Valedictorian speech advice?

Pre-College Issues High School Life
1

Hello, everyone! Thanks for viewing this question.

I will be graduating this Thursday, June 4, as valedictorian of my class. I’m really nervous, however, I’m normally good at hiding my nerves. My primarily goals are being informative, comedic and profound - but mostly effective, of course. Today, I completely finished my speech and I am ready to go. I started about a month early, mainly because I wanted to make sure that I am saying all the right things. However, I have a few questions:

1.) I tried my very best to keep this speech brief, yet succinct. Mainly because, of course, this isn’t just my graduation. Timed, it is approximately 5 minutes and 19 seconds (which really, to me, isn’t long at all - but please feel free to give me some constructive criticism!) Furthermore, I’m not talking about myself at all, really. I followed my own little prompt: recognize the class’s achievements, thank those who have got us to where were are, and give advice about something that I have learned. I just wanted it to apply to everyone, without being the whole cliché, “As one chapter ends, a new begins” kind of thing. My question: what do you think? Is a little more than 5 minutes a horrid amount of time when I’m really not just focusing on myself?

2.) My second question, there is one part in my speech where I thank all of my class’s teachers as a whole for our current successes, and those that are forthcoming. In addition, I point out one person in particular - my Spanish teacher, because her and I have been incredibly close and she has helped me immensely along the way. In all honesty, this is the only time I focus on myself by thanking her (and when I give advice, but it’s meaningful, not conceited). The thing is, because she is a Dominican Republic native, I speak two sentences to her (“Muchísimas gracias por todo. Usted es mi mejor amiga, y le quiero.”). My question: does this seem like a give-me-attention kind of line? I really do not want that, and if it seems like that, I will undoubtedly take it out.

Please, for both questions, just tell me what you would think if you were listening to my speech. There’s 58 students graduating, so about 500-600 people in the audience. Thank you all so much. Sorry this was lengthy.

Best of luck,
David

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1: I think of graduation speeches as commencement speeches. In fact, they ARE commencement speeches. Commencement speeches can last anywhere from 15-25 minutes; therefore, 5 minutes seems pretty short. UNLESS, you are not the only valedictorian. If you are not the only valedictorian, keep it short; 5 minutes will do perfectly, maybe even 3-4 minutes. However, if you are the only student giving a speech, feel free to make it longer than 5 minutes. You want to really make it count, so take your time with it.

2: I don’t think it’s a “give-me-attention” kind of line. I did the same thing at my continuation for 8th grade–I spoke Spanish for everyone, and it turned out to be hilarious because I forgot what to say in Spanish, so everyone laughed. I think it’s a great opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned. Muy bueno!

Anyways, I think the “Best of luck” in your signature should be going to YOU, not us. You’re the one that needs to be well off, not us! Haha.

I hope I answered your questions!

-Qi

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Thank you, @QiWireless, that was very helpful. I’m actually the class president as well. My principal told me to keep it around the 4 minute mark, though, since we are in a smaller school and there are many speeches going on throughout the night. I just wanted to know how someone else (who is not my principal) would feel.

And thanks for your advice about using Spanish as a thank you. I thought it was really appropriate because she truly is one of my favorite parts about high school, and I feel most would agree because she is a great teacher.

Thank you again. You’re absolutely right - I do need the luck, haha! But good luck to you as well with all of your pursuits. :slight_smile:

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Thank you. All the best with your speech!

Glad you got it all figured out now :slight_smile: