What makes a great valedictorian speech?

Hi everyone, my school will soon be selecting a valedictorian for our class. I was wondering what constitutes a impactful and memorable valedictorian speech? Any pointers for someone looking to make a lasting impression?

An impactful and memorable valedictorian speech typically contains the following elements:

1. Opening hook: Start with an engaging opening line or quote to grab the audience's attention. An interesting anecdote, a surprising fact about your class, or a relevant quote can serve as a great hook.

2. Gratitude and acknowledgement: Express your gratitude to teachers, staff, parents, and classmates for the support and experiences shared over the years. A genuine thank you sets a positive tone for the speech.

3. Reflection: Share highlights from your class's journey, including memorable moments, achievements, and challenges. This doesn't have to solely be about your personal experiences; rather, aim to represent the entire graduating class.

4. Humor: Infuse light humor throughout the speech to make it entertaining and relatable. This could be in the form of jokes, funny stories, or amusing anecdotes. However, it's important to strike a balance and not overdo the humor.

5. Personal anecdotes: Share a few personal stories that are relevant to the speech or have a broader message. These can demonstrate the growth and lessons learned by you and your classmates during your time at school.

6. Motivation and inspiration: Inspire your peers with words of encouragement, wisdom, and advice for the future. This may include quotes from famous individuals, lessons from personal experiences, or stories about class achievements.

7. Unity and inclusivity: Make sure that your speech speaks to all members of the graduating class, regardless of their background or experiences. Remind your classmates that, despite differences, you all share the bond of having endured this journey together.

8. Future outlook: Briefly touch upon the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for your class. Acknowledge that the world may change, and encourage your classmates to be resilient and adaptable in the face of change.

9. Closing remarks: End with strong, concise, and impactful closing remarks that leave a lasting impression. This could be a call to action, a memorable quote, or a heartfelt wish for your classmates' future success.

10. Practice and delivery: Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure a smooth and confident delivery. Speak clearly and slowly, maintain eye contact with the audience, and use natural gestures to make your speech engaging and memorable.

Remember, a great valedictorian speech is a blend of gratitude, reflection, humor, inspiration, and a strong delivery. Focus on making it personal, relatable, and inclusive for the entire graduating class while leaving them with a memorable and positive legacy.