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Post by lola on May 1, 2012 18:35:07 GMT
My sophomore daughter's speech prof assigned this, on at least one "best ever" list, to prepare them for a special occasion speech. To me, beautiful:
David Foster Wallace at Kenyon ( total 18 min)
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Post by lola on May 2, 2012 13:45:59 GMT
Here's another beautiful one, by J.K. Rowling at Harvard.
"Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathise with humans whose experiences we have never shared."
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Post by Deleted on May 3, 2012 21:28:46 GMT
The second part of the Kenyon speech made it come much more alive.
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Post by lola on May 31, 2012 2:33:29 GMT
Fareed Zakaria's point is that the world today is more peaceful and prosperous than ever before. Heartening to hear optimistic message.
We drove up this weekend to my daughter's graduation in MN. I loved it all except the commencement speakers, who would have been just bearable on a beautiful day, but were very much not in 96 degree afternoon sun. I'm sending this link to my daughters as a replacement for the string of platitudes on Sunday.
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Post by nycgirl on Jun 3, 2012 18:35:16 GMT
I'm debating whether or not I want to walk when I get my BA, and the possibility of a boring commencement speech is one reason why I hesitate. I'll be 32, the Hallmark card slogans won't do it for me.
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Post by lola on Jun 3, 2012 19:02:59 GMT
No, go! There's such a range of quality.
I loved my College of Santa Fe commencement speaker. The Jesuit President of Georgetown U, a nice Irish name I can't remember now. His theme was whether to pursue the Apollonian (high minded) or the Dionysian mode of life. He came out in favor of the Dionysian. He was adorable.
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Post by lola on Jun 3, 2012 19:08:42 GMT
Or look up Will Ferrell's Harvard address on youtube and make him your own.
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Post by Don Cuevas on Jun 4, 2012 12:15:08 GMT
Long intro, but a great speech by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs.
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Post by lola on Jun 4, 2012 16:59:44 GMT
Except for Will Ferrell's, where you want the visuals, best strategy is to listen while washing dishes or some such. I'll check Jobs after work.
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