10 realities to share at a commencement speech

There are the standard bromides that graduation speakers cast upon the sea of mortarboards. Then there are the stark truths that young adults really should hear.

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It’s that time of year when universities and high schools go through graduation ceremonies and we celebrate educational achievements.

It’s also that time of year when you get bombarded with every great commencement speech ever given. There is clearly a recipe for giving a great commencement speech. Here are the ingredients:

1. Make the graduates feel that they are about to accomplish something really great, and not just become part of the machine.

2. Make graduates believe as though somehow they will be difference makers.

3. Make graduates think they have endless possibilities and opportunities.

4. Make graduates think the world really wants and needs them and can’t wait to work with them.

5. Wear sunscreen.

I think that about sums up every great commencement speech ever given. The key to any great speech is not telling people what they need to hear, but telling them what they want to hear.

I would like to give a commencement speech; I think it would be fun. I like to inspire people. Here are the main topics I would hit if I were to give a commencement speech:

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