Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien gave a commencement speech at Stuyvesant High School for the graduating class of 2006. O’Brien gave the graduates an inspiring speech concerning not only their future as college students, but life as well. However, he still kept the speech humorous with his fast wit. Throughout the speech, Conan O’Brien uses the comedic elements, sarcasm and irony to get his point across. Sarcasm is a type of verbal irony, in which praise is used tauntingly to indicate its opposite meaning. Irony is when what is expected does not occur. The overall message of Conan O’Brien’s speech is to take a chance and do what makes you happy. Pursue a career in something that genuinely interests you, even if it’s not common/acceptable.
