Harvard University 2011 Class Day Speech by Amy Poehler | Summary and Q&A

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares their thoughts and advice with the graduating class. They talk about the importance of collaboration, the impact of being part of a group, and the need to be kind to others. They also touch on their own experiences in the entertainment industry and the lessons they've learned along the way.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is collaboration important?

Collaboration is important because other people's ideas are often better than your own. By working with a group of people who challenge and inspire you, you can learn and grow in ways you wouldn't be able to on your own.

Q: What do movies have to do with real life?

According to the speaker, every single thing you see in movies is real. While this statement may be exaggerated, it emphasizes the idea that movies can have a powerful influence on our perception of the world and can shape our understanding of reality.

Q: How did the speaker learn about improvisation?

The speaker studied improvisation in Chicago in the early 1990s. There, they learned some rules that they still try to apply today, such as listening, saying yes, living in the moment, and playing with people who have your back.

Q: How did the speaker feel when performing on live television?

The speaker shares a story about performing on live television, wearing a chicken suit, with Donald Trump as the host. Despite feeling nervous, looking into the eyes of the host made them feel better, as they realized he looked stupid.

Q: Why should we look at people's faces?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of putting our smartphones down and looking at people's faces. People's faces can tell us amazing things, like if they are angry, nauseous, or asleep. By paying attention to facial expressions, we can gain a deeper understanding of others.

Q: What advice does the speaker give to the graduating class?

The speaker encourages the graduating class to take risks, keep their minds open to possibilities, and continue to share their hearts with others. They also advise the students to be kinder to their parents, who have sacrificed a lot for them.

Q: Why is it important to be part of a group?

Being part of a group can provide support, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. Success and failure become more meaningful when shared with others, and having someone to blame when things go wrong can alleviate some of the pressure.

Q: What does the speaker say about fear and flexibility?

The speaker suggests that as people grow older, they often become more fearful and less flexible. They highlight the importance of continuing to take risks and keeping an open mind, as this can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.

Q: What does the speaker say about parents?

The speaker urges the graduating class to be kinder to their parents, as they have made sacrifices for them. They encourage the students to smile and take pictures with their parents' weird cousins, as a way of showing gratitude.

Q: What final message does the speaker have for the graduating class?

The speaker encourages the graduates to hold someone's hand when they feel scared and to do the same when they feel brave. They express their belief in the students' intelligence and bravery, and wish them love, light, joy, and laughter as they enter the world.

Takeaways

The speaker emphasizes the importance of collaboration, the impact of being part of a group, and the need to be kind to others. They share personal experiences and lessons learned in the entertainment industry, and encourage the graduating class to take risks, keep their minds open, and continue to share their hearts with others. The speaker also urges the students to be kinder to their parents and to remember to hold someone's hand when feeling scared.