Objective
Students will analyze famous commencement speeches, collaborate to select and justify their favorite speaker, and use rhetorical techniques from the speeches to write and present their own group speech.
Materials Needed
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CNN Article: “From Obama to Steve Jobs: The greatest commencement speeches”
- CNN Article: “Why Steve Jobs’ 2005 commencement speech is the most watched in history”
Student Guide Paragraph
Guide for Students:
Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement speech is one of the most famous speeches in history, not just because he was a successful entrepreneur, but because he spoke honestly about his life’s biggest challenges and lessons. As you read and discuss this speech, pay attention to how Jobs uses personal stories to connect with his audience and deliver powerful advice. Notice the way he talks about following your passion, learning from failure, and the importance of living authentically. Use these observations to inspire your own group speech-think about what personal experiences or lessons you might share to motivate others, just as Jobs did. Cnn
Lesson Outline
1. Introduction
- Introduce the concept and purpose of commencement speeches.
- Explain that students will explore some of the most memorable speeches delivered by influential figures such as Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Makoto Fujimura.
2. Group Exploration
- Divide the class into small groups (3-4 students each).
- Assign each group 2-3 different commencement speeches from the CNN article to read and discuss.
- Each group identifies:
- The main message or theme of each speech
- Notable rhetorical devices or storytelling techniques used
- The impact or emotional appeal of the speech
3. Group Activity: Choose Your Favorite Speaker
- In their groups, students discuss which speaker and speech resonated most with them and why.
- Each group prepares a short presentation explaining:
- Who their favorite speaker?
- What made the speech memorable (content, delivery, message, etc)
- Why they choose this speech over others
- As part of your group exploration, read the article about Steve Jobs’ 2005 Stanford commencement speech. Discuss what makes this speech so memorable and impactful, using the article as a reference.
- Consider the three main stories Jobs shared: dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and facing his own mortality. Talk about how these personal stories help deliver his message.
- Reflect on the key advice Jobs gave: “Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life … Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
4. Class Presentations
- Each group presents their chosen speaker and reasoning to the class.
- Encourage active listening and brief Q&A after each presentation.
5. Analyzing Speech Techniques
- As a class, review the techniques and themes identified by each group.
- Highlight common elements of effective speeches (e.g., storytelling, humor, personal anecdotes, calls to action, memorable quotes).
6. Group Writing Task: Create Your Own Speech
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In new groups of three, students brainstorm a topic for a mock commencement speech (e.g., advice for future students, reflections on school life, hopes for the future).
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- Using the examples and techniques discussed, each group writes a short speech together.
- Encourage the use of rhetorical devices, personal stories, and a clear message.
- Remind students to consider their audience and the purpose of their speech.
7. Speech Presentations & Peer Feedback
- Groups present their speeches to the class.
- After each presentation, classmates provide positive feedback and suggest one way to strengthen the speech. See rubric below.
8. Reflection
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Individually, students write a brief reflection on what they learned about effective speech writing and delivery.
