A great commencement speaker is the perfect way to cap off graduation. The students have worked long and hard, and it’s paid off. For many of them, the “what’s next?” feeling that follows graduation is terrifying. The perfect speaker can turn their fear into liberation and send them off into the real world with some solid, worthwhile advice. So, how do you find the right speaker for you?
It’s more than a name.
Sure, it’s cool to have a famous speaker at your graduation. But, it’s only useful if that famous person has something valuable to share with the students. They need to have some wisdom to share, some courage to inspire, some words of encouragement. Think about your audience and what they would relate to when you’re choosing a commencement speaker. If you’re seeking a speaker for a graduation from a Technical Institute, you may want to find a speaker who has excelled in the technology world. Find someone who founded or greatly improved a business or product that relates to technology, and ask them to share their story. Many of the great successes in this world come from adversity, so it’s important to share a message that you can succeed against all odds, with the right people behind you and steadfast determination.
On the other hand, if this is a graduation from a college of music or an art school, you may want to hire a successful, professional musician or artist to come speak to the students. What’s important to remember in these industries is that although there are certainly names that we hear often and who are front runners, what your students really want to hear are stories from people who are able to make a living doing what they love, even if they aren’t on the cover of magazines.
Make it relatable.
If you’re struggling to find a commencement speaker who fits your exact audience, or if you don’t want to take it quite so literally, that’s okay. A good fit for your graduation will be able to take their experiences and expertise, no matter where they lie, and apply them to your students and their lives. Motivation is a universal language and doesn’t require that you are or have been in the same exact position to lift others up. So, find a speaker that you like and talk to them about your students and what you’d like them to take away from the speech.
Start your search.
You know your students and what you’re looking to teach them. What kind of speaker would work best for you?
Business?
Arts and Entertainment?
Motivational?
Christian Motivational?
We have all kinds of speakers at GigSalad and would love to make your commencement even more special.