Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Writing Good Commencement Speeches"
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Riley Roberts, Professional Speechwriter
Release Date: December 27, 2024
Duration: Approximately 19 minutes
Focus: Exploring the art and intricacies of crafting impactful commencement speeches.
Introduction to Commencement Speeches
Alison Stewart opens the episode by reflecting on past conversations from guest host Kusha Navadar, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion on commencement speeches as the year concludes. The topic centers on selecting words that inspire the upcoming generation, drawing parallels between speechwriting and personal aspirations for the new year.
Key Quote:
"[...] commencement speeches are the art of inspiration, and it can be revealing to step back and see how that art form has shown up in the big moments of our own lives and how it may look going forward." — Kusha Navadar [00:25]
The Role of Commencement Speeches in Speechwriting
Kusha Navadar introduces Riley Roberts, a seasoned speechwriter with a portfolio that includes former Attorney General Eric Holder, politicians, pop stars, athletes, Fortune 50 CEOs, and even royalty. Their discussion delves into how commencement speeches often serve as many individuals' first encounter with public speaking, highlighting both their potential to inspire and the challenges they pose in avoiding clichés.
Notable Insight: Riley emphasizes the universal experience of attending commencements and the fine line between inspiring and boring an audience:
"A wonderful commencement speech, you know, done well, done right, can really lift the room, can leave a lasting impression." — Riley Roberts [03:21]
Essential Elements of a Good Commencement Speech
Riley outlines three crucial components for crafting effective commencement speeches:
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Brevity: Keeping the speech concise to maintain audience engagement. Riley suggests adhering to the "sitcom rule," limiting the speech to around 15 minutes to accommodate the extended length of commencement ceremonies.
Quote:
"The shorter the better, because as commencement ceremonies are long, you never want to be the person standing between this and the celebration afterwards." — Riley Roberts [04:17]
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Authenticity and Connection: Focusing on genuine storytelling that resonates with the audience's experiences, steering clear of platitudes and overly prescriptive wisdom.
Quote:
"Being your authentic self and focusing on what can you and only you say to this crowd is just a great test to apply." — Riley Roberts [05:30]
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Storytelling: Utilizing relatable anecdotes that reflect the speaker's journey and impart universal lessons, ensuring the audience both connects and engages emotionally.
Quote:
"It's all about storytelling. It doesn't have to be a story with a beginning, middle, and end, but some kind of progression that shows wisdom unfolding." — Riley Roberts [12:43]
Preparing for the Speech: Tips for First-Time Speakers
Addressing a listener's query, Riley advises first-time speakers to:
- Practice Diligently: Write the speech meticulously rather than improvising, which can lead to stumbling or freezing under pressure.
- Develop Muscle Memory: Repeatedly rehearse the speech to internalize it, allowing for a more confident and fluid delivery.
Quote:
"Sit down and write your remarks and just let it pour out of you, your authentic self, and then edit from there. Once you have a speech that you feel good about, sit down and practice it." — Riley Roberts [06:27]
Evolution of Commencement Speeches
Riley discusses the shifting landscape of commencement speeches, noting a move towards greater authenticity and away from traditional, often clichéd formats. With the rise of AI-generated content and a saturated media environment, authenticity has become paramount in capturing and retaining audience attention.
Quote:
"People are so sick of platitudes and prescriptive wisdom. Authentic speeches that show the struggle are so much better, especially in the world we live in." — Riley Roberts [15:42]
The Power of Humor in Speeches
Humor, when used appropriately, can enhance a speech's relatability and engagement. Riley advises:
- Inclusive Jokes: Tailor humor to resonate with the specific audience, potentially sourcing ideas directly from students.
- Self-Deprecating Humor: Focus on making light of oneself or the institution to foster a connection without offending.
Quote:
"Be very careful about the target of your humor. Again, being self-deprecating is a great way to go when in doubt." — Riley Roberts [16:45]
Learning from Notable Commencement Speeches
The conversation touches upon David Foster Wallace's iconic "This is Water" speech at Kenyon College in 2005. Riley praises its approach, highlighting how Wallace subverts traditional speech conventions by diving straight into his anecdote without prolonged introductions, thereby immediately engaging the audience.
Quote:
"He totally dispenses with what we in the business call throat clearing... He gets right to the story, right to the didactic little parable as he calls it. And it's just brilliant." — Riley Roberts [10:50]
Ethical Storytelling and Anecdote Selection
Riley emphasizes the importance of selecting anecdotes that are both relatable and ethically sound. This involves:
- Relevance: Ensuring the story aligns with the audience's experiences and the speech's overarching message.
- Genuineness: Portraying oneself authentically, including vulnerabilities, to foster trust and relatability.
Quote:
"A good anecdote is relatable. It's something that touches the audience's experience." — Riley Roberts [14:15]
Reflections and Final Advice
As the discussion wraps up, Riley shares his heartfelt advice for high school graduates:
"I really hope that you experience hard times so that you know the value of the good ones. Life is a mess and it's always more difficult than you think it's going to be. But there is so much beauty and joy to be had out there, whatever your path." — Riley Roberts [18:24]
Conclusion
Alison Stewart concludes the episode by acknowledging Riley Roberts' valuable insights on commencement speechwriting. She highlights the collaborative effort of the production team and encourages listeners to engage with the podcast on their preferred platforms.
This episode of All Of It offers a deep dive into the nuanced world of commencement speeches, providing both aspiring speakers and curious listeners with practical advice and thoughtful reflections on crafting messages that resonate and inspire.