Northern Marianas College invites graduating students from the Class of 2022 to apply to be the student speaker at this year's commencement ceremony. It is an honor to be selected as the Student Speaker to present the student commencement address - to represent their graduating class, faculty members who have nurtured their academic growth, and staff who have provided support and guidance throughout their college career.

All associate's and bachelor's degree candidates are eligible to audition. This semester, one student speaker will be selected. Once selected, the speaker will be required to attend a coaching session with a faculty member in preparation for commencement.

Students will have 3-5 minutes to audition in front of a selection committee. This translates to approximately 400 - 650 words or 2-3 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt).

Registration deadline is on Monday, April 11th at 11:59pm. Auditions will be held the following week or as scheduled. Your audition date and time will be provided once registration has closed.

Selection Process

A selection committee will review all entries and select TWO students to deliver the Student Speaker commencement address (ONE student graduating with an associate's degree and ONE student graduating with a bachelor's degree). The committee will inform the candidates of their decision no later than one week after auditions have been completed.

Below are some tips to help prepare and deliver your speech:

About the content:

· There should be a well-organized and clear message.
· The speech should convey a message of inspiration and encouragement. Avoid the use of clichés.
· You should have something relevant and significant to say to the student body and attendees.
· The speech should be appropriate for graduation. The speech should be respectful of all attendees and be congratulatory in nature.
· While your idea might be about yourself, be sure to make it relevant to the audience - other graduates and their families. You can speak about yourself, but remember this is not about you, it is about the whole class. The content should be easily understood by those inside and outside the College.
· The speech should have a memorable conclusion.

About the delivery:

· You should connect with the audience – establish a relationship, make eye contact, have stage presence.
· The speech should be coherent and you should use appropriate volume and pacing.
· Show energy and personality.
· Use gestures and vary your tone.
· Deliver your speech within the specified time (3-5 minutes).

About nervousness:

· Everyone is nervous
· No one will know unless you tell them – verbally or non-verbally
· Be confident
· Know well what you want to say – organize it
· Present in an orderly fashion


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