Graduation Keynotes: Speakers who Inspire the Class of 2025
As commencement season approaches, schools and universities are gearing up to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025. Beyond the traditional ceremonies, what truly resonates with graduates are the words they hear from keynote speakers. At VaynerSpeakers, we represent leading voices who deliver powerful and memorable commencement speeches that combine inspiration, strategy, and practical advice. Why Commencement Keynotes Matter A memorable commencement speech does more than mark the occasion—it sparks momentum. The right speaker goes beyond to deliver insight, challenge assumptions, and leave graduates with a lasting sense of purpose. A powerful keynote sets the tone for what’s next—and stays with students long after the diplomas are handed out. VaynerSpeakers Who Inspire the Class of 2025 Matt Higgins A self-made entrepreneur and investor on Shark Tank, Matt Higgins has an inspiring story of resilience. Matt’s recent commencement speech struck a chord with audiences. He encouraged graduates to shift their mindset and ask, ‘Why not me?’ Instead of feeling like a victim of their circumstances, he challenged them to believe they are prepared, capable, and ready for whatever comes their way. His message is honest, empowering, and perfect for schools that want to inspire confidence and self-belief in their graduates. Ryan Holiday Bestselling author of The Obstacle Is the Way and Discipline Is Destiny, Ryan Holiday shares timeless Stoic wisdom on resilience and discipline, ideal for graduates preparing for an unpredictable future. Donald Miller Known for his storytelling expertise, Donald Miller challenges graduates to live with intention. He helps students craft purposeful lives beyond just their resumes, guiding them to see their personal stories as a mission. Gary Vaynerchuk Serial entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerMedia, Gary Vee brings unmatched candor and actionable advice to every stage. His commencement-style messages cut through the noise, teaching students how to bet on their strengths, embrace failure, and stay future-focused. Kerri Walsh Jennings Three-time Olympic gold medalist and beach volleyball legend, Kerri inspires with stories of perseverance, mindset, and personal growth. Her journey resonates deeply with students striving for excellence—in sports, school, or life. Ready to Book Your Graduation Keynote? Make the Class of 2025’s commencement unforgettable with a speaker who delivers impactful, motivational, and transformative messages. From personal stories to leadership insights, our speakers provide powerful keynotes that will resonate long after the ceremony ends. Spots for spring events are filling up quickly—contact us to secure yours today!
AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Spotlight: Why Swan Sit Is the Voice Your Audience Needs
A Visionary AAPI Speaker for Your Next Event Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the history, contributions, and leadership of the AAPI community. If you’re looking to bring an inspiring AAPI heritage month speaker to your celebration or corporate event, Swan Sit offers a powerful blend of innovation, representation, and insight. Who Is Swan Sit? A Trailblazer in Digital Innovation and Brand Strategy Swan Sit is a globally recognized digital strategist and business leader who has driven transformation at some of the world’s most iconic brands. She has held executive roles including: Swan Sit is a contemporary operator at the intersection of corporate economics, digital transformation, and consumer attention—one of the few marketers equally fluent in left-brain analytics and right-brain creativity. With a dynamic career spanning Fortune 500 brands, early-stage startups, and board leadership, Swan is helping define what modern business leadership looks like. Her work has been recognized with Brand Innovators 40 Under 40, Marketing Women to Watch, and top honors at the Glossy Awards including Best Social Campaign and Best in Show. Today, Swan advises emerging companies and top executives, leveraging her career experience to share insights with her 3M+ Clubhouse followers and audiences around the globe. She’s spoken at global conferences, contributed to philanthropic causes, and served on advisory boards including AdWeek’s Diversity Council, Women in Retail, and the Impact Network. Why Book Swan Sit? Swan Sit’s keynotes go beyond business strategies. She brings authentic storytelling, executive insight, and a deeply inclusive perspective that resonates across industries and audiences. Your attendees will walk away with: Whether you’re hosting executives, marketers, creatives, or students, Swan delivers a message that is relevant, impactful, and motivating. Book Swan Sit as Your AAPI Heritage Month Speaker Celebrate the innovation and leadership of the AAPI community by bringing Swan Sit to your next event. Whether you’re organizing a corporate DEI initiative, marketing summit, leadership conference, or university program, Swan delivers a keynote that educates, energizes, and empowers. Contact us today to book Swan Sit and make your AAPI Heritage Month programming unforgettable.
How to Leverage Social Media to Build Your Speaking Career
Where to show up, what to share, and how to get noticed as a speaker online. In today’s digital world, your stage isn’t just the one with a spotlight—it’s also the one in your pocket. Whether you’re a seasoned keynote speaker or just starting out, mastering social media for public speakers can be a game-changer for visibility, credibility, and bookings. At VaynerSpeakers, we’ve seen firsthand how the right online presence can open doors to stages around the world. Here’s how to do it right. How to Market Yourself as a Speaker on Social Media Wondering how to market yourself as a speaker without sounding like you’re constantly selling? It starts with clarifying your brand and message. What do you want to be known for? What kind of events do you want to speak at? Then, use social media to: Remember, you’re not just promoting—you’re building trust and creating familiarity. Best Platforms for Keynote Speakers Not all platforms are created equal, especially when it comes to building a speaker brand online. Here’s where we recommend focusing: The best platforms for keynote speakers will depend on your audience, but these three offer a solid foundation. Social Media Content Ideas for Speakers One of the biggest challenges speakers face is: “What should I post?” Here are some tried-and-true social media content ideas for speakers: Pro tip: Don’t aim for perfection. Consistency and authenticity will take you further than a polished video once every three months. Building a Speaker Brand Online That Gets Booked You’re not just a speaker—you’re a brand. And building a speaker brand online means being intentional about what you stand for, how you show up, and who you’re speaking to. Many of our speakers use social media to extend their presence beyond the stage. They share their values, highlight their expertise, and make it easy for event organizers to imagine them at their next event. Ask yourself: If not—start small, stay consistent, and don’t underestimate the compound power of showing up. Looking to build your speaking career and get noticed by top event organizers? At VaynerSpeakers, we help speakers grow their brand, sharpen their presence, and book meaningful stages. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your growth.
The Role of Storytelling in Captivating Your Audience
Why stories are the secret weapon of great speakers—and how to use them effectively. Whether you’re delivering a keynote address, leading a workshop, or speaking on a panel, one skill consistently separates good speakers from unforgettable ones: storytelling. The power of storytelling in public speaking isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a proven way to connect, inspire, and leave a lasting impression. Why Stories Make Speeches Memorable People might forget your bullet points, but they’ll remember how your story made them feel. Stories tap into our emotions, stimulate our imagination, and make complex ideas easier to understand. Neurologically, they activate more areas of the brain than facts alone—meaning your message sticks. This is why stories make speeches memorable: they create a shared experience between you and your audience. Instead of just delivering information, you’re inviting listeners into a moment, a lesson, or a transformation. How to Engage an Audience with Storytelling If you’ve ever wondered how to engage an audience with storytelling, the key is relevance. A great story doesn’t just entertain—it aligns with your message. Here’s how to keep your audience hooked: Engaging storytelling also means reading the room—pace your delivery, use pauses for impact, and be expressive in tone and body language. Storytelling Techniques for Speakers Want to strengthen your storytelling? Try these storytelling techniques for speakers: Using Personal Stories in Speeches One of the most effective ways to create authenticity is using personal stories in speeches. They show vulnerability, build trust, and make your message uniquely yours. Whether it’s a success, a failure, or a moment of unexpected insight, personal stories humanize your content. Many of our speakers use personal stories to spark emotion and drive impact. Before sharing your own, ask: Final Thought Mastering the power of storytelling in public speaking isn’t about becoming a novelist—it’s about being intentional. Stories are how we make sense of the world. As a speaker, they’re also how you become memorable, influential, and deeply connected to your audience. Looking for a master storyteller for your next event? VaynerSpeakers represents a dynamic roster of storytellers who know how to move an audience. Get in touch to find the right speaker for your stage.
