What is a Commencement Speech?

A commencement speech is a speech delivered at the commencement ceremony of a higher education institution by a graduate, an alumnus, a celebrity or a politician to the graduating class, their families and guests. The speech is often written to celebrate past experiences, present accomplishments and future hopes. A commencement speech usually makes up a substantial part of a commencement or graduation ceremony. A broad range of appropriate topics in any nature are acceptable when composing such a speech, but the overall importance of the speech itself, may make writing it challenging.