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motivation

Hats off for inspirational graduation speeches

Hats off for inspirational graduation speeches 2560 1707 I Need A Speaker

It’s time to celebrate this year’s graduates. Whether they have successfully completed eighth grade or medical school, these graduates are likely reflecting on their past achievements and planning their future ones.

As we honor scholars at ceremonies and parties, it can be difficult to find the right words. I Need A Speaker’s team discovered NPR’s fantastic compilation of graduation speeches that will inspire and motivate all of us. Click here for examples of some of the best graduation speeches.

Now that you’ve seen and heard from great speakers, it’s time to write your own remarks for the occasion. Here are some tips to make the task easier:

  • Get your ideas on paper. Write out everything you’d like to include. You can edit later.
  • Decide if you’ll use a theme (discovery, journey, gratitude, encouragement, etc.).
  • Use an attention-grabbing introduction.
  • Consider using a relevant story.
  • Think about what makes this individual or class unique.
  • Be positive.
  • Keep your comments brief and impactful.
  • Remember to introduce yourself.
  • Thank the people who supported the graduate(s) and made the event memorable.
  • Take a moment to mention the people who could not be there.
  • Use appropriate humor.
  • Speak at a relatively slow pace, emphasizing key words. Pause when you want to add drama.
  • Talk about lessons learned and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
  • Remember there is more to school than academics. Acknowledge the relationships formed in school, on teams, and through clubs that graduates will cherish for years.
  • Practice!

After you’ve written out your thoughts, string them together in a way that creates a natural flow. Add and subtract … then subtract some more.

Make it short. Make it powerful. Make it inspiring.

 

Congratulations to graduates of all ages!

 

Photo credit: Pexels

We are all motivational speakers in one way or another

We are all motivational speakers in one way or another 2560 2214 I Need A Speaker

What comes to mind when you think of a motivational speaker? Maybe you picture a cheering crowd or a presentation that makes you want to take some type of action toward greater self-fulfillment. That’s the definition of motivational for many of us.

I believe that – in some ways – all speakers are motivational speakers. A talk may motivate audiences to:

  • see an issue in a new way
  • learn more about a specific subject
  • try something new
  • consider other people’s perspectives
  • adapt our behaviors or word choices for a desired effect
  • start or stop doing something to improve our productivity, mental health, overall well-being, relationships, etc.
  • gain mutual understanding with others.

Great speakers can motivate in many ways. What speeches have motivated you?

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