25. Speech Breakdown: Ellen DeGeneres' Commencement Speech at Tulane University
Oct 15, 2019
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Ellen DeGeneres, a beloved comedian and talk show host, brings her signature humor and relatability to her 2009 commencement speech at Tulane University. By masterfully engaging her audience, she transforms common themes into enjoyable stories. The hosts explore how her careful preparation fosters authenticity and connection. They highlight the balance of humor and serious themes, the importance of addressing the audience personally, and the lessons of resilience and hope that resonate with graduates embarking on new journeys.
Ellen DeGeneres masterfully combines humor and personal anecdotes to create a relatable and engaging commencement speech for graduates.
The importance of authenticity is highlighted as Ellen emphasizes that true success is defined by staying true to oneself and personal fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Art of Commencement Speeches
Commencement speeches are vital opportunities for speakers to inspire and motivate graduates entering a new phase in their lives. The speakers often share personal anecdotes, making their messages more relatable and impactful. The podcast highlights the unique challenges of breaking down longer speeches, focusing on Ellen DeGeneres' 2009 address at Tulane University as a more manageable example. Notably, the hosts emphasize the importance of engaging content and humor in a speech, which can captivate the audience and leave a lasting impression.
Ellen's Authenticity and Humor
Ellen DeGeneres' commencement speech is characterized by her genuine authenticity and humor, which resonate with the audience. She opens with a witty acknowledgment of the audience and utilizes self-deprecating humor to connect with graduates. By sharing relatable stories about her past, including her struggles and achievements, she effectively illustrates the message that success comes in many forms. This approach not only entertains but also reinforces the notion that personal experiences shape one's journey and can hold valuable lessons.
Redefining Success
Throughout her speech, Ellen emphasizes the evolving definition of success, suggesting it extends beyond fame and fortune. She shares her journey from feeling lost to discovering her true self, encouraging graduates to embrace their paths even if they feel uncertain. By invoking personal narratives of overcoming adversity, including the challenges following her coming out, she illustrates the importance of staying true to oneself. Ultimately, her message conveys that fulfillment comes from authenticity and compassion rather than societal expectations of success.
For episode twenty five of The Presentation Boss Podcast, it's time for another speech breakdown. Kate and Thomas are experienced not only as speakers, but as presentation coaches. They love finding the strengths and weaknesses in a presentation and explaining why they work or why they'd make a recommendation. Today we picked something off our list that neither of us had seen before, but looked promising. Listen along with us for the first time and hear our first impressions of this talk.
There are many commencement speeches available online, but we chose this one both because it's a little shorter and also Kate likes Ellen DeGeneres. Thomas has just been ignorant to her career. There's a lot to love about this talk and plenty of jokes that catch them laughing out loud. Plus a moment of embarrassment for Thomas. Have a listen for beautiful expression of personality, brilliant preparation and rehearsal, and a nice audience focus.
What You'll Learn
• A way of working with protocol and acknowledging guests with personality
• How careful rehearsal and preparation results in an authentic, conversational presentation
• Using minimalist storytelling to be relatable to your audience
• How telling your audience what their perspective is proves you understand them
• The risk of having too much humour in the wrong place of a presentation
• The importance of speaking to your audience as individuals.
Mentioned In The Show
• Ellen DeGeneres' Commencement Speech at Tulane University in 2009: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e8ToRVOtRo&feature=youtu.be&t=95
Resources and Links
• Email us! podcast@presentationboss.com.au
• The Presentation Boss Podcast: https://presentationboss.com.au/podcast/
• Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-norris/
• Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-krafft/
• Presentation Boss on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/presentation-boss
• Presentation Boss on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/presentationboss/
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