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Commencement speeches are designed to be temporary, routine rituals that celebrate graduates. While some are memorable, most are intentionally unremarkable, serving primarily as a communal tradition. Recent trends include celebrity speakers and controversies, but the core purpose remains unchanged.
Commencement speeches are generally designed to be brief, familiar rituals that celebrate graduates and bring communities together, rather than profound or memorable addresses. Recent discussions highlight that most speeches are intentionally simple and disposable, serving a ceremonial purpose rather than lasting impact.Experts like David Murray from the Professional Speechwriters Association emphasize that the primary goal of a commencement speech is to perform a celebratory ritual that highlights the graduates, their families, and the institution. These speeches are typically short, formulaic, and focus on comforting sentiments, such as reassurance that everything will be okay. Historically, some speeches have broken this mold with memorable messages, but these are rare. The role of the speaker is to blend into the celebration, rather than stand out with profound insights. Over recent decades, colleges have increasingly sought high-profile speakers to enhance prestige, often paying large sums or inviting celebrities like Michelle Obama or Taylor Swift, shifting focus from the ritual to spectacle. Controversies, such as speeches that provoke boos or cancellations due to political or social statements, have added complexity to the selection process. The core purpose remains to mark the occasion with a simple, unremarkable address that connects with the audience in the moment.
Why It Matters
Understanding the nature of commencement speeches reveals their role as social rituals rather than platforms for profound messages. This tradition fosters community and celebration, but the trend toward celebrity speakers and controversy reflects changing priorities in higher education. Recognizing this helps clarify why most speeches are intentionally dull and disposable, emphasizing ceremony over lasting impact.
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Background
The tradition of commencement speeches dates back decades, often featuring notable figures delivering brief, inspiring messages. Recently, colleges have increasingly used high-profile celebrities and paid large sums for speeches, aiming to boost prestige. The ritual has also faced challenges due to political controversies and changing expectations around speech content. Historically, the focus was on honoring the graduates and the institution, with speeches serving as a communal moment rather than a platform for deep insight.
“A good commencement speech is not aimed at posterity, but as a temporary moment that brings a community together.”
— David Murray, Professional Speechwriters Association
“Just give them a nice homily, and then get them to the cocktail party and on their way.”
— Jim Reische, Williams College
“The speaker’s job is to carry out the celebratory ritual in a way that foregrounds the graduating class and the institution.”
— Aaron Hoover, University of Florida
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What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear whether the trend toward celebrity speakers and controversial moments will diminish or escalate in future commencements. The impact of social media and changing cultural expectations may influence how these speeches are designed and received.
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What’s Next
Future commencement ceremonies are likely to continue balancing tradition with spectacle, possibly incorporating more diverse speakers and addressing emerging controversies. The focus will remain on the ritualistic function, with evolving formats and content.
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Key Questions
Why are most commencement speeches so dull?
Most are intentionally simple and formulaic to serve as brief, unifying rituals rather than profound or memorable addresses.
Has the trend of celebrity speakers increased?
Yes, colleges increasingly invite high-profile figures, sometimes paying large sums, to boost prestige and attract attention.
Why do colleges pay celebrities for speeches?
Paying celebrities can enhance the event’s visibility and prestige, though it shifts focus away from the ritual itself.
Are commencement speeches ever truly memorable?
While some speeches have become iconic, most are considered disposable and forgotten shortly after the event.
How do controversies affect commencement speeches?
Controversies, such as booing or cancellations, complicate speaker selection but do not fundamentally change the ritual’s purpose.
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