The Commencement Speech Conundrum: Celebrating the Moment, Not the Message

The pomp and circumstance of graduation day is a familiar ritual for millions around the world. A distinguished guest takes to the stage, surrounded by smiling faces and fluttering caps. But what’s the purpose behind these speeches? Is it to impart wisdom, inspire greatness, or simply provide a momentary distraction from uncertainty?

The conventional wisdom is that commencement speeches should be memorable, motivational, and maybe even profound. However, most attendees won’t remember a word said by the speaker an hour after they’ve taken their seat. The significance of these addresses lies not in their content but in the sense of community and shared experience they evoke.

David Murray, director of the Professional Speechwriters Association, suggests that a good commencement speech is one that’s “good in concept” – memorable advice dispensed on a high-wire act that rarely succeeds. Even iconic speeches, like Steve Jobs’ at Stanford or Toni Morrison’s at Wellesley, are exceptions rather than the rule.

Universities put emphasis on these addresses partly due to prestige: having a renowned figure speak is seen as a status symbol. However, this can lead to awkward situations when speakers have no connection to the institution or don’t show up prepared. The University of Houston once paid Matthew McConaughey $166,000 for his 2015 commencement speech – a figure that seems almost laughable compared to the real costs.

Organizational politics play a significant role in choosing commencement speakers. Committees must navigate complex negotiations with administrations seeking to acknowledge alumni, woo donors, or outshine competitors. The result is often a compromise between prestige and practicality – sometimes even a six-figure pile of cash.

As controversy surrounding campus speech continues to grow, universities face increasingly difficult decisions about who to invite to speak. This week’s incident at the University of Central Florida, where a graduation speaker was booed after praising artificial intelligence, illustrates the challenges ahead.

In many ways, the true significance of commencement speeches lies not in their message but in the moment they represent – a fleeting instant of connection and shared experience among graduates, families, and faculty. Jim Reische, special adviser to the president for executive communications at Williams College, notes that “commencement speeches are weird” – a ritual that defies easy explanation or categorization.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink our expectations around these addresses. Instead of seeking out celebrity speakers who will inspire greatness, we should focus on creating a sense of community and shared purpose among graduates and their families. The momentary distractions of commencement speeches are just that – moments to be cherished in the present, rather than remembered for eternity.

As graduation day gives way to reality, one thing is clear: commencement speeches will continue to evolve alongside the changing needs of our universities and communities. By embracing their true purpose as celebratory rituals, rather than inspirational sermons, we may find that these addresses become more meaningful – and memorable – than ever before.