As anyone who has ever given a graduation speech knows, it can be a daunting task. Not only are you tasked with summing up your entire educational experience in a few short minutes, but you also have to find a way to inspire your fellow graduates to play their parts in making this world a better place. With so much pressure, it’s no wonder that many graduation speeches end up sounding cliché or even downright cheesy. A graduation speech is an important opportunity to inspire your fellow classmates as they begin the next chapter of their lives. this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to offer words of wisdom and inspiration to a group of soon-to-be graduates. However, it is also important to avoid saying anything that could come across as tone-deaf or insensitive. To help you avoid making the same mistakes, here are a few things you should avoid saying in your graduation speech.
6 Things Should be avoided during Graduation speech
By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your graduation speech will be one to remember.
1. Resist the urge to wax poetic about the “dreams of your youth.” Your fellow graduates have heard this one before, and it’s unlikely to inspire them to achieve great things. Second, stay away from platitudes like “the sky’s the limit.” Again, your classmates have heard this tired cliché too many times before. Instead, challenge them to think big and aim high.
2. It’s also important to be mindful of what you say, as there are certain topics that are best avoided. For example, steer clear of controversial topics that could divide the audience, such as politics or religion. Instead, focus on positive and uplifting themes that everyone can relate to. It’s also important to avoid inside jokes or references that only a small number of people will understand; after all, this is your chance to speak to the entire graduating class.
3. Resist the urge to make any negative comments about the school or your fellow students. Likewise, resist the temptation to use profanity or to badmouth anyone who has wronged you in the past. Instead, focus on speaking from the heart and sharing your experiences in a way that will inspire and educate your audience.
4. Resist the temptation to make any predictions about the future. The world is constantly changing, and it can be difficult to predict where things will be in five or ten years. Instead, focus on the present and offer advice that will help the graduates in the here and now.
5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Graduation is a time for looking forward, not backward. So, focus on the future and what you hope to accomplish, not on what you’ve already done.
6. Finally, don’t try to be everything to everyone. It’s okay to be vulnerable and honest about your own struggles and challenges. In fact, this can help connect you with your audience in a deeper way. Just remember to keep it positive and uplifting overall.