A comprehensive outline will ensure that your valedictory speech is thoughtful and entertaining.
Many high schools and colleges around the world honor the person with the highest level of academic achievement of a graduating class with the title of valedictorian. With the title of valedictorian comes the responsibility of delivering an inspirational speech that is representative of the entire graduating class. Like most speeches, valedictory speeches require lots of preparation and forethought. Outlining your valedictory speech is an effective way to define the scope of your speech and ensure your speech is effective, thoughtful and entertaining.
Instructions
1. Start by outlining the introduction of your speech. Under a heading labeled "introduction," write down key concepts you want to focus on. You can start your speech by reciting a relevant quote or sharing an anecdote from your time at the school. Introduce an overarching theme that will frame your speech. In the introduction, thank your classmates and the school staff for the experiences you had in school, and thank the rest of the audience for attending the graduation exercise.
2. Outline the body of the speech. Write a heading labeled "body," and break up this section, which will be the bulk of your speech, into three or more subsections with the subheadings "past," "present" and "future."
In the "past" subsection, jot down some key concepts you want to touch on, such as the accomplishments of your peers, or a significant event in your school's history.
For the "present" subsection, focus on the importance of graduation and what it means to you and your peers.
For the "future" subsection, write down concepts about what is in store for you and your classmates after graduation, and include the lessons you learned in school that will serve you and your classmates later in life.
3. Outline the conclusion of your speech. Summarize three main points from the body of your speech --- one point for each subsection, if possible --- and revisit the overarching theme you introduced in the introduction.
4. Rewrite and tweak the outline, as needed. Ask a person whose opinion you value to look over your outline and give you feedback.
