Graduation Speeches Riddled With Sports Cliches

Game On: Over the next few weeks, grads will be hearing all kinds of sports cliches in commencement speeches.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010 1:39 GMT

According to psychologist Dr. Don Powell, author of Best Sports Cliches Ever! (Sports Cliches Press), graduations are a hotbed for motivational sports cliches because everyone can relate to the meaningful, memorable metaphors.

Powell – aka “Dr. Cliche” – says the average graduation speech contains at least five to seven well- known sports cliches meant to inspire grads to tackle that next stage of their lives.

The most commonly used phrases at commencement ceremonies include “raise the bar,” “bring your A-game,” “carry the torch,” and “step up to the plate.”

Powell believes speakers use the cliches without thinking twice because they’re such a big part of our daily vocabulary.

In fact, he’s found that half of everyday conversations involve sports cliches. They’re also heavily prevalent in wedding speeches, political debates, and at business conferences.