There are few rites in life as brief and significant as high school graduation.

Its the turning point from childhood to adulthood, where the future abruptly becomes the present and lasting life decisions start coming in waves. The graduate is venturing out into the world, trying to develop an identity while not shedding too much of the past. Then theres college, work, bills, loans, relationships everything amplified with a new sense of adult importance.

And on top of all that, everyone whos been there before thinks its the perfect time to hand down wisdom from their years of experience.

But remember, oh wise sages, that graduates have probably heard every cliche and inspirational quote by the time they cross the podium. While they may be nodding their heads and smiling as you impart your wisdom, it may just be an act theyve developed over the countless sit-downs and heart-to-hearts over the past few months.

So heres some advice to all of those tempted to offer more advice:

Make it personal. Share your failures, the things you werent expecting and the advice you wish you were given. A list of the things that made you the pillar in society that you are today will lose your audience quicker than the beep of a text message.

Speaking of a text message, if you do want to share an old axiom or tried-and-true principle, keep it short. If you coat a nugget of wisdom in a long speech on your world view, its going to get lost.

Its one of the biggest cliches of all, but actions speak louder than words. The way you live your life will have a far greater impact than the words you muster on graduation day. Whether a parent, grandparent, relative or friend, live by the words you would pass on. Its not always going to be perfect, but theyll follow your example far closer than your advice.

Because its so hard to resist this time of year, we succumb to temptation and offer a few thoughts of our own for the Class of 2013. And well try to follow our own advice.

The only way to learn is to ask questions and be receptive to new ideas. That doesnt mean every new idea is a good one, but its a great mental exercise to figure out why not.

Books, magazines and, ahem, newspapers are great sources of information and ideas that you will both agree and disagree with.

The Internet, though immense and immersive, isnt always a great place to learn. It can be a place to reaffirm the things you already think and distract yourself with daily trivia, but often doesnt give you a firm block to sharpen your mind.

And, dont forget, when youre listening to advice always remember to smile and nod.