The cashier's commencement speech

This May, at its commencement, Hampshire College featured a staff member as speaker. Roberta Tudryn, the cashier in the college's dining hall, gave a commencement address unlike any I've heard. It's refreshingly short, sweet, and evocative as she describes the students she saw and talked to every day on campus. This speaker knew every graduate--something those marquee commencement speakers can't match--and her genuine emotion and unique perspective come through clearly.

You can read the text of Tudryn's commencement speech here, but do watch the video. If you're organizing an event, think about including a speaker like this one, with a one-of-a-kind view of your work, product or issue. It's a powerful way to share a high-impact, memorable experience for your audience.




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