Roger Federer Commencement Speech - Dartmouth 2024

Introduction

• Greeting to Class of 2024
• Expresses excitement about receiving honorary doctorate
• Acknowledges President, Board of Trustees, and faculty
• Shares personal anecdote about limited experience on college campuses

Personal Background

• Mention of his usual comfort zone, typically wearing shorts for 35 years
• Early speech experience at age 17, nervousness even then
• Jokes about joining in Dartmouth's tradition of beer pong

Experience at Dartmouth

• Enjoyed time at Dartmouth: playing tennis, visiting library, trying local food
• Mentions Tony G (class of 93 and business partner) and his daughter in class of 2024
• Affection for Dartmouth community and color green
• Respect for graduates' hard work and parents' support

Reflection on Career Transition

• Retired from tennis, relates to graduates' uncertainty about future
• Emphasis on the challenges of retirement and new beginnings
• Comparison between his transition and graduates' upcoming journey

Key Lessons Shared

Lesson 1: Effortless is a Myth

• Hard work required to make something look effortless
• Importance of mental discipline and continuous improvement
• Example from his career: criticism leading to harder training
• Effortless appearance often results from hard work behind the scenes
• Comparison to students working hard at Dartmouth
• Belief in oneself must be earned through hard work

Lesson 2: It's Only a Point

• Acceptance of loss as part of the journey
• Reflection on 2008 Wimbledon final loss to Nadal
• Emphasis on the importance of resilience
• Learning to focus on the next point rather than dwelling on past mistakes
• Key to success is overcoming difficult moments and being relentless

Lesson 3: Life is Bigger Than the Court

• Tennis court analogy to life: small space but a bigger world awaits
• Importance of having a life beyond one's professional career
• Insights from his philanthropic work in education in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Encouragement for graduates to contribute to missions larger than themselves

Closing Remarks

• Encourages graduates to cherish personal and community relationships
• Advice to keep making new friends and embracing Dartmouth community
• Final motivational message: strive for excellence, be kind, have fun
• Gratitude for honorary degree and memorable experience at Dartmouth
• Encouragement to meet in the future and recall this special day

Final Lesson: Tennis Technique as Metaphor for Life

• Practical advice on tennis grip as a metaphor for life technique
• Focus on fundamentals: footwork, grip, and follow-through

Note: Speech emphasizes hard work, resilience, and making a positive impact beyond personal achievements. Utilizes personal anecdotes, humor, and motivational advice tailored to graduating students.