How to write the perfect commencement speech

Seven Top Tips from President Obama’s own speechwriters on how to write the perfect commencement speech. Whether you're working on writing a commencement speech, or getting ready to listen to one, President Obama is considered one of the best to ever do it... but he didn't usually do it alone. We share the seven top tips from the speechwriting experts who drafted remarks for President Obama: 1. Match the energy of the day! 2. Know your audience 3. Say something only you can say 4. Pick one big idea 5. Honor your audience’s accomplishment 6. Tell the truth 7. And (no surprise!) End With Hope Featuring: Cody Keenan, David Litt, Sarada Peri and Terry Szuplat