Graduation Speeches
Interested in presenting a speech at commencement? Now is
the time to prepare. Design a 2-3 minute speech
(approximately 2-3 pages, double spaced). All speeches must
reflect the class motto:
“We cannot discover new oceans unless we have courage to lose
sight of the shore
Written speeches must be submitted to Mrs. Peoples in the high school
office by April 15, 2014. NO NAME can appear on the speech itself.
Mrs. Peoples will assign a number to each speech. The speeches will be
read by faculty evaluators who will determine the top 5 speeches. None
of the evaluators will know who has written the speech. You will be
contacted if your speech is a finalist. The top 5 speeches will then be
presented in person to the speech committee (graduation speech advisors,
Mrs. Brosig and Mrs. Eshleman, along with members of the
administration) and 2 will be selected based on public speaking skills and
the content and style of the speech. Mandatory practice for the chosen
graduation speakers will be held after school on assigned days prior to
graduation and on the morning of June 5, 2014.
Notes:
Your speech should be 2-3 minutes in speaking length.
This is an inspirational address to your class – NO BING BANG BONGO format!
Including a humorous memory or anecdote can relieve the tension of presenting a speech
to a crowd of thousands, but is not required. (when using anecdotes, try to use those that
will be remembered by the majority of your peers).
Use language and sentence structure ‘of the people,’ but avoid slang or text acronyms.
Negative or disparaging comments about classmates, teachers, classes or activities are
inappropriate.