<p>My goodness. That’s about the most deadly, turgid, dull writing prompt ever.</p>
<p>New Hope has pointed out that these are your friends and community. So why should the val speech by only and all about You, You and You?</p>
<p>Suppose you broaden it and include the other people in the class; I think they might appreciate it.</p>
<p>Let me try to turn the school writing prompt into something more personal, and see if that gets you off the ground:</p>
<p>Five years from now, in my best dream, here’s what I’m doing__<strong><em>, here’s what I can see some of us doing (a variety of types of accomplishments, academics, marriages, community activities, sports, music, owning a first house, driving a car, inventing something…things you know your friends might be dreaming of.)</em></strong>, _<strong><em>, </em></strong><em>, and </em>. PLEASE stretch and think about some of the non-academic dreams some in your class envision (having children, travelling, building a house, playing in a rock band…whatever you’ve heard them say in their wildest wishes and hopes).</p>
<p>Acknowledge that some will go far away (you might…so describe your college, its location and so forth) and never return. Others will go away for a few years but come back to this location. Others will begin their lives right here and make the community stronger in some way with their contributions.</p>
<p>What do you have in common? The experience of this high school, the past 4 years. (Mention some things that are funny or poignant that have happened at the school or community within the past 4 years, that most everyone would know about, even if it’s a flood, or big weather event, or related to the national news; or school family events such as teachers who had babies within the past 4 years, anything that is a shared memory from people in your class).</p>
<p>Then thank the school on behalf of not only you but everyone for providing them the foundation to each pursue their special dream.</p>
<p>Finally, I’ll give you a tip from my H who has to give a public speech weekly.
DELIVERY is what counts. You can write about toilets but if you deliver it well, it will be a great speech,.</p>
<p>So write the sucka, and then practice it in front of a mirror many,many times.
Speak slower than you think. It will seem a bit unnatural, but yo have to pause after each phrase or several words (microphones). Otherwise all your words will run together. SPEAK SLOWLY. Write that in pen above your text so you remember when yu get up to the podium.</p>
<p>Try to practice it in the hall where you’ll give it. Ask a friend to sit in the audience who hasn’t read it, and ask that friend, “could you understand every word I said, or did I go too fast?”</p>
<p>Look UP from the page when you deliver it. Wave your hand up in the air if you want to, for emphasis. Smile and be natural. </p>
<p>In the end, people will more likely remember the good delivery than anything you say in particular.</p>
<p>But I outlined that above because, IMHO, a valedictorian represents the best of the entire class…and shouldn’t limit the topic only to his/her own accomplishments. Rather, include and mention your community. </p>
<p>Say what a great class they are and how wonderful it’s been to know them.
It can be interesting to refer to the new technologies now (facebook, cells…) that mean you don’t have to say “goodbye” forever.</p>
<p>If you think so, thank the parents, grandparents and guardians who make sure kids get to school each day; your teachers; the working staff of the school (custodians, lunchladies…); principals. It’s good to thank people (on behalf of you and others in your class) because nobody makes it alone. Be gracious and acknowledge those who help your class function each day…</p>
<p>Hope some of these ideas help you.</p>