In the USA its time for university students who’ve completed their academic career to graduate. The students generally go to a commencement ceremony, a formal event where the graduating students receive their diploma in front of friends and family.
The students must wear a cap and gown and sit for sometime listening to important men and women make speeches about what is to be expected of the new graduates in the real world. The speeches are generally heart felt and positive with triumphant self portrayals by the speech maker’s of their ability to overcome almost insurmountable challenges.
In the article below a former speech writer for such commencement events discusses what he would have liked to have heard from such a speaker when he graduated many years ago. Check out his advice. Do you agree with his views on work-life balance, relationships and economic struggle for new graduates?
Do you have a favorite graduation speech you’ve seen in person or online? Who? What was said in the speech that made an impact on you?