A student speaker is a selected representative from the Graduation cohort who delivers a speech to their peers, guests and university staff.
Benefits of being a student speaker
As a student speaker, you’ll have the opportunity to address your peers, guests and university staff at one of the year's most prestigious events. Your speech will contribute to a fulfilling and memorable day for all those attending. It’s a rare achievement that will enhance your CV.
As a student speaker at one of our in-person ceremonies, you’ll also receive an exclusive Graduation package. This includes:
- An invite to the VIP room before the ceremony for you and 2 guests
- VIP seating for your guests
- Free academic dress hire
- A free digital photograph of your choice
You’ll also receive training in writing and delivering speeches.
Applying to be a student speaker
Applications for student speakers for the 2025 Graduation ceremonies will open 9.00 am 24 February 2025 and close at midday on 7 March 2025.
Students selected for interview will be notified by 17 March 2025. We regret that we cannot give further feedback to those who are unsuccessful.
Student Speaker Information
Your Graduation Ceremony is a formal celebration of achievement and an
incredibly important event for you and your peers who are graduating, your families
and friends in the audience, and the University.
Each ceremony is also broadcast live on YouTube. As part of the ceremony your
speech will also be broadcast and has the potential to be viewed by a worldwide audience.
To take part, speakers are committing to engage in a professional process, speaking
on behalf of their cohort to celebrate their time at university, and their
achievements, and to thank the University and its services on behalf of all the
students at the ceremony.
For you to be selected, your speech needs to fulfil certain requirements and you will
be asked to attend a series of training events. These are set out in the ‘Terms of the Speech’ and ‘Mandatory Training’ sections below. Please read them carefully before
applying.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide an outline of what
you would like to say. Please follow the ‘Terms of the Speech’. You may feel that
these are somewhat restrictive, however, these are in place to ensure that student
speeches are inclusive and accessible for all those present.
In order to be successful the Student Speech needs to reflect some key elements, these are outlined below.
- Speeches should be no more than two minutes in length.
- Selected speakers understand that they are speaking on behalf of all Graduates attending the Ceremony to celebrate and thank the University.
- Speeches should show appreciation of positive experiences, achievement, the University, academics and professional service staff.
- The content and vocabulary used should be positive, appreciative, uplifting, and suitable for a formal celebratory ceremony.
- Speeches can use your personal experience, but it must be brief and used to highlight positive experiences and/or feelings which apply, as far as possible, to all Graduates attending.
- Speeches must not refer to individual family members, staff or others.
- Speeches must not thank “families and friends” or “loved ones” or refer to their presence at the Ceremony (as some Graduates won’t have anyone to celebrate with).
- Jokes must not be included, but humour is encouraged as long as it fits the tone and formality of the occasion and is accessible to all.
- The complexity of the ceremony means that visual aids or other items should not be used.
- Avoid American examples of student speeches and speech-writing how-to
instructions. These are not in line with UK student speeches.
Please note the University reserves the right to require amendments to content which does not meet the terms of the speech, or withdraw speakers if they have difficulties adhering to the terms of the speech.
Applications open from 9.00 am 24 February 2025 to midday 7 March 2025, any applications received after this time may not be considered.
Before applying, please ensure that you:
- Carefully read and consider the student speaker information above including the terms of the speech and training dates.
- Check to see if you have committed to any events which may occur during the training and preparation process to ensure, as far as possible, that you can attend the mandatory training and have the time to develop your speech.
- Consider any possible eventualities which might impact your ability to fulfil your responsibilities as a student speaker.
If you think you have what it takes, complete the Google form to apply.
Students selected for interviews will be notified by 17 March 2025. We regret that we cannot give further feedback to those who are unsuccessful.