Valedictorian

There will be one Arts Valedictorian who will present a speech remotely at the June 2021 Convocation.

Valedictorian Nominations

Valedictorian nominations are now closed.

Speech Submissions – Extended to Friday, March 26

3. Once you’ve confirmed the support of 5 nominators, nominees should prepare a 2-minute audio speech, due Friday, March 26. These submissions are for selecting the Valedictorian only. Speeches will be re-recorded for the actual ceremony. Speech guidelines and evaluation criteria can be found below. Nominees are asked to submit 2 files by email to adartsug@uwaterloo.ca:

1) An audio recording of their speech (in any audio format– MP3 is preferred)

2) The text of the speech (Word format is preferred).

Please make the audio recordings are as clear as possible, but note that these recordings are only used to judge delivery. The selected Valedictorian’s speech will be re-recorded (with video) for Convocation.
Please make sure filenames for both files contain your first and last name.

Valedictorian – Selection Committee Application

Selection committee applications are now closed. If you are still interested in participating but had not submitted an application, please email adartsug@uwaterloo.ca by Friday March 26.

Convocation – Class of 2021

Visit the University of Waterloo Convocation page for more information and frequently asked questions, including questions about Grad photos.

Valedictorian Speech Guidelines

Valedictory speeches fall under the category of “special occasion” speeches. As such, they are more formal in tone and diction than other speeches, and strive to underline the values and emotions of the audience. In short, the speaker speaks about what he or she believes are the most important sentiments of the graduating class. A valedictorian must show the evaluators that he or she has mastered the basic components of speech design and delivery. Valedictory speeches are intended to be individual submissions.

Signs of a good speech design

The audience should be able to follow the speech without ANY sense of confusion.
The audience should know that the speaker has moved from the introduction to the main body of the speech, andfrom the main body to the conclusion.
The audience should know which point the speaker is making based on solid transition words, e.g., “first”, “next”,etc.
The audience should feel that the speech has been appropriate and satisfied the needs of the occasion.

Signs of a good speech delivery

Energized, inspirational voice
Regular and direct eye contact
No distracting hand or body movement
Sufficient projection of the voice

Evaluation criteria

Written statement
Achievements
Presentation
Content

Component	Goals
Introduction	Gains attention and interest Previews topic Demonstrates importance of topic
Body	Main ideas clearly presented Relationship of ideas clear to audience Effective transitions Use of data or other relevant, illuminating content
Conclusion	Provides summary/clear signal speech is closing Memorable statement
Language	Appropriate Interesting
Purpose	Purpose is clear Subject is appropriate to this audience
Authenticity/Originality	Point of view or “take” on topic is highly original Presentation and presence are genuine, personal, and allow personality to come through
Delivery	Voice Conversational manner Loudness Articulation Non-verbal factors Posture Movement, gestures Eye contact