How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

About 3 or 4 months ago I was faced with a crippling case of writer's block. Normally this isn't the worst thing in the world, however this time, it was. Why? Well it was because I was charged with having to write the valedictorian speech of for my graduating class.

Unlike many high schools, my commencement was held in October of 2007. So, before we all left for summer break, my class was rounded up, and they had to decide who would deliver the valedictorian address in October, come the time. They voted me.

Naturally I was thrilled. I always had a knack for writing and public speaking. Many of my peers commented on my “presence” during a presentation or speech. No one doubted that I would become a teacher or public speaker of some sort one day simply because of how I carried myself.

So when I was struck with writer's block in September (having spent my entire summer NOT working on the speech I was to write and deliver), I suddenly became very alarmed. In a desperate effort, I scoured the internet for some sort of “how to guide” to memorable valedictorian speeches. Nothing.

They all said the same thing. Each speech was about “our accomplishments” and “the new roads we will be walking” and lame and generic jargon like that. Not a one of the examples I found was original, or particularly interesting to read. I can only imagine the poor people who had endure such dribble.

In any case, I was left on my own. And so, in the crucible of pressure, I developed my own formula to an original and memorable valedictorian speech. What I recite to you now is a guide for you to follow so that when you procrastinate yourself right into a hole, you can come to this, and hopefully it will at least throw you a rope so you can pull yourself out.

So, let us take this one chunk at a time.

First of all, if anyone had passed away while you were in school, it is an extremely good idea to mention them. However, beware, this cannot take too long. If it does, it will seem as if your speech is focusing on this person(s) when it definitely should not. Furthermore, mention them at the beginning of the speech. This way, you do not end on a low note. It may be cold to say, but you don't get a standing ovation by reminding the audience of the friends they've lost.

Second, your intro should be short and light-hearted, especially if you have to write with the above segment in mind. The intro is something usually quite unique to each writer. For example, I have a sarcastic, dry and self-deprecating sense of humor. This is reflected in my intro quite heavily. The intro is the only part of this speech that should be personal to you. This is simply because your speech MUST focus on the audience: your friends and peers. This speech is not about you. This speech is not about your teachers. This speech is about the years spent with the same people for 4 years.

Third are your body paragraphs. These should be 2 or 3 short paragraphs. Always remember, you're not delivering Winston Churchill's “Finest Hour” speech here. The entire thing should be no longer than 5 minutes. People will often fill the body paragraph with mindless dribble thinking that they need to expand their thoughts on “the growing experience that was high school”. You can do this, yes. In fact, it's almost necessary that you, at some point, make a message about the future. Just don't spend 3 paragraphs and 10 minutes doing it.

How I thwarted the above problem was simple. Name drop. If you're valedictorian, then chances are you know quite a few people, especially since you've spent at least one year with them. This is the perfect opportunity to lighten the speech and make it fun for not only the students, but the parents as well. Although parents aren't supposed to get those inside jokes, they still need something entertaining to listen to.

In the body paragraphs I also suggest “reflecting” on events in your school that everyone can remember or that everyone has heard of. “The good "ol times” will always hit it big.

However, as you draw closer to your conclusion, you must realize that you have to make some form a message eventually. The further you go on, use fewer jokes and less name dropping. Only towards the very end of your speech should you really talk about the future and the “potential of everyone in the room”. As I stated before, your speech should not revolve entirely around this idea of growth. It must be balanced with the nostalgia of your high school experience, which is why anecdotes and name dropping create very effective, memorable and original valedictorian speeches.