Commencement Speeches to Inspire

Community Manager — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 16:44:00 GMT

Who says commencement speeches are just for students? The 2005 Stanford commencement address where Steve Jobs famously said "stay hungry, stay foolish" has attracted nearly 7 million views on YouTube. And why not? Good advice is good advice no matter what age you are.

In search of a dose of inspiration? Consider putting on a virtual cap and gown and listening to the advice dished out by the crop of 2012 commencement speakers.

In The Comprehensive Guide to The Best, Most Inspiring Commencement Speeches Of 2012, luminaries such as President Obama and NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg as well as television personalities Katie Couric and Brian Williams share wisdom. Television writer Aaron Sorkin gives some hilarious advice in his Syracuse University address and Glee-star Jane Lynch taps into her sketch comedy roots to give an equally amusing, yet tender speech. Late-bloomers take note: Lynch talks about coming into her own professionally and personally after 40.

Another great round-up of remarks can be found at web site Brain Pickings; we particularly like the speech by poverty crusader Jacqueline Novogratz. To live a life of purpose, Novogratz offers four pieces of advice:

1) Focus on being interested, not on being interesting;
2) Don't worry about what others think of you;
3) Avoid cynicism and
4) Build on what came before.

Sage advice, and not just for the 21-year old set!

Finally, why stop at 2012? Great minds have been giving excellent advice since as long as commencements have had speakers. Time Magazine rounds up its Top 10 Commencement Speeches with remarks dating as far back as Winston Churchill's 1941 speech at the Harrow School to a more recent Stephen Colbert address.

Did you hear an inspiring commencement address this spring? What is best piece of advice you've heard in an address? Share your thoughts here and on the Pendaflex Facebook page.

Beyond Folders : top speeches

Commencement Speeches to Inspire