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How to Write a Pageant Farewell Speech

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This article unfortunately has a melancholy tone. The farewell speech signifies the end of a fun-filled year of service. There are tears, goodbyes, and a lot of “thank you shout outs,” but there is a lot more to consider than just what pictures to use on your slideshow.

Miss Universe 2017 Demi-Leigh Nel-Peters during her farewell walk. Photo: Miss Universe Organization

The Tough Truth to Swallow

There are a few truths that are hard to take when it comes to the farewell speech. First, you are coming to the end of your reign and you are no longer Miss “ . ” The second, and I know it hurts but it has to be said, you are the only one who cares.

Q: “What? I am the only one who cares, what are you talking about?”

A: The farewell speech marks a milestone for the queen and her family, however the audience was not along for the ride. They are anticipating the crowning of the new queen. Frankly, from an audience members perspective, we could care less. That is not to say that we do not appreciate your service, we do, but we cannot truly grasp your experience because we were not there to witness each triumph and accomplishment.

It is much like when a friend is raving about a TV show that they like to watch, but you’re unfamiliar with. You tend to tune out because you are not affected by this dialogue and it does not concern you. As unfortunate and heartless as that may sound, this is the way we operate. Therefore, you must bear this in mind when creating your speech and be considerate of those listening to it.

I Hope You Have Taken A lot of Pictures…

Now that we have that out of the way, we can discuss the particulars of your speech. It is likely that your director will give you some sort of criteria. You may or may not be given a time limit. Though referring back to our heart-to-heart conversation, you want to keep the speech relatively short out of respect for the audience members. The rule of thumb for the length of a farewell speech is two minutes. I know it is difficult to include everything from your year into this small window, but the trick is to generalize. Highlight two or three major events from your reign and elaborate. Also, if you want to get really crafty, attempt to correspond your speech with the pictures on the highlighted events. The pictures that you include should linger on the screen for anywhere from four to five seconds. This still gives you enough time for what I like to call “thank you shout outs.”

“Thank You Shout Outs”

This is a very delicate and important part in your farewell speech. There are countless people who have assisted you in your pageant journey. There were your parents, your friends, your director, your school, your church, and so many more. It can be hard fitting all of those people into your two minute window when it has already gotten squeezed by your events. Have no fear though, there is a simple solution. First, thank those who were with you throughout the entire year. This will likely include your family, your director, and possibly your friend or boyfriend. Thank them for their unwavering dedication and support. Next, include those of lesser involvement but not necessarily importance. This group may include your friends, your school, and/or your major pageant sponsors (always thank them somehow).

Lastly, thank those who you met along the way. This may include other titleholders, other directors or just a passerby who gave you a kind word. They can be included with a sentence like this: “Thank you to all of the incredible people who I met on this great journey for your monetary support, encouragement, and love.” Farewell speeches bring a flood of emotions and sometimes tears (I would opt for waterproof mascara if I were you).

The important thing to remember is the wonderful memories and friends you made. Congratulations on a successful reign and giving back to your community. Thank you for your service! And always remember pageant girl, Keep your Heels, Head, and Standards HIGH!

Pageant Farewell Speech Template

Need extra help? See my example below. This is merely a template and model that you can use to build your very own tear-jerking farewell speech. Likewise, please use your own events in order to make this a speech to remember. Enjoy! Farewell Speech Example (Highlight the link and right click to open link in new tab. That should open the link in a new Word document.)

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How to Write an Inspiring Farewell Speech: Step-By-Step

Updated 06/7/2022

Published 05/14/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

Follow these steps to write an inspiring farewell speech and read a few examples to help you get started.

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

There are many times in our lives when we have to say goodbye to the people we care about. We may retire or switch jobs. We may move away or graduate. We may even die. If you’re leaving a place or situation, you may be asked to give a farewell speech.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Step 1: determine your audience, step 2: figure out what you want to say, step 3: make an outline, step 4: be personal, step 5: don’t speak for too long, step 6: practice makes perfect, sample farewell speeches.

This can be nerve-wracking for people who aren’t experienced in writing speeches or speaking in public. You may be tempted to just read a farewell poem and call it a day. But even a novice writer can craft an inspiring farewell speech.

Here, we’ll break down how to write one step-by-step and also provide examples of farewell speeches from several different occasions.

Giving a farewell speech determine your audience image

Knowing who you’re speaking to will determine the tone of your speech. If you’re giving a retirement speech or saying goodbye to a co-worker, you’ll want to be slightly more formal. It’s definitely not the right place to engage in risqué humor.

If you’re a valedictorian speaking to your classmates, strive for an uplifting and inspirational tone. If you’re eulogizing yourself at a living funeral, you can be more irreverent than you might be eulogizing someone else. Give thought to the appropriate tone for the occasion and go on from there.

Even professional writers and public speakers can’t just whip up a speech in one draft. Before you start writing, take some time to jot down some ideas.

Are there particular stories you want to share about your time with the people you’re speaking to? Make a note of them. Are there specific anecdotes about coworkers or friends you want to revisit? Write those down, too. Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to say, you’ll find it a lot easier to begin writing.

Once you’ve figured out what you want to say, it’s time to write up an outline. A speech should include the following components:

Introduction: This will set the tone for the rest of your speech. A good introduction will grab people’s attention and keep it on you. A good introduction will include a greeting to the audience. It may also contain an icebreaker like a joke to loosen up the crowd. Finally, it will let people know the purpose of the speech.
Body: This is the meat of your speech. In the body, you can delve into the stories and anecdotes you wrote down in your brainstorming session. You will likely be talking about a few different events, so make sure to include transitions between events.
Conclusion: Finally, you’ll need to wrap up your speech. Most conclusions will summarize things you’ve already covered. For a farewell speech, you may want to end on a poignant note, even if the rest of your speech has been fairly lighthearted. This lends it emotional resonance.

Giving a farewell speech be personal image

You may want to make your speech feel perfect and polished. The problem with that is that a perfectly polished speech can end up feeling a little generic.

It’s important to infuse your speech with personal and specific stories. This will help your audience feel more connected to what you’re saying.

Once you’ve completed your speech, it’s time to edit it down. People may start to tune you out if you go on for too long. Even if your introduction is attention-grabbing, it won’t keep people engaged indefinitely. Five minutes is an appropriate length for more casual speeches. For a more formal farewell speech, you could speak for up to ten minutes. This might apply to a valedictorian speech at graduation or a retirement dinner for an important company figure.

Ultimately, you need to use your best judgment. Read your speech out loud, being sure to speak slowly and clearly enough to be understood. Factor in pauses for laughter during humorous moments. If your speech is too long, then go through and trim out any unnecessary parts. This will ensure your speech is as strong and memorable as possible.

You may think that once your speech is written, you’re all done. But there’s still one more important step. You need to be comfortable delivering your speech. This means practicing it as many times as it takes.

A lot of people will rush through speeches if they feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of a crowd. Practicing it at the correct speed will help ensure you don’t speak too fast on the actual day of a farewell event. It’s almost like muscle memory. As you practice, you can even note spots where you need to breathe or take a sip of water. Being prepared for little things like that can make you feel more confident.

Practicing can also help you memorize your speech. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to go up without cards or notes. Even the most well-prepared person can have a forgetful moment. Without notes, you may panic and go completely blank.

Keep your speech in front of you so you’re able to quickly pick up where you left off. Just don’t rely on your notes too heavily, either. You want to connect with the audience by making eye contact. Practicing and preparing can help you strike the right balance.

Sample farewell speech for retirement image

Now that we’ve broken down the steps that go into writing a farewell speech, we’ll share some examples. You can see how to say goodbye to coworkers through a touching retirement speech. You can see how people say goodbye when graduating or moving away.

You can even see how someone eulogizes themselves at a living funeral . Read on for excerpts from all of these kinds of farewell speeches:

Example for saying goodbye at work or retirement

“Over the past twenty years, I’ve seen this company grow from five people to over five hundred. But even though the office has changed significantly over the years, some things remain the same. We are truly like a family here. We’re just a much larger family than we used to be.

But just because I’m retiring, it doesn’t mean I don’t still care about every one of you. A family doesn’t stop being a family just because someone moves away. Anytime you need to talk, I’m just a phone call away.”

Example for saying farewell at the end of someone’s life

“I’ve attended an unfortunately large number of funerals in the past several years. This is the first time I’ve ever attended my own, though.

I decided to have a living funeral after burying so many of my other friends who also had terminal illnesses. I thought it was a real shame that they didn’t get to hear their friends and family members celebrate them. Perhaps selfishly, I want to hear all of you talk about how awesome I am.

But more than that, I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate you, too. If you’re here, it’s because I can never fully express how much your support has meant to me while I’ve battled this illness. You’ve all helped me in so many ways. You’ve driven me to treatments. You’ve organized meal trains to feed my family. You’ve cleaned my house. You’ve taken care of my kids. You’ve told me jokes and let me vent. You’ve laughed with me and cried with me. You’ve been there for me in so many ways.

As you all know, we’ve hit a point where treatment isn’t doing anything to help anymore. I’ve gone ahead and discontinued it because it’s making me feel terrible and not actually doing anything. I’d rather go out peacefully and say goodbye on my own terms. And what better way to do that than throw myself a funeral party? So everyone please enjoy some food and music. And don’t forget to come over and tell me how great I am, because I do want to hear it.”

Example for students or teachers

“Over the past four years, our class has been through a lot together. We’ve had ups and downs, but no matter what, we’ve always come through it closer than ever. Maybe it’s because we’re such a small school. While we might not all be the closest of friends, we don’t have the same cliques you might find at other schools. That might also be because many of us have been in school together since kindergarten. In a lot of ways, we’ve always been like a team.

Now that we’re all going off to college, many of us will be on our own for the first time. It’s bound to be an enormous challenge for some. But I have faith in every single one of us. We’re graduating from a highly-competitive college prep school. Everything we’ve been through has prepared us for this.

We may be small fish going into a big pond. But we’re some of the smartest and toughest small fish you’re going to find. And ultimately, even if we end up scattered across the country, I know I’ll always be able to count on you. And I hope you know you can always reach out to me, too.”

Example for someone who’s moving away

“Moving away from friends isn’t exactly new for me. With a wife in the military, I end up having to pack up every few years to move. I know you all know what that experience is like. But this is definitely the hardest time I’ve ever had packing up to go.

Y ou don’t always encounter a lot of other civilian husbands living on base. It’s been incredible having a built-in support system with other dads and husbands who understand what this life is like. I’m really going to miss having our families all get together for cookouts on the weekends.”

Writing an Inspiring and Memorable Farewell Speech: Tips, Tricks, and Examples

When you’re leaving people behind, it’s hard to know how to say goodbye . You may worry that you won’t be able to properly express what the people in your life have meant to you.

Just follow the steps above and remember to speak from your heart. At the end of the day, that’s what will have the most impact.

And if you're interested in unique ways to continue someone's legacy after their passing, you can consider a custom urn from a store like Foreverence or even have a memorial diamond made from ashes with a company like Eterneva .

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Speech Writing

Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

Occasions for Giving a Farewell Speech

Farewell speeches are a type of speech that are delivered when someone is parting from a group, organization, or event.

They can be for retirement, leaving a job, or stepping down from a leadership role. Students often give farewell speeches during high school or college graduations.

These speeches mark the end of an important chapter in their lives. Students may also give farewell speeches when leaving clubs, sports teams, or student councils.

These speeches allow people to express gratitude, share memories, and inspire their peers.

So, it's important to carefully keep in mind the context for the farewell speech before you start writing one.

How to Start a Farewell Speech?

If you want to leave an impression on the audience, the key is to write a brilliant speech. A good speech can not be written without a plan. No matter if you are writing a casual speech or a very formal address, planning is essential.

Before you jump to the writing process of a farewell speech, learn how to make a start. Only good planning will let you execute the ideas successfully and effectively.

To make a start, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 - Identify the Audience

Think about your audience. Who will be listening to your speech? Is it colleagues, friends, fellow classmates, family, or a mix of these?

Consider what they might expect from your speech and what kind of tone and message would resonate with them. Your speech should be relatable to your audience.

Step 2 - Brainstorm Relevant Ideas

Now that you know your audience, make a list of the key points you want to include in your speech.

These could be memories, achievements, lessons learned, or well-wishes. Brainstorming these ideas will give you a clear direction for your speech.

Step 3 - Gather Stories and Anecdotes

Collect stories and anecdotes that relate to your key points. Shared stories and experiences can add a personal touch to your speech and make it more engaging.

These stories should support your main message and create a connection with your audience.

Step 4 - Create an Outline

Although farewell speeches are informal and more personal, they still require a particular outline.

So, before you dive into writing, create a rough outline for your speech.

This can be a simple bullet point list of the main sections of your speech, including the opening, body, and conclusion. Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and create a format for your speech.

How to Write a Farewell Speech?

If the planning of your goodbye speech is intense and structured, the execution of the ideas will become easier. Once all the prewriting steps are taken effectively, follow the writing steps provided below:

Step 1 - Create an Interesting Opening

When you write a farewell address, you have the opportunity to be creative and personal. Begin with an attention-grabbing opening to captivate your audience.

Dull beginnings can lose your audience's interest quickly. You can kickstart your speech with humor, a casual statement, a meaningful quote, or a relatable anecdote.

After the hook, share your feelings about leaving the place or position. Greet your audience and briefly state the purpose of the event.

Struggling to come up with a good way to start your speech? Check out these creative ways to start a speech and grab your audience’s attention!

Step 2 - Create a Strong Body

The body of your speech contains the heart of your message. Here, you'll share ideas, stories, events, and key points. Be sure to provide relevant information. While crafting the body of your speech:

Be Personal: Make your farewell speech relatable by using personal anecdotes and a conversational tone. Engage your audience with your words and emotions.
Keep It Concise: Lengthy speeches can lose their impact. Keep it concise and straightforward. Focus on events and moments involving others, avoiding excessive self-focus. Steer clear of repeating or over-explaining.

Step 3 - Provide Closure

Conclude your farewell speech by summarizing the main points and expressing gratitude. You can also extend well wishes or share a relevant quote. This closing part wraps up your speech on a thoughtful note.

Step 4 - Review and Practice

Before delivering your speech, review it thoroughly. Read your speech aloud to check the tone and flow. Practice your delivery to ensure it comes across as genuine and not overly scripted.

Farewell speeches are given in various settings and to diverse audiences.

Farewell Speech At Work

Saying goodbye at work, be it in a retirement speech or when leaving colleagues, marks a significant moment in your career. Let's look at two common work occasions for giving a farewell speech:

Farewell Speech for Boss

This speech is given when your manager is leaving the company or moving to a new position. It includes an introduction, appreciation for their leadership, personal anecdotes, well wishes, and a warm farewell.

Here’s a sample speech for biding your boss goodbye:

Farewell Speech For Boss

Farewell Speech for Colleagues

Farewell speeches for colleagues are given when a team member is leaving the organization, transferring to a different department, or relocating.

Here’s an example of how you can create a speech for your co-worker:

Farewell Speech For Colleague

Farewell Speech Examples

As discussed, farewell speeches are given on many occasions. Some of the most popular farewell speeches have to be American presidential speeches. These speeches reflect on the tenure, express gratitude to the nation, and offer guidance for the future.

Here is a segment from Harry Truman’s presidential farewell speech , 1953:

Here are some farewell speech examples for students and teachers:

Farewell Speech For Teachers

Are you a teacher by profession who is leaving the job or position from a certain school? Then you might be asked to deliver a farewell speech. The example provided below will help you write an impactful speech.

Sample Farewell Speech for Teachers

Farewell Speech for Students

Students often find writing farewell speeches daunting. Whether it is a graduation speech or just a goodbye speech in a classroom, students have no idea what to say.

If you need to give a farewell address at school, here are some samples:

Sample Farewell Speech for Students

Farewell Speech by Students Leaving School

Farewell Speech in English

Farewell Speech for Seniors

Need more sample speeches? Explore these speech examples of multiple types of speeches to get inspiration!

Farewell Speech for Friends

Saying goodbye to friends or family members is the hardest but delivering a speech to them is the easiest.

As it is an informal type of speech, people can start from anywhere and say anything. But if you are not sure how to say goodbye to friends, take help from the example below.

Sample Farewell Speech for Friends

Writing Tips for a Farewell Speech

While there are no strict rules for speechwriting, some tips can make your address memorable.

Share Personal Experiences - Share your stories and incidents to make your goodbye address memorable. Through your personal experiences, state how things and actions of others influenced you and your life
Show Gratitude - Showing gratitude is the right attitude. Thank people and their gestures with an open heart.
Keep it Short - Avoid dragging your speech and share interesting information only.
Use Simple Words - Avoid using bombastic vocabulary. You are not there to impress anyone but just to be grateful for the efforts.
Be Original - Copying the addresses of others is not the right choice. Be unique and original and write your content for the speech.

Now that you've gained insights into crafting a meaningful farewell speech, you can create a memorable and heartfelt address.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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17 comments.

What beautiful words. You have done a great job at being our Miss America! May God continue to use you and direct your paths! ❤️, Cinda Rich

Savvy, I am so proud of all you’ve accomplished this year. You’ve truly became and inspiration to me. Thank you so much. Congratulations on an amazing year, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for you next. Lots of love, Paige.

Your are truly amazing! I am blessed to have met such a great soul like you. You presence radiates a room where ever you go, you have been a inspiration to me and so many others as we chase our dreams! Thank you for being SAVVY?

Savvy, you’ve made this 45 yo mom fall in love with the Miss America pageant program, with you as a real and transparent and refreshing young woman, with myself and who God created me to be, and with dreaming big and trusting the process to become part of something bigger than myself. I’ve cried reading your farewell speech and while you’re thanking everyone, we say to you: “Oh no, Savvy, thank YOU, my dear, thank YOU!”

Martha Newman

I legitimately wept reading these precious words. You are a city on a hill, a light when the world is dark. Thank you for shining and sharing and serving. All our love!! -martha

Jenny Kenny

Thank you. For being a role model and a light. You have taught me to dream bigger, sing louder, and have more joy in my life. You have spoken life into girls all over America, teaching them that their insecurities are no match for the talent and potential they have. I will always look up to you and while thank you never seems like enough, we are so grateful for you Savvy ❤️

Savy! You are someone I look up to so much! I did some pageants even though I was never crowned I continue to serve others around me! You are so beautiful and you are one of the purest souls I’ve ever seen! Even though tonight ends this chapter of your life , look forward to the next chapter! I’m sure it’ll be just as fun, glamorous and humbling as your last one! I love you Savy thanks for being Miss America 2016! ?/ Isabelle

Kelley Davis

Oh Dear Sweet Savvy my heart is weeping from your precious words! You have done the most tremendous job! Your light has shown so brightly and you have touched so many lives just by being yourself. Thank you for loving and serving as our “Miss America”! God be with you precious one! I Love you much! Mrs Kelley

Andrea M Worley

Such beautiful words about your journey! You radiate class and joy! Thank you for being a great Miss America and for your service to the organization.

Kaylee Hulsizer

Savvy, I have watched your journey from the beginning of the Miss Arkansas pageant last year and although I don’t know you personally I have been so inspired and encouraged by your journey over the past year. You shine so brightly and I am thankful you were able to represent our beautiful state so well. Sending love and well wishes on your future journey!

Shelley peedin

Cara has some big shoes to fill. You have been the best Miss America that we have ever had. Thank you so inspiring me in so many ways! I will always look up to you, Savvy!

Savvy Wow words cannot express how greatful America is for the service and inspiration you have provided us with. If I ever make it on the Miss America stage I hope to shine with the same grace and passion you did Love Grace

Kendarius Mcalphin

You Did Such An Amazing Job!! I Enjoyed Having You At Eldorado High School For Our 11th Annual Academic Signing Day!! I Hope You Still Have Your Eldorado Promise Hat Because Your Picture Still Sits On My Bed Side Table And Glows Glamorously!!! I Cant Wait To See Where Life Takes You!!✨ With Much Love And Hope From My Heart -Love Kendarius Dion Mcalphin

Courtney Wallace

Absolutely love your blog, and you as a person. You are definitely an inspiration, and a wonderful role model. I’m so thankful that I got the chance to bring my daughter to meet you last year. Best wishes on the next chapter of your life.

Savvy Shields

Thank you so much, Courtney!

Arsenal målvaktströja

Hello, I read your blogs on a regular basis. Your writing style is awesome, keep it up!

Savvy, dearest Savvy —

Here it is the day after Christmas, and perusing your blog, peeking in on the life of an amazing and humble human being while reading these selfless words has brought me to tears. Like you, I competed in the Miss America system (30 yrs ago… ); unlike you, my dream stopped at Top-10, Miss CA way back then. You are truly a soul with deep kindness, love and genuine feeling; one who exudes what we all should be. That you are and will continue to be the kind of role-model we can only hope will be there for every young person to emulate – this is my Christmas wish.

Blessings to you in the New Year; the adventure awaiting in 2018 will be more than you’ve ever dreamed!

Hugs and blessings to you, Savvy 🙂

Farewell Speech Examples: How to Say Goodbye with Grace

As much as we’d like our goodbyes — whether to a job, a loved one, or a chapter in our lives — to be extended and leave us with a lasting feeling of warmth and appreciation, that isn’t always the case.

A well-crafted farewell speech has the potential to turn any difficult goodbye into a fond farewell, leaving all parties feeling gracious and grateful. To guide you in bringing your goodbye to its highest form, let’s delve into the art of delivering a good farewell speech.

What is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a way to mark one’s departure from an organization, group, or event. It’s typically delivered by someone who is leaving or has recently left their role or position in the organization and is typically intended to say thank you and express empathy and gratitude for the audience.

Farewell speeches often include a call to action for those who remain in the group or organization, providing insights and advice that can help the group move forward even after the speaker leaves.

The debate about what constitutes an effective farewell speech depends largely on the context of the particular situation.

On one hand, some people argue that a simple goodbye and thank you are all that is needed in order to properly bid farewell. They might argue that more than this would be repetitive and unhelpful as it would not add any new information or create any additional value.

On the other hand, others argue that a more detailed goodbye and send-off provides more closure, comfort, and support, allowing those remaining to better process the change and find growth opportunities in it.

No matter the approach taken, however, it’s important to recognize that farewell speeches are important moments for both those who are leaving and those who are staying; they provide an opportunity for reflection on memories shared, lessons learned, and relationships formed—all of which contribute to making an impactful farewell experience.

With this in mind, the next section will discuss what makes an effective farewell speech.

Quick Answer

A farewell speech is an important way to mark one’s departure from an organization, group, or event. It usually includes gratitude and a call to action for those who remain in the group. Farewell speeches often include a reflection on memories shared, lessons learned, and relationships formed. What constitutes an effective farewell speech depends on the situation but it should provide closure and comfort.

What Makes an Effective Farewell Speech?

The delivery and content of a farewell speech can significantly influence the sentiment behind goodbye messages. It’s important for sendoff speakers to emphasize gratitude and to express their appreciation for the time spent with colleagues, friends, or family.

A successful farewell speech should be heartfelt, sincere, and thoughtful. When crafting a farewell speech, speakers may want to consider incorporating elements like humour, humility, and inspiration in order to add depth to their words.

Additionally, touch upon shared emotions to convey the bond between both parties. Focusing on these three elements allows for a memorable sendoff that will stick with the crowd in attendance.

Humour is an effective way of connecting with the audience and lightening the atmosphere; providing some levity amongst more serious anecdotes. Self-deprecating remarks can be a way of connecting with colleagues in a more intimate way; showing you are equally as human as they are.

On the flip side, too much humour can sometimes come across as insincere and hinder the speaker’s attempt at conveying genuine emotion; arguably one of the key components of an effective farewell speech.

Moreover, include inspirational stories which feature distinct examples of gratitude within them—this will create greater authenticity and leave guests feeling impacted by your words.

As aforementioned, it’s vital for goodbyes to incorporate appreciation for time spent together—evoke specific memories and draw attention to individuals when necessary rather than speaking in generalities.

Ensure that your words make an impact on those who need to hear them. With these in mind, it’s possible to craft a successful transition from one stage of life to another through an effective farewell speech that is full of grace and gratitude.

Having addressed what makes an effective farewell speech, we’ll next discuss how best to show appreciation in sending off messages.

Showing Appreciation

Showing appreciation is a key element of any farewell speech. Expressing gratitude for the years spent in each other’s company conveys respect and admiration for all that has been accomplished.

When it comes to including words of acknowledgement and appreciation, many people choose to highlight the special moments shared, celebrate the successes seen, and offer thoughtful acknowledgements or simple thank yous.

However, there are opposing opinions on how to best show appreciation. Some suggest keeping dedications to a minimum so as not bore listeners with too much detail while others believe a more thorough approach can help create lasting memories and nostalgia.

The most important thing is to be mindful of your audience and what feels right based on the relationship that the farewell speech is celebrating.

If appropriate, consider having a moment at the end of your speech where you thank everyone individually while explicitly naming their individual contributions. A more public approach can include a round of applause directed at individuals who have had an impact on you along your journey.

In conclusion, expressing appreciation in a farewell speech provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration of meaningful experiences. Celebrating the occasion marks a special moment in time as one move forward in life or career.

Celebrating the Occasion

When someone is leaving their current role, it is important to take some time to celebrate and recognize their achievements. Celebrating the occasion acknowledges their contribution, gives thanks for their hard work, and shows gratitude for their time.

It can be a meaningful gesture that highlights the value of the departing employee or colleague, and can also be an inspiring opportunity for those who remain in the position.

In planning a celebration for the person’s departure, consider what would best suit their personality and interests. A simple going-away party, a framed thank-you card, or another creative form of recognition might be just the right way to say goodbye.

However, it is also important to consider how this celebration could affect morale and productivity within the team. If there is already tension in the workplace due to changes in leadership or a reorganization of roles, then holding a celebratory event could serve to further emphasize inequalities among employees or even create an uncomfortable environment.

When deciding how best to celebrate someone’s departure, it is important to assess both potential positive and negative implications of any action and plan accordingly. Doing so ensures that both the departing employee or colleague is properly recognized as well as all other members of the team feel respected and appreciated for their own contributions.

By acknowledging this balance appropriately, it will help ensure that everyone feels included and appreciated when saying goodbye. From here we can move on to discuss how to use a farewell speech to inspire your audience.

Inspiring Your Audience

In order to move an audience and leave a lasting impression, it is important to ensure that your farewell speech is both inspirational and meaningful. To do this, consider talking about how much the experience meant to you, how much you have enjoyed and learned from your friends and colleagues, or highlighting the greatest accomplishments of the group.

Additionally, use personal anecdotes that reflect the experiences of everyone in the audience. This will not only inspire emotions in them but also allow them to connect with each other as they share similar memories.

If applicable, provide words of wisdom to encourage resilience and success in the future. Show gratitude for being part of something special, even if it may be difficult to say goodbye.

By doing so, you can instill hope rather than sadness in the audience with your kind words. By expressing solidarity and understanding, your message can picture a bright future on which everyone can look forward to despite leaving their respective positions.

Ultimately, it’s important to speak positively during a farewell speech so as to leave a good impression in people’s minds when departing. Inspiring your audience will also help them remember you fondly and feel positive about their time spent together.

As such, wrap up your speech with an example or phrase that gets repeated by people long after they heard it or send out a meaningful message that serves as an uplifting reminder for all who were present.

Now that we have discussed how to inspire an audience through a farewell speech it’s time to focus on what such speeches could be like. In the next section, we will cover examples of farewell speeches so you can get some great ideas on what to include in your own address.

Example of a Farewell Speech

When you’re leaving your current position at work, it’s customary to deliver a farewell speech. These speeches provide a meaningful way to say goodbye and reflect on the successes of your time spent in the role.

Here is an example of an effective farewell speech that can be tailored to your experience and the tenor of your workplace:

“Good morning everyone! I want to thank you all for being here today. As many of you know, today is my last day with [Company Name], and I wanted to take a few moments to say a few words about my experience here.

This company has been a great home for me during the last [insert length of time]. During my time here, I learned countless skills , met fantastic people, and made memories to last a lifetime. Working with all of you has been an incredible honor – you have always demonstrated kindness and strong work ethic. I’m sure the business will continue to grow under the capable leadership of [current leader].

I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I wish this team tremendous success as they move forward. Remember: no matter what happens in life, don’t forget to find joy in what we do. Thank you so much for your support – now let’s celebrate!”

Farewell speeches are a great opportunity for reflection and sentimentality but it’s important to balance it out with humor or positivity depending on the setting.

On one hand, some people might opt for deeper reflections on their journey and how each person has played a part in their development, while others may choose to keep their speeches lighthearted and upbeat.

Regardless of which option works best for your audience, remember that these farewell speeches provide valuable opportunities to build connections before departing from an organization or team.

At the same time, it’s important not to let the farewell speech drag on too long – keep the message brief yet meaningful. This allows present colleagues to receive appreciation without disrupting daily workflow.

Prefer a longer example? Here’s one from George Washington to the people of the USA .

Crafting Your Own Farewell Speech follows similar guidelines – find the right mix between reflection and positivity in order to create an effective speech that resonates with its audience.

Crafting Your Own Farewell Speech

Crafting your own farewell speech is a task that should not be taken lightly. It requires thought and honest reflection to craft a meaningful and memorable goodbye speech.

Your words should pay tribute to the experience you have had while connecting emotionally with your audience. Crafting your own farewell speech gives you the opportunity to directly address how hard it was to leave and acknowledge the contributions made both by yourself and others in the organization.

When deciding on how to create a memorable farewell speech, there are two paths one can take. On one hand, those looking for guidance might want to find existing templates filled with the right sentiments that they can customize to fit their needs.

Alternatively, those who prefer writing from scratch can develop their own narrative thread, drawing on their own words of wisdom and emotions as they feel them in the moment.

When constructing a self-made speech, it’s important to remember brevity is key. Each word should have intent and purpose; it’s better to be thoughtful than wordy.

Bear in mind that this moment presents an opportunity for closure and for celebration for accomplishments along the journey you embarked upon together.

It’s also worth mentioning any lessons learned or valuable experiences gained during this transition. As daunting as this may sound, it can be immensely rewarding when done well.

Having taken into account both sides of creating a farewell speech, next is brainstorming potential topics that can serve as inspiration for crafting an effective goodbye message.

Brainstorm Topics

Brainstorming topics for a farewell speech allows you to come up with an effective way to express your gratitude and appreciation when saying goodbye. This is important because it helps you maintain dignity, respectfulness and meaningfulness in the words you choose to say.

Before delivering a heartfelt farewell, it’s important to consider what areas are worth mentioning.

You should focus on three main topics when creating a farewell speech: the past, the present, and the future.

When reflecting on “the past ,” you should focus on acknowledging your successes and accomplishments while working there. This helps to reinforce that your contributions did not go unnoticed and were appreciated by those around you.

It helps to inspire and motivate others with the knowledge of your success in the workplace. Consider thanking coworkers for helping you achieve your goals over time; collaborative efforts often go underappreciated and focusing on why their help was beneficial can be a pleasant surprise.

Another important topic to consider is “the present ”; this is where you can express your gratitude and thank everyone who has helped you through this long journey of leaving the company.

Provide sincere thanks to coworkers and colleagues who have been key in making it possible for you to depart gracefully.

Consider being transparent about what you have learned during your years in the organization and how these learnings will propel you forward into new opportunities or ventures.

Finally, mention how much the people in the organization mean to you, as well as how much they will be missed—this will help solidify that relationships were built during your stay at the company and that they won’t easily be forgotten or taken for granted.

Lastly, “the future ” focuses on optimism, hope, and reaffirms resilience—even in times of change. Here, emphasize any newfound strength that was built during this experience, as well as talk about future aspirations or goals with optimism.

Lastly, send off a few encouraging words for those left behind reminding them that great things can still occur despite difficulty or instability occurring at work due to your departure from the team.

With these three topics outlined it’s now time to choose your words carefully with precision so that the final speech resonates all of these concepts entirely; leading into a memorable goodbye for those who will hear it spoken aloud.

Choose Your Words Carefully

When crafting your farewell speech, it is important to choose your words carefully. Each word should invoke not only emotion, but also provide a level of understanding for the audience. It is essential that you communicate your message perfectly and with clarity.

To begin, strive to craft an introduction with strong language that grabs the attention of your listeners. This could range from using metaphors or analogies to compare yourself to a superhero or time traveler depending on the audience’s sense of humor and interests.

Anticipate potential questions from the audience and provide thoughtful answers in advance.

Be sure to include gratitude during your speech even if it’s uncomfortable. Doing so will make you look professional and acknowledge how much you appreciate any help given to you over the years. Showing appreciation will surely leave a lasting impression.

Try to close strong, offering perspectives to the colleagues who remain and looking ahead to new possibilities instead of focusing on sadness or regret. Reassure them that they too can pursue their dreams and opportunities just as you have, conveying optimism in the process.

Furthermore, reflect on your newfound clarity while providing an outlook full of positivity; emphasizing the benefits you may reap going forward regardless of any hardships faced along the way.

Choose your words carefully when preparing for a farewell speech; it will be key in making sure this moment shines.

Consider tips such as designing an introductio n full of strong language, expressing gratitude, and providing an optimistic outlook for those remaining when constructing your own dream goodbye speech.

As a final step before delivering it, practice speaking with emotion and deliver the speech body language that conveys both warmth and sincerity. With these strategies, you can say goodbye with grace and gratitude.

This next section looks at how best to deliver a farewell speech with emotion; from preparing beforehand to finding ways to connect with the audience on an emotional level while delivering it.

Deliver the Speech With Emotion

Delivering a farewell speech with emotion can make or break the impact of the speech. On one hand, some might say that showing too much emotion is not professional and may take away from the gravity of the situation.

For example, if someone gets overly emotional in a workplace setting, it could create an uncomfortable atmosphere. The speaker would need to maintain a certain level of composure to keep the focus of the audience and to remain professional.

On the other hand, delivering a farewell speech without emotion does not give justice to the heartfelt emotions connected to this particular occasion. Heartfelt tales of memories and personal experiences paired with earnest gratitude and respect should be expressed with intensity and feeling.

Audiences tend to connect more deeply with speeches that are delivered with genuine emotion rather than one filled with boring facts and statistics.

It is important to find balance in your delivery style between staying professional while also expressing your feelings fully in order to truly convey the gravity of the occasion.

A blend of stoic delivery and heartfelt emotions will ensure that everyone in attendance can both respect your professionalism while connecting on an emotional level with you as well.

As we have seen, it is important to strike a balance between staying professional while delivering a farewell speech with emotion – finding this balance will help ensure that everyone in attendance appreciates your sincere sentiments and respects your level of composure at the same time.

In the following section, we will discuss how to bid adieu in an effective conclusion to your farewell speech.

Conclusion: Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye can be one of the most emotionally fraught experiences in a person’s life. It is a moment when all of the hard work, dedication, and fond memories come flooding back in a flood of mixed emotions.

Farewell speech examples can provide structure and guidance for those who are preparing their own speeches. There are many different types of farewell speeches, from those that are funny and lighthearted to those that are more reflective and sombre.

No matter which type of speech you decide to write or deliver, always remember to express your utmost gratitude towards the people who have helped you during your time with them. Aim to make your speech memorable by ending it on an emotional high note. Above all else, strive to keep it sincere and meaningful.

It is often said that endings can be bittersweet, however, with proper planning and preparation through reviewal of some farewell speech examples, your own farewell speech can be both graceful and positive.

When the words come from the heart they will often linger with your friends or colleagues long after they are gone. With this in mind, remember to make goodbyes count – not only for yourself but for the people around you as well.

Answers to Common Questions with Detailed Explanations

How should i structure my farewell speech.

Structuring your Farewell Speech is important as it can help to make sure that your thoughts and sentiments are expressed in an organized manner. There are several steps that you can take to ensure that your speech is well-structured: 1. Acknowledge the occasion and thank people for being there – After beginning with a warm welcome, state the reason for gathering and express gratitude to everyone present for attending the function. 2. Take time to share memories – Many farewell speeches are full of nostalgia so use this time to reminisce about moments from the past, stories from shared experiences, fond memories of work or successes achieved together. 3. Show Gratitude – Take some time to express appreciation for colleagues and associates for their support, friendship, and guidance throughout your tenure. Express any sorrow you may have in leaving. 4. Thank & Recognize those who Inspire You – Use this opportunity to thank anyone who has deeply inspired you or been influential in facilitating your success thus far. 5. Conclude with Encouraging Words – Retrospect on what was accomplished and speak positively about what lies ahead both for yourself and other colleagues.

What are some of the key elements of a successful farewell speech?

The key elements of a successful farewell speech are to leave your audience with appreciation and gratitude, reflect on your best memories, thank those who have impacted your journey, highlight accomplishments and share a few wise words or memorable quotes .

Start by thanking everyone in the room for attending and taking the time to celebrate with you. Make sure to express your appreciation and gratitude for the unique experience that this role brought you.

Reflect on some of the best moments you experienced while fulfilling this role, focusing on what you learned and how these experiences shaped and motivated you.

Next, thank those who influenced your journey, like mentors, colleagues and friends. Acknowledge their support and ask them to continue providing advice when needed.

Highlight your successes, as they demonstrate how much work was put into achieving these goals , which should be cause for celebration!

Lastly, offer a few nuggets of wisdom or quotes that resonated with you from this experience – not only will it make people think, but it can also leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips and sharing heartfelt words of appreciation and wisdom, you can create a memorable farewell speech that celebrates your accomplishments while looking towards the future.

What are some tips for delivering a memorable farewell speech?

Delivering a memorable farewell speech is no easy feat, but it can be done with a little practice , creativity, and confidence. Here are a few tips to help you make your speech stand out:

1. Know your audience – Keep in mind who will be listening to your speech and tailor it accordingly. Are they colleagues? Friends? Family? Making sure that your speech resonates with the people you’re addressing is key for delivering a compelling message.

2. Be personable – Letting some of your personality shine through in your speech is key for making it memorable. Personal anecdotes, humor, and quotes are all great ways to do this.

3. Focus on the present – Make sure that you address the present feelings of those in attendance instead of solely dwelling on the past or future. Remind everyone why their current relationship has been special and unique and emphasize what brought everyone together in the first place.

4. Avoid cliché phrases – Goodbye speeches often contain phrases like “it’s been a pleasure” or “I wish you all the best” but these can come across as insincere if overused. Instead, try to come up with thoughtful compliments or memorable expressions that reflect the spirit of your goodbye.

5. Leave on a high note – A memorable goodbye speech should end with a moment of gratitude and optimism; this will stay in everyone’s minds as you leave them for good. Express how glad you have been to work or connect with these specific people and express hope for successful futures for them all (including yourself).

How to Write a Farewell Speech to Cherish Memories

What is a farewell speech.

A farewell speech (or a goodbye speech) is usually made to say final words to commemorate the process of leaving the company. This type of speech is emotional, especially if the deliverer was engaged with the company for many years. The most common occasions to deliver a farewell speech are:

when you change a job
when you graduate from university
when you retire
when your colleague/boss leaves or retires

As you can see, speeches may be delivered both by the person who resigns and his or her colleagues. To give a good speech, you will need to write it and then practice to make it shine. If you have no regular practice in delivering speeches, you need to consider that it will take time to prepare for the event.

The following guide will tell you general tips on how to write a farewell speech for a pageant, job change, retirement, and more.

Steps on How to Write a Farewell Speech

1. Assess your audience. How many listeners know you personally? How many people have worked with you personally? If you are going to speak before a significant number of listeners, you will need to be more emotional and humorous. In case it will be your department with close colleagues, then you can make your speech more informal. Also, you need to ask yourself, “What would interest the audience?” 2. Evaluate the place and time. Find out where you will be delivering the speech. The central hall of the business center, restaurant, or meeting room – everything makes a difference. Does the place recall some memories from the past? You can incorporate it in your speech. 3. Write a speech. Now, once you are familiar with the audience, time, and place, the next step is to make a skeleton of your speech. Like any speech, it should follow the basic structure: opening, body, and closing words.

– Opening. Usually, farewell speeches are quite gloomy. Try to incorporate some humor or professional jokes to tune the audience into a more cheerful mood. You can share a humorous story about a specific event or share a story about an adventure. You can start your speech as you wish, but make sure that you will engage your audience and lift the spirits from the first words. – Body paragraph. Here you can talk about your career history, reminisce about most interesting and challenging stories connected to your work, talk about people who supported and inspired you, list the opportunities and skills you gained during the years in the company, etc. Share your feelings and exciting moments to remember. – Closing. In the end, speak about the future, not the past. Share your thoughts about your personal future and opportunities. You can briefly mention where you are going and present people that will take your place. End your speech with hopes and best wishes to the company and its employees.

4. Edit and polish the text. Make sure that every word counts in the speech. Try to read it out loud and evaluate the content. It may seem that some moments can be cut or rewritten in a briefer manner. Also, you can time your speech to make sure that it’s not too long. Attract your family or friends to read and listen to your speech and ask for remarks.

How to Write a Farewell Speech: Example With Comments

Wish to get some inspiration for a farewell speech? Read out our farewell speech sample to find out more about the structure and use the ideas in your own speech. When you have no idea where to start, read the following example, and everything will fall into place.

Click on the images to enlarge them.

Tips on How to Write a Good Farewell Speech

Don’t try to include everything you want to say in your speech. Pick only the stories and information that will be memorable, and don’t make your audience fall asleep.
Avoid being negative. Unless you don’t care about your reputation anymore.
Add humor. Share some good memories to cheer up your audience.
Always stick to the timing. No matter how much you want to say, there is no need to bore your audience and make them look at their watches.
Don’t tell the audience that you are making a mistake leaving the post. The decision is taken, so keep your head held high.
Mention people that have helped you a lot during your years in the company. It will help you leave a good impression and keep relationships.
If you know who will take your post after you leave, think about presenting this person at the speech.
Avoid embarrassing stories about your co-workers or bosses, unless you are sure they will appreciate them.
Be sincere and cheerful. Inspire your audience with positive stories and challenges.
Include a quote at the beginning or end of the speech to make it more memorable to the audience.
Show your appreciation to the company and colleagues. Don’t forget to wish them good luck.
Don’t be shy if you get too emotional. But try not to get hysterical and ruin the speech.

Questions to Ask Before Writing a Farewell Speech

It may happen that you are too sad or frustrated because of the occasion. You can ask yourself some questions about your company, team members, industry, partners, etc.

	Who has helped you since the very beginning? Who has influenced you the most? Who are you thankful for? Who will take your place? Who will suffer after you leave?
	What does the situation mean to you? What does the situation mean to your colleagues? What has forced you to change your job? What will happen after you leave? What are the reasons to be thankful? What do you feel about the situation? What do you want to wish/recommend the audience?
	Where do you want to be in five years? Where should the company look for expertise? Where are you going?
	When have you started your career in the company? When have you experienced the most significant failure/achievement? When is your final date?
	Why are you delivering this speech? Why have you decided to leave? Why shouldn’t your colleagues be sad? Why are you grateful for the experience?
	How did you come to this situation? How can you explain the reasons you are leaving? How will partners and colleagues feel after you leave?

Some of these questions may help you develop the farewell speech and find inspiration. If you still can’t start your speech, you can browse Google and find more examples and recommendations for the farewell speech.

Phrases to Use in Your Farewell Speech

Here are some phrases for a farewell speech that may help you generate ideas and get over writer’s block. All of them may be equally used at any part of your farewell speech.

– How lucky I am to have known… – Let me take this opportunity to express the deep gratitude… – The moment I… – Working in this company/office was… – I will miss… – Good times and bad times… – I will keep in touch… – I was deeply touched… – I am grateful for… – It’s time to move on… – The funniest moment… – I have learned… – You have made my experience… – I have enjoyed my time… – I have had a significant time working… – Having the privilege of working with… – The most difficult part of leaving… – Our teamwork was… – No matter how small and unimportant… – If I was asked to describe a perfect workplace/team… – Thank you for the support/ experience/ goodwill/ encouragement… – Thank for all those times… – I wish you the best of luck… – It has been a pleasure working with… – I didn’t think saying goodbye would be so hard… – I hope that the new…

And remember, the main aim of your farewell speech is to leave a touching impression about your leave. Take time to write, revise, and practice your speech to make it flawless.

If you want to send an email or letter to your colleagues and partners about your resignation, we recommend you to look through the guide on how to write a resignation letter .

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Public Speaking

How to Make a Farewell Speech

Last Updated: December 30, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 278,438 times.

Writing a farewell speech can seem like a daunting task. It can be hard to find the right words for your last day, whether it's your graduation, retirement, or any other occasion. You want to try to sum up your experiences, thank everyone involved, and offer wishes for the future, and do it all with grace and charm. This is a difficult task, but with some careful thought, you can write the perfect farewell speech.

Writing Your Speech

Your outline can be as detailed as you'd like.
Your outline should contain spaces for an opening, the body of the speech, and a tight conclusion.
An outline doesn’t contain the complete text of the speech. It simply has bullet points and summaries of each section.

An ice breaker might be some kind of inside joke or chant that everyone present would know about and be able to appreciate.
If one of the anecdotes you wrote down is particularly funny or snappy, it could make a good opener as well.
Sometimes a quote or inspirational message can work well as an opener, though you may want to save this for your closer.

When speaking generally or summarizing, remember to, “show, don’t tell.” This means that it’s usually stronger to be specific and give details or examples, rather than generalizing.
An example of “show, don’t tell” is saying, “On my first day of work, I noticed that half of the office stayed an extra half hour after closing time to make sure the reports were done,” instead of, “Everyone here always works extra hard.”

Step 4 Conclude with a quote or punchline.

You can search for great quotes online by subject. There are quotes for almost every occasion.
If you’re particularly clever, you can end with a punchline that ties together with a joke or anecdote you told at the beginning of your speech.
For example, if you started the speech with something like, “I’ll never forget my first day here. I thought I was doomed when I walked in the door and saw that I was twenty minute late,” you could close the speech with, “Well, I guess that’s all I have time for. Look at this. Five years later, and still running twenty minutes behind.”

Choosing What to Say

Try writing down a narrative history of your time at this place. It doesn’t have to all be appropriate for a speech. Simply write it down to help yourself remember everything you’ve done, and to help yourself realize what has been the most meaningful to you.
Your narrative may start with something like, “I came to work here right out of college and had never lived on my own before. I was so shy that I didn’t make any friends for nine months. Then I got that promotion a year later and formed close bonds within my new department.”
It’s okay to write down things that were difficult. You can edit them out later. You might include something like, “I hated when we had to move to the new office.” When you edit your speech, this may turn into a funny anecdote, or maybe you’ll say something like, “Even when we had to move to the new office, I couldn’t help but notice how cheerful my colleagues managed to be in a hard time.”

An anecdote might start out something like this: “I’ll always remember my third day of school. Spencer and I had been assigned to sit next to each other on the bus, but on the third day, my grandmother followed me onto the bus and declared she’d need to have a word with Spencer…”
Anecdotes can be great ways to express appreciation for a specific person, or to illustrate something you appreciate about the place as a whole. For example, the above anecdote might end with something like, “...and of course, he’s never left my side since then,” or, “...which is how I knew that this school community would finally be a place that I’d feel at home.”

Step 3 Touch on a serious or heartfelt point.

Think of things you’re grateful for, or moments that helped you become who you are. Make a note of something like, “when John stood up for me freshman year,” or, “when the boss actually brought my proposal to the board and I realized that my voice mattered.”
Think about the reasons you’re sad to go. This could be something like, “I know that a group of people who look out for each other like this is a rare thing to find,” or, “I learned so much from each person here, it will be sad to move on without everyone.”

You can offer wishes for the group in general, such as, “Of course, next year, I’m sure you’ll all finally get to nationals without me on the team.”
You can also offer individual good wishes, such as, “Janet, I hope you have an easy transition to being vice president; I know you’ll do great. Richard, good luck taking over the entire smoothing department.”
You can also state hopes and wishes you have for yourself, such as, “I don’t know what’s next for me, but I certainly hope it involves people as kind as all of you.”

Delivering Your Speech

Go over any parts that seem confusing or that don’t flow easily. Make any notes or changes that will be helpful when delivering the speech.
Time the speech when you recite it.

A farewell speech should usually be about five minutes long. Ten minutes is acceptable in certain circumstances. More than that should be reserved for extremely special circumstances, such as when a head of state resigns.

Know that you may make a mistake. Be prepared for this. Don't beat yourself up if it happens. Acknowledge it and move on. You can even laugh at yourself to help put the audience at ease.
Focus on people who seem to connect to your speech. If they're nodding, smiling, or have their eyes glued to you, focus on them. Their energy will help give you confidence.

Community Q&A

When in doubt, keep it positive. People will keep the memory of the positive feelings for a long time after you’re gone. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
If you’re going to make jokes about others, make sure they’re clearly light hearted and couldn’t be perceived as mean. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv7fqp3/articles/z4w96v4
↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/?sh=3eff35264fb7
↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
↑ https://www.ohlone.edu/sites/default/files/documents/imported/samplestudentnarrativespeech-outline.pdf
↑ https://canvas.santarosa.edu/courses/22355/assignments/92237?module_item_id=350284
↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/9-2-the-attention-getter-the-first-step-of-an-introduction/
↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/giving-a-farewell-speech-at-work
↑ http://www.greatspeech.co.uk/farewell-speech-if-leaving-company.html
↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-stone/confident-public-speaking_b_4058830.html

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Before you make your farewell speech, write an outline to organize your thoughts. Open with a joke or funny anecdote to grab the audience’s attention. The body of your speech should summarize your time there and include specific stories to express your feelings about the people and place. Conclude your speech with a quote or a punchline, depending on if you want to leave on a serious or funny note. Then, once your speech is written, practice so it will flow easily. For tips on how to give your speech confidently, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Farewell Speech

Farewell speech generator.

Everyone arrives at a time where goodbyes had to be said. After all, life consists of inevitable beginnings and endings. It is already expected that someone or something is bound to leave at any time. It could be someone you know, or you yourself are leaving for a new job opportunity, retiring, having an end of a term for government officials, or transferring to a new place for good. You may also see presentation speech examples & samples .

One way of saying goodbye is through a farewell speech. While presenting a farewell speech may not that be necessary, it is a good way and gesture of showing appreciation and gratitude to the person leaving or to the people you will be leaving behind.

What is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a speech given by an individual leaving a position or place . They are often used by public figures such as politicians as a to the preceding career, or as statements delivered by persons relating to reasons for their leaving. Farewell speeches can be delivered by the person who is leaving or one of the people that will be left behind.

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Farewell Speech Format

Introduction.

Greet the Audience: Start with a warm greeting to the attendees. State the Purpose: Briefly mention that the purpose of your speech is to bid farewell.

Express Gratitude: Thank the individuals or group for their support, mentorship, and companionship. Be specific about what you’re grateful for. Share Memories: Reflect on memorable moments and experiences. Sharing specific stories or achievements can make your speech more engaging and personal. Acknowledge Contributions: Recognize the contributions of colleagues, friends, or the community. Mention how they have impacted you positively. Highlight Lessons Learned: Discuss the lessons you’ve learned and how they’ve shaped you.

Wish Well for the Future: Offer your best wishes to the group or individuals you’re leaving behind. Express hope for their continued success and happiness. End with a Positive Note: Conclude your speech on an uplifting note, possibly with a quote, a hopeful statement, or a light-hearted remark. Say Goodbye: Officially say your farewell, expressing hope that paths may cross again in the future.

10+ Farewell Speech Samples

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Best Farewell Speech Example

Good evening everyone, As I stand here today, I’m filled with emotions looking at all the familiar faces that have been such an integral part of my journey. Today, as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my life, I want to take a moment to reflect and express my gratitude to each one of you. Firstly, I want to express my deepest thanks to [mention specific groups or individuals, e.g., “my teachers, my mentors, and my peers”]. Your guidance, support, and encouragement have been the cornerstone of my growth and achievements. To my teachers, thank you for igniting the spark of curiosity and knowledge. To my mentors, thank you for shaping my path with your wisdom. And to my peers, thank you for the unforgettable memories and the bonds that we’ve formed. Reflecting on the time spent here, I’m reminded of [share a specific memory or event that was impactful]. This experience, among many others, taught me [mention what you learned or how it impacted you]. It’s these moments that I will cherish forever, as they’ve not only shaped my character but have also shown me the value of [mention a value or lesson learned, e.g., “friendship, perseverance, and integrity”]. I’d like to acknowledge the incredible efforts and contributions of [mention any specific contributions by individuals or groups]. Your hard work and dedication have not only inspired me but have also made a significant difference in [mention the context, e.g., “our community/school/workplace”]. As we all move forward, I carry with me the lessons learned and the memories shared. I wish nothing but the best for each of you. May your futures be bright, filled with success and happiness. Remember, [insert a hopeful or inspiring message, e.g., “every ending is a new beginning, and the best is yet to come”]. I say not goodbye but see you later, as I believe our paths will cross again someday. Until then, let’s continue to inspire, support, and uplift each other. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of my story. Farewell, and until we meet again.

Farewell Speech for Students

Dear Students, As we gather here today, I find myself reflecting on the journey we’ve embarked upon together. It’s a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye, a word that’s heavy with emotion yet filled with hope for what the future holds for each of you. From the first day of class to this moment, I’ve watched you grow, not just in knowledge but in character. You’ve faced challenges with resilience, celebrated successes with humility, and embraced learning with an insatiable curiosity. It’s been my privilege to witness your journey, to share in your struggles and your triumphs. I want to express my deepest gratitude to all of you. You’ve enriched my life in countless ways, teaching me just as much as I’ve hopefully taught you. The classroom was our shared space of exploration, where ideas and dreams took flight. Your questions challenged me, your insights inspired me, and your dedication reminded me of the profound impact education has on shaping the future. As you stand on the brink of a new chapter, I urge you to carry forward the lessons you’ve learned here. Remember that education is a lifelong journey, not confined to the walls of any institution. Stay curious, remain open to new perspectives, and never underestimate the power of empathy and kindness. I have no doubt that each of you is destined for greatness, in whatever form that may take. As you pursue your dreams, remember that success is not measured by accolades but by the lives you touch and the difference you make in the world. Embrace failure as a stepping stone, not a setback, and know that every experience, good or bad, shapes you into the person you’re meant to be. As we say our farewells, remember this is not the end but a beginning. The bonds we’ve formed and the memories we’ve shared will last a lifetime. I’m excited to see where life takes you and proud to have been a part of your journey. So, to each and every one of you, thank you. Thank you for the laughter, the learning, and the unforgettable moments. Keep in touch, stay true to yourselves, and chase your dreams with the same passion and determination you’ve shown here. Farewell, my dear students. May your futures be bright, your lives be joyful, and your hearts always open to new adventures. Thank you.

Farewell Speech in Office

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone, As I stand before you today, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. Saying goodbye is never easy, especially when it’s to such a remarkable team and organization. I want to take a few moments to share my thoughts and gratitude as I prepare to embark on a new chapter. Firstly, I cannot express enough thanks to all of you here. From my first day until now, the support, mentorship, and camaraderie I’ve experienced have been nothing short of incredible. To my managers and mentors, thank you for believing in me, challenging me, and guiding me through my journey here. Your leadership has not only shaped my career but also my character. I have so many fond memories that I will take with me. [Share one or two specific memories or experiences that were meaningful]. These moments, among countless others, have made my time here truly enriching and enjoyable. Whether it was meeting tight deadlines, brainstorming in meetings, or our casual coffee breaks, each experience has contributed to a chapter of my life I will always cherish. I also want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone in this room. Your commitment to excellence and teamwork is what makes this company so special. It’s been an honor to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. I’ve learned so much from you all, and I hope I’ve been able to contribute positively to your experiences as well. As I move on to new challenges, I leave with nothing but the best wishes for each of you and for our company. I am confident that you will continue to achieve great success and innovation. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to hear about all the incredible accomplishments that lie ahead for this team. I want to say thank you once again for the unforgettable journey. This is not a goodbye, but rather a ‘see you later.’ I hope our paths will cross again in the future. Please stay in touch, and know that you will always have a friend and supporter in me. Thank you for everything.

Presidential Farewell Speeches

President barack obama’s farewell speech.

3 President Barack Obama Farewell Speech

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Example of Farewell Speech

Sample Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech Sample

Sample Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech to an Honorable Justice

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Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech in PDF

Formal Farewell Speech

How To Write Breathtaking Farewell Speech For Any Occasion?

Watching over several samples indeed would help you illustrate your own farewell speech; however, it is important also to recall that if there is someone saying goodbye, it’s you and not the author of those epitomai. Hence, it is essential for you to learn how to write your own mind-blowing or tearjerking speech. Nevertheless, do not be overwhelmed because we are there to help you with that. To compose your own smoothly, you may consider following these steps:

1. Plan and think.

At the very point that you planned to have a farewell speech, it is certain that you already have anticipated scenes. This time would be perfect to realize those. Before writing a speech, allow yourself to commemorate all of the joyful, unforgettable, and positive moments you experienced throughout the period of time you’ve been together. You can write everything if you wish, but simply recalling will do.

Out of those memories, choose a central idea that would serve as your thesis statement. From this main thought, pick 3 to 6 points to discuss on your speech. These will serve as your topic sentences on the other hand. Write these points on a paper so you would not forget about them as you go deeper to your speech construction. Furthermore, this will serve as your outline.

2. Expound.

Now that you have some points to tackle, it is time to explain them further. Expand on these ideas and write them just like composing an essay. Since it is already your last day of stay, try your best to refrain from the negative thoughts. Well, you can mention some but not to the purpose of picking on a fight or like. You can use negative events as a transition on how it helped to be who you are now. Also, use transitional devices or statements to smoothly go from a paragraph to another.

3. Summarize.

The next step is to write your own conclusion. In this part, simply make a brief ending that would summarize every idea that you have discussed. Moreover, do not concentrate your ending thoughts to your self only. Instead, you may add some directions, cheer your audience or wish them the best. You can state something like “I may leave, but this is not the end. Life must move forward…Good luck to us all.”

4. Think of an introduction.

After making the main content of your speech, construct a captivating introduction that would grab everybody’s attention. Depending on the formality of the occasion, your intro could be formal or not. Nonetheless, this part is really up to you. Considering that it’s your final appearance in the company or residence, let all of your gratitude burst from your mouth. You can even say some jokes in here. Basically, it is anything that would fascinate your audience. There are techniques in writing this part. You can refer to our samples and do some observation for inspiration.

Farewell speeches do not necessarily require a grand exit. In fact, simply keeping it real and sincere is already good enough. However, do not compromise. Treat this as your goodbye, and consider that there is a huge probability that you and your audience will never treat each other the same. Hence, it would still be very great to leave some wonderful words in your farewell speech.

How to Strat a Farewell Speech

1. begin with a greeting.

Open your speech with a warm greeting to the audience. Use a simple “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening,” depending on the time of day.

2. Express Gratitude

Early on, express your appreciation for being given the opportunity to speak. A simple “Thank you for being here today” or “I’m grateful for this opportunity to address you all” can be very effective.

3. Set the Tone

Indicate the tone of your speech, whether it’s reflective, humorous, or emotional. Setting the right tone will help your audience connect with your message.

4. State the Purpose

Mention that you’re there to say goodbye and perhaps share a brief overview of what you’ll be covering in your speech. For example, “Today, as I prepare to move on, I want to take a moment to reflect on our time together and express my gratitude.”

5. Hook Your Audience

Start with a hook to grab your audience’s attention. This could be an interesting anecdote, a surprising fact, a poignant quote, or a question that piques curiosity.

6. Share a Memorable Moment

Briefly share a memorable moment or story that is significant to you and your audience. This personal touch can make your speech more engaging and relatable.

7. Acknowledge the Emotions

It’s okay to acknowledge that farewells can be bittersweet. Mentioning the mixed emotions you feel can resonate with your audience and make your speech more genuine.

Example of a Farewell Speech Start:

“Good evening, everyone. I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and eyes brimming with memories. Today marks the end of a chapter that we’ve written together, and as I prepare to turn the page, I want to share a few thoughts and express my deepest thanks to each of you.” Starting your farewell speech with these elements will help you capture your audience’s attention, set the emotional tone, and prepare them for the message you wish to convey.

Tips for Writing a Memorable Farewell Speech

You have every right to write whatever you would want to write in your farewell speech but here are five simple tips that you could use as a guideline when you write your own farewell speech:

1. Humility Speaks Volumes

It is all right to share your plans right after you leave, but make sure that you do not make the content of your speech just about where you will be and what you will be doing right after you leave. Leave with grace and humility. Inspire the people you leave behind; not make them green with envy. You may also see speech examples for students .

2. Express Sincere Gratitude

If you’re the one who is going to leave, it is nice to deliver your farewell speech that expresses sincere gratitude. Along with with your expression of gratitude, it is also best if you give acknowledgments to the people who supported and helped you along the way and the people who were there for you in both good and bad times. Similar to that of an appreciation speech , farewell speeches are effective as a medium where you can express your gratitude.

3. Recall a Story

Storytelling is one way of reminiscing memories. Everyone knows that life is like a wheel, so do not be afraid to share one or two brief anecdotes of your hardships, Tell a few brief anecdotes about your initial struggles at the workplace and the mistakes you made learning the ropes there. Your audience will relate to them. You may also check out tribute speech examples & samples .

4. K.I.S.S.

K.I.S.S. can make use of a new meaning for farewell speeches: Keep It Short but Sweet. Your farewell speech should not be necessarily long even if you infuse it with a narrative. No matter how you would be missed, taking too much of the time of your audience hassles them. You do not have to narrate your day 1 down to the last day of your job. Your co-workers and family are there to celebrate and are eager to make you feel comfortable and appreciated. Even if you cut your speech short , make it sweet and close to the heart. Tug the heartstrings of your audience and make them feel the gravity of your departure; for sure, you have made a great impact on their lives. It would not hurt to want to make them miss you, right?

5. Parting Messages

Any farewell speech is not complete without a parting message you could leave to the people you will leave behind or to the people who will be left behind. Parting messages may contain motivational speech that gives you one last shot in leaving behind some pieces of advice you would want the people you will leave behind to ponder on or to bring by the people who will be leaving.

6. Inspire; Do Not Demoralize

Do not discourage the people who will remain. Regardless of what you have experienced, whether good or bad, it is not proper that you outright tell your audience about it. Negativity can never inspire. Do not also make some innuendos or attacks against your bosses, masters or colleagues. If you say anything negative in your farewell speech, this demoralizes those who are left behind. Instead of pressuring them to take the path as you do, encourage them to become the change they want to see in their organization, class, or company. You may also see steps in speech composition .

7. Set a Light Mood

Most of the time, farewell speeches are venues for cry fests. This is the time where most people, you included will be overwhelmed with emotions that you will tend to deliver your farewell speech effectively since you have already started crying before you could even speak. If you are the type of person who does not want to get things too emotional, then set a light mood in your speech. You can set a light mood in your speech by adding some humor or citing some of your embarrassing moments as well as the embarrassing moments of the people you have been with. You may also like how to conclude a speech .

8. Express Everything

By everything, it means that you have to express every single major feeling you have harbored during your stay. From hard feelings to feelings of being appreciated and loved, you should express it all. Aside from the fact that you can finally have a venue where you make your feelings known to the people you have been with, you also gave them to chance to understand you on why you have to leave or understand and relate to your struggles and successes. You may also check out acceptance speech examples .

How Do You Say Goodbye on Last Day of Work?

On your last day of work, express gratitude towards your colleagues for the experiences shared. Personalized messages or a farewell email can convey your appreciation and leave a lasting positive impression as you move forward.

How Do You Say Goodbye to a Team Member?

Saying goodbye to a team member involves acknowledging their contributions and the moments shared. A personal note, a team gathering, or a heartfelt speech can all serve as meaningful ways to express your appreciation and best wishes for their future endeavors.

What You Should Say on Your Farewell?

In your farewell, highlight the valuable experiences gained and express gratitude towards your colleagues and the organization. Share memorable moments, and extend your best wishes to the team, reinforcing the positive relationships built during your tenure.

How Do You Give a Short Farewell Speech?

A short farewell speech should be concise and heartfelt. Thank your colleagues for their support, recount a few memorable experiences, and express your hope for everyone’s continued success. Keep it positive, focusing on the gratitude and connections made.

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Compose a memorable farewell address for a departing boss

Generate a sincere goodbye speech for a beloved teacher

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The Best Farewell Speech Examples and Tips for a Memorable Goodbye

Navigating the challenge of creating the perfect farewell speech might seem like you’re climbing a steep mountain. I understand how overwhelming it can feel, as I’ve had to scale that peak myself.

Through diligent research and drawing from my own journey, I discovered strategies that really work . In this article, we’ll dive into crafting a heartfelt goodbye that blends appreciation, laughter, and a personal connection —key ingredients for leaving an unforgettable mark.

Are you ready to uncover some valuable tips ?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Practice your farewell speech many times to feel confident and smooth out any rough spots. Make sure your speech is short and engaging , using eye contact to connect with everyone listening.
Include personal stories, humor, and heartfelt emotions in your speech. This mix will make your goodbye memorable for both you and the audience. Remember to keep it respectful and appropriate for the occasion.
Use visual aids like photos or slides to add a personal touch and help tell your story. Keep them simple so they enhance your message without distracting from it.
Look at examples of great farewell speeches , like Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech or Oprah Winfrey’s final show episode, for inspiration on how powerful words can inspire others even as you say goodbye.
Ensure that every part of your speech—from acknowledging accomplishments to expressing gratitude —comes from the heart. This genuineness will leave a lasting impact on those who hear it.

Understanding the Importance of a Farewell Speech

A farewell speech marks the end of an era and acknowledges accomplishments while expressing gratitude. The right words can create a lasting impact on your audience.

Marking the End of an Era

Saying goodbye often means marking the end of an era . This part of a farewell speech is close to my heart. I recall standing in front of colleagues as I prepared to move on from a company that had been like family .

In that moment, acknowledging the end of an era wasn’t just about saying “I’m leaving.” It was about honoring the time we shared, our achievements, and how much we grew together. My voice carried a mix of pride and nostalgia as I reflected on our journey.

Crafting this part of my speech, I focused on creating memorable goodwill messages for my colleagues. Drawing from examples and tips learned over years including those gained while overcoming public speaking fears through Toastmasters International , I discovered the power in words like “It’s been an incredible journey” or “I wish you all the best.” These phrases weren’t just farewells; they were tributes to our shared history .

As someone who once feared any form of public address, mastering this art felt profoundly rewarding. In speeches now, whether marking an era’s closure or celebrating beginnings, blending gratitude with personal anecdotes ensures every word resonates long after it’s spoken .

Acknowledging Accomplishments

Moving on from recognizing the end of an era, acknowledging accomplishments is a crucial aspect of a farewell speech. It’s essential to reflect on the achievements and milestones we’ve reached together.

As I craft my farewell speech, it’s important for me to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that has brought us to this moment.

I am grateful for all the support and guidance that has led to our collective success .

It’s been an incredible journey filled with many victories, big and small. These accomplishments have shaped our time together, creating lasting memories that will stay with us as we move forward.

Expressing Gratitude

When crafting a farewell speech, expressing gratitude is crucial. It’s essential to acknowledge the support and contributions of those around you. I found that using specific examples or stories to express thanks can make your speech more heartfelt and impactful .

By genuinely appreciating the efforts of individuals, you create a lasting impression on your audience.

Now let’s move on to discussing the elements of a memorable farewell speech – Personalized Content, Humor, Emotional Touch, and Words of Wisdom.

Elements of a Memorable Farewell Speech

Crafting a memorable farewell speech involves personalizing the content and adding humor, emotional touch, and words of wisdom. It’s about connecting with your audience in a meaningful way.

Personalized Content

When crafting a memorable farewell speech, it’s essential to include personalized content that resonates with the audience. Tailoring your message to reflect specific experiences and memories shared with colleagues adds a genuine touch to the speech.

By referencing personal anecdotes or inside jokes , you can create a heartfelt connection and leave a lasting impression.

Incorporating personalized content also shows thoughtfulness and appreciation for the relationships built during your time together. It allows you to express gratitude in a more meaningful way, making the farewell speech authentic and relatable.

Humor is a key element in a memorable farewell speech. It lightens the atmosphere and creates an emotional connection with the audience. Using lighthearted anecdotes and jokes relevant to the occasion can bring smiles and warmth to your speech, making it more engaging for everyone involved.

A well-timed humorous remark can also help you establish rapport with your listeners, helping them feel at ease during this bittersweet moment.

Crafting a heartfelt farewell message sprinkled with humor will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues or friends. Remember to keep the humor respectful and appropriate for the occasion, ensuring that it uplifts spirits without causing offense.

Emotional Touch

Crafting a memorable farewell speech involves adding an emotional touch to connect with the audience on a personal level. Share heartfelt stories and express genuine emotions to create a lasting impact.

Use sincere words of appreciation and gratitude to convey your heartfelt feelings, allowing others to feel the depth of your sentiment. Connecting emotionally will make your farewell speech meaningful and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Adding an emotional touch to my speeches has always been important for me, as it allows the audience to connect with my words on a deeper level. By sharing personal experiences and expressing genuine emotions, I found that my farewell speeches became more impactful and memorable for both myself and the audience.

Words of Wisdom

When delivering your farewell speech, remember to share words of wisdom that resonate with the audience. Use insightful quotes, personal anecdotes , or universal truths to leave a lasting impact .

Keep it simple and relatable to ensure your message is understood and appreciated by everyone. This will help create an emotional connection and make your farewell speech truly memorable.

Tips for Delivering a Great Farewell Speech

Practice your speech repeatedly to perfect your delivery. Keep it concise and centered on the main message.

Practice, Practice, Practice

To deliver a great farewell speech , practice is crucial . Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence and smooth out any hiccups . This will also help you be more familiar with the content , making delivery easier on the actual day.

When it’s finally time to say your goodbyes, delivering a well-practiced speech will leave a lasting impression on your audience and make for an unforgettable farewell.

– Understanding the Importance of a Farewell Speech

Keep it Brief and Focused

Crafting a great farewell speech means keeping it brief and focused . Practice your speech and make sure to keep it short, as no one enjoys long goodbyes. Engage the audience with eye contact and maintain a confident posture .

Remember that brevity is key to delivering a memorable farewell speech.

When writing or delivering a farewell address, stick to the main points without going off on tangents. Use personal anecdotes briefly to connect with your audience and convey gratitude sincerely.

Use Visual Aids

Now, let’s talk about using visual aids . Visual aids like slides or props can make your farewell speech more engaging and memorable. They can help to reinforce your message and keep the audience focused on what you’re saying.

Visual aids, such as photos or charts, can add a personal touch to your speech, making it more relatable for the audience. Remember to keep your visuals simple and easy to understand , so they enhance your message without overwhelming your listeners.

Utilizing visual aids also gives you an opportunity to showcase gratitude in a creative way and share fond memories through pictures or videos. Incorporating these elements will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues or friends.

Engage with Your Audience

Engaging with your audience is crucial for a successful farewell speech. Maintain eye contact to connect with every listener. Ask questions and encourage participation to make them feel involved in the moment.

Remember, a great speech is not just about you, it’s about creating a bond with your audience .

Examples of Great Farewell Speeches

– Great farewell speeches inspire and resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impact. Read more to explore these powerful examples.

Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech

I vividly remember Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech . His speech was simple, yet impactful. He shared three stories from his life : about connecting the dots, love and loss, and death as a motivator.

It’s unforgettable how he encouraged us to follow our passion and intuition , regardless of the challenges we might face in life. This speech resonates with me because it encourages everyone to pursue what they love .

Oprah Winfrey’s Final Episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show”

Moving from Steve Jobs’ inspiring speech to Oprah Winfrey’s memorable farewell , her final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” aired on May 25, 2011. The show was a significant moment in television history as it marked the end of an era for millions of viewers.

In this emotional and powerful address , Oprah expressed her gratitude to the audience and reflected on the impact of the show throughout its remarkable 25-year run . With heartfelt words and genuine emotion, she conveyed her deep appreciation to everyone who had been part of her journey.

This farewell speech serves as a prime example of how personalization and emotional touch can make a lasting impression.

Barack Obama’s Farewell Address

Transitioning from Oprah Winfrey’s final episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” to Barack Obama ‘s Farewell Address, let me share an impactful example of a farewell speech . Barack Obama delivered his heartfelt address on January 10, 2017 , marking the end of his presidency after serving two terms in office.

This iconic speech showcased eloquence and emotion as he expressed gratitude to the American people, highlighted accomplishments during his tenure, and emphasized the importance of unity and civic engagement .

Obama’s farewell address is a prime example of weaving together personal anecdotes with profound messages that resonated with millions. He demonstrated how powerful words can inspire hope and change while bidding goodbye to the nation as its leader.

Ellen DeGeneres’ Monologue on Her Last Day as Host

On Ellen DeGeneres’ last day as host, she delivered a heartfelt monologue filled with gratitude, humor, and emotional moments . Her speech expressed appreciation for the audience and her team while sharing funny memories from her time hosting the show.

The monologue also featured personal anecdotes and words of wisdom for her viewers to carry forward. Ellen’s delivery showcased warmth, authenticity, and connection with her audience.

Ellen DeGeneres’ final monologue beautifully encapsulated the essence of a memorable farewell speech ; it combined personalized content, humor, an emotional touch, and words of wisdom in a way that resonated deeply with her viewers.

As I wrap up, let me introduce Dr. Elizabeth Carter, a renowned expert in communication and public speaking with over 20 years of experience. With her PhD in Communication Studies, numerous published articles on effective speech-making, and countless workshops led around the globe, Dr.

Carter is a treasure trove of knowledge on crafting memorable goodbyes.

Dr. Carter points out that combining humor, personal stories, and gratitude not only captures attention but also creates lasting memories for both the speaker and the audience. She emphasizes that these elements make farewell speeches heartfelt and impactful.

She raises an important point about safety and ethics in speech content —always respecting privacy and sensitive information while sharing anecdotes or achievements. Her advice ensures speakers maintain professionalism yet connect deeply with their listeners.

For everyday life or specific goodbye moments, Dr. Carter suggests tailoring your speech to fit the context —whether it’s a retirement party or a colleague’s departure lunch—and keeping it concise to leave a strong impression without dragging on.

In her evaluation, she acknowledges that while injecting personal touch and humor works best for most, it might not suit every scenario or audience type; thus highlighting the importance of knowing your audience well .

Finally, Dr. Carter gives her nod to using these tips for crafting farewell speeches as incredibly valuable tools for anyone looking to leave on high note—underscoring their effectiveness in making any send-off more meaningful.

Ryan Nelson is the founder of Speak2Impress, a platform dedicated to helping individuals master the art of public speaking. Despite having a crippling fear of public speaking for many years, Ryan overcame his anxiety through diligent practice and active participation in Toastmasters. Now residing in New York City, he is passionate about sharing his journey and techniques to empower others to speak with confidence and clarity.

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An eye on Wayne County. In every direction.

The queen’s speech

CHAPEL HILL — It was supposed to be a graceful goodbye — a scripted show of gratitude for a fairytale year as the face of the American beauty pageant universe. But Wendy Dascomb knew that her time in the spotlight was coming to an end — that not long after she delivered her farewell speech in front of the millions watching the 1970 Miss U.S.A. Pageant, a new young woman would assume both her role and the platform that came with it. So a few seconds into the remarks that had, hours earlier, been scrubbed by corporate brass in an attempt to rein her in, Wendy paused and glanced off stage. She thought about the disfigured Vietnam veterans she met at a hospital in Colorado and the female journalists who were paid by the hour while their male counterparts enjoyed contractually-guaranteed salaries and benefits packages. She harnessed her disdain for then-President Richard Nixon and a war she viewed as senseless and unjust. And then, with a few simple words, she became a pioneer. “I have a very, very strong hope for the girl who’s the winner this year,” she said. “I hope she can stand on this place at this time (next year) and relate to all the viewing public a year of beautiful and meaningful experiences, rather than my year’s preoccupation with fear — a great deal of fear for our world.” • Growing up in the affluent neighborhoods of New Orleans, Wendy never dreamt of a future as a beauty queen. If anything, her experiences as a teenager stoked a rebellion inside of her — a desire to leave behind a world in which money and status trumped intrinsic value. So she left home to attend Stratford, a small women’s college in Virginia, to play basketball. “Let’s just say I was really tired of wearing cocktail dresses, OK?” she said. “That life, it just wasn’t for me.” She had no idea that shortly after her stint in Virginia began, she would, again, find herself among society’s elite — that a pageant she entered on a whim would leave her forever changed. She had no way of knowing that a professor’s request would transform her into one of the faces of a nation during some of its darkest hours. “I was in this speech class and the professor said, ‘I want you to enter the Miss Piedmont Pageant,’” Wendy said. “I found it a bit strange because I was like a hippie type. It was my rebellion against the social scene in New Orleans. I didn’t even have a one-piece swimsuit or an evening gown.” So she borrowed the clothing she would need to compete. And after a surprising victory, she went on to vie for the title of Miss Virginia — a process far more grueling than she had expected. “Pageants last two weeks. It’s really weird,” Wendy said. “You are really scrutinized.” But she stayed true to the woman she had grown into at Stratford — honest, inquisitive, unapologetic. And the judges loved her for it. • A college freshman picked up the phone and made a collect call. “I didn’t tell my parents I was in these pageants,” Wendy said. “So after I won the second one, I picked up the phone and said, ‘I would like to make a collect call.’ The woman said, ‘Well who should we tell them is calling?’ I said, ‘Just say Miss Virginia.’” Her parents were shocked as their little girl downplayed the experience. It still had not occurred to Wendy that she could potentially take home the crown. “The other girls, they were all very professional pageant people — very polished,” she said. And the interviews — each with a different celebrity judge — lasted hours at a time. But when, several days before the main event, she was informed that she had placed in the Top 10 of the swimsuit competition, it finally hit her. “I was like, ‘Whoa,’” Wendy said. “That is the first time it occurred to me that I was even in the running.” • Wendy looked the part, but it was clear she was not the typical Miss U.S.A. contestant. While the other girls waited in line to sit on Joe Namath’s lap for a picture, she just wanted to talk football. “It was funny because at one point, he was like, ‘Would you like to have a picture taken sitting on my lap?’ I said, ‘No. I don’t think I need that, Joe. I just want to talk football,’” Wendy said. “He was dumbfounded.” And when her competitors jockeyed for position — some even resorting to stealing her answers to use during their own interviews later in a particular session — she did her best to rise above it. What they didn’t know was that Wendy was simply biding her time — that when the right moment presented itself, she would outshine them all. “Burt Bacharach asked, ‘Who is your favorite composer?’ I just sat there quietly and let the other girls go first. Miss Tennessee said, ‘John Lennon.’ Now, today, it makes sense, but back then, it was like saying Elvis Presley. And another girl said, ‘I don’t know.’ Well, I grew up in a family where everybody played a musical instrument. We had concerts. I mean, music was, ‘it.’ So I decided, since these girls have been stabbing me in the back, I thought, ‘I think I’ve got this one.’ I said, ‘Burt, it depends on my mood. If I’m happy, it’s Haydn. If I’m melancholy, it’s Debussy. If I really want my heart to open wide, it’s Tchaikovsky. But with all that said, give me Chopin any day of the week.’ And he winked at me. He knew.” Bacharach was not the only one blown away by Wendy’s poise. And when she answered the final question — “Tell us something we don’t know about you” — by telling those in the crowd that she was, first and foremost, “an individual,” it became a forgone conclusion that the crown was hers. • A mother with several children in tow stared at Wendy as she walked a makeshift runway that had been erected inside a shopping mall. “You would see women … with five or six children around them and they would have this look on their face. I couldn’t tell if it was hate or, ‘My life sucks.’ Their kids would want an autograph or something, so I would sign them and I would say, ‘I just want to tell you that you have a really beautiful family and I think you have a really beautiful life. I hope one day I get to do what you’re doing,’” she said. Looking back on those moments, it dawns on Wendy that perhaps, the women she spoke with thought she was just being nice. But in reality, she longed for a sense of normalcy. “People wanted to believe that you sit on this throne for a year and people just bestow gifts upon you. The truth is, you work your … ass off and you’re on this whirlwind tour selling stuff. You don’t do anything philanthropic or altruistic.” And when she would try to reach out to those less fortunate — a group of children with special needs or combat-wounded Vietnam veterans — she was disciplined for it. “They would fly me on a private jet back to New York and yell at me. They said I was being disloyal because every time I was in a photo, they were supposed to get paid. They made me cry really hard,” Wendy said. “But you know what? I’d get back on that plane and do it again.” • The trip to meet Elvis in Las Vegas, the photo shoots, and runway walks are not the memories that Wendy covets nearly 50 years after she won the pageant world’s most coveted crown. Instead, she thinks about the day in Colorado when she lifted the spirits of Vietnam veterans who had lost limbs during the war. “I said, ‘What do you all do for fun?’ None of them had legs, but I kept going. I said, ‘Don’t you go out in the snow?’ So we rented a fleet of snowmobiles. They would be on the front and I would be on the back and we spent a whole Sunday snowmobiling. On a snowmobile, it doesn’t matter if you have legs or not. It’s all in the hands,” she said. “And while I was there, I would ask questions. That’s what I do. That’s what I did with the judges and how I won. That’s what I did with those guys in Denver. It was genuine. I am a curious person. And I really did care. “So I said, ‘Is war really the way we’re going to get peace?’ And I learned really quickly that when you lose body parts, you have to believe that. You have to believe that war is how you have peace. That broke my heart.” And she remembers frank conversations with working women — particularly journalists — about their plight. “I would say, ‘How does it work? I mean, you work with men, so are you paid the same?’” Wendy said. “They would laugh out loud. They would say, ‘We’re paid by the hour.’” Those moments lit a fire inside her — one that burned hotter each time she granted an interview with those members of the press who were savvy enough to realize she would speak without a filter. And during her reign, she took on Vietnam, religion, abortion and women’s rights. “I felt like, ‘I have a platform here to speak from and it will go away in just a few months,’” Wendy said. “And I wanted it to go away, but why not, while I’ve got it, speak up?” Reporters and the pageant brass were not the only ones who took notice. Iconic feminist Gloria Steinem was among those who came to admire Wendy’s intellect, honesty and courage. “She said, ‘I would love to have you work with our movement and the way you have chosen to do it is just fantastic,’” Wendy said. “I did it carefully, but I got a little more brash right toward the end.” • The day after she delivered a controversial farewell speech in front of a live audience and the millions who tuned in for the 1970 Miss U.S.A. Pageant, Wendy made what she considers one of the most important decisions of her life. She would decline the dozens of interview requests that had been flooding in since she defied the pageant brass and pursue a normal life — perhaps settle down and have the kind of family she longed for each time she saw a woman with several children in tow at one of her runway shows. Life, much like the process of transforming herself into a national treasure in 1969, wasn’t always easy, but she fought to ensure she made the best of even the darkest times. When doctors told her they were skeptical about her ability to have children, she had three. When her first marriage ended, she found true love with the “kind, sweet soul,” she shares her life with today. Health issues — many, a result of her childhood polio battle — would leave her seconds from death on multiple occasions, but each time she fought her way back to health. And though it seems, to those who know her, as if she has lived a million lives, she is convinced that her greatest moments have yet to unfold. The crown is still intact. The sash, stored away for use, perhaps by a daughter or granddaughter, as a Halloween costume. There are photos and newspaper clippings. But she let go of her title decades ago. The truth is, Wendy doesn’t see her stint as Miss U.S.A. as a defining moment in her life. And she hopes her legacy will be defined in far simpler terms. The times she got to embrace one of her children or grandchildren. The feeling that washed over her when she mounted her horse or scratched her poodle behind the ears. Is there something bigger in store for her? Perhaps. And that knowledge that she has something more to offer the world than a crown is what drives her. Just ask. Wendy has never been shy about telling it like it is. “My crowning achievement? It hasn’t happened yet,” she said. “But it will. And I’ll let you know.”

Another broad-daylight murder rattles Goldsboro

County track stars battle for bragging rights, boxing match, downtown next, final four, former teachers worry about goldsboro high’s future, edgewood relocation plan enrages parents, council approves police raises, salmon out as city manager, clipped wing, missed signals, senior night sweep, breaking: sjafb losing a fighter squadron.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

How to Write a Farewell Speech – Tips & Samples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

A farewell speech is one of the best ways to send off a departing co-worker, friend, or family member. It allows you to express gratitude for their contributions and wish them well in their new endeavors.

Additionally, a farewell speech can be a great opportunity to reflect on shared memories and offer wisdom for the future. Let’s see what the best farewell speech looks like based on different situations. I’ll explain everything plus include sample farewell speeches.

Farewell or Goodbye Speeches

As you move on to the next phase in your life, it is important to take a second to reflect on special memories and all you’ve accomplished. A farewell speech is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Whether you are retiring, resigning, or moving to a new company, a farewell speech is a chance to look back on your time at your current job and express your gratitude for the experiences you have had. It is also an opportunity to say goodbye to your colleagues and wish them all the best in their future.

What Is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a type of speech that is typically given at the end of a person’s tenure in a particular role. It’s often a professional goodbye but with a relaxed tone given at a farewell party or event.

For example, a student might give a farewell speech upon graduating from college, or an employee might give a farewell speech upon retiring from a company. Sometimes, a person might also give a farewell speech when leaving a particular organization or position, even if they aren’t retiring.

A prepared farewell speech usually contains personal memories, thank yous, feelings about the people involved, and a simple goodbye in person.

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Farewell speeches are typically intended to be positive and uplifting and to thank those who have helped the speaker during their time in the role. They may also include words of wisdom or advice for those who remain.

What Should I Say in a Farewell Speech?

When leaving an organization or group, it is customary to give a farewell speech. This speech is a chance to thank the people who have helped you during your time with the organization and to wish them well in the future.

You may also want to share some advice or words of wisdom with the group. When preparing your speech, consider what you would like to say and what message you would like to leave with the group.

It’s also important to be mindful of the tone of your speech. A farewell speech should be positive and uplifting, so avoid dwelling on negative experiences or speaking ill of the organization or group.

Take the time to write your thoughts and practice delivering your speech before the big day. With a little preparation, you can deliver a farewell speech that is both memorable and meaningful.

How Do I Start a Farewell Speech?

When giving a farewell speech, it is common to start by thanking the audience for attending. This helps to set a polite and appreciative tone for the rest of the speech.

It is also common to give a brief overview of the event or occasion that is being farewelled. For example, you might talk about how much fun the party was or how successful the project was.

This helps to create a sense of shared experience and nostalgia. Finally, it is common to finish with a positive message or thought. This could be something as simple as wishing everyone all the best for the future.

By starting with thanking the audience, you can ensure that your farewell speech is polite and engaging.

What Do You Say in a Goodbye Speech for a Colleague?

Finding the right words to say when saying goodbye to a colleague can be difficult. After all, you want to express your appreciation for their contributions while also acknowledging the sadness of their departure. Here are some of my suggestions for what to say in a goodbye speech to a colleague.

What They Contributed

First, take a moment to reflect on the positive impact that your colleague has had on your life and career. What have they taught you? How have they made you a better person? Be sure to express your gratitude for their guidance and mentorship.

Best Wishes

Next, wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Whether they are moving on to another job or retiring, let them know that you believe in their ability to achieve great things.

Finally, offer your support if they ever need anything. Let them know that you’re always there for them, whether it’s a reference for a new job or just someone to talk to.

Saying goodbye to a colleague can be tough, but expressing your appreciation and support can make it a bit easier for both of you.

What Do You Say in a Short Leaving Speech?

It is often said that brevity is the soul of wit. This is certainly true when it comes to giving a leaving speech. Whether you are stepping down from a club presidency or saying farewell to your colleagues at a retirement party,

it is important to keep your remarks brief and to the point. A few key elements should be included in any leaving speech.

First, take a moment to express your gratitude for the opportunity that you have been given. Next, focus on the future and discuss exciting new opportunities. Finally, leave your audience with a positive message, and encourage them to continue working hard in the months and years to come.

How Do You Thank in a Farewell Speech?

One of the most important elements of a farewell speech is thanking the people who have helped you along the way. Whether you are leaving a job, a team, or an institution, it is important to take a moment to express your gratitude.

Thank those who have been directly involved in your journey. This may include mentors, colleagues, or supervisors.

Next, thank the larger community that has supported you. This could include friends, family, or simply those who have taken an interest in your work.

Don’t forget to thank yourself! After all, it is your hard work and dedication that have brought you to this point.

Tips for Delivering a Memorable Farewell Speech at Work

I’ve written a number of speeches in my life, and these are some of my tips on how to do it right.

Draft an Outline

I’m insistent about outlines in every aspect of my life, from the next book I’m writing to an article and, yes, speeches. When preparing to give a farewell speech, one of the most important things you can do is create an outline. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that your speech flows smoothly.

A good outline will also help you to keep your speech within a reasonable length. If you need help figuring out where to start, there are a few key points you should always include in your farewell speech.

First, thank the audience for their time and attention. Next, introduce yourself and explain why you’re giving the speech. Then, give an overview of the main points you’ll be covering. Finally, conclude with a call to action or a personal message.

Include Relevant Details

Giving a farewell speech can be difficult. You want to say goodbye to your friends and colleagues in a memorable and appropriate way. One of the best ways to do this is to include relevant details in your speech.

For example, you might tell a story about a time when you worked together on a project or helped each other out. This will help to personalize your speech and make it more relatable for your audience.

Including specific details also helps to show that you have been paying attention to the people you are saying goodbye to. It shows that you value their friendship and want to remember the good times you have shared.

Expand on Your Ideas With the Right Tone

Any good speech, whether for a graduation, a retirement, or any other occasion, should have a clear, concise, and cohesive message. It should also be engaging, drawing in the audience and leaving them with a lasting impression.

However, choosing the right tone is one of the most important aspects of giving a speech. The tone of your voice can convey confidence, authority, and sincerity, or it can come across as nervous and uncertain.

If you want to give a farewell speech that will be remembered fondly, it is essential to choose the right tone. A confident and sincere tone will let your audience know that you are sincere in your words and that you believe in what you are saying.

Conversely, a nervous or uncertain tone will make your audience question your message and may leave them feeling uninspired.

Add Humor When Appropriate

As anyone who has ever given a speech knows, it is often difficult to find the right words to say. This is especially true when giving a farewell speech, as you want to strike the right balance between appreciation and levity.

One way to do this is by adding humor when appropriate. A well-placed joke can help to lighten the mood and show your audience that you are comfortable with the situation.

Also, humor can help break the ice, especially if you speak to a group of people who do not know each other well.

Just be sure to keep your jokes tasteful and appropriate for the occasion. With a little humor, you can give a farewell speech that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Edit Your Speech

When giving a farewell speech, it is important to ensure that your words are well-chosen and carefully edited. This is not a time for spontaneous ramblings or off-the-cuff remarks.

Your farewell speech should be memorable, which means taking the time to edit your words to be powerful and impactful.

There are a few benefits to editing your speech. First, it will help you to choose the right words. You want your words to be meaningful and to capture the essence of what you are trying to say.

Second, editing will help you clarify your thoughts and communicate your message. And finally, editing will help ensure that your speech is free of any grammatical errors.

Ask for a Trusted Colleague’s Opinion

For several reasons, asking for a trusted colleague’s opinion before giving a farewell speech to colleagues can be beneficial. First, it can help to ensure that the speech is memorable and appropriate for the occasion.

It ensures that the speech is well-received by the audience. You can test to see if you’re comfortable with your speech and check that the speech is tailored to the individual’s needs.

Finally, it can help to ensure that the speaker has the opportunity to practice before delivering the speech. Overall, asking for a trusted colleague’s opinion can be a helpful way to prepare for a professional speech of farewell.

Farewell Speech Examples

Use these prompts to create original speeches for your farewell or goodbye. They can be tweaked for funeral speeches, formal farewell speeches, or any other personalized speeches you need.

Example of Farewell Resignation Speech

“Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of everyone.

First, I want to say how much I’ve enjoyed working with everyone over the past year. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I truly appreciate your support.

As many of you know, I’ve been offered an exciting new opportunity that I’ll be starting next month. While I’m excited about this new chapter in my life, I’m also sad to leave such a great team behind. I assure you that I’ll be available to help with the transition in any way possible.

And, of course, I’ll stay in touch. Thank you all again for everything. I wish you all the best in the future.”

Example of Farewell Speech at Graduation

“As we stand on the threshold of a new phase in our lives, it is natural to feel both excited and apprehensive about what lies ahead. But no matter what the future holds, we will always remember our time together. This school has been our second home, and we will always treasure the fond memories we have made.

As we go our separate ways, let us never forget the lessons we have learned. Let us use them to make the world a better place for all. And let us stay in touch, so we can continue supporting and encouraging each other as we pursue our dreams.

Thank you all for everything. Good luck and best wishes for your future endeavors!”

Example of Farewell Retirement Speeches

“It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today to deliver my farewell speech. On the one hand, I am sad to be leaving a job I have loved for many years. But on the other hand, I am excited to begin this next chapter in my life.

Retirement allows me to finally pursue some of my long-held dreams and goals. And although I will miss everyone here at the office, I take comfort in knowing we will all remain in touch. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. It has been truly appreciated.

And although I am looking forward to this next phase of my life, I will always cherish the memories we shared. Thank you.”

Example of Farewell Speech for Colleague Retirement

“On behalf of everyone here at ABC Company, I would like to say a few words to celebrate John Doe’s retirement.

John has been with us for over thirty years, and in that time, he has made an indelible mark on our organization. He has been a mentor to many of us, and his expert advice will be sorely missed.

We are all better for having known John, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Thank you, John, for everything.”

The Bottom Line

A farewell speech is an important opportunity to express gratitude, offer words of wisdom and a note of memories, and say goodbye to those who have been important in your life. They can hold a humorous tone or lean more towards a simple and respectful tone.

Farewell speeches can also be a chance to say goodbye to a person or group you may never see again. As such, they offer an opportunity to express sentiments that might otherwise go unsaid.

4 Best Tips on How to Memorize a Speech Quickly

How to Write a Retirement Speech – Samples & Ideas

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Farewell speeches
Farewell speech for a colleague leaving

Write a farewell speech for a colleague

How to easily prepare a great goodbye speech for a co-worker in 7 steps

By: Susan Dugdale

Writing a great farewell speech for a colleague leaving can seem like a really difficult task.

Just what do you say in goodbye speech for a co-worker?

How do you find the right words? And where do you start?

To make it easier, follow and complete each of the steps below.

The end result will be a farewell speech for your colleague you'll be proud to give. And even better still, it'll be a speech they'll be delighted to receive! ☺

What's on this page

A start to finish 7 step process for writing a goodbye speech for a co-worker, with printable brainstorm and outline documents to use, and a sample speech.

Step One : Brainstorming - collecting your material [with a printable brainstorm template to use]
Step Two : Reviewing your material
Step Three : Organizing the body of your speech [with a printable speech outline template ]
Step Four : Brainstorming the conclusion [ with a printable brainstorm template ]
Step Five : Brainstorming the introduction [with a printable brainstorm template ]
Step Six : Linking the pieces together (with a sample speech: text and audio)
Step Seven : Testing and rehearsing

Image: young business man in a suit, carrying a briefcase, going down steps. Text: How to write a great farewell speech for a colleague.

Step One: Brainstorming - collecting material

The first step is to gather your material for the body, or main part, of your farewell speech. The easiest way I know to do this is to brainstorm.

How to brainstorm to get ideas

Either download and print off a A4 sized blank brainstorm template to use, the one in the image below, or grab a blank sheet of paper of your own.

Use the four headings below as triggers or prompts to get your ideas flowing.

Put down everything you think of, or associate with your colleague, under each of them. (Just like I've done in the example image above.) Do not stop to get the spelling right. Do not stop to edit. You can do all of that later.

What’s important now is to get down as many content ideas as possible. (If you don’t know something you think is vital to include, make a note to find out later.)

When you can’t think of anything more, move on to the next prompt.

1. Basic Facts – History with Company

(You need to get these accurate. If you don’t know, or are unsure about anything, ask.)

How long has your colleague been employed by the company?
What positions or areas have they worked in over that time?
What are they leaving to do? Take a new job in another company? Travel? Retire? Go on parental leave? Have they been promoted or transferred to another section or branch of the company? Or is what they’re going to be doing in the future private and they would prefer it not mentioned? Like, for instance, they're going to be dealing with a major health issue and don't want everybody to know about it.

2. Positive qualities or characteristics

What positive qualities or characteristics automatically spring to mind when you think of your colleague?

Note them down, with examples.

For example:

Fun loving: organized ‘crazy hat’ and t-shirt Fridays.
Genuinely caring and considerate: made a point of always acknowledging what had been done by someone to get a job done, was careful to NOT overload already stretched workers, watched for signs of stress.
Honest and respectful: direct and sincere in dealings with others, acknowledged their own part and what had been done by others in the success or otherwise of projects.
Collaborative: didn’t need to be a solo hero – could easily involve others and share the spotlight – a team player.
Responsible: took ownership of tasks assigned to them, made sure they delivered the very best they could.

3. Work stories: serious and amusing

Over the time you’ve been working together what stories can you share that best illustrate your colleague’s positive qualities? Are there major projects or milestone developments that could or should be mentioned? What have you jointly achieved? Highlight your shared successes!

For example:

the development of the hugely successful mentoring and ongoing training scheme to nurture junior product developers
the push to diversify and develop high value niche products

What about genuinely amusing, or funny, stories you know your colleague will be OK about sharing publicly?

the time they thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversize pink furry top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing and nodding at the ends of long green springs.

4. Special skills and their impact

What special skills does your colleague have that you admire or are inspired by? Perhaps they have great communication skills. Or maybe they’re a whizz at collecting, organizing and analyzing information for reports.

What impact did those skills have on you? On the business?

the ability to pull together useful, easily understood, yet complex, spread sheets quickly

Return to Top

Step Two: Reviewing your material

Go through all of the ideas you've generated.

As you do, consider the purpose of the speech, the tone you want, who is going to be listening (the audience) and then choose what you want to use from each section of your brainstorm.

Remember you have 3 -5 minutes speaking time. You can not include everything! Take the best and strongest of what you have.

(For more about the characteristics of a good farewell speech )

Step Three: Organizing the body of your speech

Enter what you have chosen under the right headings in the farewell speech outline template . This material will form the body of your farewell speech.

See the examples below. All these content ideas have been taken from the initial brainstorm (Step One).

1. Basic facts: history with company

[name of colleague eg. Sam] has been with us 5 years.
Started as senior product development manager and soon became the new group product development manager.
Leaving to go travelling!

2. Positive qualities, with examples

Fun loving: organized ‘crazy hat’ and t-shirt Fridays
Genuinely caring and considerate: made a point of always acknowledging what had been done by someone to get a job done, was careful to NOT overload already stretched workers, watched for signs of stress
Collaborative: didn’t need to be a solo hero, could easily involve others and share the spotlight, a team player

3. Work stories

Successful projects:

Funny work story:

the time they thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversized pink top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing at the ends of long green springs.

4. Special skills and their impact

the ability to communicate effectively with empathy and humor
to motivate through example
to quickly collate and transform vast quantities of information into readable, actionable reports which laid the foundation for the success of the projects. I’ve learned a lot from being alongside them.

Step Four: Brainstorm the conclusion

Use the four headings below as a prompt to note a few ideas to use in your ending.

Do this either on a blank sheet of paper of your own or download and print a blank A4 sized speech conclusion and introduction template to use.

1. What is the impact of your colleague leaving?

What will you miss? What will change?

I know it's selfish, but how on earth are we going to pull together the monthly reports without you? And who is going to delight us with a new silly hat every week? We definitely have a few challenges ahead.

2. Best wishes

Send your colleague off with your best wishes for whatever it is they are going to do next.

Despite knowing we’re going to miss you, we’re excited that you’re going to new and challenging opportunity. We can’t think of a better person for the job. You deserve it!

We’re really happy that your dreams have come true: that you’re going to be travelling and exploring the world. Just don’t rub it in too hard and too often with instagrammable moments.

On behalf of us all thank you for everything over your time with us: your encouragement, support, humor, and your leadership.

Thanks for being a great team mate, for teaching me your special spread sheet skills, and most importantly, for sharing my love of chocolate. I couldn’t have wished for a sweeter colleague!

4. Final comment

Please don't be a stranger. Our door is always open!
Please remember that to us you are much more than a colleague. You are a friend, and friends keep in touch. We look forward to catching up with you sometime soon.
Go well, go strong, and go knowing we think the world of you, and wish you all the best. Keep in touch!

Step Five: Brainstorm the introduction

Write the speech introduction. You’ll want a couple of sentences to welcome everyone and to acknowledge why you’ve got together.

(There is space on the printable conclusion/introduction brainstorm template to do this.)

Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for coming. As we all know, we've gathered to say goodbye to [name] who is leaving us today to take on a new role as [insert name of role e.g. Director of Product Management] for [insert name of company or organization e.g. The Q-R Group]
Who else has been marking off the days until [name of person] leaves us? From next Monday there’ll be a gap in our team. They’ll be [what ever it is they’re going to do e.g. basking in the sun on a beach in Bali] and we’ll be wondering just how we’re going to manage without them!
Thanks for coming along to help farewell [name of person]. It’s great to see so many of you here. I hope you’ve brought your tissues to mop up the tears!

Step Six: Linking the pieces together

In this step you're going to link the pieces together to make a complete speech.

You'll see in my example speech I've used most of the notes from the outline, and I've added words where needed to tie it altogether.

Here is the full text of the farewell speech for Sam: your much respected and liked colleague. ☺

It is 516 words long which will take approximately 3-4 minutes to say. (See how many words per minute in a speech for more information.)

Sample farewell speech for a colleague leaving

"Who else has been marking off the days until Sam finally leaves us? It’s sad but from next Monday there’ll be a huge hole in our team. She’ll be basking in the sun on a beach in Bali and we’ll be wondering how we’re going to manage without her.

Sam’s been with us for five years now. She began as a senior product development manager and it didn’t seem that long before she was promoted to new group product development manager, a position she’s held for last three years.

And now she’s got her passport updated, bought flight tickets, and she’s off travelling.

I know I speak on behalf of all of us when I say how much we’ve enjoyed working alongside you Sam. We’ve love and admire the initiatives you put in place. They tick all the boxes: increased diversification, sustainability, productivity and workplace satisfaction.

Crazy Hat Friday reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously and to laugh! Something we all need to do.

The development of the recently implemented very successful mentoring and ongoing training scheme to nurture junior product developers will help ensure we continue to grow. While the push to diversify and develop high value niche products has already proven itself lucrative. You were right! There was a need.

In our opinion, what made these initiatives even better was how you put them in place. You make it easy for people to cooperate and collaborate with each other. We admire and respect how easily you share the spotlight, how you made a point of always acknowledging what someone had done in order to get a project over the line, and especially how careful you were to NOT overload already stretched workers, and to watch for signs of stress.

You’re a true team player and leader – a person who understands how to draw the best from the people they work with.

So yes, we’re going to miss you."

Image: hot-pink top hat with daffodils. Text: We’ll remember the time you met the trade delegation from China wearing a hot-pink top hat decorated with daffodils.

"To help get over your absence we’ll cheer ourselves up by remembering the time you thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversized lolly-pink top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing at the ends of long green springs.

It was the best, and has made us smile ever since!

Joking aside, next Monday, the reality will hit home.

Go well, go strong, and go knowing we think the world of you, and wish you all the best. Keep in touch!"

Step seven: testing and rehearsing

Image: girl with angel wings flying. Text: How to rehearse a speech properly and do so much more than wing it.

To be absolutely sure you've got the tone and timing right, that you've included everything you should and haven’t put in anything that would be best left out, read your speech to a couple of trusted colleagues. Be guided by their comments, and alter your speech if needed.

Once you're satisfied that you've done the best you can please rehearse. Practice is what makes the difference! Getting the words sorted is an important step. However rehearsing can take your speech from ordinary to extraordinary!

For more go to: how to rehearse a speech .

Farewell speech for a colleague printables

Click the links below to access the three google word documents. (Please note, the links will open in a new window.

Brainstorm template for the body of the speech
Brainstorm template for the speech conclusion and introduction
Farewell speech for a colleague sample outline

To make a copy, share, email, download or print the document, click open the drop down 'file' menu as shown in the screenshot below. Then click on the option you want.

Image: screen shot of google doc. Text: instructions on how to copy, share, email, download or print the doc.

Another option for getting a farewell speech done

If you've run out of time to write the speech yourself, or you're finding it too tricky to manage, there's another option you may like to consider.

Image: woman sitting at a writing table - circa 19Th century. Text: Speech writer - a ghost writer who prepares words for someone else to speak.

That is getting me to do it for you. I offer a custom speech writing service and have written numerous farewell speeches for clients over the years. You can find out more about that here: speech writer for hire .

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Heather Lee Naples, Miss Princeton Autumnfest 2016 (Pageant Farewell Speech)
Pageant Speech to be Memorable for the Judges

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How to Write a Pageant Farewell Speech
This still gives you enough time for what I like to call "thank you shout outs.". "Thank You Shout Outs". This is a very delicate and important part in your farewell speech. There are countless people who have assisted you in your pageant journey. There were your parents, your friends, your director, your school, your church, and so ...
47: An Outline to Write and Record a Respectable & Memorable Farewell
Write and Record a Respectable Farewell Speech (Episode 47) Watch on. Your farewell speech is sort of your final impression. It's your opportunity to show gratitude to your team and final moment to inspire others and leave a legacy….It's what you want your fans and supporters to remember of your reign, plus it's your final opportunity ...
Farewell Speech for Pageant Example [Edit & Download]
The memories we've created here will forever be a testament to the beauty, strength, and spirit of this pageant. In closing, I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Here's to the friendships that will last a lifetime, to the lessons that will guide us, and to the future that awaits ...
Write and Record a Respectable Farewell Speech (Episode 47)
1. Get FREE Pageant Training → http://FreePageantCourse.com2. Join our family of #winners SUBSCRIBE here → http://bit.ly/WinYouTube =====...
218: Pageant Speech to be Memorable for the Judges
218 : Pageant Speech to be Memorable for the Judges. 30. 00:00:00 / 00:11:06. 30. Pageant speeches to be memorable for the judges can be a stressful thing to think about! In this episode I'm giving you the 3 things you need to include in your pageant speech to make sure the pageant judges will remember you. I'll also share 3 detailed ...
How to Write an Inspiring Farewell Speech: Step-By-Step
Sample Farewell Speeches. Now that we've broken down the steps that go into writing a farewell speech, we'll share some examples. You can see how to say goodbye to coworkers through a touching retirement speech. You can see how people say goodbye when graduating or moving away. You can even see how someone eulogizes themselves at a living ...
Farewell Speech
Step 4 - Create an Outline. Although farewell speeches are informal and more personal, they still require a particular outline. So, before you dive into writing, create a rough outline for your speech. This can be a simple bullet point list of the main sections of your speech, including the opening, body, and conclusion.
Farewell speeches: How to say goodbye with style
3 ways to deliver your prepared farewell speech. Choose what best suits you and the occasion. 1. Read your speech. If the situation is very emotional or you are very emotional this may be the safest way to get everything you want to say out. Using your completed speech outline as a guide, write the whole speech out. Word for word.
Pageant Farewell Speeches and Slideshows
The speech script needs to be separated into small parts or paragraphs instead of one long paragraph to make the script easier to read. Ensure the script is written in a talking tone/voice instead of a writing tone/voice. Practice the speech by reading it aloud before the recording session. Provide a copy of the speech script.
How To Write a Farewell Speech (With Examples and Tips)
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you write a farewell speech: 1. Create an outline. To create an outline for a goodbye speech, consider developing a list of bulleted points that highlight your positive experiences within the company. By creating a bulleted list, you develop a strong framework for your speech.
Farewell
Farewell. My Miss America dream started when I was eight years old and was made possible by the largest and most selfless village of human beings on this earth, whom I will get to in a little. Through their support, and some hard work and dedication, I was crowned your Miss America 2017, and the journey of a lifetime began. Throughout this year ...
Farewell Speech Examples: How to Say Goodbye with Grace
5. Leave on a high note - A memorable goodbye speech should end with a moment of gratitude and optimism; this will stay in everyone's minds as you leave them for good. Express how glad you have been to work or connect with these specific people and express hope for successful futures for them all (including yourself).
Sample Farewell Speech (Pageant)
Sample farewell speech (pageant) - Free download as Word Doc (.doc / .docx), PDF File (.pdf), Text File (.txt) or read online for free. The speaker is closing her year-long journey as Miss SNDS 2017, an experience she will always treasure. She thanks God for her blessings and skills, as well as her family for their support. She also thanks her teachers and former classmates for encouraging her ...
How to Write a Farewell Speech: Making It Memorable
Include a quote at the beginning or end of the speech to make it more memorable to the audience. Show your appreciation to the company and colleagues. Don't forget to wish them good luck. Don't be shy if you get too emotional. But try not to get hysterical and ruin the speech.
How to Make a Farewell Speech: 11 Steps (with Pictures)
3. Touch on a serious or heartfelt point. You want to keep your farewell speech fairly upbeat, but it's also good to take some time to reflect on what you've gained through your time at this place and what you'll miss. People will appreciate you being reflective for a bit and sharing your feelings about the occasion.
Farewell Speech
How to Strat a Farewell Speech. 1. Begin with a Greeting. Open your speech with a warm greeting to the audience. Use a simple "Good morning," "Good afternoon," or "Good evening," depending on the time of day. 2. Express Gratitude.
Giving a Farewell Speech at Work (With Examples and Tips)
4. Expand on your ideas with the right tone. Build a farewell speech around your bullet points by expanding ideas in a conversational, honest and respectful tone. Consider writing your speech as if you are writing a farewell letter to a friend to help keep your tone relaxed. Related: 10 Brainstorming Techniques for Writing (Plus Benefits) 5.
The Best Farewell Speech Examples and Tips for a Memorable Goodbye
Personalized Content. When crafting a memorable farewell speech, it's essential to include personalized content that resonates with the audience. Tailoring your message to reflect specific experiences and memories shared with colleagues adds a genuine touch to the speech.. By referencing personal anecdotes or inside jokes, you can create a heartfelt connection and leave a lasting impression.
The queen's speech
The queen's speech. It was supposed to be a graceful goodbye — a scripted show of gratitude for a fairytale year as the face of the American beauty pageant universe. But Wendy Dascomb knew that her time in the spotlight was coming to an end — that not long after she delivered her farewell speech in front of the millions watching the 1970 ...
How to Write a Farewell Speech
If you need help figuring out where to start, there are a few key points you should always include in your farewell speech. First, thank the audience for their time and attention. Next, introduce yourself and explain why you're giving the speech. Then, give an overview of the main points you'll be covering.
FFL queen's farewell speech
Editor's note — The following is a farwell speech written by outgoing Fall Festival of Leaves Queen Madison Hanks. "A crown worn on the head will last a year, but a crown worn on the heart ...
How To Give a Memorable Farewell Speech (With Example)
How to give a farewell address. Here are the steps for preparing and delivering an effective farewell address: 1. Outline your major points. First, create an outline you can insert points into as you think of them. You might create a few general categories, such as "People to thank" and "Memories," and add to them as you consider what you want ...
How to easily write a great farewell speech for a colleague leaving
Here is the full text of the farewell speech for Sam: your much respected and liked colleague. ☺. It is 516 words long which will take approximately 3-4 minutes to say. (See how many words per minute in a speech for more information.) Sample farewell speech for a colleague leaving "Who else has been marking off the days until Sam finally ...

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How to Write an Inspiring Farewell Speech: Step-By-Step

Kate Wight, BA in English

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Example for saying goodbye at work or retirement

Example for saying farewell at the end of someone’s life

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Example for someone who’s moving away

Writing an Inspiring and Memorable Farewell Speech: Tips, Tricks, and Examples

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Occasions for Giving a Farewell Speech

How to Start a Farewell Speech?

Step 1 - Identify the Audience

Step 2 - Brainstorm Relevant Ideas

Step 3 - Gather Stories and Anecdotes

Step 4 - Create an Outline

How to Write a Farewell Speech?

Step 1 - Create an Interesting Opening

Step 2 - Create a Strong Body

Step 3 - Provide Closure

Step 4 - Review and Practice

Farewell Speech At Work

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Farewell Speech Examples

Farewell Speech For Teachers

Farewell Speech for Students

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Farewell Speech Examples: How to Say Goodbye with Grace

What is a Farewell Speech?

Quick Answer

What Makes an Effective Farewell Speech?

Showing Appreciation

Celebrating the Occasion

Inspiring Your Audience

Example of a Farewell Speech

Crafting Your Own Farewell Speech

Brainstorm Topics

Choose Your Words Carefully

Deliver the Speech With Emotion

Conclusion: Saying Goodbye

Answers to Common Questions with Detailed Explanations

What are some of the key elements of a successful farewell speech?

What are some tips for delivering a memorable farewell speech?

How to Write a Farewell Speech to Cherish Memories

Steps on How to Write a Farewell Speech

How to Write a Farewell Speech: Example With Comments

Tips on How to Write a Good Farewell Speech

Questions to Ask Before Writing a Farewell Speech

Phrases to Use in Your Farewell Speech

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