Sunday, May 20, 2007

MESSAGE #48 - MY 99-WORD GRADUATION SPEECH

The biggest mistake almost every commencement speaker makes is talking too much.

Someone once said that if you want to give a great speech, you need to do three things:

#1. Be sincere.
#2. Be brief.
#3. Be seated.

I’m going to follow that advice. Here’s my graduation speech in just 99 words!

After you graduate, whether you’re going to continue your schooling, or you’re going to go into business, or education, or medicine, or into the service – here are 99 words of timeless wisdom:

Show up.
Pay attention.
Ask questions.
Less talk.
More action.
Help others.
Keep smiling.
Remember birthdays.
Be prepared.
Work hard.
Work smart.
Play hard.
Buckle up.
Be kind.
Keep learning.
Call home.
Avoid addictions.
Take risks.
Be careful.
Work out.
Don’t cheat.
Spend less.
Save more.
Laugh more.
Worry less.
Be patient.
Take breaks.
“Know thyself.”
Stay curious.
Stop whining.
Say, “Thanks.”
Be trustworthy.
Trust others.
Accept challenges.
Challenge assumptions.
Don’t smoke.
Be punctual.
Eat healthy.
Listen carefully.
Plan ahead.
Correct mistakes.
Avoid perfectionism.
Stay focused.
Follow through.
Make memories.
Inspire others.
No excuses.
Don’t procrastinate.
Don’t quit.
Love.

I’d appreciate your additions and deletions.

Call Success Hotline today at (973) 743-4690 to hear about one of the greatest strengths you possess ...


Rob Gilbert