Americans have adopted the practice of celebrating rites of passage through ceremonies, parties and speeches. This is true for college, high school and now, middles school or junior high as well. The 8th grade graduation speech is something that has become commonplace. Students on the verge of entering high school are burdened with the task of sending their classmates off with a few words of
. advice before they are old enough to stop seeking advice themselves. Because of the weighty nature of a graduation speech, 8th graders should heed a few simple points of advice when crafting their graduation speeches. First of all, an 8th grade valedictorian should not take the speech too seriously. Great words of advice or wisdom may feel a bit too important for such an occasion. However, simple advice looking towards the future with optimism and courage is absolutely appropriate. Great quotes by notable individuals should be avoided, however, simple quotes about the promise of the future will nicely round out a sincere speech to a graduating class. Secondly, a speaker should consider a joke or funny observation to create a jovial mood during the ceremony. This advice should only be undertaken if the speaker is confident that the joke is appropriate or if the speaker is comfortable telling jokes. If not, telling a joke will come off as insincere. Finally, a personal story is a great way to round out a speech. When speakers are vulnerable and share their own experiences, audiences tend to trust them more and are more willing to listen to and accept what the speaker is saying. Personal stories should maintain a sense of humility and sincerity, but if used appropriately, can be the best technique to use in a speech. In the end, the most important part of a graduation speech is the actual graduation. Everything else is just celebratory. For more information, please see: http://www.reference.com/motif/Education/8th+grade+valedictorian+speech
