would be best if you smiled, had good body language , and were generally engaging and polite. All these affect how well your audience will receive your speech .

7. Be authentic

One mistake many people make is climbing on stage to give a speech with a fake personality. Audiences can usually tell when you’re forcing something, which doesn’t always end well. Practice your delivery skills until you can give your speech as naturally as possible . You don’t want to sound like you’re acting.

Great salutatorian speech ideas

1. use humor in your speech.

Most awesome salutatorian speeches come with good jokes. As easy as this sounds, one bad joke can change the whole mood of a salutatorian speech . You need to pick appropriate jokes that work well with your audience and your speech ’s tone and won’t offend people. Here are some ways you can do that:

How to implement your salutatorian speech jokes

• Make fun of the clichés used in traditional speeches and turn them into a parody like Shane here
• Use funny references that your classmates will understand
• Make your salutatorian speech jokes into inspirational messages
• Tell a funny story that happened during the school year
• Instead of an actual joke with a punchline, use a playful tone to make a random thing funny

2. Bring up landmark events that took place during the school year

Every school has its set of drama, funny events, and embarrassing moments. You can bring up one of those stories in your speech and retell it with a funny twist. It works even better if the event involves you or your friends. Ensure the story is on an appropriate topic so you don’t offend anyone .

3. Get inspirational

Your salutatorian speech can include inspirational quotes and stories from your life for your classmates. Talk about the lessons you have learned on your journey and the dreams you have in mind. You can touch on the future of your class and the goals you hope to achieve. Inspire them to believe they can achieve their goals, too. 

4. Begin with motivational quotes

Motivational quotes are a great way to get people hooked on your speech . You can quote great and successful people who resonate with your audience to get the best results. However, you can ruin your speech by adding too many clichés like “This is the first day of the rest of our lives.” They are lazy, and you can expect to lose people’s interest immediately.

5. Thank people individually

Typically, a salutatorian should thank the relevant people who contributed to their success and class. To avoid becoming monotonous, you can pick a few people and thank them individually while mentioning specific ways they helped.

Can anyone write a salutatorian speech?

Traditionally, a salutatorian speech is given by the salutatorian, i.e., the student with the second-highest GPA in the graduating class. Technically, any good speechwriter can write a speech – you need some great salutatorian speech ideas to guide you. However, it is best for the individual presenting the speech to write it themselves. So, while anyone can write one, a salutatorian speech should be written by the salutatorian.

What is the difference between a valedictorian and a salutatorian?

Examples of awesome salutatorian speeches.

Here are some great salutatorian speech examples that will help you write awesome salutatorian speeches.

Examples.com

Findwordtemplates

How does the speaker discuss the future in Passage_1?

The speaker in Passage_1 faces the future with uncertainty yet optimism. They acknowledge the unknown but are determined to thrive, contributing to a transformed world.

What are the key ideas discussed in Passage_1?

The passage explores three key ideas:

• Past: Freshmen transformed into purpose-driven seniors, ready to impact their world.
• Present: Learning extends beyond classrooms, with stumbles met by community support. Lifelong friendships shape us.
• Future: Uncertainty accepted, but confidence prevails. Hard work continues, and diverse paths reshape the world.

Who is the speaker of Passage_1?

The speaker of Passage_1 is the salutatorian of the graduating class. During the graduation ceremony, they address the audience: esteemed faculty members, parents, families, friends, and fellow graduates. Their introduction acknowledges the occasion’s significance, marking both the conclusion of a chapter in their lives and the commencement of a new one.

How long should a salutatorian speech be?

Graduation speeches are powerful, but keep them brief! 5-10 minutes is perfect. Practice beforehand to nail the timing and flow. Preparation breeds confidence , so master your speech and enjoy your well-deserved graduation moment!

What are some topics to discuss in a salutatorian speech?

Graduation speeches hit hard, but keep them short! Aim for 5-10 minutes and pack a punch with humor, inspiration, and gratitude. Mention funny school moments, share personal growth stories, and thank key supporters. Quotes can set the mood, but keep it fresh! Relax, enjoy your moment, and shine!

How can I make my salutatorian speech meaningful?

Craft a graduation speech that resonates! Congratulate and celebrate your classmates. Share personal lessons learned to connect with them on a deeper level. Finally, leave an impactful message that lingers, motivating and inspiring them for the future. Keep it short and sweet, but make it matter! This combination creates a meaningful and memorable speech that your classmates will carry long after the ceremony. So go forth, shine on stage, and inspire your fellow graduates as they embark on their next adventures!

What are some tips for delivering a successful salutatorian speech?

Graduation speeches are powerful, but remember, brevity is key! Aim for clear, relatable language that connects with your audience. Prepare key points and respect the time limit. Project confidence , warmth, and a genuine smile. Most importantly, be yourself and share your authentic journey and message. This recipe, combined with your unique touch, will create a lasting impact on your fellow graduates as they embark on their exciting adventures!

How can I make my salutatorian speech memorable?

Celebrate classmates, share personal lessons, and leave a clear and relatable message – that’s the graduation speech recipe! Connect with humor and shared memories, respect time limits, and be you with confidence . Sprinkle in gratitude and motivational quotes for extra spice. Voilà, a memorable speech to inspire your fellow graduates on their journeys ahead!

What should be included in a salutatorian speech?

Congrats, classmates. I wish you endless success! Share personal lessons you learned, your journey’s growth, and insights gained. Leave a lasting mark with an impactful message – a quote, idea, or call to action that inspires them to shine. Short, sweet, and meaningful, your speech will resonate long after the ceremony!

What is the difference between a salutatorian and valedictorian speech?

Salutatorian vs. Valedictorian: While both speeches honor top academic achievement, there’s a key difference! The salutatorian welcomes everyone at the ceremony, setting a celebratory tone. Their speech often shares personal lessons and an impactful message for classmates, while the valedictorian, traditionally seated on stage, speaks directly to students. Both roles are crucial, reminding us that graduation celebrates individual success and a shared journey and future possibilities.

Becoming the salutatorian of your class is a big deal. It shows that you worked hard to get to that spot, and it is something to celebrate.

In this article, you’ve learned how to write awesome salutatorian speeches, complete with steps on using good salutatorian speech jokes. Follow these instructions, and your salutatorian speech will be a memorable one! Download Orai from the app store today, and practice with your AI speech coach anytime!

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How to Write a Graduation Speech (Graduation Speech Examples)

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

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

How to Write a Commencement Speech

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

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

A Good Structure When You Write a Commencement Address

Thank the crowd.

Start with Something Funny

Be Inspirational

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

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

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

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

End with an Inspirational Call to Action.

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

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

Sample Graduation Speech Themes

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

• Hard Work Leads to Success

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

• Create Your Own Path.

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

• Make Things Happen.

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

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

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

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

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

• Focus on Your Dream.

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

• Learn from Every Mistake to Move Toward Success.

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

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

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

• Happiness is the Key to Success.

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

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

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

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How to Write a Winning Salutatorian Speech

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As a salutatorian, the pressure to deliver an outstanding speech can be overwhelming. However, with some preparation and the right mindset, you can easily craft a memorable speech that resonates with your audience. In this article, we'll walk you through the process of writing a winning salutatorian speech, step by step. Let's get started!

Understanding the Role of a Salutatorian

As you prepare to write your salutatorian speech, it's important to understand the significance of your role in the graduation ceremony. The salutatorian is the second-highest ranking student in the graduating class, and your speech should reflect your appreciation for the education you received, the support of your classmates, and your hopes for the future.

As a salutatorian, you have several responsibilities to fulfill during the graduation ceremony. Your speech should capture the spirit of the ceremony and congratulate your fellow graduates on their achievements. It's important to remember to thank the faculty, staff, and administration for their hard work in helping you and your classmates reach this important milestone.

The Salutatorian's Responsibilities

One of the primary responsibilities of the salutatorian is to set the tone for the graduation ceremony. Typically, the salutatorian's speech comes before the valedictorian's, and it's your job to create an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the rest of the ceremony.

Another important responsibility of the salutatorian is to represent the graduating class as a whole. Your speech should reflect the thoughts and feelings of your classmates, and you should strive to make it as inclusive as possible. This means acknowledging the accomplishments of all students, not just the top achievers.

The Difference Between Salutatorian and Valedictorian

While both salutatorians and valedictorians are recognized for their academic achievements, there are some key differences between the two. Valedictorians are typically the student with the highest academic achievement in their class, while salutatorians are the student with the second-highest.

However, this doesn't mean that the role of the salutatorian is any less important. In fact, the salutatorian's speech is often just as memorable and impactful as the valedictorian's. As the second-highest ranking student in the class, you have a unique perspective on the achievements of your classmates and the challenges that you have all overcome together.

Ultimately, the role of the salutatorian is to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduating class and to inspire your fellow graduates to continue striving for excellence in all that they do. Your speech should be a reflection of your own journey as a student, as well as a tribute to the hard work and dedication of your classmates and teachers.

Crafting Your Salutatorian Speech

Now that you understand the role of a salutatorian, it's time to start crafting your speech. Remember that your speech should be personal and authentic. As you prepare to address your graduating class, here are some tips to help you craft a memorable salutatorian speech that will inspire and motivate your audience.

Choosing a Theme or Message

Your speech should have a clear theme or message that ties everything together. This theme or message should be something that resonates with your graduating class and reflects your own personal values and experiences. Consider choosing a symbolic object or a powerful quote that emphasizes your message and captures the spirit of your graduating class.

For example, if your graduating class has overcome significant obstacles to reach this point, you may want to choose a theme of perseverance and resilience. Alternatively, if your graduating class is known for its creativity and innovation, you may want to choose a theme that celebrates these qualities.

Incorporating Personal Experiences and Anecdotes

One way to make your speech engaging is to add personal anecdotes or experiences. Share a story that you and your classmates can relate to, or use humor to connect with your audience. Your speech should be unique and reflect your personality and your relationship with your graduating class.

For example, you might share a story about a particularly challenging project or assignment that you and your classmates worked on together, highlighting the teamwork and dedication that helped you succeed. Or, you might share a humorous anecdote about a memorable experience you had with your classmates, showcasing the camaraderie and friendship that has developed over the years.

Balancing Humor and Sincerity

Your speech should be a balance of humor and sincerity. While humor can make your speech more engaging, too much humor can detract from the message you're trying to convey. Remember that your speech should be uplifting and inspirational, so try to strike a balance between humor and solemnity.

For example, you might start your speech with a lighthearted joke or anecdote to break the ice and connect with your audience. However, as you move into the body of your speech, you should focus on more serious topics, such as the challenges and triumphs that you and your classmates have faced together. End your speech on a positive note, with a message of hope and inspiration for the future.

Remember, as the salutatorian, you have a unique opportunity to inspire and motivate your graduating class. By crafting a thoughtful and engaging speech that reflects your own personal experiences and values, you can ensure that your message resonates with your audience and leaves a lasting impression on your classmates and teachers alike.

Tips for Writing an Engaging Speech

Now that you have an idea of how to structure and craft your speech, it's time to look at some tips for making your speech more engaging and memorable.

Using Strong and Clear Language

Your speech should use strong and clear language that is easy to understand. Avoid using academic jargon or complex sentence structures that could confuse your audience. Remember that your speech should be accessible to everyone in attendance.

Avoiding Clichés and Overused Phrases

It's essential to avoid using overused phrases or clichés in your speech. While these phrases may sound comforting and familiar, they can detract from the originality and authenticity of your speech.

Making Your Speech Relatable to Your Audience

Your speech should be relatable to your audience. Ensure that your speech reflects the challenges and achievements of your graduating class. Speak from your heart and convey your appreciation for your classmates and your education.

Preparing for Your Speech Delivery

Once you've crafted your speech, it's time to prepare for your delivery. Here are some tips for preparing for your speech.

Practicing Your Speech

You should practice your speech multiple times before the big day to ensure that you're confident and comfortable. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend or family member who will give you honest feedback. Ensure that you're projecting your voice and that your speech is within the allotted time.

Overcoming Stage Fright and Nervousness

It's normal to feel nervous before delivering your speech, but remember that your audience wants to hear what you have to say. Visualize yourself delivering the speech with confidence and focus on your message. Take deep breaths and trust your preparation.

Utilizing Visual Aids and Props

If appropriate, you can use visual aids or props to enhance your speech. Ensure that your visual aids are easy to see and understand and that they don't detract from your message. Practice using your visual aids beforehand to ensure that you're comfortable and confident.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Salutatorian Speech

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Please compose a speech that is intended to be delivered by the salutatorian, which is typically the second highest-ranking student in a graduating class. The speech should be well-crafted and inspiring, and should ideally reflect upon the accomplishments and experiences of the graduating class, as well as offer words of encouragement and advice for the future. Please ensure that the speech is appropriate for a formal academic setting and is suitable for a diverse audience.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

As a salutatorian, delivering a winning speech can seem overwhelming, but with careful preparation, crafting, and delivery, you can make a memorable and inspiring speech that will leave a lasting impression on your graduating class. Remember to speak from your heart, connect with your audience, and deliver your message with confidence. Congratulations, and good luck!

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

10 Salutatorian Speech Ideas Multi-Functional

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.

These public speaking ideas will help you writing your salutatory. The past, the future, fine memories, thank you’s and wishes are the core of this public speaking type.

In the end I offer tips for delivering your salutatorian address smoothly at 8th grade, high schools or colleges.

In this article:

Salutatorian Speech Writing

Salutatorian speech delivery.

The universal greeting formula is an easy plain and simple one sentence phrase to launch yourself in the spotlights : Welcome fellow graduates and family, faculty, and distinguished guests! And proceed with reflecting a bit on the unprecedented moment for many attendees.

Why is this moment special for you and your classmates? Relate your salutatorian speech topics to common efforts, some unforgettable and remarkable collective achievements, and colloquial feelings about graduating and departing.

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

Address the past . Give a brief insight in school life – its funny parts. Highlight the milestones. Summarize all in a oneliner that your fellow graduates and you can cherish the rest of your life. Congratulate all.

Thank your friends . Tell in your salutatorian speech what they did for you and how you appreciated it.

Thank your teachers . Mention your favorite teachers. Tell the listeners what you like about them and what made them special. Emphasize the lessons of the past and honor the merits of the educational institution.

Thank your parents and / or other family members. Thank them for the support they gave you. Tell the audience how they did support you, present an example during study time.

Thank those present for coming tonight . Explain why you appreciate their presence at the graduation or commencement ceremony.

Illustrate your salutatorian speech with memories . Tell anecdotes, short humorous stories about experiences in class, and about school or college events.

Explain what you want to become now . Explain who or what motivated and inspired you to go that way.

Inspire with a few pieces of advice or words of wisdom . Challenge them to do the same funny and interesting things. Learn them what to do not.

Wish your class all the luck they need . And thank all for their attention.

• Do not use cliche phrases at the beginning of a commencement exercise.
• Your welcoming address should not be more than five to six minutes in length.
• Avoid playing the role of the perfect public speaker. That is impossible, because they do not exist. Be yourself, just like everybody knows you from school or college. Remember, you are the salutatorian, you do not have to act like one 🙂
• Read out loud your salutatorian speech to befriended graduate students. Listen to his or her suggestions and comments for changes in your address.

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How To Write A Salutatorian Speech

How to Give an Annual Day Speech in School

Writing your salutatorian speech is your chance to be remembered. You can look back on the memories you have shared with your classmates, and you can give them encouragement for the road ahead. If you’re not sure what you want to talk about, you can get help brainstorming salutatorian speech ideas. After you know what you want to say, you can start composing your graduation speech outline. But if all else fails, a salutatorian speech template can spark your creativity.

Salutatorian Speech Ideas

Salutatorian speech ideas can be as diverse as the people giving the speeches. Many focus on the future, but they don’t have to. A few speech ideas you might consider are:

• Using a powerful learning moment to illuminate a larger truth.
• Learning to be yourself through creativity.
• The power of perseverance in accomplishing goals.
• How you and your classmates will make the world better.

Steps to Writing Your Graduation Speech Outline

When planning your salutatorian speech outline, first pick a topic. Next, determine how you can illustrate that topic by telling a story. The use of visual language and storytelling techniques is key to creating a speech that is both engrossing and memorable. After you've brainstormed, sketch a graduation speech outline that includes the key points of your story. Make sure you end with a clear message.

Once you finish your outline, write the first draft of your speech. When you revise, make sure the speech isn’t too long, and cut out extraneous material. After you've finished this draft, read your speech out loud. Is it funny? Sincere? Exciting? Is it still too long? Edit and revise your salutatorian speech until it sounds just right. Don’t forget to practice in front of your friends.

Salutatorian Speech Template

If you’re still stumped, you can try using a salutatorian speech template, which breaks down your speech into three key parts: the introduction, the narrative arc and the residual message. The introduction makes the audience start thinking about your main idea. The narrative arc is the story you want to tell, and the residual message is the idea or moral you want your audience thinking about as they leave.

Tips for Nailing Your Salutatorian Speech

• Be funny: Try to tell a joke or two, but know your audience. Blue humor probably won’t go over well in this rarified setting.
• Quote the greats: You can find many positive or enlightening quotes that fit the situation of a graduation. Starting or ending on one of these may help if you’re stuck.
• Avoid clichés: You may truly want to “be the change,” but figure out a better way to say it that isn’t quite so stale.
• Be yourself: You’re standing up on that stage because of a big achievement. Many of your classmates may already know who you are. Be sincere. Relax and don’t try to become someone different to impress them. You’ll come off as stiff rather than prepared.

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• Real Simple: How to Write a Graduation Speech Everyone Will Remember
• Connections Academy: How to Write a Great Graduation Speech
• Oxford University Press Blog: How to write a great graduation speech

Rebecca Renner is a teacher and college professor from Florida. She loves teaching about literature, and she writes about books for Book Riot, Real Simple, Electric Literature and more.

Salutatorian Speech: Example High School Graduation Speech

Being chosen as the salutatorian for your high school’s graduation ceremony is no small feat. It’s an honor that comes with responsibility, and that responsibility is none other than delivering a speech that captures the essence of your high school experience, celebrates your classmates, and inspires your audience. If you’re feeling lost, don’t worry! I’ve got your back, fellow soon-to-be-grad.

In this section, I will provide a sample of a high school graduation speech delivered by a salutatorian. By the end of this section, I hope you will feel inspired and ready to craft your own memorable and impactful address that will leave your audience in awe.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways:

• A salutatorian speech is an honor that comes with responsibility.
• You can learn from a sample high school graduation speech delivered by a salutatorian.
• Your speech should capture the essence of your high school experience, celebrate your classmates, and inspire your audience.

Crafting Your Salutatorian Speech: Tips and Ideas.

So, you’ve been chosen as the salutatorian of your high school class. Congratulations, smarty pants! Now, the hard part: crafting a speech that will impress your peers, teachers, and parents. Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. Here are some salutatorian speech ideas , tips for delivering a salutatorian speech , and tricks for wowing your audience.

How to Write a Salutatorian Speech

The first step to delivering an epic speech is writing an epic speech. Here are some tips to help you craft your masterpiece:

Tips for Delivering a Salutatorian Speech

Writing the speech is only half the battle. Here are some tips for delivering it with confidence:

• Practice, practice, practice.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Make eye contact with your audience.
• Use hand gestures to emphasize your points.
• Breathe deeply to calm your nerves.

“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” – Zig Ziglar

Crafting Your Salutatorian Speech: Tips and Ideas

Now, it’s time to get creative. Here are some salutatorian speech ideas to make your speech stand out:

• Use a catchy hook to grab your audience’s attention.
• Start with a powerful quote.
• Mention some of your classmates’ achievements and how they’ve inspired you.
• Thank your teachers, parents, and anyone else who has helped you along the way.
• End with a memorable message, such as a call to action or words of inspiration.

With these salutatorian speech ideas , tips for delivering a salutatorian speech , and tricks for wowing your audience, you’ll be well on your way to giving an unforgettable speech. And, if all else fails, just remember: confidence is key!

Structure and Outline for Your Salutatorian Speech

So you’ve been chosen as the salutatorian, congratulations! Now it’s time to prepare your speech. The key to an impactful salutatorian speech is organization. Here’s an outline you can use to structure your speech:

It’s important to keep in mind the length of your speech. Aim for a duration of 3-5 minutes to ensure that your audience stays engaged.

Keep transition sentences between each section concise and impactful. Remember, your goal is to inspire your audience, so ensure each section of your speech is well thought-out and planned. Good luck!

Inspiring Your Audience: Delivering an Inspirational Salutatorian Speech

As the salutatorian, I know the pressure of delivering a memorable and inspiring speech. You want to leave your fellow graduates with a message that will stay with them for a lifetime. But how do you do that? How do you make sure your words are impactful and meaningful?

For me, it starts with being authentic and genuine. Your audience can tell when you’re not being yourself, and it’s important to remember that your unique experiences and perspectives are what makes your speech special.

“No one can tell your story better than you.”

That being said, there are some techniques you can use to infuse your speech with inspiration and motivation:

Remember, an inspirational salutatorian speech is not about perfection. It’s about vulnerability, authenticity, and sharing a message that resonates with your fellow graduates. By following these tips, you can deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impact and inspires those around you.

Adding Witty Elements to Your Salutatorian Speech

Let’s face it, graduation speeches can be pretty tedious. But does it have to be that way? As the salutatorian, you have a unique opportunity to inject a bit of humor into the proceedings, making everyone’s day a little brighter. Here are some salutatorian speech examples to inspire you:

Of course, humor should be used sparingly and appropriately for the occasion. You don’t want to offend anyone or take away from the gravity of the moment. But if you can make people chuckle while also imparting some wisdom, you’ll have nailed it.

Final Thoughts on Delivering the Best Salutatorian Speech

Well, my fellow soon-to-be-graduates, we’ve reached the end of our journey, and it’s time to leave our mark with the best salutatorian speech possible. And let me tell you, it’s no easy feat. It takes courage, creativity, and a whole lot of practice to deliver a speech that will inspire and motivate our classmates.

But fear not, my friends, for I am here to offer some final tips and encouragement as you prepare to take the stage. Firstly, don’t forget to take a deep breath and take in the moment. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and you deserve to relish in it.

Secondly, practice, practice, practice. Deliver your speech to your friends, family, and even your pets if you have to. The more comfortable you feel with your speech, the more confident and authentic you’ll come across.

And lastly, be true to yourself. The best salutatorian speeches come from the heart, and by sharing your personal experiences and growth, you’ll connect with your audience in a way that no amount of humor or inspiration can.

So, my fellow graduates, go forth and deliver the best salutatorian speech possible. Remember, we’re all rooting for you, and can’t wait to hear the amazing words you have to offer.

Q: Should my salutatorian speech be serious or funny?

A: It’s completely up to you! Some students choose to deliver a more serious and heartfelt speech, while others inject humor and wit. Just remember to strike a balance and maintain a respectful tone for the occasion.

Q: How long should my salutatorian speech be?

A: The ideal length for a salutatorian speech is typically around 5 to 7 minutes. This allows you enough time to share meaningful messages and anecdotes without losing your audience’s attention.

Q: Can I include personal stories in my salutatorian speech?

A: Absolutely! Sharing personal stories and experiences can make your speech more relatable and memorable. Just make sure to keep the focus on the overall theme of your speech and avoid oversharing intimate details.

Q: What if I get nervous while delivering my salutatorian speech?

A: It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a big speech. Remember to practice, take deep breaths, and visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Confidence comes with preparation, so make sure to rehearse your speech multiple times.

Q: Should I memorize my salutatorian speech or use notes?

A: It’s best to strike a balance between memorization and using notes. Memorize the main points and key messages of your speech, but having a few notes as a backup can help you stay on track and ensure you don’t forget any important details.

Q: How can I make my salutatorian speech stand out?

A: To make your salutatorian speech stand out, incorporate personal touches, share unique insights, and engage with your audience. Consider using memorable quotes, humorous anecdotes, or thought-provoking questions to capture their attention and leave a lasting impression.

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How to Write a Stellar Salutatorian Speech

May 31, 2023

As the salutatorian, you have the honor of delivering a memorable speech that reflects upon your high school journey and inspires your fellow graduates. Crafting a compelling salutatorian speech requires careful planning and execution. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of writing an exceptional salutatorian speech, from brainstorming ideas to refining your final draft. Additionally, we will introduce Yoodli, an AI public speaking coach, to help you deliver a great speech.

1. Brainstorming and Reflecting on Your High School Journey

The first step in writing a salutatorian speech is to reflect on your high school experience. Think about the challenges you’ve overcome, the lessons you’ve learned, and the memories you’ve made. Consider significant events, personal growth, and achievements that have shaped your journey. Jot down ideas, anecdotes, and themes that resonate with you. Brainstorming allows you to tap into your unique perspective and set the foundation for your speech.

2. Defining the Key Message and Structure

Once you have gathered your ideas, it’s time to define the key message of your speech. What do you want to convey to your classmates and the audience? Is it resilience, gratitude, or the pursuit of dreams? Choose a central theme that encapsulates your high school experience and aligns with the values of your graduating class.

Next, determine the structure of your speech. Consider beginning with a captivating opening, followed by a clear introduction of your theme. Then, organize your main points logically, using personal stories, anecdotes, and examples to support your message. Finally, conclude with a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impact.

3. Writing a Script: Fun, Unique, and Engaging Language

Now that you have a clear message and structure, it’s time to write your speech script. To make your speech fun, unique, and engaging, use language that reflects your personality and connects with your audience. Consider incorporating humor, vivid descriptions, and relatable anecdotes. Use storytelling techniques to captivate your audience and convey your ideas effectively.

Remember to keep your language appropriate and respectful . Use a conversational tone, but maintain a level of formality befitting the occasion. Yoodli , an AI public speaking coach, can help you avoid using non-inclusive or potentially offensive language .

Try to avoid clichés and generic phrases, opting instead for original and creative expressions that showcase your individuality.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you have written your salutatorian speech, it’s essential to practice delivering it. Practice helps you become comfortable with the content, refine your delivery, and ensure that you stay within the allotted time frame. Start by reading your speech aloud several times to familiarize yourself with the flow and structure.

As you gain confidence, focus on the delivery aspects of your speech. Pay attention to your posture, gestures, and vocal tone. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify areas where you can improve. Remember to maintain eye contact with the audience and speak with clarity and enthusiasm.

Additionally, consider seeking feedback from trusted individuals such as family members, friends, or teachers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your speech. Take their feedback constructively and make any necessary adjustments to further polish your delivery.

Introducing Yoodli: Your AI Public Speaking Coach

In the modern age of technology, you have access to a powerful tool to help you deliver an outstanding speech. Meet Yoodli , your AI public speaking coach. Yoodli is designed to provide valuable guidance and support in refining your speech delivery.

Yoodli uses advanced speech recognition technology to analyze your delivery, providing real-time feedback on aspects such as pacing, vocal variety, and clarity. It can identify areas where you may need improvement and offer specific suggestions to enhance your speaking skills.

Furthermore, with its mock interview feature, Yoodli can simulate an audience environment, generating follow-up questions in real time, allowing you to practice your speech in a dynamic virtual setting and refine the key points after writing the first draft of your salutatorian speech. It offers insights on body language, gestures, and facial expressions, helping you create a more impactful and engaging presence on stage.

With Yoodli’s assistance, you can fine-tune your salutatorian speech delivery, ensuring that your message resonates effectively with your audience and leaves a lasting impression on your classmates, parents, and former teachers.

5. Refining + Rewriting Your Salutatorian Speech

After practicing and receiving feedback, it’s time to refine your speech. Review your script and make revisions to ensure clarity, coherence, and impact. Trim any unnecessary parts and streamline your content to maintain the audience’s engagement throughout.

Pay attention to the flow of your speech and transitions between different sections. Use effective transitions to guide your audience smoothly from one idea to the next. Consider incorporating rhetorical devices like alliteration, metaphors, or powerful quotes to add depth and memorability to your speech.

Crafting a stellar salutatorian speech involves a thoughtful and structured approach. From brainstorming and reflecting on your high school journey to defining your key message, writing a script, practicing, and refining your speech, each step contributes to a memorable and impactful address.

Additionally, with the help of Yoodli, your AI public speaking coach, you can receive personalized feedback and guidance to further enhance your speech delivery skills. Embrace the writing process, inject your unique personality, and connect with your classmates through engaging language and storytelling techniques. Remember, delivering a great salutatorian speech is not only about the words you say but also the emotions and inspiration you convey.

Congratulations on your achievement, and best of luck giving your salutatorian speech!

FAQ: Writing and Delivering a Salutatorian Speech

Q: how do i start writing my salutatorian speech.

A: Firstly, begin by brainstorming ideas and reflecting on your high school journey. Consider three aspects of your high school journey: challenges, achievements, and lessons learned.

Q: What should be the key message of my speech?

A: Define a central theme that both represents your high school experience and resonates with your classmates in the audience.

Q: How do I structure my salutatorian speech?

A: Start with a captivating opening, then introduce your theme, present personal stories tied to your theme, and end with a powerful conclusion.

Q: How can I make my speech engaging?

A: Incorporate humor, share personal stories, and also use vivid descriptions to captivate your audience.

Q: Should I practice delivering my salutatorian speech?

A: Absolutely! Practice helps you refine your delivery, become comfortable with the content, and stay within the allotted time frame.

Q: Can I seek feedback after writing my salutatorian speech?

A: Yes, it’s recommended! Ask trusted individuals for feedback to gain valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Q: How can I refine my speech?

A: Review your script, make revisions for clarity and coherence, trim unnecessary parts, and use effective transitions.

Q: What is Yoodli and how can it help?

A: Yoodli is an AI public speaking coach. It offers real-time feedback on your delivery, helps simulate an audience environment, and provides guidance to enhance your speaking skills.

Q: What is the key to writing a great salutatorian speech?

A: Inject your unique personality, connect with your audience, and deliver a heartfelt message that inspires and resonates with everyone.

Q: Any final tips for delivering a salutatorian speech?

A: Maintain eye contact, speak with clarity and enthusiasm, and remember that delivering a great speech is not just about the words, but also the emotions you convey.

Start practicing with Yoodli.

Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, writing salutatorian and valedictorian speeches.

I've been chosen as the salutatorian for my class and I need to give a speech during graduation. I've never written anything like this before. Does anyone have any advice on how to write a meaningful and engaging speech? Also, what's the difference between a salutatorian and a valedictorian speech, if there is any?

First off, congratulations on being chosen as the salutatorian for your class! It's an incredible achievement! Now, when it comes to writing a salutatorian speech, it's essential to make it personable and inspiring. Here are a few tips to help you craft a memorable speech:

1. Reflect on your experience: Take some time to think about the years you've spent in high school and what they meant to you and your peers. Consider discussing shared experiences, successes, or challenges that you all faced together.

2. Keep the tone positive: It's important to inspire and motivate your classmates as they move on to the next chapter in their lives. Focus on positive aspects of your time together and how the lessons you've learned can help guide you all in the future.

3. Include a personal touch: Share a story or anecdote that relates to your time in high school and helps illustrate a broader theme or life lesson. Make sure that your story is relatable and not too personal.

4. Show gratitude: Acknowledge and thank the teachers, school staff, family, and other community members who have supported you and your classmates throughout your high school journey.

5. Be concise: Graduations can be lengthy, so keep your speech's time in mind. Aim for a speech length of around 5-7 minutes.

You might want to go on YouTube and look at examples of high school graduation speeches to get a sense of what people talk about and how they are structured.

Now, regarding the difference between a salutatorian and valedictorian speech, there isn't a major distinction in content. The primary difference lies in academic ranking, with the valedictorian representing the highest-ranking student in your class and the salutatorian coming in second. Both speeches typically focus on experiences, reflection, gratitude, and inspiration. However, as the salutatorian, you might want to briefly acknowledge the valedictorian's achievements and congratulate them during your speech.

Remember to stay true to yourself and speak from the heart. This will help make your speech genuine, engaging, and relatable to your audience. Good luck!

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Other High School

But earning great grades can be just as tough as winning a state football tournament! That’s why many schools choose to honor their top two graduates by awarding them the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian.

We’ve already covered what a valedictorian is in another post , so in this article, we’ll answer all of your questions about salutatorians, including:

• What is a salutatorian?
• Does being a salutatorian help you get into college?
• What is a salutatorian speech?
• How do you become a salutatorian?

Are you ready to learn more about what it means to be the salutatorian of your graduating class? Then let’s get started!

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What Is a Salutatorian?

The meaning of the term “salutatorian” dates back to 1841 and means “of the nature of a salutation.” More specifically, the term originally referred to “the welcoming address given at a college commencement,” which was delivered in Latin!

Things have obviously changed a bit since then. (Thankfully!) First, salutatorians are now more commonly seen in high schools instead of colleges. But what is a salutatorian, exactly?

The honor of salutatorian is given to the student who ranks second-highest in the school behind the valedictorian, who graduates at the very top of the class. Like valedictorians, salutatorians are most often awarded the honor based on their cumulative GPA. In general, the student with the highest cumulative GPA in a graduating class becomes the valedictorian. That means that the student with the second-highest cumulative GPA becomes the salutatorian!

Second, the title of salutatorian recognizes student’s exemplary academic work, and as a result, they are asked to give a speech to open the graduation ceremony. While the salutatorian definitely gives a speech, it is not in Latin . (Now you can breathe a sigh of relief!)  As the name implies, salutatorians deliver a “salutatory,” or welcoming, speech that welcomes everyone to the ceremony, recognizes important guests, and delivers a hopeful, welcoming message on behalf of their fellow classmates.

Does Being a Salutatorian Help You Get Into College?

f you’re thinking about trying to become your school’s salutatorian, that means you’re already an academically competitive person that’s looking to get into a top university.

We know it might be tempting to try to become the valedictorian or salutatorian of your class in order to help you get into the college of your dreams. Unfortunately , becoming salutatorian doesn’t really make a difference in terms of college admissions. Honestly, the reason is mostly a logistical one: the distinction of salutatorian is conferred toward the end of your senior year, long after you’ve already submitted your college applications!

Additionally, even if you were awarded the title on time, it can be hard for universities to understand what the honor of salutatorian means in terms of your school. Because the title can be more—or less!—prestigious based on your high school graduating class size and the school’s unique salutatorian criteria (more on that later), it’s not a good benchmark for determining how you stack up to other applicants. Ultimately, your transcript and GPA—more so than your class rank—tell admissions counselors what they need to know.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways becoming a salutatorian helps you in the college admissions process.

First off, becoming your school’s salutatorian takes hard work. That means you’ve become self-motivated, learned how to study, been an excellent student, and embraced hard work. You’ve also figured out how to manage a busy schedule and still excel! These are all critical skills to excelling in college, too. You’ll be ready to hit the ground running from your first day, and you won’t struggle to adjust to college’s increased workload like your peers might.

Secondly, salutatorians qualify for unique scholarship opportunities. Many scholarships still accept applications after you’ve already chosen your university. Graduating with top honors will help your application move to the top of the stack. Moreover, there are some scholarships that are only available to valedictorians and salutatorians! You can find a list of those unique scholarship opportunities here.

Lastly, being salutatorian can help you as you look for jobs and internships. Remember, you’re going to college with a bigger goal in mind: getting a job! Internships can be just as competitive as college admissions, if not more so because the spots are much more limited. Companies often only take a handful of interns in every class even though they receive tens of thousands of applications. ( Nike only accepts 40 interns a year! )

So while being a salutatorian might not matter for admissions, it can have a huge impact on your opportunities long after high school.

How Do You Become a Salutatorian?

Like we mentioned earlier, in most cases the designation of salutatorian is determined by your cumulative GPA.

To calculate your cumulative GPA, your numerical GPA in each class is added together, and the average is ranked against your fellow classmates. Additionally, schools often work from your weighted GPA. That means that AP and IB courses are assigned “extra points” to offset their difficulty (which is why many students who take college prep courses graduate with higher than a 4.0. ) Traditionally, the two students with the highest weighted cumulative GPAs are awarded the distinctions of valedictorian and salutatorian (in that order).

But keep in mind that each school handles salutatorian criteria differently! Some schools tackle the process like college admissions and look at a student’s GPA along with their extracurricular participation and community service hours. Other schools even allow students to cast votes for both valedictorian and salutatorian .

Regardless of your school’s criteria, we think aiming for valedictorian or salutatorian is an excellent goal, so here are four tips for earning one of high school’s top academic honors.

#1: Know the Criteria

Since this differs from school to school, it’s super important that you know exactly how your school determines who becomes salutatorian. For example, Sheboygan Lutheran High School uses a combination of cumulative GPA, number of college prep courses, and ACT test scores to select a valedictorian and salutatorian. That’s much different than Edsel Ford High School, which only considers a student’s cumulative GPA and behavior record.

#2: Take Weighted Classes

AP and IB classes are important if you’re considering attending a competitive college, but they’re also critical to becoming salutatorian. Because you’re awarded “extra points” to your GPA, earning high marks in weighted classes gives you an edge over students who opt for a general curriculum. But be careful not to overextend yourself! It’s most important that you earn top marks in all of your classes, whether they’re college prep courses or not.

#3: Ask for Help

One of the big mistakes students make is that they don’t ask for help when they get confused. Since it’s important that you do well in all of your classes, make sure you’re talking to your teacher or tutor if there are concepts you don’t understand. An added bonus? This is a really important skill to have when you go to college! If you get comfortable asking for help now, it will make your college life that much easier.

#4: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

It’s easy to let your competitive streak get out of hand when aiming for your school’s top honors. But the more time you spend worrying about other people’s grades, the less time you’re focusing on your own academic journey. So stay focused on working hard and doing your best, and let the rankings take care of themselves. Remember: even if you don’t become salutatorian, you’ll still have learned skills along the way that will make you more successful in college.

Photo by Bogomil Mihaylov

What Is a Salutatorian Speech?

So you’ve worked crazy hard and become your class’ salutatorian. Congratulations! Now it’s time for you to write a salutatorian speech.

Salutatorian speeches are basically comprised of three different parts: welcoming people to the ceremony, acknowledging honored guests , and celebrating the accomplishments of your classmates.

When you think about welcoming people to the ceremony, try to remember a time you felt welcome in a strange situation. What did people say to you? How did they make you feel important and like part of the group? Thinking about this might help you phrase your welcome so that the audience feels both acknowledged and included.

Your second task in this section of your speech is to speak on behalf of your classmates. They don’t have a microphone and you do, so it’s important that you acknowledge the people who are attending the ceremony who’ve helped them on their journey. For example, people that fit in this category are family members, teachers, coaches, friends, and mentors!

In this portion, you want to be both inclusive and brief. It might be a good idea to ask your classmates who they plan to bring with them to the ceremony. Their answers might surprise you, and they’ll help you make sure you include everyone in your opening remarks. You might also think about the people who are important to your classmates who couldn’t make it to the ceremony because of distance, illness, or death. Acknowledging them can be a lovely way of supporting your friends and classmates.

The second part of your speech should acknowledge distinguished and honored guests. Make sure to talk with your principal or guidance counselor to get a list of these people. Most often, these are other participants in the ceremony, like the school’s superintendent or members of the school board. In most cases, if someone is sitting on stage, they’ll need to be welcomed individually.

Talking to your school administrators about your speech is also important because you might have to follow a certain protocol. For example, your school might want you to read the person’s name and pause for a moment, which gives the person a chance to stand up and receive applause. Knowing this in advance will help you write a speech that stays within the ceremony’s time limits!

The last part of your salutatorian speech gives you the chance to speak to your classmates and celebrate their achievements. This is a big day in everyone’s lives, and you get to be the person who makes them feel special. Congratulate them! Acknowledge their hard work and achievements, no matter how big or small.

Additionally, might consider sharing a few lessons that you’ve learned in your own high school journey during this section .   What will you take away from your years in school that will stick with you for the rest of your life? What do you hope your classmates take with them, too?

But most importantly, have fun. Don’t be afraid to tell a story or share a joke that your classmates will love. Embrace the moment! This is your reward for four years of hard work, so make it count.

Do All Schools Have Salutatorians?

Becoming valedictorian or salutatorian has long been a way to reward academic achievement, but as society changes, so have the standards for awarding top marks.

For instance, you might go to your guidance counselor’s office and be shocked to learn that your school doesn’t award the titles of valedictorian or salutatorian! More and more schools are doing away with ranked academic honors in order to help students focus on their education, not a ranking.

According to Bob Farrace, the spokesman for the National Association of Secondary School Principals, administrators “worry about the college prospects of students separated by large differences in class rank despite small differences in their GPAs, and view rankings as obsolete in an era of high expectations for every student.” In other words, some educators believe that singling out the two top-performing students adversely affects the student body.

But other schools have gone in the opposite direction and are now using the terms “valedictorian” and “salutatorian” to honor all high-achieving students . South Medford High School decided to name every student with a 4.0 GPA a class valedictorian. That means that there were 21 valedictorians in the Class of 2013! Other schools have followed suit in an effort to create a sense of camaraderie and collaboration around high school academics.

But regardless of whether your school has salutatorians or not, one thing remains true: working hard in school will help you achieve your goals in college, in your career,  and beyond.

What's Next?

If your high school does assign class rankings, learn about how that can affect your college application process.

If you have your heart set on being valedictorian or salutatorian, check out this guide that gives you tips and strategies for raising your high school GPA.

Of course, your GPA and graduation rank are just part of the picture: your test scores matter, too. Here’s a peek into what makes for a good (and a bad!) SAT score. (Don’t worry... we have an ACT score guide, too! )

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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Introduction:

Being named the salutatorian of your graduating class is an incredible honor that comes with the responsibility of delivering a memorable and inspiring speech during the commencement ceremony. As the second-highest achieving student, your speech should reflect your journey, celebrate your classmates’ accomplishments, and offer words of wisdom for future endeavors. Writing a salutatorian speech can be challenging but fear not! We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you write a speech that will leave a lasting impression on your peers, friends, and family.

Step 1: Reflect on Your Experience

Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard), take some time to think about your journey throughout high school or college. What are the highlights and influential moments that shaped your growth as a student and as an individual? Consider these experiences, as they can serve as an effective narrative and provide insight into your perspective as salutatorian.

Step 2: Thank Your Influencers

Acknowledge key people who have contributed to your success and the success of your classmates. This includes family members, teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, and friends. Specific anecdotes about how these individuals have positively impacted your life or shared valuable lessons can add depth and heart to your speech.

Step 3: Celebrate Your Classmates’ Accomplishments

Take a moment in your speech to recognize the amazing achievements of your fellow students, both academically and extracurricularly. These could include sports championships, awards in arts or science fairs, charitable acts, or overcoming adversity. By celebrating their accomplishments, you show solidarity and camaraderie with those who walked this journey alongside you.

Step 4: Incorporate Humor and Anecdotes

Incorporating humor into your speech can help ease any nervous energy in the room while keeping your audience engaged. Share funny or touching moments that you experienced together as a class, whether it’s inside jokes or cherished memories. These anecdotes will lighten the mood and connect your audience with shared experiences.

Step 5: Offer Words of Wisdom

As salutatorian, part of your role is to provide advice and motivation for the future. Offer insights based on your own experiences and those of others who have inspired you. Encourage your classmates to continue learning and evolving, to embrace challenges, and to stay true to their values. This is your opportunity to inspire your peers as they embark on their next big adventure.

Step 6: Conclude with A Powerful Message

End your speech by emphasizing a powerful message or take-away sentiment that will resonate with your fellow graduates. Leave them with words of encouragement, a quote or saying you find inspiring or a call-to-action that invites them to make the most out of their lives beyond graduation.

Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice

Once you’ve written your speech, rehearse it multiple times. You want to be comfortable and confident in your delivery. If needed, ask for feedback from someone you trust or record yourself delivering the speech to identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion:

Writing a salutatorian speech can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. However, by reflecting on your journey, showing gratitude to those who helped along the way, celebrating class accomplishments, incorporating humor and wisdom, conveying a powerful message, and practicing diligently, you can craft an unforgettable speech that captures the spirit of this momentous occasion. Break a leg!

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Salutatorian Speech Welcomes The Crowd

The salutatorian, the second-highest-ranking student in a graduating class, gives the welcome at graduation, while the highest-ranking student gives the speech at the close of the ceremony. Some salutatorians may deliver an invocation or benediction, present awards, and introduce the valedictorian.

At a graduation ceremony, the two top-ranking students give speeches during the ceremony. The second highest-ranking person, the salutatorian, welcomes the crowd of attendees, while the top-ranked , the valedictorian, gives the main speech. In the case of ties, there may be multiple people with titles, but there is usually only one set of speeches – the valedictorian speech and the salutatorian speech.

The “val” and “sal” should work in sync to deliver speeches that respect time-honored traditions with a personal twist.

Table of Contents

What Is The Role Of Salutatorian?

Ranked second in the class, the salutatorian also receives very high honors and accolades on graduation day. The usual role of the salutatorian is to welcome family members, fellow graduates, faculty, and other guests to the ceremony. This graduation speech can also introduce the valedictorian if that is desired.

What Is The Difference Between Salutatorian And Valedictorian Speech?

The salutatorian speaks  on behalf of  the graduating class and has the official capacity of welcoming the guests to the program. Another role of the salutatorian often is introducing other commencement speakers and any honored guests in attendance.

The valedictorian of the class  speaks to  their fellow classmates; while the sal may include a few more thoughts as well, it is the val’s speech that usually includes more substance.

Who Speaks First – Valedictorian Or Salutatorian?

The salutatorian speaks first on graduation day. Often, the salutatorian is giving a salutation, another term for a greeting. The salutatorian is traditionally tasked with giving a welcome speech to all assembled for the event.

The valedictory speech follows the salutatory speech . The valedictorian can come from several angles in writing their speech. They can reminisce about their school years together, give a motivational speech about all that lies ahead of them as they enter the first days of adulthood, thank those who helped the class get to where they are, or say goodbye to the class.

Since the valedictorian is the highest honor, the salutatorian should confer regarding the topics they plan to discuss in their speech. This will give you an idea of how to frame your speech.

Why Is The Salutatorian Speech Important?

The salutatorian speech is important for many reasons. The first thing to realize is that as the salutatorian, your school is honoring you for your years of hard work by asking you to speak at the ceremony. This is a big deal!

Also, remember that giving the welcome and thanking those in attendance is a very important job as it sets the tone for the entire ceremony.

What Are Some Common Topics For A Salutatorian Speech?

Looking for salutatorian speech ideas?

• Welcome:  Some salutatorians are told to welcome everyone to graduation, as they will be the first speaker. Starting a speech with “Good evening” or “Good afternoon” is a simple but effective way to begin.
• Thanks:  It is also common for the salutatorian to give a sincere thank you to everyone in attendance. Whether it is a college, high school, or middle school graduation, staff members, friends, and loved ones have all contributed to the graduates getting to this moment. Offering thanks on behalf of the class is appropriate.
• Impart Wisdom or Advice:  One part of giving an inspirational speech often includes giving some advice. Many great speeches use quotes to get the point across to the audience, then expound upon that to further explain. However, the speech should be primarily your thoughts and words. Always avoid speaking in clichés and don’t use too many quotes. 

How Do You Write A Salutatorian’s Speech?

• Ask About Time Limits:  The most important thing to do before writing your speech is ask your faculty advisor some important questions. You need to know  how long  you are expected to speak. If you are told 3-5 minutes, figure 5 as a time limit you should not go over.
• Inquire About Content Expectations:  Also, make sure you know if something, in particular, is expected of you. Do they want you to give a welcome? Should you thank guests on behalf of the class? Can you add additional memories from the class or inspiration for the future? Sometimes the val and sal are given specific tasks to work into their speech.
• Speak to Valedictorian:  Ask the valedictorian who will give the main student speech what they plan to include to help you get focus on which direction you want to go and void repetition.
• Brainstorm:  Once you know what is expected of you, it is time to start brainstorming ideas. Jot down notes and figure out a few things you could write about that you can tie together to keep your audience’s attention.
• Create an Outline:  After the brainstorming session, make yourself an outline, including how you plan to bring it all together.
• Write:  Now, it is time to start writing. Once you are done, an essential step in public speaking is to read it out loud and time yourself. Does your speech seem to fall into the time requirement? A 650-word speech would take the average speaker about five minutes to deliver.
• Practice:  When you start practicing your speech, consider asking someone you trust to listen with a critical ear to help you. Share the goals given to you by the faculty advisor and ask for constructive criticism to ensure you achieve your objective.

How Long Should A High School Salutatorian Speech Be?

The salutatorian speech is usually five to eight minutes long, with a 10-minute maximum.

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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Tips on Writing a Salutatorian Speech

A salutatorian speech is your chance to get remembered. You can talk about the time you spent with your classmates, and how others helped you achieve what you wanted. If you don’t know what your salutatorian speech should be about, just start brainstorming ideas. After this, draw up an outline to use it as a guide when writing your first draft. And don’t forget to follow these useful tips from college-writers.com .

Salutatorian Speech Ideas

Everybody may have his or her own ideas for a salutatorian speech. Some people choose to talk about the future, while others focus on the past. You can tell your audience how you’ve accomplished important goals, how the learning process changed your opinions and values, how you’ve been developing your creativity, or how you’re going to make this world a better place.

Steps to Writing a Graduation Speech Outline

The first thing you should do is choose a topic. After this, think of how you can illustrate this topic with a story. Try to show rather than tell, using visual language and memorable imagery. Once you’ve figured out the topic, write an outline with your main points. Your main goal is to deliver a clear message.

When you have the outline ready, write your first draft. After this, proceed to the revision stage. Make sure that your speech is not too long and get rid of the unnecessary passages. Read your speech out loud and think of what it sounds like. Is it funny, exciting, or inspiring? Make sure that it’s sincere and not boring. You can also practice by reading your speech to your friends.

If you have no idea what your salutatorian speech can be about, search for templates on the internet. You can choose a few templates and compose your own speech. The main thing is to create the proper structure: your speech must start with the introduction, then proceed to the narrative, and end with a meaningful conclusion. The introduction should make your audience focus on the main idea of your speech, while the conclusion must clarify the moral of your story and give your audience something to think about.

Final Words

Being funny is a good solution. However, you should take into account your audience. Tell a couple of jokes but don’t turn your salutatorian speech into a standup show.

Use quotes from well-known people and make sure that they correspond to the situation. We recommend that you use quotes at the beginning or at the end of your speech.

Try to be authentic and avoid clichés. Your classmates know you, so be sincere, relax, and don’t try too hard to impress somebody. Just be yourself, follow our tips, and you’ll write a good salutatorian speech.

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Writing a Salutatory Speech

Six years in elementary and four in high school. Homework after homework. Endless hours of studying for countless of exams. Exhausting group projects that take up a lot of your time and resources. Just when you think the nightmare will never end, you wake up to find yourself sitting on a chair in the school auditorium wearing a toga and tassel. And then you remember, it is your graduation day! Congratulations! You have made it this far in life and with that, you now hold your head high as you walk up to the podium and deliver your speech as the batch salutatorian.

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The feeling must be something. You then think to yourself: “The effort that I’ve put in all that I did really paid off!” But let us wind the clock backwards to a week before Graduation Day. You are asked by your teacher to prepare a speech considering that you are the batch salutatorian, and you are given no choice but to agree regardless. But you do not know where to even begin.

Writing a Salutatorian Speech

Do not worry, because this is just like giving another speech in class. If you have any prior knowledge to public speaking, then you will not have to worry so much as the rules of the game apply as before. But for the sake of the first-timers reading this article, here are the steps on writing a salutatory speech.

Part 1: Knowing your Limits and Choosing a Topic

Find out what your limits are.

Every speech is given a certain time limit, salutatorian speeches are no different. Keeping that in mind, it is best if you ask the ceremony organizer as to how much time you are given to deliver your said speech to avoid constant interruptions. And since you are the salutatorian, your content should not be similar to that of the valedictorian’s. Coordinate with the valedictorian to avoid confusion later on.

• Once you begin to find out what your limitations are ahead of time, you will not need much effort in totally revising your speech after discovering your too lengthy speech or it does not address the correct topic.

Keep your audience in mind when brainstorming topics Mind you, you are not delivering an informal speech, but you will be speaking to colleagues, families, teachers, the school board, graduates, etc. First and foremost, avoid inappropriate language and jokes. Second, if a part of your speech involves cultural references that only the millennials understand, keep it to a minimum.

Choose your topic

Although the sky is definitely the limit, choose a topic that the graduating students and colleagues can relate to. Select a topic that means so much to you and then, speak it from the heart.

• One of the more chosen topics for these kinds of speeches include why graduation day is memorable or why you are proud to be a part of the graduating class.
• Do not choose a topic just for the sake of choosing it, but choose that topic because you feel a genuine need to express that to the world.
• It is never a bad idea to gather ideas from your friends and families in helping you decide on what your topic is supposed to be.

Read other great speeches

Inspiration can come from anywhere. Even through reading other speeches made by famous personalities. If you think you can get the needed kick to start with your speech, read on.

Part 2: Structuring the Speech

Thank the previous speaker for introducing you.

Common courtesy is just pure common sense. Try your best to find out the name of the person introducing you beforehand so that you can include his name in the speech.

Introduce yourself

After introducing the person who introduced you, introduce yourself next. Try to add a bit of personal feelings on how you feel standing in front of the crowd, as you speak in front of them.

Tell the audience what you’ll be speaking about

After all introductions are said and done, the next step for you is to start telling the audience on what you are going to be speaking about.  Hint: If you begin to enumerate the main points of your speech as you talk, it will help you stay focused on the outline to avoid getting distracted.

• At the introductory part of your speech, you may want to say: “I want to speak to you about three things: justice, knowledge, and peace.”
• If you cannot break down the subject and major points of your speech down to at least a sentence, try to rethink about your speech structure.

Tell a story

Who does not love a good story? Especially when it is all about school. Sharing school experiences serves as an icebreaker to your speech before it gets too serious. As you share that story to the graduates and the families, make sure that the story is not too comedic as the story will lose its purpose, but also lighthearted in a way that it will not turn out to be a drag to the audience.

Reflect on the past

Two words: Look back. Remember the journey you have taken to see how far you’ve gotten. Look back and see how much your friends have helped you over the course of ten years of academic life. Look back at all the lessons and values that you have learned in school. After that, share to the audience.

Use verbal cues to make a bridge from one topic to the next

Transitions are words that help connect two ideas smoothly. If you are trying to transition between a section on justice and into a section on integrity, you might say, “And without justice there can be no integrity.” Writing in this manner will help the crowd comprehend on how these two thoughts connect with one another. They also serve as an indicator in knowing that thought #1 is done and now thought #2 is in motion.

Part 3: Closing the Speech

Urge your fellow graduates to take action.

Ask yourself what is it that you are trying to achieve at the end of this speech. Since a graduation speech’s intent is supposed to inspire and let other graduates try to follow in your footsteps, then encourage them in a way that they would actually heed your advice.

Give thanks

Say thank you. Say thank you to the friends who have helped you get by. Say thank you to your parents who have brought you into this institution and for transforming you to the person you are today. Say thank you to your second parents, the teachers who have given their blood, sweat and tears to continuously harness your potential to become a better person. Thank the audience for taking the time of their busy days to attend this prestigious ceremony. And explain on why you are thankful to them.

Don’t feel obligated to consume time

If you happen to be done with your speech ahead of time, do not force yourself to extend it by putting in filler material. Remember, that the best speeches are always kept short ad simple all the time. Make a speech too long with unnecessary pointers, and you would just drag the audience out.

Part 4: Editing the Speech

Read your speech aloud before delivering it.

Do no forget to practice your speech once you are done crafting it. In doing so, this will help you practice not only your timing, but also your rhythm and intonation. Not too fast, not too slow either. Remember that there are certain words that you have to give emphasis to to give the term more impact and more meaningful to the graduates when adding pauses as well.

• Try revising some sentences that may sound weird or clunky when read aloud.
• Try reading in front of mirror first. If you pass the mirror test, then proceed practicing with a group of friends and family. Be open to criticism and feedback as they are there to help guide you.

Add and cut parts of the speech where necessary

If you feel that your speech is too long, feel free to remove some of those part if you feel that they are not that important. If you feel that a certain part of your speech can be improved when adding this kind of context, do so. Once finished, time your speech and make the necessary adjustments if it is still overboard.

Have an editor look over the speech

After your respective revisions, get someone you trust an editor, a parent or a teacher to help you review your content and give you certain advice on how the speech is and how it can be improved.

Practice the speech for several weeks before graduation

Practice makes perfect, after all. Like a great pianist who practices endlessly for hours on end, do the same with your graduation speech until you have become comfortable enough to recite it in front of the crowd (even without your copy).

We hope you found our article on how to write a salutatory speech to be informative, not only if you are a salutatorian in your batch but also if you are a class honor. Delivering a speech to your fellow batchmates and the entire school population may be nerve-wracking, but the examples we’ve presented above will definitely help you in writing and delivering one amazing speech. Congratulations on your achievement as well as to your graduation.

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How to Write a Salutatorian Speech: Perfect Tips to Know About

Take a look at the correct tips to craft a memorable salutatorian speech.

Giving a salutatorian speech requires you to prepare smartly with all the important things. It is a speech that doesn’t just require your verbal confidence, but it also needs your stage confidence. Many students often falter in this speech due to having weak confidence. The salutatorian speech should always be given having a balance of both, rightly to engage all the audience.

Some people think that salutatorian speech is always given by the person who has got the highest grades. But it is totally not the case!

To deliver a strong salutatorian speech, those students are preferred who are talented as well as confident in delivering the speech. It is not a random occasion that comes every month, instead it is an annual occasion that comes at the end of every year. Therefore, its preparation also requires a lot of hard work and knowledge.

Writing a salutatorian speech also needs good knowledge about its outline and tone. It is not a random speech that can be drafted easily. It is divided into particular parts and all of them should be defined with a strong tone. Many times, people take help from professional speech writing services to craft a powerful note. It helps the students to deliver their thoughts correctly, provided the context has also been chosen wisely.

If you are also looking to know how to write a salutatorian speech, take a look at the detailed tips given below. It will help you to craft a proper speech that can hook the attention of users. Let’s first understand the basics of salutatorian speech below.

What is a Salutatorian Speech?

A salutatorian speech is a special speech that is given by those students who are termed intelligent in academics. This speech is created by a specialist writer who know how to write words that can describe the academic brilliance.

Whether it is a college or university, only those students are selected that are good in academics. In college, the grades of students are taken into consideration while in universities CGPA are considered. This basically depends on the educational criteria and manual selection process of every institution.

In universities, salutation speech is organized at the graduation ceremony. Those students who have topped in the semester are given priority to deliver the salutatorian speech.

Besides having good academics, the selection of the candidate also depends on his/her stage confidence. It is indeed an important thing that plays a huge role during the delivery of speech.

Why Salutatorian Speech is Important?

The salutatorian speech is termed very important because it allows the students to highlight some key points about the institution. It also provides a great value in terms of welcoming new students and staff to the institution.

For instance, the salutatorian speech of graduation ceremony is intended to welcome the parents and new teaching staff of the institution. It covers those points that describes about achievements and educational value of an institution.

A salutatorian speech helps the people to know about the journey of students in a school or college. Furthermore, it provides a great view how that institution has helped an individual to succeed in education and become a better person.

How to Write a Salutatorian Speech?

Many people often ask about how to write a salutatorian speech. They want to know about its headline, content type, tone and other things comprehensively. The reason is that it is not a general persuasive speech that can be delivered easily. It requires proper preparation as well as knowledge about how to deliver a speech in front of a large audience.

If you also want to know how to write a salutatorian speech perfectly, here are some tips that you need to follow.

Conduct Detail Research About Graduation Ceremony

At first, you need to conduct an extensive research to know about the details of the graduation ceremony. This is important because it will let you know what type of speech you will need to deliver on that day. It will provide you an ample information what type of people will be there and how to engage them with a powerful speech.

Once you will have this knowledge properly, your outline creation will become easier. You will know what things to include in the speech that can provide an overall positivity. That is how you can get to know about the people of the ceremony and how to interact with them properly.

Select an Engaging Topic

Next, you have to select an engaging topic that can help you to connect with the audience. Sometimes, people select wrong topics that does not fulfills the speech requirements of the ceremony. As a result, they do not create any type of connection with the audience and all the teaching members present in the ceremony.

The best way to select any topic is to research briefly about the past valedictorian speeches given at the institution. This will let you know what other people have said before and how they have delivered their speeches with it. Meanwhile, you can also do a proper research from the internet to know about the popular salutatorian topics. It is also a great source to know about those topics that are termed important for farewell ceremonies.

Research and Brainstorm

Now, you have to move towards the brainstorming phase in which you will need a thorough research. This will enable you to craft a proper outline and write content according to it. It will give you a great idea what things to include in the speech in order to bring impact in it.

The best way to make your research phase successful is to take ideas from the fellow members. This is a great practice to know about the points that would be beneficial in your speech. It is a known fact that friends can provide you unique ideas to make your speech strong.

Besides that, you can conduct a comprehensive research on the web to know about the latest trends of salutatorian speech. There are various sources available on the web where you can find great examples of salutatorian speeches.

Outline the Ideas

Once the brainstorming session has been done, you will get to know about the important points. This is the phase where you will start outlining important points. The structuring of your speech will start from here, allowing you to build a plan for it. You can either use a notebook to write a rough outline, or could also use MS Word to write them thoroughly.

The outlining phase helps you to divide various aspects of your speech. It is a good approach to keep the parts of your speech divided, so that you can explain them all properly. The outlining phase also allows you to know how long the speech will be. This will give you a good idea how to manage its time and delivery correctly.

Start Detailing the Outline

After writing your outline, it’s time to start the speech properly. This is the most important section as it will include everything you are intending to mention in the speech. The outline created earlier will help you to write every section in detail. It will save a lot of your time, allowing you to focus on the content.

While writing the speech, you need to mention variety of things that makes your university/college great. You can share your educational journey in the speech and can also describe how experienced its teachers are. All of this body content should be written in a complete professional manner, so that people can have a good understanding.

If you don’t have much knowledge about writing the main part, try looking at some examples given on the web. You can find different types of salutatorian speeches available on the web. These example speeches will simplify your confusion and will allow you to write the farewell speech strongly.

Define an Engaging Story

To bring some sort of engagement factor, define any memorable story in your salutatorian speech. You can write about any memorable event that brought cheers in your institution. These types of stories allow you to define the importance of your school as well as its reputation.

Keep in mind that this story should be short, mainly around 5 minutes. Sometimes, people do not like to hear long stories as they become bored due to it. Therefore, it should be short and must create an impact in your speech.

Writing the Conclusion

Now, you have to write the conclusion of your speech. This is basically a bottom line in which you will sum up all of your salutatorian speech. You need to make sure that this section should be highly impactful. That is because it will allow the people to recognize the greatness of your institution.

Keep in mind that the conclusion should be short and concise. It should be written in a manner that it would take hardly 10 minutes to complete. It should be noted that adding any extra stuff or unwanted content will make your conclusion boring and less attractive for the audience.

Proofread and Edit the Speech

Once you have completed the speech, review it to find any existing errors. A lot of times, people make grammatical and typo errors while writing the speech. This is something common in writing and must be checked after completing the write up.

You can check the grammatical errors in the speech by using online tools like Grammarly, Ginger and more others. These softwares are fully automated and can be used to find out any grammatical errors.

Similarly, you can also check any underlying plagiarism issue by using online tools like Unicheck, 1text, and more others. These tools will help you to know whether your content is copied or not. This way you can write a complete unique content having all the points described appropriately.

Deliver a memorable speech with our expertly crafted speeches!

Salutatorian Speech Examples

If you are not aware of how to write a speech , here are some examples you should follow. This will give you a better idea how to outline and structure a speech according to given requirements. Let’s take a look at different salutatorian speech examples given below.

High School Salutatorian Speech Example

“To all the friends and my beloved family members, I would like to welcome here at the farewell ceremony of our Blue Horizon High School. I am feeling very honored to welcome you all here on this prestigious occasion.

Today, I will detail some of my thoughts that I have experienced in this school over the course of time. This school has been very special to me as I have grown up here and learned how to prepare for the future. I am sure most of you also have some sort of relation with the past institutions, so do I have. This school have provided me great education and learning which is why I am really grateful to its teachers.

I must say that friends which I have found here are very honest. They have stood by me in difficult times and have always provided me guidance in various aspects. That is why I rate this school as an important part of my life because it has also given me good friends. These people will surely stay in contact with me in the rest of my life, or as they say friends for life.

I would urge you all to please clap once again for the brilliance of my school and its teachers. It is our final day here and I want to thank all the people who have made my educational journey here beautiful.”

College Salutatorian Speech Example

“Hello everyone, my name is Jeff Winderson and I welcome you all to this great graduation ceremony. It is one of those days that are quite special and are always aspired by every student. Today, I feel honored to be here at the stage delivering the all-important salutatorian speech.

I want to state that my journey here at Kindergarten College is nothing short of brilliance. I have learned plenty of things from my fellow members and teachers in this college. That is why I always feel humbled to be a part of this college.

Going forward, I want to state that this college will always remain in my memories. It has played a great part in developing my personality, rightly from the young age. All the people that are attending this great graduation ceremony should also feel proud to be a part of this college.

In the end, I just want to say that this college is a great place to learn new things. From teachers to students, all of the people are very welcoming in this college. I suggest you all to recommend this college to everyone, as it has got a complete learning infrastructure in place.”

Final Words

That brings us to the end of this blog in which we have discussed about how to write a salutatorian speech for the graduation ceremony. It is indeed important for every student to know about this speech. They must know how to write and deliver it perfectly in front of the audience on the given day.

Many times, students do not prepare this speech correctly because of having little knowledge about the format. This only creates problem for them at the graduation ceremony when they are asked to come and deliver some words about their journey in the institution.

If you are looking for an agency that can help you to write a powerful speech for the graduation ceremony, contact us today. We will assist you to write a spectacular salutatorian speech that will grab everyone’s attention at the event.

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How to Give a Winning Salutatorian Spoken (Ideas, Tips, and Examples)

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Well, congratulations are in order! As the salutatorian, you’ve truly accomplished something special include your academic traveller. You’ve put in the hard work to gain your esteemed rank and have been handpicked to deliver a speech at your upcoming phd ceremony. Now that’s something to be chronic of.

This speech of yours is a rare chancen to speak to your classmates, family, companions, teaching, and fellow graduates. It’s a chance to share thy thoughts on is momentous cause. We’re going to discuss some buttons steps to help you craft an truely excellent salutatorian language.

Giving a speech can be daunting. But equal aforementioned right approach, it can be ampere truly enjoyable real rewarding experience.

So, let’s get started.

👉 3 salutatorian talk examples

Salutatorian vs. valedictorian speeches: What’s of difference?

Traditionally, the salutatorian’s role is to welcome all to the graduation dinner on behalf of that graduating class.

While the valedictorian’s spoken is directed toward your classmates and given headed the end of the opening, your speech will directed toward the entire audience—including friendships, family, press teachers—to welcome them into this special event.

As the salutatorian, you vielleicht also show misc speakers and our participating in the ceremony.

💡 Pro tip: Work with the valedictorian to make sure your speeches aren’t even similar.

So what should I say?

Use the Past-Present-Future setting while choose guide.

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

Opening: Thank our interview for being present. Introduce yourself.

Key Idea 1: (Past) Share a story, remembrance, or observation highlighting the gratitude for the people who have supported you and your classmates.

Key Basic 2: (Present) Talk about what makes today special.

Key Idea 3: (Future) Talk over whereby you look forward to the rest of the ceremony and the time ahead.

Schliessen: Give a call to action, as as encouraging your audience to enjoy the ceremony. Tie it back to my theme.

💡 Pro tip: Your graduation address should containing at least 1 or 2 stories. Stories will make their speech personal and engaging.

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Whichever notions should MYSELF include in mysterious salutatorian speech?

Your speech should become a true reflection of who you are and what you stand by. And to make this happen, here are a few buttons ideas you'll want to maintaining include mind:

Gratitude: First and foremost, show your gratitude. Drive thanks to to human who have sponsored you: your parents, your instructor, your classmates, and your your. Suffer them know just how much their support has meant to you.

Reflection: Take some time to reflections. Talk about the significance of and day’s event or observations that you’ve make. And don’t forget to touch on the lessons you’ve learned forward the mode!

Inspirational: Share your aspirations and method the people in attendance have excited you.

Fun: A little laughter can go a long way in breaking the ice and connecting with your audience. Wenn you’re not naturally funny, that’s well! This doesn’t mean you have to tee a joke or share a entertaining story. You can make your speech fun by using a lively tone and engage body choice.

Advice: Latter but not least, offer some advice. You’ve gained much of wisdom from your experiences and the people who have influenced you. So take this opportunity to share some are that know-how with your comrades.

How long should a salutatorian speech becoming?

The extent a a salutatorian speech can vary subject on your ceremony. But as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to aim for a speech that’s around 5 to 10 minutes long. Beep beep Yours query about samplings for ampere finish welcome speech is an excellent one, and it's a massive occasion to be a part out. Let's nosedive in a little ...

Now why is that? Well, you’ll want to give yourself enough time to lid all that main ideas you want to share. But at who same time, you don’t want to drag on for too long and bore other tire your audience. So finding that sweet spot is key.

💡 Pro tip: Time your language beforehand. Plus don’t just do it once. Rehearse it several times to make sure it flows smoothly and fits within who time confine. That procedure, your can go into your grad ceremony with the confidence of knowing you’ve got this speech thing down pat.

Select can I doing my salutatorian speech memorable?

Let’s talk about like to make the salutatorian speech truly memorable. On are some tips to help them realisieren that goal:

Connect with your audience: When you kick off your speech, take a moment to acknowledge your viewers on a personal level. Construct eye contact, or speaking with sureness and passion. You may even address faculty by their names. This will make your target more engaged with your message.

Share a story: Stories are powerful tools to capture one attention and emotions in your audience. Share an personal story that your audience can relate to. This capacity get make your request more remember and impactful.

Use humor: Humor can be a great way to lighten the mood and make your address more enjoyable. Use appropriate jests, puns, instead humor that relatives to your convocation either your classmates. When remember until keep it respectful and appropriate for your audience.

Share a quote: Quotes are an great how to add prudence and inspiration to your speech. Use one quote of a famous person, show, instead movie that relates to your message and ensure your audience can recollect. Get can assistance reinforce your theme and make it more memorable.

What are some tips for delivering a triumphant salutatorian speech?

Delivering a great salutatorian speech require a little bit away preparation and practice. So, here are some tips to help you pin your delivery:

Prepare in getting: Don’t hang! Write it down, rehearse it several times, and time it to ensure it fits within the time limit.

Speak clearly additionally slowly: Avoid mumbling or jumbling words mumbles. Keep get chin raise, speak slowly adequately for people for understand you, and exercise delays up highlighted important words.

Using our body: Your body language can help hinzusetzen some oomph to your speech. Use your custody, you face, and your posture to search express your emotions and message. And don’t forget to make eye contact for combine with your audience!

Manage your nerves: Don’t let neurons get to you. It’s normal to be a little jittery before speaking, but try to relax by taking deep breaths, visualizing yourself rocking the speech, and focusing on own sending.

How the “you”:  When you uses “you,” “we,” and “us,” you convey your audience closer to you and make them feel included. It’s a simple technique, and it makes an powerful difference. So when you overview an rough of choose talking, look for how you can use “you” as often as possibles.

Practice: Practice makes perfect, my best. Practice your speech several times before the graduation ceremony to received comfortable with your message and delivery. Use feedback from others to improve your speech.

Be yourselves: Don’t try to be someone you’re nope. Talking since which heart, stay true to your scores, and let your personalty shine through. Remember, you’re an salutatorian for a reason!

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How cans I make my salutatorian speech meaningful?

Delivering a meaningful salutatorian languages your view about being true at yourself and connector equipped choose audience. Here are some tips the make your voice meaningful:

Stay positive: Focus on the good item which have been happening. Your goal be the make everyone feel receive and fired.

Be inclusive: Include every in your speech. Benefit language that shall inclusive furthermore respectful to view members of your audience.

Show empathy:  Tried understanding and connecting with their classmate’s experiences and emotions. Which would they want to hear about? What would making your speech meaningful to she? Share stories that resonate with them and show that yours care learn their perspective. Use emotional language into true connect using i. It can be as simple as named the emotions: “We’re all  anxious  about what’s to come…” or “I know you all are just as  excited  about the past as I am….”

What should EGO avoid whereas writing a salutatorian speech?

When you’re invest together is salutatorian speech, there are some common mistakes and potential that can detract from your message and delivery. Here be some tips to help you avoid common mistakes: How to Give a Winning Salutatorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples) — Speeko - the #1 community speaking app

Avoid clichés: Steer clear is overused phrases that don’t have any originality either authenticity to them. Use your your words real experiences to share your message.

Stay humble: Thou don’t crave into her across when arrogant or condescending when talking about herself or your classmates. Keep adenine humble and respectful sound that shows gratitude and appreciation.

Leave controversial topics: You don’t what to talk about whatever that might insult or separation your audience. Keep things positive or inspiring so that everywhere can relate till your message.

Mind your language: Don’t use any inappropriate language, jokes, or stories ensure could outrage or embarrass anywhere in your audience. Keep matters respectful and appropriately for all eons and backgrounds.

Don’t ramble: Stay concentrated, and don’t go off on a tango in your speech. Keep things concise real focused on your main ideas to ensure thine message comes across clearer.

What are some creative ways to initiate a salutatorian speech?

When it comes up written the opening of your salutatorian speech, computers can be a bit of a challenge toward set the tone for the pause of their lecture. But don’t worry, here are some creative ways to get you started: Termination Welcome Speech Examples | TikTok

Shared a cite: You cans start you speech with a powerful request that relates to you message and pole in your audience’s soul.

Use humor: Get with a funny story, joke, or pun that relate go autochthonous graduation press your classmates. Just be careful non to go overboard with the humor.

Share one story: Share a personal story. It can be from your earlier years in schooling or even just last week!

Ask a rhetorical question: Launch your languages with a rhetorical request that prompts your audience into think about your message and get them engaged.

Use a metaphoric: Start with ampere metaphor that relations to your message and paints an vivid imagine in your audience’s minds.

What are some topics to discuss in a salutatorian speech?

Choosing a theme for their salutatorian speech can live ampere real head-scratcher. But no worries, here can a handful ideas that might just do the gadget. The key are toward weave stories into autochthonous speech. Stories that were specific the vivid will holding your audience interested and entertained. Let’s capture an search at some possible topics: Opening an Speech ... I current went to high school graduation and ... graduation speech and then give you several example speeches as samples by key elements.

Gratitude: Think of someone whoever held a life-altering influence on your academic journey—maybe a teacher, mother, or friend—and share a story about her. Thee can even reveal a little “secret” with this persona that you thinks which audience should know. This will give your speech a more intimate feel.

Dear memories: Ah, memories. They able be a great way at connect with your audience. Percentage one of your favourite moments that you and your classmates have shared together. Try to find a gemeinen theme among those memories ensure can werden which theme for your entire speech.

Achievements: As the salutatorian, you’ve achieved adenine lot, and so must your classmates. So why not celebrate those achievements and reflect on the hard work, subscription, the belastbarkeit so led you all to this moment? Benefit your own journey as an example, and inspire your former to continues pursuing their own achievements.

Transform: Reflect on the changes both challenges that you and your classmates have faced during your academic journey. For example, how did the pandemic impact is class? Or how was major advances in technology taking your your closer together?

An future: Share your aspirations and goals for the future, plus encourage your classmates at pursue their own dreams and make a positive impact on the world. This will be ampere nice contrast to the stories yourself tell about the past.

What is the best way to end a salutatorian speech?

Ending a salutatorian speech the just such important as starting he. Your end should set which tone available the rest of the ceremony. Here are ways you can end your speak:

Tie it back to your matter: Take a moment up summarize your key ideas and highlight the key takeaways of your speech. This will help reinforce your message and ensure that your audience remembers it.

Use humor: End your address with a lighthearted joke press witticism that leaves your audience with a smile on their faces furthermore wraps increase insert message nicely.

Express gratitude: Wenn you haven’t credit people formerly in your speak, take a moment to thank our fellow graduates, your teaching, your our, and anyone else who has promoted you throughout will academic journey. Showing gratitude press value can create a positive, encouraging ending to your talk.

Encourage action: Inspire your audience to make action based with your message. You couldn encourage them to enjoy the ceremony.

Share a quote: End your speech with a strong quote the relates to your message and that your audience can remember. Leave them with a thought-provoking idea.

How can I find inspiration for get salutatorian talk?

Finding inspiration used your salutatorian speech can be challenging, but there are several ways toward get inspired. Here are some peaks:

Reflect on your experiences: Look return by your journey, and think about the moments that made a real impact on you. Your personal experiences, think, and values are all wonderful sources of inspiration.

Just start writing! Grab your phone (or a ballpoint and paper) and modicum down all the ideas that get to choose mind, not matten as silly or impossible they may seam. You never know—one of those ideas could turn include a great speech!

Tell on people: It’s always a good ideation to bounce yours concepts off of others. Talk to your family, our, and teachers to get their views and insights. They may have valuable theories and feedback that can help you molding your speech.

Research: Take adenine listen to other salutatorian speeches, commencement speeches, and inspirational speeches to get some ideas. See whichever works and what doesn’t.

And don’t disregard to have fun by it! This be your moment to luster, so enjoy it plus make the most of it. Good luck!

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🎭 Example 1

Theme:  Community

Opening:  Good afternoon, esteemed department elements, parents, my, your, and scholarship graduates. As the salutatorian, it’s one honored to welcome you all to our graduation ceremony. My name is [Name]. Today marks that end of adenine chapter in our lives and of begin of a new one.

Key Thoughts 1: (Past)  4 per ago, we were just a bunch of freshmen with nope clue of what we were doing, trying to find our way through this maze: whichever classes to sign up for, which extracurriculars to join, which companion group until try for fit into. And then, before we knew itp, we were seniors. Person had a sensory of purpose, trying to leave our mark on this school. We’ve had infinite memories, from finals-week jitters to this carefree days of senioritis. And we made it because, and here we are today, ready to take on who world.

As a theater kid, I spent a lot by mysterious time either rehearsing for a how or performing in one. During our initial year, I was cast in unsere school’s production of “Grease.” I was thrilled. I have always wanted to play Sandy, and mys dream finally came true. However, on opening night, disaster struck. In ME walked onto aforementioned stage, MYSELF slid on one piece of confetti. Aber I didn’t fall flat up my facial. Negative, regular worth: I forgot my running. The silence in the auditorium had deafening. My heart was beat up to my ears. And for a moment, the entire world-wide froze. Nevertheless than, the person gambling Frenchy ad-libbed a line for get us back up track, and the how continued on.

Later, I had talking to me parents about it, and i had no idea that anything held lost wrong.

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Looking back on that moment, I realize which school and even life are filled with moments like is. We entire fall at different points, and we have until be thither for each other. School isn’t just learn textbooks. It’s with the collectives we discover outside the the your. Get is how us grown into the best versions of ourselves. No matter how long our friends stay in their lifestyle, they permanently shape on worldview. As Oliver Wendell Holmes unique said: “One’s spiritual, once stretched by a new featured, almost regains its original dimensions.”

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As for the future, who knows what it holds? Aber one thing is for sure: we will make the most of it. We having all worked incredibly hard to get at show we are today, plus I have no doubt so we will stay to do so in the future. We’ll scatter nearly the world and turn part of different communities. And the world will never regain its original dimensions.

Closing:  So, to everyone here, IODIN urge thee to allow yourself the slip on the confetti, forget your lines, and—most importantly—let people be there for you. Learned from your communities, grow with the communities, and maybe equal help build one von your own. Praise, Class of [Year], also let’s all enjoy today as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

🏀 Example 2

Theme:  Perseverance

Opening:  Good late, fellow academic, esteemed faculty, family, and friends. My choose remains [Name], and I are honored toward welcome you view to this momentous occasion: our graduation. And I can’t help but feel a sensibility of nostalgia for to memories we’ve made and a sense of excitement for the future that lies ahead of about.

Key Ideation 1: (Past)  In the past four period, we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown together. We’ve experienced moments of triumph additionally moments to conquer.

One of of highlights of my teach experience was being a football player. From early-morning practices to late-night games, it has taught me some valuable life lessons. Graduation Speeches: Speeches You Give the Pointy Hats ...

During unsere junior year, we were within the central of a crucial game. With only a few minutes left on and clock, I had the ball in my manual, real I was ready to make the game-winning shot. I could hear the cheers both screeches of my teammates and fans in the background. But then, out of nowhere, I tripped and fell, loses the ball and my chance to win one game.

MYSELF felt defeated and embarrassed. It was such a low point. Still Coach [Name] later told mine this: “Life is unforeseeable, additionally sometimes, things don’t go as planned. When it’s how we react to the moments the define us. It’s all learn perseverance.” Gift, students, our and friends welcomes, and thank you available joining of Per of 2023 to celebrate our high school graduation. Our never thought this day would come. Many in our have looked …

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Today, we’re finalized to take on one next book of our lives. Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, additionally perseverance. Today lives a daily we honor our teachers, administrators, and staff who have guided press supported us throughout on journey. Current represents one significant milestone in the lives and the beginnen starting a new chapter.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  And in the future, IODIN can’t wait on see places unsere journey take our. Some of contact want go on to college, others will enter who workforce, and some will serves our country in and military. Someone wants become an entrepreneurship, artistic, or athlete—or all in the above. Whatever path we choose, I’m confident so we can select get greatness. And we will undoubtedly have many nuts of triumph as well as many moments of defeat. It’s how we react in those moments which will define us. Whatever we do, I hope our never forget the lessons us have learned here at [School name] and continue to grow from our experiences.

Closing:  Thank you to our friends and families for owner unwavering support. Plus to mine fellow graduates, I am honored to have shared which four years with him all. Congratulations, Class of [Year]! Let’s make the future bright!

📚 Example 3

Theme:  Appreciate the smallish momentary

Opening:  Good evening, comrade graduates, esteemed faculty, proud parents, both distinguish guests. It’s an honor to stand before you as the salutatorian of our graduating type. My your is [Name]. I’d like to warmly welcome each for attendance and convey mine gratefulness since being part of this memorable occasion.

Key Idea 1: (Past)  I’d love to take a time to thinking on our past experiences. Four years ago, we came into these hallways as timidly freshmen, anxiety whatever the next four years would bring. We stumbled tested our first day of go, struggling to find the paths for his classes. But upcoming suffices, we found our way and began to thrive.

Ready of my fondest recollections is when IODIN was a students and sat down is a classroom for one finishing exam. IODIN sat down, confident in how well I prepared, only to perform I knew nothing about what used on the exam sheet. By desperation flipping through my notes, ME looked up to see the wrong teacher staring at me coming which front of the room. Then I looked to and realized I was surrounded at seniors! I held walked into the inaccurate classroom. It was adenine humbling adventure, to say which least. Furthermore i was a small moment, but it’s a that I’ll ever forget. We want to help you craft that perfect commencement speech. When you’re ready for insert pen the article, face to our graduated speech ideas inside.

Key Feature 2: (Present)  Looking back, I realize immediate that it’s not fairly the academic achievements that make our time here consequently special. It’s these shallow moments, the laughter shared use our friends, the support are our faculty, both the sense of community that make this an unforgettable experience.

Today is a day we’ll reminds for years to come. We’re filled with emotion, anticipation, and a tremendous sense out accomplishment. It’s ampere day that marks the exit out one chapter in our lives and who beginnen of a brand one, a day where we celebrate the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Today, we’ve come with as a [School mascot] community, finalized to accept on the world with trusting and tenacity. It is a daylight that reminds us in the limitless potential we hold within us and the grenzenlos opportunities that lie going. Leased le beginning by welcoming you all go today's event and acknowledge Milligramm. Pavlou, Ms. Barresi, Ms. Adamo, Mr. Tenaglia, and _____ . I morning absolutely honored to be ...

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As we stand on to cusp of our future, the world is our oyster. We have been specify the tooling to succeed, and now it is up to us at utilize them to aforementioned best of our talent.

We’re moving forward into this next phase of our lives, and we can’t forget the values and lessons we have learned during our time here. The friendships we’ve constructed, the masters who’ve guided us, and the experiences that will shaped us—these is ever be ampere part regarding contact. Learn how for delivers a winning salutatorian speech with our helpful notions, tips, the examples. Detect how on capture their audience's attention, make your speech erinnert, and leave an lasting impact. For our instruction, you'll be well over your way to artisan a salutatorian speech that truly stands

Abschluss:  So, to my comrade graduates and everyone who has come here to support us, let us party willingness accomplishments, cherish the smal moments, furthermore look forward to a bright subsequent. Bless you, and congratulations to the graduating class of [Year].

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How to Give a Winning Salutatorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, and Examples)

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Okay, congratulations are in how! As the salutatorian, you’ve truly accomplished something special inside owner academic journey. You’ve putting in the hard work to earn your esteemed rank and have been handpicked to give a talking at your upcoming graduation ceremony. Now that’s something to be proud of.

This speech of yours is a extraordinary opportunity to speak on our classmates, familial, friends, english, or fellow graduates. It’s a chance to share your thoughts on this momentous occasion. We’re going to consider some key steps to search she craft an truly excellent salutatorian speech. How should I address an e-mail to multiple people? - Quora

Giving a speech can be daunting. But with the right approach, it can be a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Hence, let’s get started.

👉 3 salutatorian speech examples

Salutatorian vs. valedictorian speeches: What’s and differentiation?

Traditionally, the salutatorian’s role are to greeting everyone to aforementioned graduation rite on behalf out the graduating school.

While the valedictorian’s speech is directed toward your classmates and given toward the end of the ceremony, your languages is directed toward the entire audience—including friends, family, and teachers—to welcomes them to all special event.

As the salutatorian, you might also introduce sundry speakers and representatives participating in the ceremony.

💡 Pro tip: Work with the valedictorian to construct sure your speeches aren’t too similar.

So what shall I say?

Use the Past-Present-Future framework more own guide.

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

Opening: Appreciate your audience to being present. Introduce yourself.

Key Idea 1: (Past) Share adenine narrative, memory, otherwise observation highlighting your gratitude for the join who have supported you and your classmates.

Button Featured 2: (Present) Talk about what makes today special.

Key Idea 3: (Future) Speaks about what him look forward to the reset of an ceremony and of years ahead.

Closing: Give a call into action, such as encouraging your audience to pleasure the ceremony. Tying a endorse to your theme.

💡 Pro tip: Your graduation speech should include on least 1 or 2 stories. Stories will make your speech personal and engaging.

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What ideas should I enclose with my salutatorian speech?

Your speaking should be a true reflection of who you are and what you stand required. And to make that happen, here is a few essential ideas you'll do to keep stylish mind:

Gratitude: First the foremost, see the gratitude. Express thanks for the people who have supported you: your your, your teachers, your classmates, and your friends. Let them know just how much their support possess intended to you.

Reflection: Use some time to reflect. Speaker about the significance of the day’s events or observations the you’ve made. And don’t forget to touch on the lessons you’ve learners along the way!

Inspiration: How your aspirations and how the people in attendance have creative you.

Fun: A little laughter can go an long pathway in breaking the ice and connecting with your audience. If you’re does naturally funny, that’s done! This doesn’t mean her need to saying a laugh or share a funny story. You can make your speech fun until using a lively tone and engaging body words.

Advice: Last but not least, offer some advice. You’ve gained plenty of wisdom from your experiences and that people who have influenced you. So take this opportunity at share some for that knowledge with autochthonous classmates.

How lang should a salutatorian speech live?

The length from ampere salutatorian speech able vary depending on your ceremony. But as a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to aim to a speech that’s around 5 to 10 minutes long.

Now why is that? Well, you’ll want to give yourself adequately time to cover all the main ideas you want to share. But to the identical time, you don’t wanted for drag on for too long and bore or tire you spectators. So finding that sweet spot is key. ME have observed that in my work place, whenever an mail is sent toward more than one person( like any information, meeting request or a notice etc.), the mail starts with the salutation "Dear All". This,

💡 Maven tip: Hours your speech beforehand. And don’t just execute it once. Repetition it several times to make sure it streams smoothly and suits within the time limit. That way, you can go into your graduation ceremony with the confidence of knowing you’ve got this speech thing down knock.

How cans IODIN make my salutatorian spoken memorable?

Let’s talk learn how to making your salutatorian speech truly memorable. Here are some tips on help you achieve that goal:

Connect with your audience: When you kick off your spoken, take a moment to acknowledgement choose audience on a personal level. Make eye contact, and speak from conviction and passion. You can even address faculty by their names. This wants make your audience more engaged with your messages.

Share a story: Stories am powerful tools to capture the watch and emotions for your audience. Part a personal history that your audience can relate to. This can help make your message better memorable and impactful.

Uses humor: Comedy able be a fine way to lighten who mood and making your speech more enjoyable. Use appropriate jokes, puns, or humor that relates to own finish or your classmates. But store to store it respectful and appropriate for your audience.

Share adenine quote: Quotes are a fine way to add common the inspiration at your speech. How a quote from a famous person, book, or motion that relates to insert message also that your audience can remember. Those can assistance reinforce you theme and make it more unforgettable.

Which are any hint for delivering a successful salutatorian speech?

Delivering adenine great salutatorian speech requires a little scrap of preparation and practice. So, here are einige topics to help you nailed your delivery:

Prepare to advance: Don’t procrastinate! Write it move, rehearse it several times, and frist it to ensure it fits within the arbeitszeit limit.

Speak clearly and slowly: Avoid mumbling or jumbling words mumbles. Remain your chin up, speak low plenty for people to understand you, and use pauses to highlight important words.

Use the bodywork: Is body language could help add some oomph to your languages. Use your hands, your face, the your posture go help express your emotional and message. And don’t forget to make eye contact to connect with respective audience!

Manage insert nerves: Don’t rental butterflies got to you. It’s normal at be a little jittery before speaks, though try to relaxity by taking deep breath, visualizing yourself rocking which speech, additionally focusing on respective message.

Use to “you”:  Although you use “you,” “we,” both “us,” you bring get spectators closer to you additionally make them feel included. It’s a simple technique, plus it makes a powerful difference. So when you review a draft a your speech, look for how thou canister use “you” such often as possible.

Practice: Practice makes perfect, my friend. Practice to speech several times before the graduation ceremony to get comfortably using your message and delivery. Usage feedback from others to improve owner speech.

Be yourself: Don’t try to breathe someone you’re not. Speak from the core, stay true to your values, or let your personhood shine through. Remember, you’re the salutatorian for a reason!

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How can I make my salutatorian speech meaningful?

Provide a meaningful salutatorian speech your all about being true to yourself and connecting with is audience. Here are some tips till make your speech meaningful: Instructions to Enter a Engaging Salutatorian Speech (Ideas, Tips, both Examples) — Speeko - that #1 public speaking app

Stay confident: Focus on the good things that have been happening. Your goal lives to make everyone felt welcome and excited.

Be inclusive: Comprise everyone on our speech. Used language that is inclusive and respectable to show associates to my audience.

Show empathy:  Try understanding and joining with your classmate’s experiences and emotions. What would they want to hear about? What would induce your speech powerful for them? Share stories that resonate using them and shows that you care about their perspective. Use emotional language to really connect with them. To can be for simple as naming the excitement: “We’re all  anxious  about what’s in come…” or “I know yours all are just as  excited  about of future as I am….”

What should I avoid when writing a salutatorian speech?

When you’re putting together your salutatorian speech, there are many common mistakes plus pitfalls that ca detract from your message and delivery. Here are some topics to help you avoid common mistakes:

Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused phrases so don’t have any originality or authenticity for them. Use your own speech additionally experiences on share your message.

Stay humble: You don’t want to come across as arrogant or condescending when talking about yourself or your classmates. Keep a humble furthermore respectful tone that displays thankfulness and admiration.

Skip conversational topics: You don’t want to talk about anything that have offend or divide your audience. Keep stuff positive and inspiring so that everyone can relate to insert get.

Mind owner language: Don’t make any inappropriate wording, jokes, or stories that could slight or embarrass anyone in your audience. Keep things respectful or appropriate for all ages and backgrounds.

Don’t roam: Stay focussed, and don’t go set on a tangent in your speech. Keep things concise and focused on your main ideas to assure your message comes across clearly.

What are some creative ways to getting a salutatorian speech?

At it comes to writing the opening of your salutatorian speech, a could be a bit of a challenge to adjust the acoustic for the rest of your speech. But don’t worry, her are some creative ways to get you started: The network above that salutation is the letter recipient's full address. ... If that purpose of your letter is employment related, consider ending your letter with ...

Share a quote: You ability launching the speech on a powerful quote that relates to the message and sticks in your audience’s minds.

Use humor: Start with a funny past, joke, or pun that relates to your graduation or your classmates. Just be careful not to go ship with the humor.

Tell a story: Share a personal story. Computer can be from their earlier years in school or even just ultimate week!

Ask a rhetorical question: Start insert speech with ampere rhetorical question that prompts your spectators to think about your message and gets them engaged.

Use a metaphor: Start with a metaphor that refers to you message furthermore paints a vivid picture in your audience’s brains.

Something are some topics the discuss within a salutatorian speech?

Selection a theme for your salutatorian talking can be a real head-scratcher. But no worries, weiter are an few ideas that might justly do and ruse. The key has to weave stories into your speech. History that are specific and vivid will keep your audience engaged and entertained. Let’s take a look at some possible themes:

Gratitude: Suppose of someone who had a life-altering influence on will academic journey—maybe one teacher, parent, or friend—and share a narrative about them. You can even reveal a little “secret” about this person ensure you think the audience should knowledge. This will give your speech a more intimate feel.

Appreciated memories: Aah, memories. Few canned be a great way to connect with choose audience. Share an away your favorite moments that you and your classmates have released together. Try until find a common theme amidst those memories ensure can become an theme for your entire speech.

Achievements: As one salutatorian, you’ve achieved a lots, and so take your classmates. So why does celebrate those achievements additionally reflect on the hard labor, dedication, and perseverance that led you all to this point? Use respective have journey as certain example, and inspire yours peer for proceed pursuing hers own achievements.

Change: Consider on the changes real challenges that you and your classmates have faced when your academic journey. For example, methods did the pandemic impact your class? Press how did major advances in technology get autochthonous class closer together?

The prospective: Share your aspirations and goals on that future, and encourage your classmates to pursue their own read and make a positive impact on the world. This will be a nice contrast to the stories you tell about the past.

What is the best way on end a salutatorian speech?

Ending a salutatorian speech is just as important such starting it. Your closing should set the tone fork the break of the festive. Here are routes you may end your speech: Wedding Envelope Addressing Protocol - Topic for getting is choose item made in no time! AMPERE your where you can get information for any considerate of envelopes (formal to casual the an in-between) press be confident when it comes to how you arrange your network.

Ties it back to thine theme: Take a moment to summarized yours key ideas and highlight the key takeaways of insert speech. This will help fortify your message and ensure so your audience remembers it.

Getting humor: End thine discourse with a airy joke or pun that leaves your viewing with a smile on their faces and wraps up your message nicely.

Express gratitude: Is you haven’t obliged people earlier inbound your speech, take a moment go thank your fellow graduates, your teachers, your family, and everyone else who has backed you continuously your academic journey. Showing express and appreciation can create adenine positive, uplift ending to your lecture.

Encourage action: Motivate the hearing to take action established on your message. You could encourage them to enjoy and ceremony.

Share a quote: End the speech include a powerful quote that relates to your message and that your audience can remember. Leave them with a thought-provoking idea.

How can EGO finding inspiration for my salutatorian language?

Finding inspiration for your salutatorian speech can be challenging, still there are many ways to received inspired. On are some hint:

Reflect on your experiences: Look back at your journey, and think about the moments that made a real impact go you. Your personal lessons, thoughts, and values are all great sources of inspiration.

Just start writing! Grab your phone (or adenine pen and paper) and jot down all the ideas that come to thine mind, no matter how silly or impossible handful may seem. You never know—one of those ideas could turn into a great speech!

Talk to people: It’s constantly a good idea on bounce your ideas off of others. Talk to your family, friends, and teachers up get their perspectives and insights. They mayor have valuable ideas additionally feedback that can help you figure your speech.

Research: Take a reading to other salutatorian speeches, commencement speeches, also inspirational speeches to get some ideas. See what works and what doesn’t.

And don’t forget to have fun with to! Dieser is your minute for shine, so enjoy it and make the most of it. Good luck!

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Topic:  Community

Open:  Good afternoon, eminent faculty members, parents, families, friends, and fellow graduates. As the salutatorian, it’s an honor to welcomes you all to our closure ceremony. Our name is [Name]. Present select the end of one chapter in our lifestyle and one beginning of a new one.

Key Idea 1: (Past)  4 years ago, were were just a bunch of freshmen with no clue of what we be perform, trying to discover our way through this maze: which classes to sign raise for, which extracurriculars to join, which pal group to tried to fit into. Press then, before we did it, we were seniors. We has a sense of purpose, trying on leave our markers on this school. We’ve had countless memories, von finals-week jitters to the easygoing days of senioritis. And us crafted it through, real here person are today, disposed the take on this world.

As an movie boy, EGO aufgewendet a lot of my time either rehearsing fork a games instead doing in one. During our first year, I was cast in our school’s production of “Grease.” I was thrilled. I had always wanted to play Sandy, press my dream finally came true. However, on opening night, disaster hit. As I walked onto the step, I slipped with ampere piece of confetti. But I didn’t fall flat on my back. No, even worser: EGO forgot my line. The silence in the auditorium was deafeningly. My heart was pounding up to my ears. And by ampere point, the gesamtheit world froze. But then, the person playing Frenchy ad-libbed a line to get us back upon track, and the show continued switch. Salutatory Address

Later, IODIN was speaks to my parents about it, and they had no idea the anything had gone wrong.

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Looking back on that moment, I realize that school also even life are filled with minutes like that. We all stumble in different score, real wealth need to be there for each other. School isn’t just via reading. It’s about the communities we learn out of the kursraum. This remains like us grow into the best versions of yourself. No massiv how long our friends stay in our lives, they permanently shape our worldview. As Oliver Wendell Holmes once said: “One’s mind, once stretched by a new basic, never regains its original dimensions.”

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As for the future, who knows thing it holds? But one something is on sure: we will make that most to items. We can all worked impossible difficult to get to where we are today, and I have no question that we will continues to do so in one future. We’ll scatter around the world and become part of different communities. And the world will never regain its original dimensions.

Closing:  So, to everyone here, I urge them to allow yourself to slither off an confetti, forget your lines, and—most importantly—let people must there for you. Learn from to communities, grow with your communities, and maybe even help build one of your own. Felicitations, Class to [Year], furthermore let’s all enjoy nowadays as a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

🏀 Example 2

Theme:  Perseverance

Opening:  Good afternoon, fellow degree, cherished faculties, our, or friends. Own name is [Name], and I by honored to welcome them all to this momentous occasion: our graduation. And I can’t help but feel a sense the my for the memories we’ve done and a sense of excitement with the future that lies ahead of us.

Select Idea 1: (Past)  In who past fourth years, we’ve laughed, cried, learned, and grown together. We’ve experiential moments of conquer and moments of destroying.

The of the highlights of my school experience was person a basketball player. Starting early-morning practices in late-night choose, it has taught me some resources life lessons.

On our junior year, we were in the middle of a crucial game. With only a few minutes left with the clock, I had the ball in mine hands, and I was ready to make the game-winning gone. I could hear and cheers and screeches of my teammates furthermore fans in the background. But then, out by nowhere, I shot and fell, losing aforementioned ball and my chance to win the game. Welcome faculty, family, and friend to the graduation of an FPD Class a 2020! We are go thankful that each of you may must here with us today, and person owe so much to everyone here who has done relentlessly which past few from for make us feeling loved real join.

I feeled losing and embarrassed. It made such a lower point. But Coach [Name] later talked me aforementioned: “Life is unpredictable, and sometimes, things don’t go as planned. But it’s how we responding to those instants that determine used. It’s all about perseverance.” Wedding Envelope Addressing Etiquette — True North Journal Co.

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Today, we’re completed in take on the next chapter of their lives. Today marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Today is a day we honor our teachers, software, and staff whom have guided and supported us throughout unseren journey. Today represents a significant milestone in our lives and the beginning of an new chapter.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  And in the our, IODIN can’t wait to see where our journeys take us. Some out us will go on to colleges, others will insert the workforce, and some will serve our heimatland in the military. Someone will grow an entrepreneur, artist, or athlete—or all of the above. Whatever path our choose, I’m confident that we can all achieve greatness. And we will undoubtedly have many nuts of triumph for well as many moments to beating. It’s how we react in those moments that will define used. Whatever we do, ME hope we never forgetful the lessons we may learned go at [School name] and moving to grow coming our adventure.

Closing:  Thank you to our friends real familial for your unwavering help. Furthermore to my fellow graduation, EGO day honoree to hold shared these four yearning with thou all. Congratulating, Class of [Year]! Let’s make the future helle!

📚 Example 3

Themed:  Appreciate the small moments

Opening:  Good evening, mate graduates, esteemed faculty, proud my, and distinguished guests. It’s an honor to stand previous you as the salutatorian off our graduating class. My get is [Name]. I’d like at warmly welcome everyone in attendance also express my gratitude with being part of this memorable occasion.

Keypad Idea 1: (Past)  I’d like to take a moment to reflect on our past experiences. Four years ago, we came into these floors as timid freshmen, insecure something the next four years would bring. We stumbled throughout my first time of college, struggles to find who paths to our classes. Although soon sufficiently, us found unseren way and began go thrive.

One of my loveliest memories is when I was a college real sat downhill in one classroom for a final exam. I sat bottom, confident in wie well ME prepared, includes to realize I knew nothing about what was on the final sheet. After frantically flipping through my notes, I looked skyward up see the wrong teacher staring at me from the head of the room. Then IODIN looked go and implemented I was surrounded by seniors! I had walked into the wrong classroom. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. And it was a little moment, but it’s one that I’ll never forget.

Key Idea 2: (Present)  Looking back, I realize now that it’s not just which academic achievements that make our time here so special. It’s these minor moments, the laughter shared with our friends, the support von our teachers, and the sense is community that make this an unforgettable experience.

Today is a day we’ll remember for years to come. We’re filled with excitement, anticipation, and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. It’s a day which marks the end of one chapter in our lifetime and the beginning starting a new one, a day where we celebrate the culmination in years of hard function, dedication, and perseverance. Now, we’ve come together as a [School mascot] social, ready to take on the world with confidence and determination. Items is a day that reminds us of the limitless potential ourselves hold within ourselves the the boundless opportunities that tell ahead.

Key Idea 3: (Future)  As we tolerate on the apex of our future, the world is our clam. Our have been given the tools to succeed, and now items is up to us to utilize them until the favorite of to ability.

We’re moving forward into the next phase in willingness lives, and were can’t forget the values and lessons we can learned during our time here. The familiarities we’ve made, which teachers who’ve guided what, and the experiences that do shaped us—these will always be a part of our. Salutatory Address | PDF | Teachers | Psychological Concepts

Closing:  So, to my fellow graduates and everyone who has come here to sustain us, let us celebrate our accomplishments, cherish the small moments, and look move to a bright future. Thank you, and congratulations to the graduating class of [Year].

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Joseph I. Lieberman, Senator and Vice-Presidential Nominee, Dies at 82

He served four terms in the Senate from Connecticut and was chosen by Al Gore as his running mate in the 2000 election. He was the first Jewish candidate on a major-party ticket.

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By Robert D. McFadden

Joseph I. Lieberman, Connecticut’s four-term United States senator and Vice President Al Gore’s Democratic running mate in the 2000 presidential election, which was won by George W. Bush and Dick Cheney when the Supreme Court halted a Florida ballot recount, died on Wednesday in Manhattan. He was 82.

His family said in a statement that the cause was complications of a fall. His brother-in-law Ary Freilich said that Mr. Lieberman’s fall occurred at his home in the Riverdale section of the Bronx and that he died at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in Upper Manhattan.

At his political peak, on the threshold of the vice presidency, Mr. Lieberman — a national voice of morality as the first major Democrat to rebuke President Bill Clinton for his sexual relationship with the White House intern Monica Lewinsky — was named Mr. Gore’s running mate at the Democratic National Convention that August in Los Angeles. He became the nation’s first Jewish candidate on a major-party presidential ticket.

In the ensuing campaign, the Gore-Lieberman team stressed themes of integrity to sidestep the Clinton administration’ scandals, and Mr. Lieberman urged Americans to bring religion and faith more prominently into public life.

The ticket won a narrow plurality of the popular votes — a half-million more than the Bush-Cheney Republican ticket. But on the evening of Election Day, no clear winner had emerged in the Electoral College, and an intense legal struggle took center stage.

After weeks of dispute, it came down to the results in Florida, where fewer than 600 votes appeared to separate the opposing candidates. In an unsigned landmark decision on Dec. 12, the United States Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that different standards of recounting in different counties had violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution and ordered an end to the recounts. The decision effectively awarded Florida’s 25 electoral votes, and the presidency, to Mr. Bush.

“It was a miscarriage of justice on two levels,” Mr. Lieberman said in a 2023 interview for this obituary. “One was that the Florida Supreme Court had already ruled in our favor to continue the recounts, and the other was that it was an extrajudicial political decision made in the crisis of a transition of power, and out of line with precedents of the Supreme Court.”

Mr. Lieberman sought the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination but lost multiple primaries and withdrew from the race in February. He believed his support for the war in Iraq had doomed his candidacy.

Even his standing with Connecticut voters had slipped. Running for a fourth Senate term in 2006, he lost the Democratic primary to an antiwar candidate but won in a stunning upset in the general election as a third-party independent on the “Connecticut for Lieberman” ballot line.

With his presidential hopes in tatters, Mr. Lieberman in 2008 attended the Republican National Convention and endorsed his friend, Senator John McCain of Arizona, for the presidency. Mr. McCain had Senator Lieberman vetted as a possible running mate but ultimately chose Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska and lost the election to Senator Barack Obama.

Mr. Lieberman, a virtual outcast in his own party, had stopped attending Democratic Senate caucuses. But after a humbling meeting with the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid , he was allowed to keep his Homeland Security Committee chairmanship and resumed caucusing with the party.

Approaching Senate retirement, he endorsed no one in the 2012 presidential election, but he supported Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in her presidential run against Donald J. Trump in 2016 and Vice President Joseph R. Biden’s victory over Mr. Trump in 2020.

During his Senate tenure from 1989 to 2013, Mr. Lieberman was an independent who wore no labels easily. He called himself a reform, centrist and moderate Democrat, but he generally sided with the Democrats on domestic issues, like abortion choices and civil rights, and with the Republicans on foreign and defense policies.

He supported Israel and called himself an “observant” Jew but not an Orthodox one because he did not follow strict Orthodox practices. His family kept a kosher home and attended Sabbath services. To avoid conveyances on a Sabbath, he once walked across town to the Capitol to block a Republican filibuster after attending services in Georgetown.

Many Democrats criticized Mr. Lieberman’s support for the war in Iraq, but admirers said his strengths with voters lay in his rectitude, his religious faith and his willingness to compromise.

“He may be a thoroughgoing moderate in his politics, but he is a true conservative in temperament and style,” The New Yorker said in a 2002 profile. “His world is an orderly place where people wait in line, take their turns and generally behave themselves.”

After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Mr. Lieberman led the Senate effort to create a new Department of Homeland Security, a cabinet agency that consolidated 22 federal entities to counter terrorism and coordinate responses to natural disasters. He was named chairman of the new Senate Committee on Homeland Security in 2003.

He also cast the 60th and deciding vote under Senate rules to pass Mr. Obama’s Affordable Care Act in 2010 — the most important package of health care legislation since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965.

“As a Democrat, Joe wasn’t afraid to engage with Senators from across the aisle and worked hard to earn votes from outside his party,” Mr. Bush said in a statement after Mr. Lieberman’s death. “He engaged in serious and thoughtful debate with opposing voices on important issues.”

A Yale-educated lawyer, Mr. Lieberman began his political career in 1970 by unseating Ed Marcus, the Connecticut State Senate’s Democratic majority leader. He credited a young Yale law student on his staff, Bill Clinton, with engineering his crucial primary victory.

After a decade in the State Senate, the last six years of which he was the Democratic majority leader, Mr. Lieberman lost a race for a seat in the House of Representatives in 1980. Two years later, he was elected attorney general of Connecticut, the first to hold the post full-time. In that office, he defended consumer and environmental protections and was re-elected in 1986, but he left the job after winning his first Senate race in 1988.

In the Senate, he supported free trade and unions and led a campaign against sex and violence in video games. The effort generated a video ratings system in the 1990s and national publicity for Mr. Lieberman.

His campaign for a second term in 1994 scored the largest landslide ever in a Connecticut Senate race: He collected 67 percent of the ballots and buried his foe by 350,000 votes. For six years, he was chairman of the Democratic Leadership Council. And in 1998, when Bill Clinton’s affair with Ms. Lewinsky broke, Mr. Lieberman chastised the president publicly.

“It was a very hard thing for me to do because I liked him,” he told Bill Kristol, the neoconservative commentator. “But I really felt what he did was awful.” A remorseful Mr. Clinton later called Mr. Lieberman, saying, “I just want you to know that there’s nothing you said in that speech that I disagree with.”

In 2000, while running for the vice presidency on Mr. Gore’s ticket, Mr. Lieberman simultaneously won a third term in the Senate handily, with 64 percent of the vote, turning back a challenge from the Republican Philip Giordano. But six years later, Mr. Lieberman hit a wall seeking a fourth term. Ned Lamont, a Greenwich businessman and critic of the Iraq war, won 52 percent of the vote in a primary.

Ordinarily, losing a primary is a death knell: Campaign donations dry up, colleagues and the press turn away, and the loser drops out or runs as an independent.

But Mr. Lieberman refused to give up. Many voters saw the race as a referendum on President Bush, whose claims that President Saddam Hussein of Iraq had weapons of mass destruction had been disproved, suggesting that he had taken the nation to war under false pretenses. With wide Republican endorsements, Mr. Lieberman easily defeated Mr. Lamont in the general election for one last Senate term. (Mr. Lamont became Connecticut’s governor in 2019.)

Mr. Lieberman was also instrumental in Mr. Obama’s successful 2010 effort to repeal a 17-year-old “Don’t ask, don’t tell” Armed Forces policy, which had forced gay and lesbian service members to be closeted or face discharges.

On Jan. 2, 2013, Mr. Lieberman gave a parting address in the Senate. “It was a lonely farewell,” The Washington Post said. “As Mr. Lieberman plodded through his speech, thanking everybody from his wife to the Capitol maintenance crews, a few longtime friends trickled in.” They included Senators Susan Collins, John Kerry and John McCain.

“The sparse attendance wasn’t unusual for a farewell speech,” The Post said, “but it was a sad send-off for a man who was very close in 2000 to becoming a major figure in American political history as the first Jew on a major party’s national ticket. He was denied the vice presidency not by the voters but by the Supreme Court.”

Joseph Isadore Lieberman was born in Stamford, Conn., on Feb. 24, 1942, the oldest of three children of Henry and Marcia (Manger) Lieberman. His father owned a liquor store while his mother managed the home.

Joe and his sisters, Rietta and Ellen, grew up in a working-class section of Stamford. He attended Burdick Junior High School and Stamford High School, where he was elected president of his sophomore and senior classes, joined a debating club and was salutatorian of the class of 1960.

At Yale, he majored in political science and economics, joined the N.A.A.C.P. and the Democratic Party and was the editor, chairman and chief editorial writer of The Yale Daily News, writing about defending the civil rights of Black Southerners. He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in 1964 and received his law degree from Yale in 1967.

While attending Yale in 1963, Mr. Lieberman became part of the first large group of Northern white students to travel south for the cause of civil rights, joining a caravan of more than 65 young people on a 1,300-mile trip from New Haven to Mississippi, where they encouraged Black residents there to register to vote, all while enduring harassment by white segregationists.

The episode became a rich part of his political biography during the 2000 campaign with Mr. Gore, and Mr. Gore referred to it in a statement on Wednesday evening, saying of Mr. Lieberman: “When he was about to travel to the South to join the civil rights movement in the 1960s, he wrote: ‘I am going because there is much work to be done. I am an American. And this is one nation, or it is nothing.’ Those are the words of a champion of civil rights and a true patriot, which is why I shared that quote when I announced Joe as my running mate.”

Mr. Lieberman’s marriage in 1965 to Betty Haas ended in divorce in 1982. That same year, he married Hadassah Freilich Tucker, a daughter of Holocaust survivors. He is survived by his wife; two children from his first marriage, Matthew and Rebecca Lieberman; a daughter from his second marriage, Hana Lowenstein; a stepson from his second marriage, Ethan Tucker; two sisters, Rietta Miller and Ellen Lieberman; and 13 grandchildren.

After leaving the Senate in 2013, Mr. Lieberman moved to Riverdale and joined the Manhattan law firm Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, which specialized in white-collar defense. Its clients included Mr. Trump during his years as a bankruptcy-troubled casino magnate.

In recent years Mr. Lieberman helped lead the bipartisan political organization No Labels as its founding chairman and recently as its co-chairman.

In 2017, Mr. Trump interviewed Mr. Lieberman for the position of F.B.I. director, to replace the fired James Comey, but Mr. Lieberman withdrew from consideration. He criticized Mr. Trump’s retreat from the Paris climate-change accords and his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. After Mr. Trump lost his 2020 re-election bid, Mr. Lieberman rejected the former president’s false claims that he had won.

In an interview with CNN weeks later, Mr. Lieberman denounced Mr. Trump as a threat to democracy. “Trump lost by seven million votes, and he’s hurting our democracy, and frankly hurting himself with this crazy business,” Mr. Lieberman said. “It’s a terrible thing he’s doing. There is no evidence of fraud.”

Anastasia Marks contributed reporting.

An earlier version of this obituary misstated the surname of one of Mr. Lieberman’s daughters. She is Hana Lowenstein, not Lieberman.

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Robert D. McFadden is a Times reporter who writes advance obituaries of notable people. More about Robert D. McFadden