Q&A for How to Write a Valedictorian Speech

Try posing a rhetorical question to the audience to help engage them in your speech right away.

Yes, but do not make it the main focus of your speech. Also, do not forget to provide the reason you are thanking them, but keepe it short and sweet.

That depends on how you want them to feel. Graduation is a happy time, so you should avoid weighty or negative topics. Try to keep focused on positive messages about good memories and hope for the future, to make people feel good about what you have to say.

There's nothing wrong with reading your speech. You worked hard on it, and don't want to get lost or forget something important. That being said, you want to make some effort to look at your audience rather than burying your face in the paper. See wikiHow's article on Speaking Confidently in Public for more tips on how to do that effectively.

Some of the best speeches are not only well-written, but also sincere. You can make your speech sincere by speaking from the heart, but make sure to keep it under control.

As so as the jokes are appropriate, that should be fine. It's always a good idea to have a teacher review your valedictorian speech before you give it so you can get an adult's input on things like jokes.

Make it sincere. Also try to keep it positive and try to put in some past memories with the class.

You could start by thanking people or you can crack a joke to interest the audience and get their attention.

It sounds fine. Just be aware that Valedictory can sound awkward when spoken aloud, so be sure to practice the line before the speech. However, it is acceptable to say that.

Yes, you can have several big ideas and themes that you use to organize your thoughts. Remember though that the more themes you have, the longer your speech will end up being.

A valedictorian is typically the student with the highest GPA in their graduating class.

"I am proud to introduce this year's valedictorian, a very brilliant and bright student, [insert name here]." You can also highlight some of the student's achievements if you have time.

Yes, of course! That is a great way to start your valedictorian speech.

I would recommend finding out who is in charge and having a discussion with one or more of the teachers involved to find out just what they are looking for, as it can differ between schools.

Probably, yes. Unless you go to really fancy school, graduations are usually fairly casual events. Just keep your language respectful, and avoid using slang and (obviously) coarse or foul language.

You don't. Your best option is always to read it to a few different people and get their input. Otherwise the only way to know if it is "good" is to evaluate it yourself, but since you wrote it, it can be difficult to do this.

Make a formal speech because your teacher's parents and other administrators would most likely be there. Though do remember, it is a night for the graduates, so you can add some jokes in there and always seek to have fun.

It's possible to speak about yourself in a way that the audience will find both entertaining and useful, but you don't want to sound cocky. It's hard to do it well and probably should be kept to a minimum.