25 Best Graduation Speeches That Will Inspire And Uplift You

Graduation is more than a milestone—it’s a turning point filled with excitement, nerves, and possibility. One of the most anticipated parts of the ceremony is the speech, where someone steps up to deliver a few words that stick with us long after the caps are tossed. The best graduation speeches don’t just congratulate; they inspire, entertain, and sometimes even change lives.

Whether delivered by a celebrity, a teacher, or a student, these messages have the power to speak directly to our hopes and fears. Here’s a collection of powerful moments that continue to resonate across generations.

1. Steve Jobs – Stanford University (2005)

Steve Jobs’ commencement address at Stanford is widely regarded as one of the most iconic graduation speeches ever delivered. Told through three personal stories, Jobs shared lessons about connecting the dots, love and loss, and facing death. With his characteristic simplicity and sincerity, he encouraged graduates to trust their intuition and stay true to their passions—even when the path wasn’t clear. His candid recounting of dropping out of college, being fired from Apple, and facing cancer gave the speech emotional weight and universal relatability.

What made this speech especially powerful was its authenticity. Jobs didn’t pretend to have all the answers—instead, he offered raw experiences and let the audience draw meaning from them. His closing line, “Stay hungry, stay foolish,” became a rallying cry for dreamers everywhere. Years later, the message still resonates with people navigating uncertainty and searching for purpose. It’s a reminder that the messy parts of life often become the most meaningful chapters.

2. Oprah Winfrey – Harvard University (2013)

When Oprah Winfrey spoke to the Harvard graduating class, she brought her trademark blend of warmth, honesty, and inspiration. She shared her personal journey from local news anchor to media mogul and philanthropist, highlighting not just her success but also the failures and doubts along the way. One of her most powerful moments came when she said, “There is no such thing as failure. Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”

Oprah’s speech stood out for its encouragement to live with intention and use success as a tool for impact, not ego. She emphasized the importance of service and challenged graduates to align their lives with purpose. Her address wasn’t just a highlight for Harvard—it struck a chord with anyone who’s ever wondered whether they were enough or headed in the right direction. With her signature grace, she made the ceremony feel deeply personal and empowering.

3. Barack Obama – Howard University (2016)

President Barack Obama’s speech at Howard University was more than ceremonial—it was a call to action. Addressing a historically Black university, Obama spoke directly to issues of race, identity, and civic responsibility. He urged graduates to be proud of their heritage, to engage in politics, and to embrace the complexity of progress. His speech masterfully balanced inspiration with realism, pushing students to stay hopeful without being blind to the work ahead.

What made this address memorable was how it spoke to a very specific audience while delivering lessons that felt universal. Obama’s ability to mix wit, wisdom, and policy insight made the message especially powerful. He challenged young people not just to succeed, but to lead—and to use their education in service of justice and equity. It was a graduation speech grounded in purpose and steeped in legacy.

4. J.K. Rowling – Harvard University (2008)

J.K. Rowling’s commencement speech at Harvard delivered more than just magical metaphors. With a mix of humor and honesty, she spoke candidly about failure, imagination, and the importance of empathy. She opened up about her own struggles before success, including joblessness and depression, and how those experiences ultimately shaped her resilience and creativity. Her story reminded graduates that personal growth often comes from the most difficult times.

One of the most striking aspects of Rowling’s speech was her emphasis on the power of imagination—not just in writing fantasy, but in understanding others and changing the world. She spoke about her time working at Amnesty International and how it helped her connect to the suffering of others. The speech offered a thoughtful blend of encouragement and moral clarity, urging graduates to use their privilege for compassion and change.

5. David Foster Wallace – Kenyon College (2005)

David Foster Wallace’s address at Kenyon College, known as “This Is Water,” is one of the most philosophical and thought-provoking graduation speeches ever given. Instead of traditional advice, Wallace delivered a deep meditation on awareness, perspective, and the everyday choices that define our lives. He warned against the dangers of unconscious living and challenged graduates to recognize the invisible patterns of thought and routine that can limit empathy and understanding.

What makes this speech so enduring is its honesty and depth. Wallace didn’t sugarcoat the realities of adult life—he leaned into them, using everyday scenarios like waiting in line or navigating traffic to illustrate profound truths. His call to “choose how you think” and remain conscious of others is as relevant today as it was then. Quiet, reflective, and deeply human, the speech has gained legendary status for good reason.

6. Michelle Obama – Tuskegee University (2015)

Michelle Obama’s speech at Tuskegee University was a powerful and personal reflection on race, resilience, and rising above challenges. She addressed the struggles she faced as a Black woman in the public eye, and how she learned to keep moving forward despite criticism and stereotypes. Her honesty about being judged by appearances, headlines, and double standards struck a deep chord with the graduating class and beyond.

What made her speech unforgettable was its depth and authenticity. She didn’t just offer inspiration—she gave insight into how to thrive in the face of pressure and bias. She told graduates that their history was rich, their future limitless, and their presence in the world vital. Her words were both comforting and challenging, urging students to write their own stories and carry their legacy with pride and strength.

7. Chadwick Boseman – Howard University (2018)

When Chadwick Boseman returned to his alma mater, Howard University, to deliver the commencement speech, he brought both star power and soul. Known globally for his role as Black Panther, Boseman spoke to students about perseverance, purpose, and standing firm in one’s values. He shared personal stories of being fired early in his acting career for questioning a stereotypical role, and how that rejection ultimately guided him to more meaningful opportunities.

Boseman’s speech was not just a celebration of success—it was a reminder of integrity. He challenged graduates to find their purpose and to walk their own path, no matter how uncertain or difficult. His call to “press on with pride and press on with purpose” took on even more gravity after his untimely death, making this speech a lasting piece of wisdom and legacy for future generations.

8. Shonda Rhimes – Dartmouth College (2014)

Shonda Rhimes, the powerhouse behind shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, took the stage at Dartmouth with sharp wit and unfiltered truth. Her speech was refreshingly practical, urging graduates to focus less on dreaming and more on doing. She dismantled the romanticized idea of the “dream job,” saying, “Dreams are lovely. But they are just dreams. It’s hard work that makes things happen.”

What set her speech apart was how grounded and real it was. Rhimes spoke directly to the hustle behind success, emphasizing commitment, responsibility, and grit. She brought humor and clarity to the often vague notion of “following your dreams” by reframing it as building something through effort. For anyone wondering what comes after the cap toss, her words were a blueprint for the real world—funny, fierce, and fiercely honest.

9. Ellen DeGeneres – Tulane University (2009)

Ellen DeGeneres brought her signature humor and heart to Tulane’s post-Katrina graduating class. With a blend of light jokes and genuine life advice, she shared her journey from stand-up comedy to daytime television—and the bumps along the way. She talked about being true to yourself, coming out publicly, and how setbacks often lead to the most unexpected opportunities.

Though filled with laughs, Ellen’s message was rooted in authenticity and courage. She reminded graduates to be kind, to trust the path they’re on, and to embrace who they really are. Her warmth made the speech feel like a conversation, and her story proved that success often comes from being unapologetically you—even when the world doesn’t quite get it yet.

10. Admiral William H. McRaven – University of Texas at Austin (2014)

Admiral McRaven, a Navy SEAL and military leader, gave a speech that quickly went viral for its practical wisdom and compelling delivery. Drawing from his military training, he laid out 10 life lessons he learned from SEAL training—starting with the now-famous line, “If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed.” Each point was packed with meaning, discipline, and motivation.

His speech stood out for its simplicity and strength. McRaven made the case that small actions can lead to big change, and that courage, teamwork, and resilience matter more than titles or degrees. It was a speech that resonated with more than just college graduates—it inspired people across all walks of life to approach challenges head-on, with purpose and determination.

11. Conan O’Brien – Dartmouth College (2011)

Conan O’Brien’s speech at Dartmouth is widely remembered as one of the funniest and most self-aware graduation speeches ever delivered. After joking about being a last-minute replacement for other big-name speakers, Conan launched into a blend of biting humor and genuine life advice. He recounted his own very public setbacks—including losing The Tonight Show—and how failure can be the door to reinvention.

What made Conan’s message resonate so deeply was how he balanced laughter with truth. He told graduates that their dreams may shift, their plans may fail, and that’s not only okay—it’s necessary. His core lesson: “It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique.” It’s a speech that’s both hilarious and hauntingly wise.

12. Amy Poehler – Harvard University (2011)

Amy Poehler brought charm, wit, and a dose of realness to Harvard’s 2011 graduation ceremony. She kicked things off with sharp humor and pop culture references, but beneath the jokes was a message rooted in empathy, collaboration, and community. Poehler emphasized the importance of working together and lifting others up—because success is sweeter when shared.

Her advice to graduates wasn’t about dominating the world—it was about connecting with it. She told students to “harness your fear and be bold,” while also reminding them to “continue to say yes” in both life and comedy. The speech perfectly captured her signature mix of vulnerability and strength, encouraging new grads to embrace uncertainty with open arms and a healthy laugh.

13. Lin-Manuel Miranda – University of Pennsylvania (2016)

Lin-Manuel Miranda, fresh off the explosive success of Hamilton, brought both lyrical magic and heartfelt insight to his UPenn commencement speech. He wove his words with rhythm and emotion, speaking about love, community, and finding your own voice. His reflections on identity, art, and perseverance were especially poignant given his role as a trailblazing storyteller and cultural icon.

One of the standout moments of his speech came when he urged graduates to “chase the work that speaks to you.” He highlighted how his path was never linear, and how passion—not perfection—drove him forward. His words were not only motivational but also deeply personal, reminding students that creativity thrives when you lead with love and purpose.

14. Denzel Washington – University of Pennsylvania (2011)

Denzel Washington’s speech at UPenn was grounded, powerful, and brimming with sincerity. With his signature poise, he spoke about the importance of taking risks, embracing failure, and moving through fear rather than avoiding it. He shared a story of bombing an audition early in his career and how that failure became part of his fuel for success.

The heart of his message was simple: “Fall forward.” He explained that setbacks are part of the process and should never stop anyone from chasing what matters. With encouragement wrapped in calm wisdom, Denzel told graduates that the real danger isn’t in trying and failing—it’s in never trying at all.

15. Nora Ephron – Wellesley College (1996)

Nora Ephron’s address to the graduating women of Wellesley was witty, honest, and filled with sharp social commentary. As a pioneering journalist, screenwriter, and director, Ephron used her platform to speak about feminism, self-respect, and finding humor in life’s chaos. She reminded graduates of the power of using their voices, especially in a world that often tells women to quiet down.

What made Ephron’s speech timeless was her ability to mix wit with wisdom. She encouraged young women to embrace both ambition and joy, saying, “Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” Her words are as relevant now as they were then—bold, unapologetic, and empowering.

16. Matthew McConaughey – University of Houston (2015)

Matthew McConaughey delivered a thoughtful and surprisingly philosophical address at the University of Houston. In a structured and deliberate tone, he offered 13 personal “truths” he’d learned through life—touching on topics like gratitude, delayed gratification, identity, and legacy. He challenged students to measure success not just in money or fame, but in joy, meaning, and authenticity.

McConaughey’s message was grounded in real-life lessons, shared in a way only he could deliver. Lines like “Don’t leave crumbs” and “Life’s not fair—get over it” weren’t just punchy—they were honest reflections of his journey. His speech stood out for its blend of Southern wisdom, self-reflection, and tough love.

17. Taylor Swift – NYU (2022)

Taylor Swift’s commencement speech at NYU was heartfelt, playful, and packed with insights from a life lived in the spotlight. Receiving an honorary doctorate in fine arts, Swift joked about not attending college but still offered advice that felt incredibly relevant to a generation navigating identity and change. She embraced her quirks, her mistakes, and her growth with honesty and humor.

One of her most poignant points was about reinvention—how people are allowed to evolve, shed old versions of themselves, and embrace new chapters unapologetically. Swift reminded graduates to “embrace the cringe” and be kind to themselves in the process. Her blend of pop culture references and raw personal truth made the message feel approachable and inspiring.

18. Bill Gates – Harvard University (2007)

Bill Gates returned to Harvard decades after dropping out—not to finish a degree, but to deliver one of the most impactful commencement addresses in the school’s history. His speech focused on global responsibility, urging graduates to take their intelligence and privilege and use it to solve real-world problems. He reflected on the moral clarity he gained later in life and challenged the audience to act earlier than he did.

What made his speech especially powerful was his humility and call to action. Gates admitted that success in business wasn’t enough, and that true fulfillment came from addressing inequality, disease, and education. His message was a rallying cry to the next generation of leaders: to be not just brilliant, but brave enough to care.

19. Brené Brown – University of Texas at Austin (2020, virtual)

Brené Brown’s virtual commencement speech during the early months of the pandemic was exactly what 2020 graduates needed—raw, honest, and filled with empathy. She acknowledged the emotional weight of graduating during uncertain times, blending vulnerability with resilience in a way only she can. Brown spoke about courage, discomfort, and showing up even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed—core themes in both her research and her life.

Her most memorable message was a call to embrace the unknown while staying true to your values. She reminded students that “uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re lost—it means you’re brave enough to be on the edge of something new.” Her words resonated not just with graduates, but with anyone trying to navigate change and chaos with integrity.

20. Trevor Noah – Princeton University (2021, virtual)

Trevor Noah’s virtual speech to Princeton’s class of 2021 was both humorous and reflective, infused with the sharp insight he’s known for. He encouraged graduates to question norms, embrace complexity, and redefine success on their own terms. Noah acknowledged the global disruptions that shaped their college experience and challenged them to use those lessons to build a better, more inclusive world.

His message centered on adaptability and empathy. He told students that life doesn’t always follow the “rules” and that’s okay—as long as they show up for others and themselves. With warmth and humility, Noah left listeners feeling both seen and challenged, proving that even from a screen, the right words can leave a lasting impact.

21. Jon Stewart – College of William & Mary (2004)

Jon Stewart delivered a memorable and hilarious address to his alma mater, weaving self-deprecating humor with sharp life observations. He poked fun at his college days and his unconventional path to fame, but beneath the jokes was a sincere message: life is unpredictable, and that’s exactly what makes it interesting. Stewart encouraged graduates to be flexible, curious, and authentic.

He also spoke candidly about failure, political awareness, and the importance of thinking critically in a noisy world. His mix of comedy and wisdom was both entertaining and deeply thoughtful. The speech remains a favorite among graduation roundups for its perfect blend of satire and sincerity—a true reflection of Stewart’s voice.

22. Natalie Portman – Harvard University (2015)

Natalie Portman’s speech at Harvard was a vulnerable, intelligent reflection on self-doubt, risk-taking, and creative ambition. She opened up about feeling insecure during her early college years, and how being willing to take risks in her acting career led to her biggest opportunities. Portman’s honesty about not always knowing the right path made her message especially relatable.

She encouraged graduates to lean into uncertainty and embrace the discomfort that comes with growth. Her insights into the tension between intellect and instinct, especially in the creative world, were both graceful and empowering. Portman reminded the audience that brilliance doesn’t require having all the answers—it requires being brave enough to ask questions.

23. Jeff Bezos – Princeton University (2010)

Jeff Bezos’s commencement address at Princeton was centered on one key theme: choice. He asked graduates to consider the type of person they wanted to be, not just what career they wanted to pursue. Sharing anecdotes from his childhood and the early days of Amazon, Bezos highlighted the long-term value of character, compassion, and courage.

His question, “Will you be clever at the expense of others, or will you be kind?” served as the emotional anchor of the speech. While known for his innovations in tech and business, Bezos focused on ethics and personal values over achievements. The result was a speech that challenged high-achievers to think about legacy in terms far greater than success.

24. Kerry Washington – George Washington University (2013)

Kerry Washington’s speech to GWU graduates was a vibrant blend of storytelling, wisdom, and charisma. Drawing on her experience as an actress and activist, she emphasized the importance of writing your own narrative and staying rooted in authenticity. She told graduates that “your life is your story, and the adventure ahead is the journey to fulfill your own purpose.”

She also spoke about the power of fear—not as something to avoid, but as a sign that you’re doing something meaningful. Her speech stood out for its energy, honesty, and encouragement to embrace life’s plot twists. It was a reminder that success isn’t about playing a role—it’s about becoming who you truly are.

25. Mindy Kaling – Dartmouth College (2018)

Mindy Kaling brought her signature blend of humor and heart to Dartmouth, delivering a commencement speech that was both hilarious and inspiring. She joked about fame, singled out her parents in the crowd, and roasted Ivy League smugness—all while dropping real-world advice about confidence, hard work, and being underestimated. Her speech was a standout example of how comedy can carry deep truths.

She encouraged graduates to support one another, take risks, and not let fear of failure slow them down. Kaling also delivered a particularly empowering message for women in leadership, urging them to be unapologetically ambitious. Her talk was memorable not just because it was funny—but because it was fearless.