1. Commencement speeches are an opportunity for influential figures to impart wisdom on graduates.
2. Some memorable advice from commencement speeches includes the importance of kindness, embracing mistakes, and listening to your inner voice.
3. Tim Cook, Oprah Winfrey, and Will Ferrell are among the many notable figures who have delivered impactful commencement speeches.
Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, delivered the commencement speech at Tulane University in 2019, urging graduates to push back against existing beliefs that limit opportunities and to strive to remake the world. He emphasized the importance of embracing challenges, working towards leaving a positive impact on humanity, and asking oneself how to contribute to making the world a better place. Cook encouraged graduates to listen to their inner voice, take action, and believe in their ability to make a difference.
Oprah Winfrey, in her commencement speech at Harvard University in 2023, highlighted the significance of listening to the messages that life offers and connecting with one’s true self. She emphasized the power of generosity, high standards, open minds, and untamed imagination in making a difference in the world. Winfrey encouraged graduates to tap into their inner voice, align themselves with their values, and treat others with integrity, showcasing the importance of empathy, kindness, and emotional intelligence.
In a speech at Duke University in 2024, Jerry Seinfeld emphasized the importance of maintaining a sense of humor as a powerful and essential quality for navigating through life’s challenges. Despite the controversy surrounding his support for Israel leading to some students walking out of his speech, Seinfeld shared valuable advice, urging graduates not to lose their sense of humor and highlighting the necessity of humor in dealing with life’s complexities. He also gave his “three keys to life,” which included working hard, paying attention, and falling in love.