The Commencement Speech is the New TED Talk

Decoding some of the most iconic commencement addresses for thought leaders

Jun 07, 2025

Here's something exciting happening in the world of public speaking: commencement speeches have evolved from forgettable formalities into career-defining moments!

Once reserved for caps, gowns, and polite applause, commencement speeches are now viral masterclasses in thought leadership. From boardrooms to Instagram reels, the best ones live far beyond the ceremony. Steve Jobs’ Stanford speech has racked up over 45 million views. J.K. Rowling’s Harvard address is quoted more often than some business books. These aren’t just speeches—they’re legacies in motion.

Once reserved for caps, gowns, and polite applause, commencement speeches are now viral masterclasses in thought leadership.

And here's the beautiful part: if you're a thought leader in your field, this represents an incredible opportunity. That invitation to speak at a graduation isn't just an honour - it's your chance to translate your expertise into something that resonates far beyond your industry.

Let me show you exactly how the legends did it and how you can too.

1. Steve Jobs: Master the Art of Narrative Structure

"You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backward."

Jobs made a brilliant choice: instead of talking about Apple's innovations, he shared three personal stories that revealed his philosophy. Each story had a clear arc, and together they painted a picture of how setbacks became stepping stones.

Your Personal Brand Move: Transform your professional journey into a compelling narrative.

Decode for Thought Leaders: Your expertise has a story - use it! Here's your blueprint:

Choose 2-3 pivotal moments that shaped your thinking in your field
Show how each "failure" or challenge led to a breakthrough in your approach
Connect these moments to principles that now guide your work

Pro Speaking Tip: Structure each story with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

2. Abraham Verghese: Turn Pressure into Character-Building Moments

“The decisions you make when under pressure, will say something about your character, while they will also shape and transform you in unexpected ways.”

Verghese didn’t shy away from the reality of high-stakes decision-making. Instead, he reframed pressure as both a revealer and a creator of character while acknowledging that the toughest moments don’t just test who you are, they forge who you become.

Your Personal Brand Move: Position yourself as the leader who's been tested and transformed.

Decode for Thought Leaders: Every expert has faced pressure moments that defined them. Here’s how to use yours:

Identify a high-pressure decision that revealed something about your values.
Show how that moment didn’t just test your character, but it shaped it.
Connect this transformation to how you now approach challenges in your field.

Pro Speaking Tip: Ground your speech in the present. Referencing current events shows you're not just a leader in your industry but also tuned in to the world your audience is stepping into.

3. Barack Obama: Lead with Passion, Deliver with Precision

"Passion is vital, but you've got to have a strategy."

In his 2016 Howard University address, Barack Obama didn't just inspire—he instructed. He reminded graduates that conviction alone isn't enough. To drive real change, you need clarity, systems, and action. What made his message powerful wasn’t just what he believed; it was how he communicated belief through structure, data, and lived experience. His speech struck a rare balance: emotional but strategic, idealistic yet grounded.

Your Personal Brand Move: Be the expert who doesn’t just care deeply, but plans clearly.

Decode for Thought Leaders: Many leaders are passionate about their work, but few can articulate that passion with precision. If you want to move beyond inspiration and into influence, here’s your approach:

Identify the issue in your field that you feel strongly about.
Explain why it matters—not just emotionally, but systemically.
Share the concrete steps you (or others) have taken to drive real change.

Pro Speaking Tip: Pair your big vision with a playbook. Passion captures attention, while structure earns trust.

4. J.K. Rowling: Transform Setbacks into Strengths

“Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life."

Rowling's genius was in reframing failure as education. She didn't minimise her struggles but instead showed how they became essential to her eventual success, both personally and professionally.

Your Personal Brand Move: Own your comeback story as proof of your resilience.

Decode for Thought Leaders: Your biggest professional setback is your biggest credibility builder. Here's how:

Share the moment you faced a major setback, but don’t dwell on the hardship.
Highlight how that experience forced you to rethink your approach or values.
Illustrate the new perspective or innovation that emerged from this low point, shaping your leadership style or strategy.

Pro Speaking Tip: Tap into the power of imagination—not just to entertain, but to build empathy.

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"Learn to live alongside cringe."

Swift's approach was refreshingly honest about the awkwardness of giving advice. By acknowledging she was still figuring things out, she became more trustworthy, not less.

Your Personal Brand Move: Be the expert who's still curious and growing.

Decode for Thought Leaders: Perfection is intimidating; growth is inspiring. Your authenticity toolkit:

Share moments when you realised you were wrong about something in your field.
Admit areas where you're still learning.
Position expertise as a journey, not a destination.

Pro Speaking Tip: Embrace the hyper-specific. Instead of vague advice, zoom in on one defining moment and unpack it like a diary entry.

Your Expertise + Their Dreams = An Impactful Speech

The beautiful thing about commencement speeches is they're not about selling or impressing - they're about giving. And when thought leaders show up to genuinely serve, something magical happens: expertise becomes wisdom, and wisdom becomes influence.

These speaking opportunities are chances to:

Show the human behind the expertise
Connect your field knowledge to universal truths
Build authentic authority that extends beyond your industry
Create content that works for you long after the applause ends

So when that invitation comes, remember: you're not just giving a speech. You're crafting a piece of your legacy.

The stage is waiting. Your story is ready. What wisdom will you impart? 🎤

Luminary