You have gathered all your research. You know what you need to talk about, the required length and who your audience is. You have created an outline for your introduction and conclusion. Only one problem, you have a giant gaping hole in the middle and you have no idea how to fill it. What you need is a theme.

What is a Theme?

A theme is common thread that links all the points in your essay or speech together. In novels, you can find themes like "love conquers all" and "good things come to those who wait." On their own, themes often seem cliché, but when used as a backdrop for a piece of writing, a theme brings writing to life making it universal. Below is a list of five themes commonly used in middle school graduation speeches.

1. Passage of Time

With this theme, you can discuss the past, the present and the future. Parents and Teachers assist you in learning from and about the past now in the present so that you can make the right choices in the future. Remember to keep your comments about all time periods positive. You parents may not appreciate being called outdated!

2. Life as a Journey

This theme is best understood from stories like Oh! The Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss. Like an explorer, you are discovering new worlds with every new endeavour in life. You audience will sit in awe of any middle school graduation speeches that can reflect this idea in a new way.

3. Rites of Passage

Every culture has them and middle school graduation speeches mark an important one in Western Society. In the same way as starting elementary school closes the door on babyhood and high school graduation pushes a person into adulthood, you are leaving childhood behind and preparing to embark on the next stage in your life.

4. Memories are Forever

Although you don't want to fill your speech with inside jokes and long winded story telling, middle school graduation speeches often revolve around the idea that what I learned while here will carry me through many difficult obstacles in the future.

5. Appreciation

Middle school graduation speeches are best received when the speaker admits that they didn't do it on their own. Thanks can be given to teachers, parents, fellow students or someone else that assisted in your journey.

This list is in no way exhaustive but it is great list to start brainstorming with. Select a theme or combine two different themes to make your speech one of the best middle school graduation speeches your school has ever seen.