text: I see that you're still agonizing over this--I will help---First, you have to have a dynamic opening--I have found a shocking statement that sits everyone straight up in shock followed by a humorous punchline works everytime to start and keep an audience with you all the way thru---for instance--I would like to confess to you all today...that I have cheated my way thru this past year..........but, to redo the whole year just to get out of this speech seems a little harsh.............(or some such twist) it floors an audience and you've got them---------next fill the body of the speech with things they can relate to---what can work here is a brief and gentle journey---past---present--future for the people in attendance-----i.e.----I can remember,seems only yesterday when we started our journey together -------etc----------Then----today as I look out over the familiar faces that soon will be a memory of this time--we are all anxious to meet the challenges--------etc-----------Then ---in just a short time we will be sitting where you our parents are--watching while our children are beginning their new adventures---------etc------------- And then VERY IMPORTANT=====BIG CLOSE=======i.e. On this day in history let it be said ----that the class of --------------set forth upon the world with a vision----to make a difference in this world so torn with strife and hurt---and let it be said that we did not faulter or allow trials or problems or set backs of any kind stand in our way---let them remember us and remember us well for we are the ------------------------of  2006 -------------------HOPE THIS GIVES YOU SUBSTANCE TO WORK WITH---IF I CAN HELP FURTHER--ETAG ME---AND if you use any of this it would be good if you let me know---I will remain curious about it--  meantime---Peace to you bright one-------------;LARRYJ7