How to Write a Valedictorian Speech
If you’re tired of the generic valedictorian speeches, learn how to avoid them and create something completely original and memorable.
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 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.
Finally, the conclusion. Keep it short. This is, in my opinion, the most critical part of any speech, valedictorian or otherwise. Mine was two sentences. One of those sentences was “thank-you”. There has to be one line that really compels the audience to get up and applaud. How do you create it? I don’t know. This is the part that’s all you. You can’t go wrong with humor, or another anecdote, or even a pop culture reference. Just remember, it must be short and concise. This makes it all the more effective.
Now, what kind of educator would I be if I didn’t provide an example? The following is the speech I gave at the Nantyr Shores Secondary School Commencement on October 5, 2007. I hope that this speech, in combination with my advice, helps you create something so memorable that people you don’t even know will congratulate as you walk off stage and ask you to email them a copy.
The Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Had to Do
[Do not read title aloud]
Nicholas M. Peterson
First of all, I’d just like to congratulate all of the graduates and also thank them for giving me the honour of speaking on both their behalf as well as Mike Gilligan and Michael Franklin’s, two people who should have been with us today. [pause appropriately but do not prolong]
Everyone knows that high school is the most awkward time in everybody’s life. You’re frustrated both socially and sexually, and puberty is in full swing. With a face riddled with pimples, you fear that in 30 years you will look like Keith Richards or Edward James Olmos. You are certain that no matter where you walk, or how fast, everyone is staring and laughing at you. You’re sweaty, jittery and nervous all the time and you’re positive that you’ll never get a girlfriend or boyfriend. There’s also a negative side.
Ladies and gentlemen, we’ve all made it through high school. And although those are only some of our experiences, we have many more, and certainly not all of them are bad. I mean, just think of all the fun times there have been here. Leah Armstrong and Meghan Rumball, 2 of the nicest girls ever, were pitted against each other in the fight for Prom Queen. Valour finally won Battle of the Bands. Our sign was changed from “Nantyr Shores” to “Nantyr Whores”. And every one of us, in some way or another, has been noticed.
Who will forget Shane Abbot and his glorious hair? Or Ben Scriver, the handsome man who “campaigned” for me to do this (thank-you, by the way)? Shelby White, one of our most socially aware students? Or Andrew MacMinn, Bryan Swartz, and Josh Lightfoot: the 3 funniest people I’ve ever met? Or Dan Moore, who’s just “livin’ the dream”? Jada our human encyclopaedia? Or what about all of our “outgoing” friends? I’d list them, but let’s face it, that’d be a long list. So could all those who consider themselves outgoing make some noise for me (hold for noise-add lib if nothing happens-comment appropriately afterwards)?
It is almost ironic how we remember all these things and still forget how much things have actually changed. Remember back to grade 9. Many of us walked in to this school and were immediately intimidated by its size, and in some cases, the size of its students. I was terrified of Ryan Sallach, and he was in our grade!
Think of all those questions that swarmed your brain back then: how will I get around? Is there anyone I know here? Where are my classes? When’s lunch? And what in the hell is flip-week? How many of us can say that we really had fun in grade 9? Now compare that to when we entered grade 12. The school suddenly got a lot smaller, we had a gotten a little bigger and I am still afraid of Ryan Sallach. Questions still remained, nonetheless: is this my last year? What will I do next year? Will I see my friends over the summer? Why is Cameron still in school?
Now look at us. Most of us are in university or college, or saving up to go there, if not then already working in the real world. I’ve gone from Nantyr, a school whose staff members have seemingly diverse political beliefs, to York University, an institute that leans so far to the left the buildings themselves are in danger of collapse. The lifestyle, too, is undoubtedly a change. It is a time when Kraft Dinner has become its own food group.
Schoolwork has taken on a different form. Every assignment you get is often worth at least 15% of your final grade, there is no one to make sure you actually go to class, and a 250-pg novel that you’re expected to have finished 2 days after it was assigned is considered “light” reading. And, naturally, we’re all broke. It was a big change.
So what do we do? Our futures are now, more than ever, dependant on us. Our actions, our decisions, and what we choose to do. Although we may still act like them, we aren’t children anymore. We actually have to think about our lives now, which begs the biggest question of them all, “when did that happen?” It’s almost as if for 18 years we didn’t really think of actually being in control of our lives. We always had our parents, who apparently know what’s best. Our teachers were there to at least try to keep us interested in education. In retrospect, we sort of had a backseat to our own lives, but now we’re driving. And we’re not quite sure how. But we’ll do it. How do I know? Because I know who I’m talking to. I know I’m talking to quite possibly the greatest people I’ve ever known. The people I’ve spent everyday with for all my 4 years of high school. I’ve seen the best of all of you, and I know that there are no better people to face what’s ahead. And whatever you have chosen to do, I know you’ll all do it and you’ll do it well.
And so, ladies and gentlemen, in order to settle a bet, I conclude this speech with 8 words spoken by the wisest 3-foot tall green alien who lived a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away: “do or do not, there is no try”. Thank you.
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74 Comments
Jessi, posted this comment on May 31st, 2008
You didn’t even spell the word “dependent” properly…not dependant…dependENT miss valedictorian
Skyler, posted this comment on May 31st, 2008
I’m pretty sure that Nicholas is a dude, Jessi. 
Thanks a million for posting this, btw. My graduation is on the tenth, and I’ve yet to write my valedictorian speech. Your advice will really come in handy!
louis, posted this comment on Jun 1st, 2008
THANKS nice tips lots of rich detailk
monica huerta, posted this comment on Jun 9th, 2008
hey well thanks for your advice i need to make my valedictorian speech my graduation is in about 2 weeks. wish me good luck thanks =D
lorena, posted this comment on Jun 13th, 2008
thanks for posting this,,my grad is the 27, and I am,,wait, was, struggling!
thanks!
Amber, posted this comment on Jun 13th, 2008
This helps… thanks
julia, posted this comment on Jun 17th, 2008
thanks for the help
shirley, posted this comment on Jul 2nd, 2008
jessi…ur a hater!!!! lol!
Taylor, posted this comment on Aug 12th, 2008
Great sppech man, thanks for the advice.
Taylor, posted this comment on Aug 12th, 2008
*speech
Jonah, posted this comment on Aug 28th, 2008
Nicholas, this was an awesome guide. I really liked your speech. Thanks so much!
Angel, posted this comment on Jan 27th, 2009
Thanks so much….that was a great speech….I laughed and I didn’t even know who you were talking about lol….i still have a few months before my speech but I’m getting a few thoughts together now and you helped out a lot!
Terri B., posted this comment on Jan 31st, 2009
As a teacher, it troubles me greatly that you are representing your class as their top student, yet the third word at the very beginning of your “how to” advice is used incorrectly. In second grade, we teach the correct use for YOUR and YOU’RE. Perhaps you should not depend on spellcheck but rather check your own work, especially if you are representing your entire school as their best and brightest.
Nicholas Peterson, posted this comment on Feb 1st, 2009
dear Terri B,
considering that a speech is SPOKEN, it isn’t of the utmost concern that i spell certain things correctly. HOWEVER, i will note that in the hard copy of the speech, there are no errors as it was reviewed by the teachers of my school, several students, as well as myself; do not assume i am so inept at spelling that “spellcheck” is my only editing device. the errors you find in this article are almost certainly the cause of the “triond” editing staff, who routinely illustrate how inept they are when it comes to spelling and grammar. thank you for you comments, but please keep your pretentious opinion of myself and my school, to yourself.
nick, posted this comment on Mar 5th, 2009
yoda quote ftw.
sei, posted this comment on Mar 21st, 2009
ahm,, i hope these things could help me two days from now.
jennelyn carmona, posted this comment on Mar 21st, 2009
malapit na graduation ko at ako ang napili na gumawa ng valedictory address. just wish me luck
aiv, posted this comment on Mar 26th, 2009
my graduation is on the 7th..that’s a week and 4days.. and im really struggling.. this helps.. thank you
aubrey, posted this comment on Mar 26th, 2009
thanx im in 7th grade my teacher is makin us write a valevictorian.weird yeah so it helped thanx!
Aubrey (again), posted this comment on Mar 26th, 2009
hey could you put links on here 4 more speeches?thank you!plus i would need that for a 100 point project!you really saved my butt.
Susan(=, posted this comment on Apr 18th, 2009
this helped ALOT…im in 8th grade && well the teachers have to judge and pick the valedictorian out of our class. So im so scared and i know its a little early, but the early bird gets the worm.(= thanks so much. maybe this could help(:
Tyler, posted this comment on Apr 29th, 2009
Wow, this speech and your advice gave me so many good ideas. My Valedictorian speech is due in about two weeks and I’ll be giving it in about five weeks… Thank you so much.
Steve, posted this comment on May 1st, 2009
Seriously for being smart some of you guys need to organize your time!! And Terry B. it is really sad that you judge a person over something that you read on the internet! I hate it when ppl do that! But thanks Nicholas it gave me some good ideas…i liked the name drop idea!
Grace, posted this comment on May 5th, 2009
YES! finally some web page not saying the same thing! I was seriously wondering if the world is mental…. well, great job! I love it! i’m fighting for the spot to be valedictorian, so wish me luck!
Shae, posted this comment on May 6th, 2009
Im valedictorian of my 8th grade class because I had an average of 99% for the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. I have to write my speech and I am really nervous and I had no idea what to do. Thanks Nicholas you helped my a lot!!
Drew, posted this comment on May 11th, 2009
I also have to write a speech
but my teachers forbid name dropping
it singles people out and can possibly put people down for not being mentioned. I’m glad it worked well with you
my class is pretty large so I don’t think i can use name dropping
do u have any other suggestions?
Anna, posted this comment on May 13th, 2009
Hi, I’m valedictorian for 8th grade and I have 2 deliver mine in 3 weeks. Im EXTREMELY nervous! Anyway, thanks 4 your help. However, does anyone have any more suggestions on topics about the future? My speech has to be more about looking forward.
Thank you!
Brooke, posted this comment on May 17th, 2009
Hey, I’m valedictorian on my 8th grade class, I found out a few days ago that I have to write a speech. It’s due in three days and I haven’t even started. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the help, if you have any other ideas that would be great. The topic has to be about the future…courtesy of the principal of my school. So yeahh.
Ashley, posted this comment on May 17th, 2009
Hey, I’m valedictorian of my 8th grade class, and I need to write a speech. I haven’t even started! Thank you so much for the advice. If you have any more suggestions, please share. Thanks again!
Selina, posted this comment on May 19th, 2009
This helped a lot…..thank you.
Gala, posted this comment on May 19th, 2009
Yeah, this doesn’t really help much. I didn’t want valedictorian, I don’t want to write a speech or give one for that matter … especially considering I hated all of my years at school and most of the people there. How can I come up with a positive and encouraging speech when all that came of high school was my living hell??????????
Kayla, posted this comment on May 19th, 2009
This helped me a lot! Like you have no idea. I just found out that I was Valedictorian and got placed with a speach in my lap. Thank fully it only has to be 2 minutes! I appreciate you putting this out here. It gives me a really good idea on how to do my speach. I don’t really like speached but this made it a lot easier. Thank you again.
Kate, posted this comment on May 21st, 2009
I think I may end my Valedictorian speech with, “May the force be with you”…
P.S. aside from 5 minutes of miniscule entertainment, your speech didn’t help one little bit.
Katie, posted this comment on May 21st, 2009
Your speech helped me out a lot. Graduation’s in a week, and I’m giving the Salutatorian speech. I have to turn a rough copy in tomorrow, and your speech really got my creative juices flowing where none of the other sites did. Thanks! I’m going with more pop culture references than reminiscing, since I’ve been more secluded throughout high school to a specific group of people, though.
And Kayla, if you’re valedictorian, you might want to work on your grammar.
Amanda, posted this comment on May 23rd, 2009
Thanks for posting this up dude. :3 I had an idea for making my speech original, but I needed a sort of thumbs up that it was ok to name drop. So long as it has been done before, I know it’ll be ok.
Deej, posted this comment on May 24th, 2009
Thank you so much! I’m sure you’ve heard this enough but it helped quite a bit. I’m a 15 year old graduating High School as a Veledictorian and not really looking forward to giving a speech in front of several hundred people. There’s no name dropping for me seeing as how I’m homeschooled but I’m sure I can make it work. Thank you!
Stephanie, posted this comment on May 24th, 2009
My graduation is Friday and I am the QUEEN of procrastination … Thanks for the ideas! They helped a lot. Good luck all of you other valedictorians attempting to write your speeches!
Serena, posted this comment on May 26th, 2009
Thank you so much your advice was very helpful. I’m usually a fairly decent writer and I especially love writing speeches, but as you said I was hit with some sort of writers block. Your advice saved me from my little crisis. THANK YOU
call me hammy, posted this comment on May 26th, 2009
I already finished my speech but I still read your speech for fun. my grad. is in exactly 11 days. anyways i still like your speech but the format will only work for high school grads.
tristen, posted this comment on May 28th, 2009
very porerful information on how to write a speech
unknown, posted this comment on May 29th, 2009
i have to make a valecdictorians speech
over th weekend..they just told me i have to write it..
i dont want to..:[
unknown, posted this comment on May 30th, 2009
This really helped! I commmend you, on keeping me enthusicatic through-out the entire speech!
Katie, posted this comment on Jun 1st, 2009
Come on, who cares if people make grammar mistakes, were typing in a comment box for goodness sake! Thanx (oooh typo!) for your advice, im the valedictorian and i have three days to write my speech and your tips really helped, especially because i am absolutely horrible at public speaking!
Anna., posted this comment on Jun 2nd, 2009
Hi, Im Anna and I have to write a valedictorian speech and im stuck i have no clue what to write , HELP!
lol
e-mail me if you have any help or advise lol
thanks
partii_giirl@hotmail.com
Anonymous, posted this comment on Jun 2nd, 2009
Hey, thanks a lot. Regardless of what the others say, that REALLY helped me. My Valedictorian Speech is due tomorrow and like usual I left it to the last minute. Anyways, times wasting – better go write!
Thanks ♥
Julianna, posted this comment on Jun 3rd, 2009
OH my gosh this is awful, my graduation is tonight..and i haven’t finished my speech. BAD. I got some pointers from here tho, so thank you very much.
Maddy , posted this comment on Jun 4th, 2009
Aha lol looks like alot of people are having trouble with their speeches…including me 
I’m having such a hard time! I’m stuck at well the first couple sentences lol My graduation class is ON Sunday and im so nervous! Being Valedictorian is a heavy burden! haha lol But this really helped..and im really sorry about the crippling disease 
And I hope your speech went well 
M, posted this comment on Jun 6th, 2009
I’m still confused. Some people said name dropping is bad, but you seem to really like them. Should I name drop (outstanding students/teachers i was close with) or not?
Kenady, posted this comment on Jun 7th, 2009
Wow thank u so much! my grad is is like in the end of june and my speech is due tomorow.
trevor, posted this comment on Jun 7th, 2009
hheeeeeeey awesome tips they helped good
freja, posted this comment on Jun 8th, 2009
great help! I´m so freaking nervous and all I have so far is two lines and graduation is in four days!! :O I foundout that I´m the valedictorian today and I was extremly chocked, and exchited of course! (I go to an international english speaking school in Sweden so this thing with speeches is all new to me) but I thing this will help me a lot! thanks!
Gala, posted this comment on Jun 9th, 2009
I think I’ll start mine out like this … ahem* clears throat* Ladies and gentlemen I stand before you today *cough* Pardon me while I imagine you all in your underpants …*awkward silence* that’s better…As the valedictorian for the blah blah blah
Melissa M., posted this comment on Jun 10th, 2009
Hi, just wanted to say thanks. your advice really helped me out, although i probably dont think i will use the name dropping. Im Valedictorian of my class and my graduation ceremony is in 5 days. all i had written was 2 sentences of my speech ( ’cause i also have a procrastination problem…) and i have been seriously freaking out these past couple of days (*… OMG!!! AHHH!!!!…) anyway, thanks again.
Wendy, posted this comment on Jun 11th, 2009
Hey. I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! What you wrote actually helped me. I am valedictorian of my class ( yay ) and to tell you the truth…I was pretty shocked when I heard of the news. My graduation is on the 18th and well.. I better start writing! I am like… still shocked because I just learned about this today. It’s okay. I’ll be alright. Not to mention that I am extremely shy and all. You know :] Anyways I have to stop talking all of this nonsense and just write. So .. thanks again!
natalie, posted this comment on Jun 11th, 2009
wooooow.. this is really helpful. im in grade eight and my speech is on the 18th (ive barely started!) thanks alot nicolas.. i see youve helped a whole lot of others too (Y)
lawrenzo , posted this comment on Jun 12th, 2009
im in middle school and this speech helped me a whole lot
bad thing is im shy and id rather sit down quietly
but thanks for this it really helped
Nicole , posted this comment on Jun 13th, 2009
I am the valadictorian for my grade 8 class and i looked a this a month ago and i handed it in to my teacher last week. She loved it i just hope that the presentation of it is good too.
Thanxs for the advice
Rebecca, posted this comment on Jun 13th, 2009
me and my brother are twins and both up to be valadictorian and after reading this i know ecataly what to do i know i am going to kick his butt.
thanxs
kayla, posted this comment on Jun 13th, 2009
Hey Nick did you by any chance go or use to go to the University of Guelph
Nick Peterson, posted this comment on Jun 14th, 2009
Kayla: I did not go to Guelph, I am a current York Student.
Nicole: Are you saying you plagiarized my speech in place of writing one yourself?
Terri Beezwax, posted this comment on Jun 15th, 2009
Terri B…I can only imagine how much fun your class is and how you must be able to suffocate the innovation of so many.
Mind your own beeswax and buzz off. It’s a speach…not a spelling competition.
I bet she is brewing over the “speech” still….
Brandon, posted this comment on Jun 16th, 2009
Thnx for the help, I had no idea how to write a valedictorian speech, or even what to write about – but this really helped. My grad is on June 24th so now i have about a week to do it instead of last minute Anyways, thnx again and im gonna start writing now
Jazmin, posted this comment on Jun 16th, 2009
I like the ending of the speech but there’s no way I’ll be able to ever write something like that
Mapsie, posted this comment on Jun 18th, 2009
IM SO NERVOUS FOR MAH SPEECH!!!!!!!11!!!!!!!!!!!1!!!!!!!!!1!!!!one!!!!!1111111111 X__X I DON’T KNOW WAT TO SAY T____T
but thanks your article helped me =D
mibbzz, posted this comment on Jun 20th, 2009
i have 5 days to write my speech and this helped a lot thanks
I, posted this comment on Jun 21st, 2009
Three days to go . AHHH! D:
quinnzerr, posted this comment on Jun 21st, 2009
thank you soo much, my teachers gave me 4 days to write a valedictorian speech and i know im only graduating Gr.8 but still im the talker type and im an average writter. knowing how to write is great! im graduating tomorrow and im soo nervous any tips on that one, anyways thanks!
quinnzerr, posted this comment on Jun 21st, 2009
Gem, posted this comment on Jun 21st, 2009
Two Days! *gulp*
Mel, posted this comment on Jun 26th, 2009
I heard this speech live and in person since I was in this graduating class… it was amazing and you did a fantastic job.
Amy, posted this comment on Nov 24th, 2009
thank you very much for writing what you did it has really halped me with my writing project ive got on my hands.
rainbow fuzzers, posted this comment on Dec 16th, 2009
wow, i loved your speech. it was amazing! hope i can think of a speech as fantastic as yours!!!
thnx so much for the advice as well ^_^
Ellie, posted this comment on Jan 24th, 2010
We don’t do valedictorian speeches in Germany, but I have to write some sort of welcome speech for the new students at my college… and I can’t. I have so many ideas in my head what I want to say and what the actual point is that I want to bring across but… I’m just not able to put it into sentences that make sense…
The Speech is due on Wednesday, so my teacher can proofread it..
and it’s to be read on the following Monday.
Any good advice for me?
Thanks a lot in advance,
Ellie
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kevin, posted this comment on May 28th, 2008
hey man…
just wanna say your advice helped me out a lot!
graduation in two days… wish me luck eh