Giving a valedictorian speech can be stressful and unsettling. You may have no idea what a valedictorian speech entails, what you should say or how you should speak. It’s perfectly natural to feel this way; not only have you never given a valedictorian speech before, you’ve probably rarely given any speeches before. Nobody expects your valedictorian speech to be perfect, but you still don’t want to look like foolish on stage. This article will tell you what you need to say and how you should say it to give the best impression possible.
Why is the Valedictorian Speech Important?
The valedictorian speech marks the end of a four-year journey. You will be wrapping up everything your class has accomplished in the past four years. The valedictorian speech is a very important and effective way to highlight your class’s impact and its transition to adulthood. Unfortunately, knowing the importance of a valedictorian speech only serves to make it even more stressful to endure. What if you forget what to say, or simply say the wrong things? This article will advise what to say and give you tips to help you sound your best during your valedictorian speech.
What Should You Say During Your Valedictorian Speech?
Deciding what your valedictorian speech should say is probably the most stressful part of this entire process. There are so many things that you could possible say, but most of them just likely seem to be exactly right. Regardless of how you choose to organize it, your valedictorian speech should contain three things; you should thank people, look back, and look to the future. The most logical order for the valedictorian speech is the way it is listed, but you can arrange it however you think makes the most sense. Your thank you should be broad and generalized rather than specific to your personal relationships. You can make a few personal thanks-your parents, for example-but if you want people to be able to relate to your valedictorian speech you should stay general. When looking back you should focus on the things your class has accomplished in the past four years. Have you had any sports triumphs, great academic achievements or impressive live performances? Consider highlighting some of those things in your valedictorian speech. Finally, when looking forward you should once again be general. Don’t focus only on the kids going to college, try to incorporate everybody into your valedictorian speech. Focusing only on certain kids is not only inconsiderate, it will also make your valedictorian speech seem less organized and professional.
Tips for Giving Your Valedictorian Speech
Before even getting on stage you should practice your valedictorian speech several times. Read it through at least ten times and try to memorize most of it. You don’t need to have the entire valedictorian speech memorized-nobody expects you to-but reading off a sheet of paper not only looks bad, it also makes you sound boring. Next, you should make sure you’re reading slowly and clearly. There is nothing worse than rushing through your valedictorian speech, but almost everybody does it. Before you get to the podium take a deep breath and remind yourself to speak slowly. Your valedictorian speech will sound so much better if you do.
I hope that this article has helped you to prepare for your valedictorian speech. Remember, nobody expects you to be perfect. The most important thing is for you to prepare and stay calm. Good luck with your valedictorian speech!
