Since I'm salutatorian at my high school I have to make a speech at graduation.  I've never really been to a graduation, and I have no idea about what to say or anything.  Any suggestions?
125092
First of all, CONGRATULATIONS! \n\nI would recommend that you start off by a quote or saying that you have followed/led your life by. Then follow it up by citing examples, anecdotes, and situations in which that saying helped get you to where you are today.\n\nDo not make your speech a "Thank You" note to your family and other loved ones. Yes, do thank them, but do not make them your primary focus. Remember that you are a representative of your class, so try to include everyone in your speech in some way. Does that make sense?\n\nAlso, do not talk solely about yourself and your achievements. Talk about the different successes that the class has experienced as a whole. Mention things such as different events that were held at the school, obstacles that the school has had to overcome during your 4 years there, and victories you all have experienced (including scholastic achievements, such as test scores).\n\nWell, that will give you a start. I helped my students with their speeches while I taught high school, so good luck and be very proud of your accomplishments! Way to go!
559629
hmm.... i guess you could talk about these things\n\nyour dreams and goals\n\nhow your future is affected by people around you or how people have inspired you to set a goal for yourself\n\nwhat your ideal job/life would be like (personal life, career and education)\n\nhow your future's going to be like\n\nwhat you want to be remembered as\n\nwhat you want to do before you die\n\nhow you're going to contribute to the community or the world\n\n\nhope that helped a bit :)  good luck on your speech!
523633
To give a truly great speech, you should pick a topic that you are really passionate about. When I taught, I always enjoyed the speeches that began with a question. They caught my attention and got me thinking about the topic immediately.\nRemember to do your research and present both facts and opinions. It's also good to sometimes argue both sides of the topic.\n~ Good Luck ~
525469
Practice your speech in front of friends/family first.  They will give you good practice and help suggest things you might not have noticed like you're moving your hands around too much.\nPut the speech in perspective.  Talk as though your speech is the most important thing in the world and you need to get out there and let the world know what you have to say.\nYou are too focused on what people will think and truthfully no one will really remember.\nAlso practice daily visualization of your perfect speech.  Imagine over and over how well it will go.  Don't negativity into your mind.  And just do it!  Turn your fear into a nice rush.\nEverything will go okay.
147329
Is this the end of her senior year?\n\nCause if it is, too late.\n\nIf it isn't, it is an easy fix. When the NEW school year begins, she will have to go to her school counselor, sit him/her down and have an adult conversation over what she NEEDS and what THEY need to fix.\n\nSchools sometimes do that, and it IS fixable. Unless this is her graduating year. She should have said something MUCH sooner.
151350
LOOK at the camera and smile.  Don't be stiff.  It's a popularity contest, so you have to act cool.  Tell how much you love the school and "if I am elected, I will listen to what YOU have to say...."  Then say, "you can play the popularity contest if you want, and vote for the popular person, but if you want to actually get something done, vote for me, ciaobella_88.
421086
First you want to start out the speech like this:\n\n"On this very special day I would like to take the time to thank everyone who came today it means so much to both my wife and I. For those of you who helped make this all possible an extra big thank you goes out to you we couldn't have done it with out you.....\n\nGo on from there
151395
If you've been in the class for any amount of time, you should know at least SOME of the people in it.  Therefore, I suggest a combination of two previous suggestions (plus a couple extras):\n1) rehearse with a small group of people that you know watching you.\n2) before the speech, don't drink too much coffee (increases the shaking and the sweaty palms)\n3) take note of where the people you know are seated, and move your eyes from one to the next for the length of your presentation.
133277
lots of campaigning, make plenty of posters, be clear and concise on what you plan to do to better the school, conversate with your peers, oh and being popular doesnt hurt (most high school elections are popularity contests anyway)...have fun and good luck...also its not the end of the world if you lose...so dont stress...
264888
depends on what you are graduating from.  Graduating from high school with plans of college- you should ask for supplies for an apartment or dorm, or money to go towards these sorts of things.  If you are graduating from HS with no plans of college or graduating from college- then money for supplies for an apartment or some supplies for an apartment would be nice. Also you could ask for gift cards to stores you enjoy.  If you are graduating from HS and are sure you have everything you need for college, then ask for a donation toward maybe a laptop or iPod or a Palm Pilot(all very useful for college courses!).\nCongrats on your graduation and hope you have an enjoyable future!
125872
Well There isn't always a party.You have to be prepared for anything that comes at ya. Always be on time it counts for your grade.Make sure you ask for help when ya need it. Always call home cause if ya don't you'll feel home sick
74981
I've never heard of an invitational speech.  Do you mean informational speech?  If so, check out these links:\n\nhttp://www.hcc.hawaii.edu/~grace/syllabus/151tel/informat.htm\n\nhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/?qid=1006040112198\n\nhttp://www.fm.cnyric.org/wellwood/memorials/speech.htm\n\nGood Luck!
47975
when I did mine, I went to the library and checked out videos of former class graduations. I gained a lot of insight from them, not only on content, but on format. Most begin in a reflective manner and move toward a progressive outlook. If you are graduating from law school, you obviously can write. You also are likely to be a decent public speaker. So, look to see what others have done before you. There may even be a tradition at your school that you do not know about. Also, ask your advisor.
328153
A lot of people are afraid of speaking in front of a group, you're not alone.  This is a good chance for you to get used to it in front of your classmates.  Remember they are as scared as you are when its their turn.\n\nStudy your presentation so you know it well and give it your best shot.  If you mess up, just smile, pick up where you left off and keep going.  You'll be a good example to everyone else who follows you.
116277
I'm a high school senior
565310
With respect, this is my opinion...\n     It sounds a little bit like a pep talk for the parents.  Like they aren't going to have a clue what to do with their lives now that you are graduating from High School.   It comes off as condescending, which is totally not your place.  Your parents have plenty of experience and probably have plans for their lives that you have no idea about.  For many of them, there are more kids that are not yet graduating so this is not quite the end of their high school experience.  \nI think you should spend more time showing your appreciation for all they've done and show them an interest in exploring a new phase of your relationship with them, as adults. \nTry to see your life from their eyes...They had a life of their own and chose to include you in it.  In doing so, they suddenly became responsible for making everything in your life happen; all the dragging out of bed, all the getting homework done, all the sports and trips and sleepovers...all to get you to this point in your life where you are finally ready and able to take control of things for yourself.  \nI would recommend opening with a laugh if you can, and then just be thoughful and humble and respectful.  Every parent there, no matter how different they are individually, share the common feeling of pride in their graduate.  They worked hard to get you there, thank them well and you'll close with tears.
446303
Whoa, boy...don't just go to school and blatantly tell everyone.  Find a friend or two first and be sure that you are and will be comfortable with this.  Once it's out it can't be taken back.  You might and probably will draw some criticism and be called a name or two here and there.  That, however is part of the experience.  High Schools are very cruel and I don't want to tell you to just do this without your giving this a LOT of thought.