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Leave a lasting impression! Your chance to speak at graduation

Posted on 10 June 2021

Could you represent the Class of 2021 at graduation?

Image of the tops of mortar boards

This year’s summer graduation ceremonies will be taking place away from campus on a virtual platform, which presents a very special opportunity for a graduating student from each faculty to give a personal message to their classmates, family and friends.

This could be you! We hope it will be an unforgettable experience - and one which could enhance your CV.

If you’re selected as a Student Orator, you’ll be awarded a certificate in recognition of your contribution, and a studio photography package free of charge, as soon as the on campus graduation ceremonies are able to take place.

Previous orators

For inspiration on what you might say, have a look at these orators from the January online graduations:

How to apply

To apply to become a Student Orator, complete the form below by Friday 2 July 2021:

Student Orator application form

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview on Thursday 8 July - interviews can take place online or by telephone. We’ll let you know whether your application is successful by Tuesday 13 July.

If you're chosen

If you are chosen, you will need to present a first-draft of your three minute speech by Monday 19 July. Three minutes equates to between 300 and 500 words. Your speech might include the following:

  • brief thanks to the individuals responsible for your success;
  • an anecdote relating to your experience at York;
  • a reflection on what that experience has enabled you to learn and;
  • a conclusion reflecting on why that learning experience has been valuable, or what others in your graduating class can take away from it.

We’ll give feedback on your draft by Wednesday 21 July. You should then deliver a second draft of your speech by Friday 24 July. Your speech will then be pre-recorded the following week, following an online rehearsal session.

Further details will be confirmed with successful applicants.

Questions?

If you’d like to find out more, please email clare.moffatt@york.ac.uk.

Good luck and we hope to hear from you soon!