text: what is the most important thing in a valadictorian speech? i have been chosen as class valadictorian and having trouble right my speech...ny ideas to wt is enssential in it? 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