Politicians, CEOs, actors, comedians, and others are taking flight to speak at colleges throughout the States. A partial list of 2012 speakers is at Graduation Wisdom, a site that also lists one view of the "Top Ten Speeches" from years past.

President Obama delivered the commencement speech at Barnard College today. Of course, he focused on equality for women, encouraging the 600 Barnard graduates to "fight for a seat at the head of the table."

Mitt Romney, the President's likely Republican competitor, delivered the commencement speech at Liberty University. Romney's conservative views, according to the Huffington Post, were "well received at the Christian university."

Discussion Starters:

• Compare these two speeches. Other than the political messages, how do you assess the delivery of each? Which do you think is more effective?
• What do you expect from a commencement speech? Who is delivering the speech at your university this year?