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Graduation Quotes Give Speeches That Extra Lift
By
Jane Andrew |
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HOW TO USE GRADUATION QUOTATIONS TO GIVE YOUR GRADUATION SPEECHES THE WOW FACTOR
The time of year is here when many people will be putting off writing their graduation speech.
That is just of true of Principals as it is of Valedictorian and Commencement Speakers.
All of just need the inspiration to get going and find the time to create that first draft of the speech which can be polished into a final version.
The graduation speech will usually cover the past, present and future.
The past is covered in terms of the trials, tribulations, thanks to teachers and family, funny stories, mistakes with learning points and times of great teamwork with all the students.
The present marks the graduation day and all that it means to everyone present.
Looking ahead to new lives such as going to college, careers, university or a gap year will leave a message of hope and expectation.
All speeches are the better for being anchored around a central theme.
So, how do you get that theme?
Events of the past few years may give ideas, funny stories, learning experiences, times of struggle and inspirational people can be fertile ground for speech topics.
Another great way to get a theme is to use graduation quotes. Pick out a few quotes that really do capture the spirit of the graduate, school, and the class. The quotes should also sum up the past and provide a clear message for the future.
Graduation is about many things. It is about:
Success
The end of a journey
The fruits of the graduate’s labour
The start of a new journey
The fear and emotion and promise of a new life
Proof the graduate can set and achieve goals
Proof the graduate can work hard, persevere, succeed against the odds
Sadness at leaving behind close friends
1. First off what is a graduation quote?
Let’s start with an example:
"The fireworks begin today. Each diploma is a lighted match. Each one of you is a fuse."
By Edward Koch
Have a look at another 2 examples to get an idea for the power of a quote.
There is no challenge too great for those who have the will and the heart to make it happen.
Author unknown
Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
Chinese Proverb
2. So, what does a quote add?
Well, it adds a succinct way of making your point.
Graduation quotes highlight the point you wish to make with authority, they are a ringing endorsement of what you are saying.
They have impact, emotion and even a sense of gravitas.
For example say the graduate has had a difficult time, for whatever reason, at college or school. Consider if you add a simple quote:
"Just keep trying!
Never give up, never, never give up!
Because the only person that can stop you is - you!"
By Yvonne Thorton
Also consider the impact of the occasion where the graduate is leaving home :
The best way to predict the future is to create it,
Enjoy creating yours.
Author unknown
3. Looking Ahead
For graduation speeches, think of the impact. You are the speaker, the audience don’t really know you. You have points to make and really want to leave a lasting message.
For example:
For a speech themed on thinking big for the future:
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.
We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone.
And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."
By Marianne Williamson
For a speech asking the students to consider the benefits of continual learning:
The man who graduates today and stops learning tomorrow is uneducated the day after.
By Newton D. Baker
For speech about reaching for the stars:
There is no need to reach high for the stars. They are already within you - just reach deep into yourself!
Author unknown
For a fun graduation quote:
It is clear the future holds great opportunities. It also holds pitfalls. The trick will be to avoid the pitfalls, seize the opportunities, and get back home by six o'clock.
By Woody Allen, "My Speech to the Graduates," Side Effects, 1980
4. Finally
To really add impact use a relevant quote from a famous person the audience can identify with. That will really sell your message!
Example:
Desire is the key to motivation, but it's the determination and commitment to an unrelenting pursuit of your goal - a commitment to excellence - that will enable you to attain the success you seek.
Author Mario Andretti - race car driver
Graduation quotations really do drive your message home!
Author's Bio
Owner of 2 websites, I love public speaking, Quotes,and lots of homemade crafts.
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