Each year, Eastern Kentucky University selects one exceptional student to represent their graduating class as the commencement speaker for each ceremony. This prestigious role is more than an opportunity to deliver a speech – it’s a chance to make your mark on EKU history.
To be chosen as a commencement speaker is a distinction that reflects your achievements, leadership, and ability to embody the spirit of EKU. Standing before your classmates and their families, you will have the incredible honor of sharing your story and offering words of wisdom to the class of 2025 as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.
Below, you’ll find tips to guide you as you craft your speech and submit your application.
Perks of Being Selected
The selected speakers will:
Receive a $500 honorarium from the Office of the Provost
Receive a free senior portrait photoshoot
Be featured by the EKU communications team
Recommendations
As you prepare your video submission for your commencement speaker application, consider these tips:
Content:
Be authentic and let your voice shine through. Use your own words to craft a speech that reflects your unique perspective and experiences. Avoid relying on AI for your speech – your genuine voice is what makes your message truly powerful.
The goal for any commencement speech is to inspire the audience. What will your audience remember about your speech?
Create a strong theme, something that holds the speech together and provides a clear message for the audience (avoid cliches or overused themes).
Share your experiences, but don’t just talk about yourself–make the speech audience- centered with your experiences as evidence for your motivation.
Demonstrate how EKU has made a difference on your journey.
Delivery:
Conversational–seek to engage your audience, rather than speaking at them.
Energy–if you are not excited, your audience will not be excited either.
Vocal Variety–avoid monotone delivery.
Eye Contact–engage your audience by looking at the camera as often as possible.
Video Production:
Be mindful of your recording space. Minimize clutter–or use a virtual background.
Make sure you are well-illuminated (no backlight).
Try to be in frame from the waist up.
Make sure the audio quality is good enough for people to hear you (no fans, tvs in background, etc).
