Apply to be a Student Orator and share your experiences, thank your supporters and deliver a speech at your graduation ceremony.
Application deadline has been extended to Friday 20 October
What is Student Oration?
At each graduation ceremony there will be an opportunity for a graduating student to deliver a speech to their fellow graduands, guests and the academic staff.
This is an opportunity for graduands to share their experiences and thank those who have supported them during their time at Royal Holloway.
The speech should last 4-5 minutes (approximately 350-700 words).
Each Student Orator will receive VIP seats for their guests.
Application timeline
Applications open week commencing 2 October.
- Stage 1: Submit your application form by 11:59pm (GMT) on Friday 20 October
- Stage 2: Submit a short video of you speaking by 12pm (GMT) on Monday 13 November.
- Successful Candidates informed by Friday 17 November.
Complete an application form sharing why you would like to deliver the student speech at your ceremony (maximum 200 words).
Complete the application form here before 11.59pm on Monday 16 October to be considered.
Once you have completed Stage One, please create a 1–2 minute video of you talking to camera. The focus of the video should be an experience at Royal Holloway that has been transformational.
For example:
- A turning point in your academic studies
- A positive memory of an extra-curricular activity
- A social experience with students from different backgrounds.
In your video, please make sure to reflect on how that experience enabled you to learn.
The video must be uploaded on to Panopto by 12pm on Monday 13 November.
More information on how to upload your video will be sent to all students who have completed stage one, week commencing 16 Octoberwhere we will share further guidance on how to prepare for the video.
Once submitted, both the content of your video and your communication skills will be evaluated. We are looking for speakers who can:
- Convey a positive message about their experience at Royal Holloway that is uplifting, inclusive and thought-provoking
- Communicate in an engaging way and demonstrate varied pitch and pace
The Student Orator speech should be uplifting and celebratory to fit the occasion. Please ensure that your speech is inclusive, engaging, and relevant.
For guidance on how to prepare for Stage Two, please go this Moodle page (coming soon) where you can find a range of advice and support.
Next steps for successful candidates
All successful students will be contacted by email, by Friday 17 November.
We will ask sucessful candidates to send their final speech to graduation-ceremonies@RHUL.ac.uk.
Please ensure you are free for a one hour briefing session via MS Teams - this session will take place between 3-3.30pm 23 November. This session will cover what to expect on the day and provide you with an opportunity to ask any questions.
Be inspired by our Student Orator alumni
You can watch our Summer 2023 ceremonies here.
The Student Orators speach is towards the end of each ceremony.