Anyone who has ever graduated from anything – high school, college, or perhaps a program lasting only a few months – has sat through a graduation ceremony. No doubt that ceremony was filled with a variety of elements. Perhaps special music was played, perhaps someone shared on the accomplishments of the graduates, and maybe you had to share or present part of the ceremony. One element that is present in almost every graduation ceremony is the graduation speech.
There are two main types of graduation speeches that are often presented during graduation ceremonies. First, a common type of graduation speech is given by the valedictorian of the graduating class. If you were priviledged to graduate at the top of your class, then you know this speech very well. This type of graduation speech is primarily an avenue upon which a member of the graduating class gets to share memories and advice for their fellow graduates. Students share laughter and sometimes tears over the memories that the graduation speech details. The speaker gives advice and encouragement for the graduates that are about to leave one phase of life and enter a new one.
A second type of...