On the 11th of May in 2013, George Saunders, an English professor, delivered a commencement speech that challenged human thinking. Saunders was the author of the New York Times best seller "Tenth of December", and a professor at Syracuse University in New York. He delivered a commencement speech to the graduating class of 2013, as well as their families, friends, and the board of directors at Syracuse. The ten-minute speech addressed his biggest regret; "failure of kindness".
Saunders first acknowledged his audience by saying the students were “energetic young people, with all of their best years ahead of them”. He then identified himself as “some old fart, with his best years behind him”. As the students as Syracuse University begin their next journey and move into society as adults, Saunders sparked an idea in their minds involving kindness and how humans can spread it more contagiously. In hope for the graduating class to embody the speech that he was …show more content…
He effetely explained how humans are capable of true and genuine kindness and he gave real life examples to live by. Such as explaining how it is suggested that the older people get, they become less selfish and more kind. His use of non-verbal communication was also present through his appearance and tone of voice. Saunders was well dressed for the occasion and his tone of voice was appropriate and clear. His wish for his audience was to “grow in love” and eventually become replaced with love. George Saunders taught his audience that “success is like a mountain that keeps growing ahead of you as you hike it”. The idea that life isn’t going to get easier, but you will get stronger is one to remember especially in times when it is difficult to be kind. The most important aspect of Saunders delivery was go in the direction of kindness. His commencement speech was engaging and effetely moved his audience in a positive
Saunders first acknowledged his audience by saying the students were “energetic young people, with all of their best years ahead of them”. He then identified himself as “some old fart, with his best years behind him”. As the students as Syracuse University begin their next journey and move into society as adults, Saunders sparked an idea in their minds involving kindness and how humans can spread it more contagiously. In hope for the graduating class to embody the speech that he was …show more content…
He effetely explained how humans are capable of true and genuine kindness and he gave real life examples to live by. Such as explaining how it is suggested that the older people get, they become less selfish and more kind. His use of non-verbal communication was also present through his appearance and tone of voice. Saunders was well dressed for the occasion and his tone of voice was appropriate and clear. His wish for his audience was to “grow in love” and eventually become replaced with love. George Saunders taught his audience that “success is like a mountain that keeps growing ahead of you as you hike it”. The idea that life isn’t going to get easier, but you will get stronger is one to remember especially in times when it is difficult to be kind. The most important aspect of Saunders delivery was go in the direction of kindness. His commencement speech was engaging and effetely moved his audience in a positive