High School Graduation Speeches - 10 Golden Rules For Including Stories

Good high school graduations speeches should wow audiences. Not an easy task when you consider the typical audience includes friends, classmates, family and teachers.

It is a nerve racking experience to have to stand up and talk in front of so many people, but that is no reason to give a dull speech. Using worn out quotes and clichés will bore your audience. Teachers would have heard them so many times before, classmates will find them uninspiring and family, well they will just smile politely. The solution is to include a well prepared story.

We tell stories every day, talking to our friends about what we did the night before, or explaining why we need an allowance increase. Whatever the reason, you are probably an expert storyteller already, so including one in your speech should be simple. Apply the golden rules for including stories and you are well on your way to impressing your audience.

* Be inclusive - Rather than just talking about yourself, use stories that involve your classmates. Not only will this interest more of your listeners, it will show you have done some research. Think about events, sports days, charity events, class projects, writing competitions etc. that you as a class got involved in.
* Link it to your theme - Stories are an excellent way to get your message across. So when you decide on your theme, think about stories you could tell to illustrate your point. Class projects, where you all had to work together demonstrates teamwork, whilst stories that focus on overcoming obstacles are great for inspirational speeches.
* Relive your story - No matter how great your account is, unless you tell it with some excitement you will lose your audiences' attention. Tell it so vividly that your audience actually feel they are there with you and so they can experience your emotions - anxiousness about waiting for class results, or your joy at finishing a project.
* Personalize it - Make it specific to your classmates, include names of places and events they know and can relate to. It will also make it easier for them to feel like they are there with you.
* Use facts and figures sparingly - few people find them interesting. If you really want to use them in your story weave them in rather than just listing them.
* Keep It Short - Stories, particularly those with a punch line, are more effective the simpler and shorter they are.
* Remove irrelevant details - Although you want to paint a picture, you don't want to bore your listeners. Get rid of any information that isn't required.
* Keep it Simple - Long sentences and unusual words may sound impressive, but if your speech is difficult to understand, your listeners will find it too difficult and stop listening.
* Appeal to everyone - Ensure most people can understand your story. If it contains inside jokes or a lot of explaining choose something else.
* Props - Using props reduces the need for words. Imagine the amount of words you need to describe the class mural you painted, when a picture will be much quicker and more effective.

Combine these 10 golden rules for including stories with free high school graduation speeches tips and advice to create a speech that will impress your audience.

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