Have students identify all the different members of the audience for a commencement address and categorize each, i.e.: graduates, other students, parents, faculty, public officials, school administration, honorary degree recipients, media, etc. What does each member of the audience seek to gain out of the speech? What are their expectations?
Now, role play the commencement speaker. To whom in the audience will you address your remarks? What is your primary objective? What will the format, style and content of your speech be? Will you attempt to reach each segment of the audience? How?
Review each of the following types of commencement speech objectives: instruct, motivate, warn, reflect, entertain, persuade. Tell students they will view a commencement speech and look for content that reflects each of the above objectives.
While Viewing Commencement Speeches on C-SPAN
Directions: Write down noteworthy excerpts from the commencement speech(es) you view, categorizing them by their objective.
1.
Objective:
To instruct
Which Speech? Name the speaker, date and location for each example.
Example from the speech:
2.
Objective:
To motivate
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
3.
Objective:
To Warn
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
4.
Objective:
To Reflect
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
5.
Objective:
To Entertain
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
6.
Objective:
To Persuade
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
7.
Objective:
To Set an Agenda
Which Speech?
Example from the speech:
After Viewing Commencement Speeches on C-SPAN
Discussion
Overall, what was the main objective of this speech? What was the secondary objective? What excerpts were most compelling? Why? How did the audience respond? Evaluate this speaker by identifying three things he or she did well and at least one thing he or she could improve on. Be specific.
Activity
Have students nominate and vote on the ideal speaker and topic for their
own commencement ceremony based on the selection viewed in class.
Why is this speaker ideal? What topics would you want the speaker
to address?
IN THE COMMUNITY
Commencement Speeches
