Commencement speeches really have a knack for waking up our inner fire and making our hearts race with excitement. They’re not just a rite of passage for graduates; they’re a powerful reminder of the incredible potential we all possess. From Steve Jobs’ unforgettable Stanford address to Oprah Winfrey’s Harvard wisdom, these speeches are packed with life-changing lessons that resonate long after the cap and gown come off.
So, what can we learn from the greatest commencement speeches of all time? As it turns out, a whole lot. As we dive into iconic commencement addresses, you’ll find they teach profound lessons about life. So get ready to hear some wisdom that’ll push you to dream wider, grind harder, and stamp your legacy on this world. Let’s get started!
Top 5 Most Inspiring Commencement Speeches of All Time
Delivering a commencement speech is no easy feat. Maybe you’ve been there before—standing up in front of a sea of eager graduates and their proud families, trying to impart some wisdom that will stick with them long after the caps have been tossed.
But some speakers just have a knack for it. They manage to craft a message that’s equal parts inspiring, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. These are the commencement addresses that go viral, that get quoted for years to come, that truly leave a mark on the hearts and minds of their audience. Let’s take a look at some of these iconic speeches.
Steve Jobs at Stanford University (2005)
In 2005, Steve Jobs presented his commencement speech at Stanford University. The Apple co-founder shared three personal stories that shaped his life and career, urging graduates to follow their intuition, love what they do, and see opportunity in setbacks. His message was simple but powerful: “Stay hungry, stay foolish.”
David Foster Wallace at Kenyon College (2005)
Another standout from that same year was David Foster Wallace’s address at Kenyon College. The acclaimed author delivered a profound and darkly humorous meditation on the challenges of adulthood, urging graduates to look beyond their “default settings” and choose compassion over self-centeredness. “The real value of a real education,” he argued, “has almost nothing to do with knowledge, and everything to do with simple awareness.”
Oprah Winfrey at Harvard University (2013)
Fast forward to 2013, and we have Oprah Winfrey’s speech at Harvard University. The media mogul shared her own journey from childhood poverty to becoming one of the most influential women in the world, emphasizing the importance of service, gratitude, and learning from failure. “There is no such thing as failure,” she assured graduates. “Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”
George Saunders at Syracuse University (2013)
Also in 2013, acclaimed writer George Saunders delivered a heartfelt commencement speech at Syracuse University. In it, Saunders urged graduates to “err in the direction of kindness” and prioritize love over success. “What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness,” he confessed, encouraging the audience to lead with empathy and compassion in all their endeavors.
J.K. Rowling at Harvard University (2008)
And who could forget J.K. Rowling’s 2008 speech at Harvard? In her address, the Harry Potter author opened up about her own struggles with failure and urged graduates to embrace their imagination and use their talents for good. “We do not need magic to change the world,” she declared. “We carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”
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Lessons on Life, Love, and Success from Commencement Speeches
So what can we learn from these iconic commencement addresses? What pearls of wisdom can we glean from these masters of the craft, these titans of inspiration? As you study each of the above commencement speeches, notice the common topics each of them addresses. Whether given by a big-name celebrity or a high school principal, these themes resonate with audiences everywhere. Let’s take a look.
Embracing Change and Uncertainty
One recurring message in commencement speeches is the importance of embracing change and uncertainty. In a world that’s constantly shifting and evolving, adaptability is key. As Steve Jobs put it, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” Graduates are encouraged to stay open to new opportunities and experiences, even if they don’t fit into their carefully laid plans.
Pursuing Your Passions
Another common thread is the value of pursuing your passions and doing work that matters to you. As Oprah Winfrey advised Harvard graduates, “The key to life is to develop an internal moral, emotional GPS that can tell you which way to go.” Rather than chasing external markers of success, speakers urge students to listen to their own inner voice and follow their true calling, even if it means taking risks or veering off the beaten path.
Overcoming Failure and Adversity
Of course, no journey is without its obstacles and setbacks. That’s why so many commencement speakers emphasize the importance of resilience and learning from failure. As J.K. Rowling shared in her Harvard speech, “It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.” Graduates are reminded that even the most successful people have faced rejection, disappointment, and self-doubt at some point in their lives. What matters is how you pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
The Importance of Relationships and Human Connection
In addition to professional pursuits, commencement speakers often stress the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships and serving others. As George Saunders put it, “What I regret most in my life are failures of kindness.” Graduates are encouraged to prioritize empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection, both in their personal lives and in their careers. After all, success means little if it comes at the expense of our humanity.
Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Finally, perhaps the most valuable lesson we can take from these iconic commencement speeches is that success is deeply personal. As David Foster Wallace reminded Kenyon graduates, “The most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are hardest to see and talk about.” Rather than measuring themselves against society’s narrow definition of achievement, graduates are urged to define success on their own terms. That could mean anything from making a difference, to following their bliss, to simply leading a life of integrity and purpose.
These are just a few of the many powerful insights and lessons we can glean from the most inspiring commencement speeches of all time. If you’re preparing to write your own graduation speech, consider using some of these themes so that your message resonates with your audience.
Powerful Messages from Recent Commencement Speeches
In recent years, we’ve seen some truly powerful commencement speeches that have left a lasting impact on graduates and the public alike. From politicians to entertainers, these speakers have used their platforms to deliver messages of hope, resilience, and social justice.
Kamala Harris at Tennessee State University (2022)
As the first woman and person of color to serve as Vice President, Kamala Harris knows a thing or two about breaking barriers. In her speech at Tennessee State University, she shared her own experiences with discrimination and the importance of fighting for equality. “You are graduating into a world that needs your leadership, your vision, and your strength,” she told the class of 2022. “You have the power to shape our future.”
Throughout her commencement speech, Harris emphasized the importance of community, perseverance, and using one’s voice to create change. She also encouraged graduates to be leaders in their fields and to use their education and skills to address the challenges facing society.
Taylor Swift at New York University (2022)
Who better to speak to the challenges and triumphs of pursuing a creative career than Taylor Swift? In her commencement speech at NYU, the singer-songwriter shared personal anecdotes about her own journey as well as the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasized the importance of resilience, creativity, and staying true to oneself in the face of criticism and adversity.
“My experience has been that my mistakes led to the best things in my life,” shared Swift. “And being embarrassed when you mess up is part of the human experience. Getting back up, dusting yourself off and seeing who still wants to hang out with you afterward and laugh about it? That’s a gift.”
Patton Oswalt at the College of William and Mary (2023)
Leave it to comedian Patton Oswalt to deliver a commencement speech that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Speaking at his alma mater, Oswalt encouraged graduates to embrace their unique paths and to use their education and skills to make a positive impact on the world. In addition, he recognized the positive things about the graduating class’s generation.
“It’s been truly amazing to see how your generation has rebelled against every bad habit of mine and every generation that came before me,” Oswalt remarked. “Everything that we let calcify, you have kicked against and demolished….And those are hard things to reject, because accepting them sometimes makes life way easier….It’s stunning to see it.”
Juan Manuel Santos at University of Notre Dame (2023)
As the former president of Colombia and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Juan Manuel Santos knows firsthand the challenges and rewards of working towards peace and reconciliation. In his commencement speech at Notre Dame, Santos spoke about his efforts to end the long-standing conflict in Colombia and the importance of building a more just and equitable world.
“When progress is based on exclusion, it is fragile and will ultimately disappear,” declared Santos. “However, when progress is based on inclusion, when we understand that everyone’s life is as valuable as our own, then that progress is lasting and real.”
These are just a few examples of the many powerful commencement speeches from recent years. Whether they’re sharing personal stories, offering words of wisdom, or calling for social change, these speakers remind us of the incredible potential of the next generation of leaders.
The Art of Crafting an Unforgettable Commencement Speech
So, what does it take to deliver a truly unforgettable commencement speech? It’s about knowing your audience, crafting a message that resonates, and delivering it with authenticity and heart. Let’s take a look.
Know Your Audience and Tailor Your Message
Before you even start writing your speech, do your homework. Learn about the school, its history, and its values. Talk to students and faculty members to get a sense of what makes this community unique. The more you understand your audience, the better equipped you’ll be to craft a message that resonates. After all, a commencement speech isn’t about you, it’s about the graduates and their families. So ask yourself, what are their hopes and dreams? What challenges have they faced to get to this moment? And what wisdom can you offer that will help them navigate the road ahead?
Once you’ve got a handle on your audience, it’s time to start thinking about your message. What do you want to leave these graduates with? What lessons have you learned in your own life that might be valuable to them? Remember, a commencement speech isn’t a TED talk or a motivational seminar. It’s a chance to share a piece of yourself and offer some hard-earned wisdom.
Start Strong and End on a High Note
When it comes to structuring your speech, start strong and end on a high note. You want to grab your audience’s attention right out of the gate with a powerful opening line or a surprising statistic. Then, at the end, leave them feeling inspired and energized with a call to action or a memorable closing thought.
For example, consider the strong opening story in David Foster Wallace’s 2005 commencement speech at Kenyon College. “There are these two young fish swimming along and they happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way, who nods at them and says ‘Morning, boys. How’s the water?'” Wallace began. “And the two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes ‘What the hell is water?'” It’s a simple story, but it immediately draws you in and sets the stage for Wallace’s profound reflections on the power of awareness and empathy.
Use Humor and Personal Anecdotes
Another key ingredient in a great commencement speech? Humor. Of course, you don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to win over your audience. However, a well-placed joke or two can go a long way in breaking the ice and building rapport with the crowd. Just be sure to keep it clean and appropriate for the occasion.
Personal anecdotes are another powerful tool in the commencement speaker’s toolkit. Sharing a story from your own life—whether it’s a triumph or a failure—can help illustrate a larger point and make your message more relatable. Just be sure to tie it back to the graduates and their own experiences.
Offer Practical Advice and Wisdom
At the end of the day, a commencement speech is about offering practical advice and wisdom to the next generation of leaders. It’s about sharing the lessons you’ve learned and encouraging graduates to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead. If you need inspiration, don’t hesitate to check out some of the commencement speeches above.
Leave a Lasting Impact and Inspire Action
Finally, a truly unforgettable commencement speech is one that leaves a lasting impact and inspires action. It’s not enough to simply impart wisdom or share a few laughs. You want to leave your audience feeling empowered and motivated to go out and make a difference in the world. It’s not just about imparting wisdom or sharing a few laughs. It’s about inspiring the next generation to dream big, take risks, and use their talents and education to make the world a better place.
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FAQs on Commencement Speeches
What is in a commencement speech?
A commencement speech usually mixes advice, experiences, and encouragement. It aims to prep grads for the next chapter.
How do you start a good commencement speech?
Kick off with something relatable or funny. Grab their attention, then dive into your main message.
Who usually delivers a commencement speech?
Commencement speakers are often successful folks like politicians, celebrities, or notable alumni who’ve made their mark.
How long is a typical commencement speech?
A sweet spot? Around 15 minutes. Long enough to inspire but short enough to keep everyone awake.
Conclusion
Commencement speeches have a way of leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. They remind us that life is a beautiful, complicated, unpredictable journey—and that’s exactly what makes it worth living.
So, as you navigate your own path, remember the lessons from these iconic speeches. Let’s start seeing our stumbles and falls as the stepping stones they really are on the path to success. Follow your heart, even when it leads you off the beaten path. Make your life’s foundation love, empathy, and deep connections with others. And never, ever stop learning and growing.
