Q&A for How to Add Humor to a Graduation Speech

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How do you start a serious speech?

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.

Patrick Muñoz

Voice & Speech Coach

Expert Answer

Look at the fears around the serious topic. Let's say you're giving a speech at a funeral—you might be afraid of making the audience really depressed with whatever you talk about. To counteract this, identify and address your fears directly in the speech rather than sweeping them under the carpet.

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Question

What are some funny graduation jokes I can use?

Community Answer

Thank you, Google, Wikipedia, and my computer for making this moment possible. Congratulations on getting through the easiest part of life, everyone!

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Question

Where can I find samples of graduation speeches?

Community Answer

Check YouTube, there are plenty of videos, or just Google "graduation speech examples" and there should be loads of examples in text form.

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Question

Should I add a little bit of sarcasm?

Community Answer

If that is a part of your usual personality, then yes. Just the slightest bit, though. One mistake can lead to something crossing from humor into bad taste.

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Can I ask the person giving a speech if someone else to wrote it for them?

Community Answer

Yes, you can ask this. If they're fine with telling you they had a speechwriter, they'll say so. However, if you're doing it to catch them out in a lie, be careful as they may be wary even if you already have proof.

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