{"id":7149,"date":"2015-04-05T11:52:00","date_gmt":"2015-04-05T16:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/?p=7149"},"modified":"2025-05-07T12:17:38","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T17:17:38","slug":"how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Commencement Speaker to Empower and Inspire"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"last-updated entry-meta\">Last updated on May 7, 2025<\/p><br>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great commencement speech is the perfect way to cap off the graduation ceremony. The students have worked long and hard, and it&#8217;s paid off. For many of them, the &#8220;what&#8217;s next?&#8221; feeling that follows their time at school is terrifying. The perfect speaker can turn their fear into liberation and send them into the world with solid, worthwhile advice. So, how do you find the right graduation speaker for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understand-the-goal-of-a-commencement-speech\">Understand the goal of a commencement speech<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A great commencement speaker doesn\u2019t just fill time between the cap toss and diploma handoff \u2014 they set the tone, offer perspective, and help graduating students find meaning in the moment. Whether it\u2019s a high school ceremony, college commencement, or trade school graduation, the right speaker can turn a meaningful event into a truly unforgettable one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A standout commencement address blends wisdom, warmth, and wit. The best speakers connect with their audience \u2014 not by reciting accomplishments, but by tapping into the hopes, fears, and ambitions of the graduating class. They leave students feeling inspired, understood, and ready to take the next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/book-speakers\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"341\" data-attachment-id=\"40334\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/speakers-booking-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Speakers-Booking-1.png?fit=1200%2C350&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,350\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Speakers Booking\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Speakers-Booking-1.png?fit=1200%2C350&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Speakers-Booking-1.png?resize=1170%2C341&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Find expert speakers near you on GigSalad! \" class=\"wp-image-40334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Speakers-Booking-1.png?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Speakers-Booking-1.png?resize=768%2C224&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prepare-for-finding-a-commencement-speaker\">Prepare for finding a commencement speaker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you\u2019re part of the board of trustees, a school administrator, or even helping plan as a parent or student, here are some smart tips to help you choose a graduation speaker who can truly deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-know-your-graduates\">\ud83d\udc65 Know your graduates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What do your students value? What goals are they chasing, and what challenges have they faced? Look for a speaker whose story reflects those experiences \u2014 whether they\u2019re a motivational figure, creative professional, or industry leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-deliver-more-than-star-power\">\u2b50 Deliver more than star power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A familiar name might get attention, but connection matters more than celebrity. Graduates want honesty, not just hype \u2014 someone who can authentically speak to their hopes and uncertainties. A lesser-known voice with a powerful message often lands stronger than a famous one with no real connection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-remember-relateability-is-key\">\u2728 Remember, relateability is key<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing a speaker, consider how their background aligns with your students\u2019 paths and passions. For a tech school, think of an inventor or a startup founder. For an art school, a working creative who has found success doing what they love. Real stories of resilience and purpose resonate more than highlight reels of polished success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choose-a-message-that-moves-forward\">\ud83c\udfaf Choose a message that moves forward<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best speeches don\u2019t just reminisce \u2014 they motivate. They challenge students to think about who they want to become and how they\u2019ll shape their futures. Whether a bold call to action or a quiet affirmation, it should inspire and empower graduates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-have-the-right-conversation\">\ud83d\udde3\ufe0f Have the right conversation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before confirming your commencement speaker, talk about your school\u2019s mission, the graduating class, and the tone you aim for. The right speaker will tailor their message to feel personal and genuine. That intentionality makes all the difference in creating a moment that truly honors your students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/graduation-party-ideas\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"40248\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/graduation-party-ideas-for-every-grad-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Ideas-for-Every-Grad.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,700\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Graduation Party Ideas for Every Grad\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Ideas-for-Every-Grad.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Ideas-for-Every-Grad.png?resize=1170%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"GigSalad Blog Post: Graduation Party Ideas for Every Grad\" class=\"wp-image-40248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Ideas-for-Every-Grad.png?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Graduation-Party-Ideas-for-Every-Grad.png?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-find-the-perfect-professional-speaker\">Find the perfect professional speaker<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every graduating class is different, and the right graduation speaker should reflect that. From creative trailblazers to business leaders, faith-based voices to environmental advocates, there are many speaker styles and stories to explore for your commencement ceremony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group half-indent\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udfad <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Arts-Entertainment-Speaker\">Arts and Entertainment Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Creative and resilient, these speakers share real-world stories about turning passion into a career, perfect for art schools and performance programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udfc6 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Sports-Athletes-Speakers\">Athletes and Sports Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 With lessons in perseverance and teamwork, sports speakers shine at schools with strong athletics or a drive for discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\udcbc <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Business-Entrepreneurial-Speaker\">Business Motivational Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Packed with wisdom on leadership and innovation, these business professionals are ideal for business schools, trade programs, and future entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83c\udf3f <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Environment-Speaker\">Environmentalist Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Focused on sustainability and impact, an environmental speaker resonates with eco-conscious schools and science programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83d\ude4f <strong>F<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Christian-Motivational-Speakers\">aith-Based Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 Rooted in purpose and spiritual guidance, a faith-based speaker, such as a Christian speaker, can offer encouragement and perspective, ideal for religious schools, academies, and seminaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\ud83e\udde0 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/Motivational-Speakers\/Speaker-Leadership-and-Success\">Leadership\/Success Speakers<\/a><\/strong> \u2013 These wise and experienced speakers can inspire big-picture thinking, personal growth, and purpose \u2014 great for liberal arts colleges and civic-minded programs.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:40px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Choosing the right commencement speaker can transform a memorable day into a truly meaningful milestone. With the right voice, message, and connection, your graduates will walk away feeling seen, inspired, and ready for what\u2019s next. \ud83c\udf93\ud83d\ude4c<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/quick-quote\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"683\" data-attachment-id=\"40257\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/book-something-awesome-book-cta-commencement-speaker\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-Commencement-Speaker.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,700\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Book something awesome &amp;#8211; Book CTA &amp;#8211; Commencement Speaker\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-Commencement-Speaker.png?fit=1200%2C700&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-Commencement-Speaker.png?resize=1170%2C683&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Get quick quotes from speakers near you on GigSalad\" class=\"wp-image-40257\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-Commencement-Speaker.png?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/Book-something-awesome-Book-CTA-Commencement-Speaker.png?resize=768%2C448&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Last updated on May 7, 2025 A great commencement speech is the perfect way to cap off the graduation ceremony. The students have worked long and hard, and it&#8217;s paid off. For many of them, the &#8220;what&#8217;s next?&#8221; feeling that follows their time at school is terrifying. The perfect speaker can turn their fear into [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7394,"featured_media":40338,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1447],"tags":[1330,1036,659],"class_list":["post-7149","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-party-ideas","tag-booking-speakers","tag-commencement","tag-school-events"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.1 (Yoast SEO v28.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Choose a Commencement Speaker | GigSalad<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how to choose a graduation speaker who will inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impression on your graduating class.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How to Choose a Commencement Speaker to Empower and Inspire\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover how to choose a graduation speaker who will inspire, uplift, and leave a lasting impression on your graduating class.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The GigSalad Community\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/gigsalad\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-04-05T16:52:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-05-07T17:17:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/iStock-1349878788.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1253\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"836\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Matt Holland\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@GigSalad\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@GigSalad\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Matt Holland\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gigsalad.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gigsalad.com\\\/blog\\\/how-to-choose-a-commencement-speaker\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Matt Holland\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.gigsalad.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/eda69a706dbb4f59ffd1a4fa56cb50da\"},\"headline\":\"How to Choose a Commencement Speaker to Empower and 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