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Just_Me
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 62 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 04:34 am |
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Hi all,
My son made val. but he doesn't want to give the val. speech at graduation. His dad and I said this was fine, and it was agreed that the sal. would give the speech.
The vice principal called last week to make sure we were OK with this. Today, two high school guidance counselors came by to try and convince my son to give the speech. They said something like it was his responsibility (i.e. he owed it to his classmates).
I don't really see what the big deal is. My son is not a real animated guy (more of an introvert) so it is understandable that he doesn't want to do it. The sal. is a delightful girl and will do a great job.
Am I missing something?
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Wstrdg
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 396 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 04:55 am |
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Might it be nice for your son to acknowledge the honor of val, and the responsibility (albeit symbolic) that comes with that honor, by just saying a few words to introduce acknowledge the class and introduce the sal, who will deliver the address? Maybe add a quotation or poem that is significant and meaningful to him? He could do the whole thing in less than 100 words, if they are the right 100 words.
That way, both the val and the sal will share the spotlight, and your son can fulfill his formal duties capably, and then step aside and let the greater share of the speaking duty fall to a more gregarious sal.
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scoop
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 4th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 546 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 11:46 am |
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Congratulations to your son. Sharing the spotlight and having your son do a quick acknowledgement of the honor is a great idea. A wise man knows his strengths and weaknesses and delegates accordingly
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Descartes
Super Moderator
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 01:06 pm |
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I am of the understanding that few high schools still practice this custom of the first-in-class making the commencement address. Does it really make sense to assume that the first ranked student will be the best speaker? At my own high school, we voted on class speaker, and it was in no way tied to ranking. I believe they do the same at my S's school, where no definitive first is publicly recognized (medals to top 1%). Many schools eschew a student speaker altogehter.
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Consolation
Member
| Joined: | Mon Apr 9th, 2007 |
| Location: | USA |
| Posts: | 474 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 03:09 pm |
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While I agree with Descartes' points, I would point out that public speaking is an excellent skill to have, and that it is possibly the one thing that most people are afraid of.
One thing about public speaking is that once one has done it successfully, even once, it never holds the same terrors again.
Another thing is that this is a superb opportunity for thoughtful self-exploration, and for examination of his concept of community, his relationship with his community, and so forth. Writing his speech could be a tremendously valuable experience. I have "preached" at my church a number of times--since my church is Unitarian, we are not restricted to scriptural topics--and I have always found it to be a profoundly valuable process.
While I wouldn't FORCE him to do it, I would encourage him to do it. Having a bubbly, outgoing personality does not equate to having anything significant to say. Many people who make their living speaking before others are introverts. Speaking from the heart is what is important.
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outwest
Member
| Joined: | Sun Mar 4th, 2007 |
| Location: | CA |
| Posts: | 540 |
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Posted: Tue Apr 8th, 2008 03:26 pm |
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It is not necessary for him to give the speech, but he should at least introduce the speaker after someone introduces him as the val. Perhaps he could collaborate with her on the speech or they could even do a dual speech somehow? Working together with another can help allay fears of each. Public speaking is a valuable skill, to be sure, but to force someone who is not adept at it to speak in front of their entire graduating class is initiation by fire. It is too big a job for the first time. Make sure public speaking is part of his college education. 
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riviera
Member
| Joined: | Tue Jan 30th, 2007 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 103 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 9th, 2008 03:29 pm |
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| I agree and he might regret his decision later on. Teaming up with the sal, who may not be as shy, looks like an excellent solution.
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Just_Me
Member
| Joined: | Mon Mar 6th, 2006 |
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| Posts: | 62 |
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Posted: Wed Apr 9th, 2008 03:32 pm |
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Hello all,
I appreciate all your comments and have relayed them to my son. I like the idea of his introducing the sal....
thanks again!
Just_Me
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