ENGLISH SPEECH | MAYA RUDOLPH: Say Yes (English Subtitles)

TL;DR

The speaker gives a funny and inspiring commencement speech, urging graduates to work hard, be adventurous, and put down their phones.

Transcript

Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t  know what you’re going to do tomorrow. But work hard and don’t be lazy. And put  away your damn phone once in a while. Wow. I was not expecting that green envy. You just blew my mind. I am so honored. You can make me cry and I'm supposed to be funny. This is just going to be interesting. Well, well, well, here w... Read More

Key Insights

• 😯 The speech incorporates humor to engage the audience and deliver a memorable commencement address.
• 💦 The speaker encourages graduates to embrace uncertainty and work hard towards their goals.
• 💨 The importance of being present and putting away distractions, such as phones, is highlighted.
• 🔇 The speaker emphasizes the significance of supporting one another and being compassionate towards others.
• 🤩 Self-reflection and acknowledging personal growth are key themes in the speech.
• 🥹 The graduates are reminded to appreciate their accomplishments and hold onto their dreams.
• 🔇 The speaker shares personal anecdotes to connect with the audience and inspire them.

Questions & Answers

Q: What did the speaker emphasize as important for the graduates?

The speaker emphasized the importance of hard work, avoiding laziness, and finding balance by putting away their phones occasionally.

Q: What was the speaker's advice to their 21-year-old self?

The speaker advised their younger self to say yes, be adventurous, and admit their dreams. They also joked about taking bikini photos before the body changes after childbirth.

Q: What rule did the speaker learn from studying improvisation?

The speaker learned the rule of "Yes And," which means accepting and building on others' ideas, rather than negating them.

Q: What significant advice did the speaker give to the graduates?

The speaker advised the graduates to create their own destiny, hold on to old friends, express their dreams, work hard, and be nice to others.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker acknowledges the honor of being invited to speak at the graduation ceremony and jokes about being naked under the robe.

• They highlight the endless possibilities that lie ahead for the graduates, except for those burdened with student loan debt.

• The speaker shares their personal journey of uncertainty after college and encourages the graduates to say yes, work hard, and be present in their lives.