Student Speaker Auditions 2027
Application information to come in Winter 2027.
Speech Guidelines & Logistics
Student Speaker Expectations
- Speeches should be between two to four minutes, with four minutes as a hard cut off.
- You will never be expected to memorize your speech; a script is encouraged, but please be familiar enough with your remarks to not have your eyes glued to the page.
- By auditioning to speak, it is assumed that you are committed to attending the 169th Annual Commencement.
- A finalist from both the graduate and undergraduate classes will be selected to speak at the ceremony.
- Alternates from both the graduate and undergraduate classes will be selected should the finalists be unable to fulfill their role on the day-of.
- Alternates will also have their speeches recorded and posted online to share with their families and friends in the event they do not speak at the ceremony.
- Selected student speakers will work with the Graduation Office leading up to Commencement to polish, practice, and refine speech materials.
- All candidates will be notified when the selection process is completed, whether they have been selected or not.
Speech Guidelines
This moment is an opportunity to reflect on your experience at Northwestern and share those thoughts with everyone attending Commencement: Class of 2027 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree recipients and their guests.
- The ideal candidate would serve as a representation of the student body and can speak to the significance of this ending/beginning, culminating their time at Northwestern.
- We are looking for someone who represents the best attributes of this year’s graduates and is honest and hopeful. A nice guideline is to give the speech that you yourself would want to listen to at graduation.
- We encourage you to genuinely showcase your individuality as you reflect on this milestone moment of graduation. Remarks vary in style and may be humorous or employ anecdotes or vignettes. Speakers who were selected in previous years have demonstrated a heartfelt appreciation to the graduates’ family, friends, faculty, and staff who supported and encouraged them during their years at Northwestern.
- Application videos will be graded on the above points as well as clarity of message, speaking clarity, confidence, and whether the speech is engaging and memorable.
- Previous student remarks can be found in the Past Graduations recordings.
Recording Your Audition
To submit your audition, you will be asked to provide a link to your video. While you are welcome to use a video viewing platform of your preference, we have also created instructions for how to record and share your video using Zoom.
Video Recording Best Practices
- Stabilize your internet connection to ensure your speech translates well on your recording and does not lag.
- Recordings are best heard when done in a quiet area with limited background noise.
- Test your video and audio before you hit record to ensure crisp and clear quality.
- Manage the aesthetics of your webcam view by optimizing your space for video.
- Your background should be as minimally distracting as possible.
- Lighting should be bright and even and preferably come from in front of you (i.e. behind the camera) and never behind you to avoid casting shadows on your face.
- Position your camera’s aim to ensure you’re in the center of the frame.
- Dress appropriately. This does not mean you need to dress in full business wear, but smart casual is appreciated. You are welcome to film only shoulders & up.
- Make eye contact by looking at the webcam.
- Use the gestures and mannerisms that you would typically use in person.
- Be authentic to your communication style.