Graduation: Inspiring & Funny Quotes for Speeches & Toasts

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Graduation: Inspiring & Funny Quotes for Speeches & Toasts

After years of hard work, studying and sacrifice, you've finally made it to graduation day. But before you can toss your cap; you've been asked to make a speech to inspire your classmates.

Whether you're aiming to be funny, charming or inspirational, we've hand-picked some great launching points for a winning speech.

Not giving a speech at the ceremony? Impress your family and friends by incorporating these quotes in an eloquent toast at your graduation party.

Tips

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Tips on Speaking Like a Pro

We know, speaking in public can be a scary thing, but with these handy tips, you'll be as eloquent as, well, eloquence itself!

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1. Write it Out: The best speakers may seem spontaneously

eloquent, but their speeches are meticulously planned. Put it on paper

so you can edit, revise, and memorize.

2. Edit it Down: Reduce the word-for-word text of your speech to thematic bullet points. Put these on 3x5 note cards and use them to practice.

3. Practice Out Loud: Use a large room to mimic an

auditorium and record yourself to practice the perfect tone, volume and

pace. Also practice expression and hand gestures.

4. Relax and Smile: It's almost physically impossible to

be nervous when you smile. So when you get up there in front of a

crowd, take a minute to breathe and smile before you begin. It will

make a world of difference!

Inspirational Graduation Quotes

Inspirational graduation quotes to help your creative juices flow as you prepare to give your own great speech.

"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"I hope your dreams take you... to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known." - Unknown
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined." - Henry David Thoreau
"All of our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them" - Walt Disney
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"If I made you laugh, you're welcome. If I made you cry, I'm sorry. If I changed your life, chances are you've done the same." - Anonymous
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go." - Dr. Seuss
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." - Nelson Mandela
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Attributed to Mark Twain
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" - Marianne Williamson

Funny Graduation Quotes

If you're someone who prefers to tickle other peoples' funny bones, consider these quotes for a chuckle and wishes of good will.

"A graduation ceremony is an event where the commencement speaker tells thousands of students dressed in identical caps and gowns that 'individuality' is the key to success." - Robert Purvis
"Graduation day is tough for adults. They go to the ceremony as parents. They come home as contemporaries. After twenty-two years of child-raising, they are unemployed." - Erma Bombeck
"Your families are extremely proud of you. You can't imagine the sense of relief they are experiencing. This would be a most opportune time to ask for money." - Gary Bolding
"Commencement speeches were invented largely in the belief that outgoing college students should never be released into the world until they have been properly sedated." - Garry Trudeau
"Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors!" - Louisa May Alcott
"It is indeed ironic that we spend our school days yearning to graduate and our remaining days waxing nostalgic about our school days." - Isabel Waxman

Few Things To Keep In Mind About Quotes

Remember, while quotes are great for adding flair, don't overuse them - stick with a choice few to pepper your speech.

If you'd like to recite something longer, try a poem like the one below. Fill the rest with heartfelt memories, personal anecdotes and meaningful advice and you'll receive a standing ovation.

The Things That Haven't Been Done Before
by Edgar A. Guest

The things that haven't been done before,

Those are the things to try;

Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore

At the rim of the far-flung sky,

And his heart was bold and his faith was strong

As he ventured in dangers new,

And he paid no heed to the jeering throng

Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track

With guideposts on the way,

They live and have lived for ages back