How to Make a Middle School Graduation Speech

We all know giving a graduation speech can be nerve-wracking, but it is also an exciting opportunity. You get to highlight the important moments that your class has experienced over the years. To make a middle school graduation speech, you should write a speech that thanks your teachers, parents, and peers and also highlights some important moments throughout the year. Your speech will be more memorable if you include a few jokes, quotes, or words of advice.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Writing Your Graduation Speech

Download Article

1
Greet the audience. A great way to start a graduation speech is by greeting the members of the audience. This includes fellow classmates, teachers, parents and family members, administrators, and the principal.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You could say something like “Good afternoon Principal Jacobs, teachers, staff, family, and most importantly my fellow graduating class.”
Although your classmates and teachers will already know who you are, some parents and relatives in the audience may not. For example, you could say “My name is Melissa Smith and it is an honour to have the opportunity to speak at our graduation.”^{[2]XResearch source}
Advertisement
3
Reflect on your time in middle school. Think back on the past school year and your time in middle school. You could talk about your first day of school together and how you have all changed over the years:^{[3]XExpert SourceAlexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational ConsultantExpert Interview. 4 August 2020.} For example, you could talk about lifelong friendships that were made, and lessons that were learned.
- Encourage your classmates to always remember and cherish the good times you had together.
4
Highlight a few important moments that brought the class together. Tell a short story about one of these experiences.
- For instance, you could say “During the fall charity drive, our class made history by raising over three thousand dollars.”
After you have reflected on your time together in middle school, you could talk about how these experiences have prepared you and your classmates for the future. Mention your nervousness about entering high school and meeting new people.
6
Thank those who made middle school a great experience. Before ending your speech, you should take some time to thank those people who made your middle school experience possible. This includes peers, teachers, parents, administrators, and staff.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Say something like: "I want to thank the teachers, staff, Principal Nolan, and, of course, my parents for a wonderful Lemon Valley experience. Without your support and guidance we would not be where we are today."
- You could add: “I would especially like to thank my classmates for making middle school one of the most fun and rewarding experiences of my life."
The conclusion can be one of the hardest parts to write. You want to leave the audience with something meaningful. For example, you could end by wishing your classmates the best of luck in high school. Alternatively, you could choose to end with an inspirational quote.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Elevating Your Speech

Download Article

1
Avoid using personal examples. As the valedictorian you are representing your entire class in the speech, not just your own experience. Avoid speaking in the first person as much as possible and try to share stories that are relevant to the entire graduating class.
- For example, you should say “We will always remember when Mr. C. made a perfect dunk on the basketball court” instead of “I will always remember when Mr. C. made a perfect dunk of the basketball court.”
2
Include a few jokes. You can elevate your graduation speech by adding in a few jokes to lighten the mood. For instance, you could poke fun at one of the teachers or tell a funny story that happened during class. Do not add too many jokes to your speech. You want to try and create a balance between funny and serious.
- Avoid making insulting jokes that may offend someone in the audience.
- You could tell a quick story that highlights a funny moment from the last year. For example, "Mr. D was so eager to come to school and teach us that one day he wore his shirt inside out."
3
Don’t talk too much about individuals. Although it is important to thank your teachers and peers, you should avoid talking too much about individual people. For example, you may cause certain people to feel left out if you spend too much time talking about a few individuals.^{[5]XResearch source}
- That being said, it is okay to give a tribute to someone if they deserve special recognition. For example, perhaps the entire graduating class had the same teacher. In this instance, you can mention that teacher individually.
People do not want to sit and listen to a thirty minute graduation speech. They will likely lose focus and only remember a few key stories anyways. The best graduation speeches are short and to the point. Keep your speech somewhere between ten and fifteen minutes.^{[6]XResearch source}
5
Add a motivational quote to the speech. Motivational quotes can help to give extra meaning to your words. They can also be used to help inspire your classmates. Search online for motivational quotes and choose one that is relatable to some experience or theme that you are building your speech around.^{[7]XResearch source}
- Alternatively, you could choose a quote that was hung on your classroom wall and talk about how you can apply this quote to future successes.
6
Give a few words of advice. You can elevate your speech by adding a bit of wisdom or advice for your friends to take with them as they enter high school. The advice you give can be funny or serious, but it must be sincere.^{[8]XResearch source}
- For example, you could quote a piece of advice from a celebrity commencement speech.
- Alternatively, you could say something serious like "The journey ahead may not be easy, and most of us will stumble at some point. The important thing is that we get back up and keep working towards our goals and dreams."

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Delivering the Speech

Download Article

Make sure that you say your speech out loud at least five to ten times. Practicing will help you remember the speech, make you comfortable saying the words, and ease some of your nerves. You can also try practicing in front of your family. This will get you comfortable talking in front of a group of people.^{[9]XResearch source}
On the day of your graduation you will likely be nervous and talk faster than in rehearsal. The slower you practice the easier it will be to control your speed while giving the speech. Time yourself when you practice so that you have a general idea of how long it should take when you are speaking at a slow pace.^{[10]XResearch source}
While you are delivering your speech, your mouth will likely become dry as a result of your nerves. Make sure to drink a glass of water before you deliver your speech. This will help you avoid getting dry mouth while you are talking.
In order to connect with the audience, you want to avoid staring at a piece paper the entire time. Instead, you should make eye contact with the audience. This will make your speech more engaging and entertaining for members of the audience. Try to memorize parts of your speech so that you can look up from your notes.
When you are delivering the speech, stand up tall and be confident in your words. Make sure that you genuinely believe the words that you are saying, this way people are more apt to pay attention and listen to the speech. If you stumble on a few words, that is okay. Just repeat what you said and keep going.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
What's something good to include in my graduation speech for middle school?
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
I would focus on finding ways you can tie yourself into the bigger community of your graduating class as a whole. You might also mention the recent major accomplishments of the school.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 8 Helpful 15
Question
What makes a great graduation speech?
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
Most great graduation speeches include a story that ties the whole class together and demonstrates how you've all grown over the years.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 10 Helpful 16
Question
What should I talk about during my speech?
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University.
Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Educational Consultant
Expert Answer
Talk about a few important moments you've had with your class. Did your class go on any big trips together? Were there any notable athletic or academic achievements? Did your class participate in a successful fundraising drive, or plan a major school event together? You can use these to tie the speech together.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 8 Helpful 14

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Stay Confident! Never let your audience think you are nervous or shy.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Keep the speech lively. Nobody wants to fall asleep at their own graduation.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
It may help to take a deep breath before starting your speech.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Make sure the content in your speech is respectful to all.
Thanks
Helpful31 Not Helpful2
If you are going to tell a story or joke about an individual, you may want to run it by them first. That way you will not offend them during the graduation ceremony.
Thanks
Helpful27 Not Helpful3
Do not chew gum while speaking because it may be difficult for people to understand what you are saying.
Thanks
Helpful29 Not Helpful4
If you want your speech to be a surprise, do not practice with your friends.
Thanks
Helpful25 Not Helpful8