TL;DR
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Commencement speeches are intentionally designed to be forgettable, serving as a ritual rather than memorable addresses. This tradition emphasizes community and celebration over lasting impact. Recent trends include celebrity speakers and controversy, but the core purpose remains unchanged.
Most commencement speeches are intentionally boring and forgettable, serving as a ritual to mark a significant transition rather than to deliver lasting wisdom, according to experts and recent commentary.
Experts like David Murray of the Professional Speechwriters Association and Drew Gilpin Faust have noted that the primary purpose of commencement speeches is to facilitate a communal ritual, not to produce a memorable or profound message. The speeches are meant to celebrate the moment and the collective achievement of graduates, often with comforting sentiments like “everything is going to be okay.”
Historically, some speeches, such as Steve Jobs’ at Stanford or Toni Morrison’s at Wellesley, are exceptions that transcend the ritual, but most are designed to be disposable. The trend of using celebrity speakers and high-profile figures has increased in recent decades, often prioritizing prestige or media attention over the speech’s content. This shift has been accompanied by organizational politics, including negotiations over speaker selection and controversies over campus speech.
Why It Matters
This matters because it highlights how graduation ceremonies are more about community and tradition than about delivering impactful messages. The trend toward celebrity speakers and controversy reflects broader shifts in higher education and public discourse, raising questions about the purpose of these rituals and their evolving role in society.
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Background
Commencement speeches have long been a staple of graduation ceremonies, traditionally delivered by respected figures or alumni. Over time, the focus has shifted toward spectacle and celebrity, with colleges competing to attract high-profile speakers, sometimes paying large sums for their participation. Recent controversies, such as speakers being booed or canceled, illustrate the complex political and social landscape surrounding campus events today.
“A good commencement speech is not aimed at posterity but is a temporary moment that brings a community together.”
— David Murray, Professional Speechwriters Association
“The ritual is the thing, and most speeches are meant to be disposable.”
— Drew Gilpin Faust
“Just give them a nice homily and then get them to the cocktail party.”
— Jim Reische, Williams College
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether the trend toward celebrity speakers and controversy will continue to dominate or if there will be a return to more traditional, community-focused addresses. The future of commencement speeches remains uncertain as institutions balance spectacle, tradition, and purpose.
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What’s Next
Expect ongoing debates about the role and format of commencement speeches, with possible shifts toward more meaningful or simplified addresses. Institutions may also reevaluate the use of celebrity speakers and the significance of the ritual itself.
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Key Questions
Why are most commencement speeches considered boring?
They are designed to serve as a ritual that celebrates the moment and the community, not to deliver profound or memorable messages. The goal is to facilitate a shared experience rather than produce lasting wisdom.
Has the trend of using celebrity speakers increased?
Yes. Over the past two decades, colleges have increasingly invited celebrities or high-profile figures, sometimes paying large sums, to attract attention and prestige, often at the expense of meaningful content.
Are there exceptions to this trend?
Yes. Some speeches, such as Steve Jobs at Stanford or Toni Morrison at Wellesley, are remembered for their insight and impact. However, these are rare and often stand out precisely because they break the typical mold.
What is the main purpose of a commencement speech?
To mark the occasion, bring the community together, and provide a moment of celebration and reflection, rather than to deliver a lasting or impactful message.
Will the tradition of boring speeches change in the future?
The future remains uncertain. There may be a shift back toward more meaningful addresses or a continued focus on spectacle and celebrity, depending on institutional priorities and cultural trends.
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