TL;DR
Commencement speeches are typically meant to be brief and unremarkable, serving as a ritual rather than a platform for profound ideas. Experts note that their primary purpose is to celebrate the moment and bring the community together.
Experts and university officials confirm that commencement speeches are intentionally crafted to be boring and disposable, serving primarily as a ritual to celebrate graduates and unify the community.
According to speechwriters and academic advisors, the primary goal of a commencement speech is to mark the occasion and bring the graduating class, families, and faculty into a shared moment. David Murray of the Professional Speechwriters Association explains that these speeches are meant to be temporary and forgettable, rather than memorable or profound.
Historically, only a few speeches—such as Steve Jobs at Stanford or Toni Morrison at Wellesley—have transcended the event to leave a lasting impact. Most speeches are designed to be simple homilies that reassure and celebrate, rather than challenge or inspire deeply.
In recent years, the trend of inviting high-profile celebrities and paying large sums for speeches has increased, often prioritizing prestige over content. University committees typically select speakers based on relationships, donor interests, or publicity considerations, sometimes leading to poorly prepared or irrelevant addresses.
Why It Matters
This focus on ritual over substance underscores that commencement addresses are more about tradition and community than about delivering lasting wisdom. Understanding this clarifies why most speeches are forgettable and emphasizes the importance of the event as a collective celebration rather than a platform for profound ideas.
It also raises questions about the commercialization of graduation speeches and the shifting priorities of institutions seeking prestige, potentially at the expense of meaningful content.
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Background
Historically, commencement speeches were often delivered by esteemed scholars or public figures chosen for their relevance and ability to inspire. Recently, the trend has shifted toward celebrity speakers and expensive paid addresses, reflecting a broader competition for prestige among universities. This evolution has affected the content and purpose of these speeches, making them more spectacle than substance.
Experts like Jim Reische note that the ritual itself is the core of the event, with the speech serving as a brief, symbolic gesture rather than a moment for deep reflection. The focus remains on celebrating achievement and marking transition.
“A good commencement speech is not aimed at posterity, but at the moment it happens. It’s meant to be disposable.”
— 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 community, not to deliver cosmic wisdom.”
— Aaron Hoover, University of Florida speechwriter
What Remains Unclear
It is still unclear whether universities will shift back toward simpler, less celebrity-driven speeches or continue the trend of high-profile, costly addresses. Additionally, the impact of recent controversies and debates over campus speech on future selections remains uncertain.
What’s Next
Next, universities may reevaluate their criteria for choosing commencement speakers, possibly emphasizing relevance and preparation. Further discussions about the purpose and value of these speeches are expected to influence future practices.
Key Questions
Why are commencement speeches often so forgettable?
They are intentionally designed to be brief, simple, and serve as a ritual rather than a platform for lasting ideas, focusing on celebration and community bonding.
Has the trend of celebrity speakers affected the quality of speeches?
Yes, the focus on prestige and publicity often leads to poorly prepared speeches that prioritize spectacle over meaningful content.
Are universities changing how they select commencement speakers?
There is some indication that institutions might reconsider their criteria, especially in light of recent controversies and debates about the purpose of these addresses.
What is the main purpose of a commencement speech?
To mark the occasion, celebrate graduates, and bring the community together in a shared moment, rather than to deliver profound or lasting messages.
Will the trend of expensive, celebrity-driven speeches continue?
It remains to be seen, but current practices suggest that the trend may persist, influenced by institutional prestige and marketing considerations.
