Imagine that you have been asked to speak at your university’s commencement ceremony as the representative of the graduating class. Discuss the factors that should go into your consideration about the best style of presentation for this event, and indicate what style you would select and why, based on material from the text.

What will be an ideal response?

Answers should center on the style that is most appropriate to this situation.
Commencement is generally a formal situation calling for a more grand style, though there is an
argument to be made that a middle (or elevated-middle) style could work to the advantage of a
speaker who is a student and perhaps more plain spoken. Also, students should indicate how
their own personal style might constrain their choice and help them discover an appropriate style.