writing a speech for a colleague leaving

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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

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."

"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

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.

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.

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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Farewell Speech Example to a Colleague Who is Leaving

“Today is a very sad day for us in the office as we have to say goodbye to our wonderful coworker. He/she has worked with us for a long time and has never let us down. He/she has always been extremely professional, hard-working and a team player. He/she has a brilliant mind and always brought creative new ideas to the team.

He/she has not only been a fantastic colleague, he/she has also been a true friend. He/she always took the time to ask how his/her fellow colleagues were, always had time to listen and talk to anybody with a problem and was great fun in the office. He/she was always full of energy and happy to see everyone on Monday mornings.

He/she is a great loss to our company but we were lucky to have the opportunity to work with him/her. We all wish you the very best in the future. I know that whatever the future holds, he/she will excel and continue to be successful.

We will miss you but this isn’t goodbye as we know you will keep in touch and we will see you sooner rather than later. Thank you for everything you have given to the company.”

If you want to make this speech more effective, you could include a funny or memorable story or a time your colleague excelled at work. I would also use their name whenever you can so it is more personal.

I hope this helps.

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How To Deliver An Unforgettable Retirement Speech For A Colleague (With Examples)

Hrideep barot.

• Speech Writing

Do you want to deliver a heartfelt speech for a colleague who’s leaving work but are unsure how to do it? 

Don’t worry. You’re not alone. 

For many people, retirement from a place of work can be a very emotional experience. Especially if they’ve been at a place of work for a long time, leaving it–and the people they’ve worked with–can be quite tough. After all, with retirement,  an employee is going to be leaving his or her employment permanently.

And this emotional roller-coaster is not exclusive to a the person retiring. 

Their co-workers, too, can land a seat at it. Especially if they were close to the person retiring or are quite close to retiring themselves. 

But even if you’re not at the front seat of the rollercoaster and simply wish to deliver a nice speech to a friendly co-worker finally leaving the company, finding the right words for the speech can be a confusing task. 

Writing and delivering a speech is a tough job.

A good retirement speech needs to factor in many elements. Farewell speeches are important as they express to the person leaving the place of work gratitude for the effort, time, and experiences they’ve provided to the company. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, services, etc. And are an essential element of a good place of work.

Don’t worry. 

We’re there to help you. 

What Is A Retirement Speech? 

A retirement or farewell address is a speech that is delivered by or for an individual leaving a work position or workplace. They are often used by public figures like politicians, actors, etc. as a capstone to their career, or as statements from persons giving reasons for their leaving. 

In a workplace, a farewell speech is often given by a junior member of the organization. A friend, colleague, or junior member are a few common choices for delivering a farewell speech. Sometimes, if a person has done remarkable work or has left an imprint on the organization, the speech might be given by a senior member of the company. 

As mentioned above, retirement speeches are delivered to thank an employee leaving a workplace for all the time, effort, and experience that was offered by them to the company throughout their tenure, and is a necessary element of a good and progressive place of work that values its employees.

What Do I Need To Include In A Retirement Speech? 

1. Talk About Their Achievements

Who doesn’t like reminded about the good stuff they’ve achieved in life, right? This can be especially important during a farewell speech, as a way of thanking the collegue for the positive elements that they’ve added to the company over the years. 

While it’s a good idea to add big achievements, you can also make it more special for the collegue by mentioning something small that they might have done that got overshadowed by all the other big stuff. The leaving person might not even be aware of doing it! 

For example, if the collegue was someone who could always make people’s Mondays feel like Fridays, then that’s a pretty big achievement too, right? Make sure to include it in your speech!

2. Narrate Anecdotes and Stories 

What’s an emotional speech without a story or two, eh? 

Anecdotes and stories are not just a great way of making a speech lively and interesting, but they can also make the speech more personal both; for the person leaving and the ones staying behind. 

So, try to include at least 2-3 anecdotes in your speech. 

If you don’t know the co-worker that well or are simply unsure of what to include, you can reach out to someone who was close to the person retiring and ask for their input. 

Regardless, stories have the power to really captivate an audience as long as we use the 3 core elements of

• Characterisation
• Final Takeaway

We’ve elaborated on these storytelling tactics in great detail in this video which I HIGHLY recommend you check out if you have a retirement speech coming up:

3. Don’t Forget The Jokes 

Humor is a great way to level up any speech, and a retirement speech is no exception to it’s charm. Humor works to lighten the overall mood, which can be quite heavy for a day like this. 

So, try to sprinkle a couple of jokes throughout your speech. You can even combine jokes and anecdotes and tell a funny story –maybe a memorable incident that happened with the retiring co-worker in the past!

For more information on how to make your speech funny, check out our article on A Guide To Using Humor In Your Speech.

 4. Add A Personal Touch 

Don’t just copy paste a random speech from Google. Instead, take your time with the speech. Remember that retirement is a cornerstone in most people’s life, and treat it as such. 

Adding little personal details here and there–little quirks that your colleague had, or memorable moments they had at the workplace–goes a great way to make the person in question feel important, liked, and most importantly: appreciated for their efforts. 

5. Talk About Their Personality 

What was the colleague like? What made them different from other people in the workplace? If there was one word that you could describe their personality, what would it be? 

Talking about their personal qualities makes the person retiring more real. It reminds them–and the people listening–that they were not just another part in a corporate machine, but a human being. That is someone with feelings, memories, good days, and bad days–just like you. 

6. Don’t Neglect Speaking About The Future 

While it’s important to give due importance to the past while delivering a retirement speech, it’s also imperative to not neglect talking about what’s ahead i.e the future. Often, people can get so fixated on the good stuff in the past that they don’t notice the amazing stuff coming up ahead. 

Is there something the person leaving always wanted to do, but couldn’t because they were so busy with work? 

Say, did they always want to go to a nature retreat, spend more time with their spouse, or work at that bar at the end of the street? 

Well, now would be the time to bring that up! 

Don’t just ramble on about stuff that’s already done. Talk about the opportunities coming upz too! 

7. Include mementos and gifts 

If a colleague is leaving work–especially if they’re someone who’s contributed a lot to a place–chances are, they’re going to be given a small memento for their work all these years. This can be given by anyone–another co-worker, you, or even higher-ups. 

So, make sure to check in with your co-workers about the status of a memento. If it’s going to be included, you can include a small introduction leading up to the handing of the gift right into your speech end. 

8. When In Doubt, Ask 

This piece of advice can come especially in handy if you didn’t know the former co-worker that well. If you’re unsure whether to include a personal detail or not–or are simply in a dearth of personal information–go ahead and ask someone else for their input. This someone else can be anyone: a close friend of the colleague, a family member, your boss, or even the colleague themself! 

Don’t be shy to ask questions. 

Sample Retirement Speech 

Dear Hannah,

Today is the day you retire from St.Mary’s Public School after over twenty years of teaching English to high-schoolers—most of whom had no interest in learning anything in the first place!

In spite of this hindrance, you never ceased delivering the best you possibly could. When you first started working with us, you were simply a substitute teacher that the students saw occasionally. Remember your first day and the prank that the students played on you?

The entire class banded together and attacked you with a string of questions—none of which had anything to do with English, by the way. But instead of waiting for you to answer, the moment you opened your mouth, the student pretended to fall asleep!

Once you got the hang of it, you turned into a prankster yourself! You played along with the class by listening to a student begin a question but then acted like you’d fallen asleep—just like they had when you were trying to answer—before they finished it.

It was the first time a teacher had chosen to not only indulge their silly pranks but also pranked them right back! Instead of punishing them, you tried to understand them, to relate to them. And you continued trying to do so for the rest of the week.

The students fell in love with you that day, and their admiration for you only grew over the next week. I know this because a few days later when I showed up for class, nobody wanted to learn anything about Shakespeare!

And yet, you not only managed to befriend the students, but you also became friends with the teachers!

You were the only topic of discussion—both, in the classroom and later, in the staff room. In fact, your little stunt with the students had made most of the other teachers realize that they needed to step up their game, too! We had a friendly little competition going after you joined us permanently!

And this was not an isolated incident. Over the years, you have inspired and connected with multiple generations of students and classrooms. So many children have fallen in love with the English language because you taught them to love it.

Just look around the room and you will know that I’m telling the truth—although the crowd could also be because this is probably the last time many of us will get to gobble down your famous baking concoctions!  

Truly, we will miss your cookies almost as much as we will miss you!

You have spent almost your whole shaping the lives of people who would later go on to shape the world. You have given your one hundred percent to the classroom—now it’s time you give your one hundred percent to yourself!

During one of our many, many heartfelt conversations, you told me that when you finally retired, you would love to travel the world with your husband and to get to spend more time with your grandchildren.

 Well, now you can!

And we can’t wait for our Facebook Feed to be spammed by all the pictures you’re certainly going to upload!

Now, we’d love you to have this little token of appreciation for all the work you’ve done for our school.

5 Ways To Make A Retirement Speech (More) Special 

Now that you know all the stuff you need to include in a retirement speech and have an example of how to phrase it in hand, let’s move onto the next step: how to add that touch of uniqueness to your speech and make it truly memorable. 

1. Prepare A Skit

Adding a skit is an excellent way of making a retirement speech memorable. The theme for the skit can be anything. However, make sure it’s relevant to the retiring person’s life. A good idea is to structure the skit around some memorable incident from the person’s time at the workplace. 

It can be a funny incident, or an emotional one, or even an instance when they inspired you! 

If you’re not sure about which incident to pick, try asking someone who’s close friends with the person. The skit doesn’t need to be over-the-top or elaborate. You don’t need to get costumes or spend hours preparing it. Everyone has work to do and deadlines to meet. 

To save time, you can stick to a simple 3-5 minute skit with simple dialogues and few characters. You don’t need to dress up, either. 

It’s the thought that counts, after all. 

2. Make A Video! 

A video is another great way of making a retirement speech memorable. 

To do this, collect videos and photographs or any other material relevant to the departing employee and organize the contents into a small video that you can show either before or after your speech! Make sure the video isn’t too long, and that it has a positive note. 

3. Give Them A Personalized Souvenir 

While a token of appreciation is something they’re going to get from the company’s side, if a co-worker has truly touched your life, then giving them a personalized souvenir from the employee’s side is another great idea to make a retirement day unforgettable. 

The souvenir doesn’t have to be something expensive or over-the-top either. Rather, something handmade or something personalized might be a better idea. 

For example, you can give the employee a jar filled with little note cards that the other employees have written for them. 

4. Switch Up The Format 

Another way to make a retirement speech unique is by switching up the traditional speech format for something more fun! 

Instead, you could write and deliver the speech like a poem–or even a short story! If you want to make things even more interesting, you can turn it into a continuous story by involving a couple of more people with you! However, make sure to check in with the management before you do so, as time constraints or following a standard speech format might be an issue. 

If you want some inspiration on unique storytelling formats and approaches you can use for your retirement speech, we’ve explained a few in simple terms in this video:

5. Coordinate Your Dressing

Is there a particular way your retiring co-worker always dressed? A color or pattern they favored? Or a shirt they couldn’t seem to get rid of? 

Well, now’s the time to use their personality quirks to your advantage!

Try remembering if there’s anything related to dressing sense that set your departing colleague apart, and coordinate with the rest of your colleagues to spruce up as they once did! 

Remember: it’s not necessary to look like carbon copies of your departing friend. You don’t need to stress if your T-shirt is the exact color or pattern as theirs. A close-copy works just as well. 

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Conclusion 

To sum up, writing a retirement speech for a colleague is not as hard as it sounds. Retirement speeches are offered to commemorate a work that an employee has done for a company and are usually delivered by close friends, fellow co-workers, or sometimes even someone higher up. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, personality quirks, memorable incidents, etc. Add a touch of uniqueness to the mix, and you’re ready to bid adieu to your colleague with a bang! 

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• Delivery Techniques →

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).

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Giving A Farewell Speech At Work (With Examples)

• Say Goodbye To Coworkers
• Clean Up Your Desk
• How To Ask For A Reference
• Farewell To Coworkers
• How To Resign From A Job
• Farewell Speech

Find a Job You Really Want In

Summary. Your farewell speech at work is an opportunity to bring your time with the company to a close in a friendly way. In your speech should express your gratitude for your company and colleagues and let people know where you are going. Your speech should be personal and it’s a good idea to use anecdotes from your time in the office.

No one can stay at a job forever, and there comes a time in everyone’s career when you have to say goodbye to a group of coworkers.

Whether you got promoted and relocated, you’re retiring, or you were given a better offer by another company, it’s nice to give all of your coworkers a proper goodbye, and one of the best ways to do this is in a farewell speech.

No matter when or why you need to give a farewell speech, we’ll help you prep one that’s memorable and moving in no time. Keep reading to learn what a farewell speech is, how to create a good one, and a few examples you can model yours after.

Key Takeaways:

Keep your speech positive and use a relaxed tone while giving it.

Create an outline when writing your speech to get an idea of what you want to say before you start writing.

Thank your coworkers for their support and for creating a fun work environment.

What Is a Farewell Speech?

How to write a job farewell speech, examples of farewell speeches, tips for delivering a good farewell speech, writing a farewell speech for a colleague, farewell speech faqs.

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Farewell speeches are an opportunity to bring your time with a company to a close in a polite and friendly way. Typically, they’re short speeches you can make on your last day or if your coworkers throw you a going-away party. They don’t need to be long monologues; you just need to express your gratitude for your time with the company and let people know where you’re heading.

Keep in mind that farewell speeches don’t have to happen every time someone leaves a job or switches offices. Farewell speeches are usually reserved for people who have had a significant impact on a company, worked somewhere for a long time, or are retiring . Not everyone has to give a special speech, so if you feel like you haven’t been at a company long enough or don’t have a high enough position to make a speech, you definitely don’t need to.

Farewell speeches are pretty low pressure, and you can just speak from the heart, so they’re not the trickiest professional speech you’ll ever have to give. But, it still doesn’t hurt to be prepared and have an idea of what you want to say before your opportunity arises. Here are the steps you should take when you want to prepare your farewell speech ahead of time:

Start with an outline. Even though goodbye speeches are just a few minutes long, it doesn’t hurt to have a general idea of what you want to say before you start forming your thoughts.

Beef up your ideas. After you have an outline, you can start filling it in with anything you want to share. Be sure to make everything flow, which the outline can help with since you already know what you want your next point to be.

Let people know where you’re going. Before you wrap up your speech, make sure you take a moment to tell your coworkers what your next step is . Whether you’re retiring, moving to a new company, or having a career change, people want to know what you’re up to and how they can stay in touch with you.

Create a strong conclusion. When you’re writing the end of your speech, make sure it follows the tone you’ve created throughout the rest of the speech. If you went for a more serious tone, you should make sure you keep the ending serious, and the same goes for if you went for a humorous tone.

Edit your speech. Before you read your speech for your coworkers, you should read it aloud for yourself to make sure everything feels right. You can even have a friend read it over for you, but just make sure you give it a read over before giving your speech.

Here are a few examples of farewell speeches you can give to your coworkers before you leave your job. We’ll give you some samples of different reasons you might be departing a company.

If You’re Retiring

Hi everyone. Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to celebrate my last day with ABC Company. After 20 years here, I can’t believe I won’t be seeing that hideous fake plant and all of your lovely faces every morning. I’m immensely grateful to everyone in this room, especially my HR team. We’ve done some amazing work during my time here, from implementing our database years ago to supporting our colleagues throughout some rocky patches at ABC. I’ll miss everyone on the HR team, especially our weekly Friday gossip lunches. I also want to give a huge thanks to Linda, our head of HR. Linda’s been with me almost since my start, and I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without her kindness and support. Thanks for everything, Linda. I’m sad to say goodbye to all of you, but I’ll be stopping in from time to time. It’s been an incredible journey with you all, but now it’s time for me to kick back and finally watch that new show you’ve all been telling me about! Thanks again, everyone!

If You’re Leaving For Another Company

Thank you all for coming. I really appreciate you taking some time out of your days to send me off like this. I’ve loved my time here because of all the wonderful people I’ve met, so you’re making it really hard for me to leave. I just want to say a little thank you to my team, who has been by my side since I started at Smith Consulting. Without the leadership and mentorship of Brenda, I don’t know how I would’ve ever moved up to Senior Consultant . Of course, I have to thank my fellow team members Oliver, Sarah, and John, for keeping me motivated and laughing during our late-night brainstorms, countless airport trips, and meetings with tough clients. I also want to give a quick shoutout to Jamie, who will be taking over for me. Jamie is amazing, and I’ve really enjoyed working with her and watching her grow over the last month. I know she’ll do a great job and be a real asset to the team after I’m gone. I’ve enjoyed every second I’ve been with Smith Consulting, and I’m sad to leave. I’ll be moving to Chicago with my husband to be closer to our families, but I sincerely hope everyone will stay in touch. Hopefully, I’ll make it back out here soon, and we’ll have a chance to work together again. Thank you again to everyone, and I’ll miss all of you!

No matter how formal or informal your farewell speech is, you can follow these tips to make sure you deliver one that’s memorable:

Practice before the big day. Just like anything else, practicing your speech a few times before you give it is a good way to make sure it flows. It can also help you make sure you sound natural and relaxed when you give your speech.

Greet your listeners. To make your speech more lighthearted, you should acknowledge your audience before launching into your speech. Take a second to greet everyone and incorporate them into your speech.

Make it personal. At the end of the day, the speech is about you and your colleagues, so don’t be afraid to make it personal. Your audience will find it more entertaining if you make your speech specific and personal than if you just keep things generic and vague.

Stay positive. While you might be departing with your company for negative reasons, don’t bring anything up in your farewell speech.

Use anecdotes. One way to make your speech memorable and engaging is to use stories from your time in the office. Think of running jokes you have with your coworkers or talk about the great prank you pulled on your boss one year.

Thank your coworkers. While this is a speech about your time at the company, you should take time to thank your coworkers for their support and creating a fun work environment .

Keep it natural. There’s no need to force yourself to do a formal farewell speech if that’s not your personality. Do something that feels natural to you and represents who you are in relation to your audience. You can keep it light and humorous if that fits you, or go for something more serious; just keep it natural.

Use a relaxed tone. Since farewell speeches aren’t overly formal, you want to make sure you’re using a relaxed tone when you address your audience.

Be brief. Your colleagues want to hear from you, but they don’t want a ten-minute walk down memory lane, especially when they’re waiting to eat or need to get to a meeting.

Sometimes you’ll be asked to give a farewell speech for a colleague that is leaving. In this case, you’ll follow many of the same principles that we listed for a farewell speech that you’d give when you’re the one leaving.

Instead of talking about your time with the group as a whole, however, you’ll talk about the individual who is leaving.

Share some of their positive qualities and accomplishments, a few memories or uplifting experiences you had with the person, and how the person has impacted your career or the workplace as a whole.

Close by thanking them for their hard work and wishing them well as they move on to other endeavors.

How do I give a farewell speech for leaving a company?

You give a farewell speech for leaving a company by briefly mentioning a few positive memories of your time working there, expressing your sadness at your departure, and thanking your coworkers.

This speech should be more about your colleagues than about you, so make sure you keep your speech to the point and focused on topics everyone can appreciate.

General memories that most people have in common or your gratitude toward different people or groups in the organization are both great points to include in your speech.

How should I start my farewell speech?

You should start your farewell speech by thanking everyone for being there. Chances are you’re giving your speech at an event of some kind, and even if it’s just a gathering in the conference room to eat cake, you need to thank everyone for taking the time to attend.

From there, you can move into sharing what you’ve appreciated or positive things you’ve learned from your time at the company, thanking your coworkers, and sharing where you’re going next.

What are some good farewell sayings?

Some good farewell sayings are, “It’s been an incredible journey,” “I hope you will keep in touch,” and “I wish you the best.” These sayings all express your appreciation for your coworkers and your desire to continue those relationships.

It’s important to include phrases like these in your speech to show that while you may be excited about what you’re moving to next, you are still sad to be leaving this job and community behind.

How do I say goodbye to my colleagues?

Same ways to say goodbye include:

“I’m going to miss you. Wishing you luck in your new role and your future. We’ll talk soon.”

“It was a blast working with you. We will miss having you around. Goodbye, dear friend.”

“leaving this place and everyone will be difficult, thank you, everybody. Goodbye.”

“Although I am thrilled about my new position, I’m sad to leave the company. Everyone, goodbye.”

Best Speech Topics – Farewell Speech

Throughline – How To Give A Memorable Farewell Speech

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Amanda is a writer with experience in various industries, including travel, real estate, and career advice. After taking on internships and entry-level jobs, she is familiar with the job search process and landing that crucial first job. Included in her experience is work at an employer/intern matching startup where she marketed an intern database to employers and supported college interns looking for work experience.

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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.

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Farewell Speech For Colleague in English: Examples and Writing Guide

The one thing we can always count on in life is change. As people grow older and crave different life experiences, co-workers will enter and leave your work environment. This is something to be celebrated, as it empowers others to embrace opportunities that come their way. It also makes room for new people to join your team and offer fresh perspectives. This is why a farewell speech for a colleague can bring a mixture of emotions.

When a colleague leaves for a new job, it’s important to be able to say goodbye properly. A farewell speech is a way to show your appreciation for your colleague’s contributions and to wish them well in their new role. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the time you’ve worked together and the memories you’ve shared. Whether you’re giving a farewell speech at a farewell party or simply saying goodbye in person, taking the time to express your thoughts and feelings will show your colleague how much they mean to you.

Don’t be afraid to give a farewell speech the next time someone you work with leaves for a new job – it could be the best send-off they could ask for. This blog will help you understand how easily this act of appreciation can be tailored to your needs. Whatever the relationship, you will learn how to give the perfect farewell speech for a colleague.

What is a Job Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech for a colleague is a short speech given by one co-worker to another at the end of their time working together. It is a best practice in business environments to show appreciation to the employee who has aided in the growth of a company. It’s a vital show of good sportsmanship and shows the rest of the company’s employees that they are working in a professional, ethical, and positive environment.

The farewell speech is typically given by the worker’s boss or close co-worker, and it should be positive and congratulatory. It is also an opportunity to thank the person for their contributions to the team and wish them well in their future endeavours. The key is to make the person feel proud of their success.

When giving a farewell speech to a colleague, it is okay to keep it short and sweet. A few kind words and well wishes are all that is needed. There may come a time when a more lengthy goodbye is appropriate. The following examples span from short and sweet to descriptive and appreciative.

5 Farewell Speech for Colleague Examples:

Colleague farewell speech 1.

“It is with mixed emotions that we say farewell to our colleague, John Smith. On one hand, we are sad to see him go, but on the other, we are excited for him as he embarks on a new adventure. John has been a valued member of our advertising team for many years and he will be truly missed.

As John embarks on this next chapter in his life, we want to thank him for his dedication and hard work. He has been a true asset to our team meetings and has made many contributions over the years. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Thank you, John, for everything. We will miss you!”

Colleague Farewell Speech 2

“It’s with a mix of emotions that I stand here today to farewell my colleague and friend, Adam. On the one hand, I’m sad to see him go, but on the other hand, I’m excited for him as he starts this new chapter in his life.

Adam has been a valued member of our competitive environment for the past four years, and in that time, he has made an incredible impact. He’s always been the first to volunteer for difficult tasks, and his attention to detail is second to none. He will be missed by everyone here, but we wish him all the best in his new role.

So, Adam, from all of us here at ABC Company, we want to say thank you for your contributions and we wish you all the best for the future. We know you’ll do great things!”

Colleague Farewell Speech 3

“Farewell speeches are always difficult, especially when it is for a colleague who has been such an important part of our team. Alice was not only a great co-worker, but also a true friend, and I will miss her personal characteristics. Alice always had a kind word for everyone, no matter what the situation and her positivity was truly contagious.

She was also an amazing team player, always willing to lend a helping hand or offer her expertise. We will all miss her greatly, but we know that she will be successful in whatever she does. Thank you, Alice, for everything. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”

Colleague Farewell Speech 4

“As our time together comes to an end, I want to take a moment to say farewell to my colleague and friend Sarah. It has been a pleasure working with you over the past few years, and I have truly appreciated your insights and expertise in our strategic plans. I know that you will be a great asset to your new team, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavours. Thank you for everything. I hope our paths cross again soon.”

Colleague Farewell Speech 5

“It is with a heavy heart that I stand here today to say farewell to a dear colleague. Joshua has been an integral part of our team for 7 years and will be greatly missed. In that time, he has made significant contributions to our company and helped us to achieve success with his innovative ideas.

Joshua has always been willing to go the extra mile, whether it was staying late to finish a project or offering help to our company culture. He will be leaving us to pursue other opportunities, but his impact on our team will be long-lasting. We wish him all the best in all his future endeavours and we know that he will continue to be successful in everything he does. Thank you, Joshua, for everything. We will miss you.”

How to Write a Colleague Farewell Speech: 7 Ways

1. draft an outline.

When a colleague leaves their job, it can be difficult to know what to say. After all, you want to express your appreciation for their contributions while also looking forward to the future.

The best way to strike the right balance is to draft a sample farewell speech before you give it. Focus on positive memories and shared experiences, and avoid dwelling on the past, their personal life, or negative emotions. Instead, use your farewell speech as an opportunity to wish your colleague all the best in their new venture. By taking the time to prepare ahead of time, you can ensure that your farewell speech is both sincere and heartfelt without being a sad moment.

2. Include relevant details

When giving a farewell speech for a colleague, it is important to include some relevant details about the person you are farewelling. For example, you might mention their length of service at the company, their major accomplishments, or how they will be missed.

It is also important to keep the tone of the farewell speech positive and upbeat, highlighting all the good things about your colleague and their time at the company. Finally, be sure to wish your colleague all the best in their future endeavours.

3. Write an introduction

When it comes to structuring, a farewell speech for a colleague doesn’t need to be overly long or complex. First, start by saying something positive about your coworker.

For example, you could mention how they are always willing to lend a helping hand or how they have a great sense of humour. You might talk about your special memories of working together or highlight your colleague’s accomplishments. This sets a positive foundation for the rest of the speech to follow.

4. Expand on your Ideas

When crafting a farewell speech for a colleague or special occasion at work, there are a few things to keep in mind while expanding on your introduction.

First, keep it positive. This is not the time to air grievances or discuss what could have been done better. Instead, focus on the good times and the things you will miss about your colleague. Second, be brief. A farewell speech is not an opportunity to give a lengthy diatribe – instead, keep your remarks short and sweet. Finally, end on a positive note. Thank your colleague for their contributions and wish them well in their future endeavours.

5. Add Humour and Reference Good Times

When giving a farewell message, it’s important to strike the right tone in your presentation skills. After all, you want to be memorable and funny, while also conveying your sincere appreciation for your coworker.

One way to do this is to add some funny anecdotes to your speech. You can tell a funny story about your colleague, or make a joke about their upcoming retirement. Just make sure that your humour is appropriate and in good taste.

Another way to make your farewell speech memorable is to reference the good times that you and your colleague have shared. Whether it’s a shared project or just a fun moment, referencing happy memories will help your coworker feel appreciated. So if you’re looking to give a farewell speech that truly stands out, try adding some humour and referencing good times. Your colleague is sure to appreciate the happy environment.

6. Edit your Speech

You want to make sure that the farewell is memorable and sincere, but you also don’t want to miss anything important. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

First, take a look at the overall structure of the farewell speech. Is it well-organized and easy to follow? If not, you may want to make some changes to the way it is laid out. Remember, a farewell speech is not like other speeches – it should be personal and intimate, so don’t be afraid to add in a few personal details or stories.

Next, check the grammar and spelling of the farewell speech. Again, this is not like other speeches, so you don’t need to worry about perfect grammar. However, you still want to make sure that everything sounds natural and that there are no awkward phrases or words. If you’re not confident in your own editing skills, you may want to ask a friend or colleague for help.

Finally, consider the tone of the farewell speech. Again, this should be personal and intimate, so avoid anything too formal or stiff. Instead, focus on expressing your sincere gratitude for your colleague’s contributions and wishing them all the best in their future endeavours.

7. Ask for a Colleague’s Opinion

If you are asked to give a farewell address for a colleague, it is important to take the time to prepare. After all, this is likely a person who has had a significant impact on your life, and you want to make sure that you do them justice. This is made much easier if you consult other co-workers first to get their opinion on what you’re writing.

The best way to start is by brainstorming a list of key points with someone that you trust. These could be anecdotes about your time working together, lessons that they taught you, or even just kind words about their character. Once you have your list, you can start putting together your speech. Recite it to your co-worker and get their opinion on the sample speech.

4 Different Ways To Say Goodbye:

1. sending cards.

One of the best ways to do this is by sending a farewell card. A well-chosen card can convey your appreciation for your time together and wish your colleagues all the best in the future.

It’s also a nice way to keep in touch after you’ve gone your separate ways. So if you’re looking for a thoughtful way to say goodbye to a co-worker, a farewell card may be the perfect option.

2. Sending Emails

Sending an effective email is an essential professional skill. If you’re sending an email to say goodbye to a co-worker, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

First, be respectful and professional. This is not the time to air any grievances or take potshots at your co-worker. It’s already a bitter-sweet occasion, so focus on the sweet.

Second, keep it brief. No one wants to read a long, drawn-out email. Especially if this has been sent out to the entire team. 

Third, express your thanks for the time you’ve spent together and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Saying goodbye is never easy, but a few well-chosen words can go a long way towards making the transition smoother for everyone involved.

3. Sending Gifts

Consider the relationship you have with the person you’re giving the gift to. If you’re close friends, a more personal gift would be appropriate, but if you’re not as close, something more simple would be better.

Second, think about what kind of gift would be most useful to them in their new job. A nice desk clock or a set of pens would be appreciated, but if you know they’re particularly fond of coffee, a nice mug would be even better.

Third, try to find a way to personalize the gift. An engraved pen or a personalized mug would be perfect. Finally, don’t forget to include a handwritten note expressing your best wishes for their new venture.

4. Throwing a Party

For someone retiring from a company after 20 years, why not throw a party to send them off in style?

Invite all of their friends and colleagues, and ask everyone to bring a dish to share. Decorate the space with streamers and balloons, and make sure to have plenty of food and drink on hand. Most importantly, take the time to toast your co-worker and wish them all the best in their new venture.

This blog was an excellent resource for tips on how to say farewell to a colleague. It provided a wide range of examples, from the traditional to the more creative. It also offered helpful advice on how to personalize your farewell message. Overall, this blog was an invaluable guide for anyone looking to bid a fond farewell to a colleague. With its clear and concise advice, it is sure to help even the most reluctant farewell-er find the right words to say goodbye. Thank you for reading and good luck on your career journey!

Whether you’re moving on to new opportunities or retiring from a long career, it’s important to take a deep breath t to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. A farewell speech is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Thank your colleagues for their support, share some of your favourite memories, and offer words of wisdom for the talented team around you. Whatever you choose to say, make sure that your farewell speech is heartfelt and sincere. With a little preparation, you can give a speech that will leave a lasting impression on those who have been part of your journey.

When giving a goodbye speech to a colleague, it is important to be respectful and positive. You may want to mention some of the good qualities your colleague has, and thank them for their contributions to the company. If you have worked closely with the person, you may also want to share a fond memory or two. While it is okay to be emotional, try to avoid dwelling too much on the past or getting too sentimental. The focus should be on the future and wishing your colleague all the best in their new endeavours. Whether you are speaking at a going away party or simply saying goodbye in the office, take a few minutes to express your appreciation for your colleague. A few kind words can go a long way in making someone’s transition a little easier.

First and foremost, thank them for their hard work and dedication. Take a moment to highlight some of their key accomplishments, and express your confidence that they will be successful in whatever they do next. At the same time, be honest about the team’s challenges without them. Assure your remaining team members that you are committed to supporting them through this difficult transition. By striking the right balance between gratitude and realism, you can give your departing team member the send-off they deserve.

Whether they were with you for a short time or many years, let them know that their work was appreciated and made a difference. Next, if possible, offer them a severance package or other financial assistance to help them through this transition. Finally, keep in touch with them after they leave. Whether you stay in touch via email, social media, or occasional phone calls, letting them know that they are still valued will help to ease the transition.

If you want to wish your departing employee the best of luck, there are a few things you can do. First, take the time to write them a handwritten note expressing your appreciation for their hard work and wishing them well in their new endeavours. You could also give them a small gift, such as a gift card to their favourite restaurant or a framed photo of their time at the company. Whatever you do, make sure that your words and actions express your sincere best wishes for their future success.

Here are some funny farewell speeches for colleagues: “We will all miss [colleague’s name] around the office. But the upside is that we will no longer have to endure their terrible jokes. Thank you for putting up with us for so long, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.” “I’m not sure what we are going to do without [colleague’s name], but I’m sure someone will think of something. In the meantime, we will just have to make do with the second-best person in the office. Thank you for everything, and we wish you all the best.” “I want to thank [colleague’s name] for their years of service to the company. We will miss them dearly, but I’m sure they will be successful in whatever they do next. Thanks for everything, and goodbye!”

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Speech Writing

Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

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Farewell speeches can be tricky to write. You might worry about saying the right things and making a good impression. 

Don't worry; we're here to help. 

In this blog, we'll show you how to create a touching farewell speech step by step. Whether you're new to this or have some experience, we've got you covered. You'll learn how to speak from the heart and leave a lasting memory with your audience.

• 1. Occasions for Giving a Farewell Speech
• 2. How to Start a Farewell Speech?
• 3. How to Write a Farewell Speech?
• 4. Farewell Speech At Work
• 5. Farewell Speech Examples 
• 6. Writing Tips for a Farewell Speech

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. 

However, if you're feeling lost and need assistance in crafting a farewell speech, let our essay writing service help. Our team of experts boasts years of experience in delivering high-quality speeches. 

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Farewell Speech Examples For Every Situation

When you move on in life from a job, a neighborhood, or a position, you may be formally honored and need to make a farewell speech on your last day. While most goodbye speeches follow a simple format, you can pattern your address after these farewell speech examples.

Saying goodbye can be emotional and challenging, but delivering a heartfelt farewell speech leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those present.

This article explores inspiring examples of farewell speeches , showcasing the power of words to express gratitude, share memories, and inspire hope for the future. Whether bidding farewell to colleagues, classmates, or loved ones, these speeches offer a glimpse into the art of saying goodbye with grace and eloquence.

Table of Contents

What Should You Say In A Farewell Speech?

In the  best farewell speeches , people express their gratitude, share memories, and leave a positive lasting impression.  Some common elements include:

• Speakers often  express gratitude  to the individuals or groups they are addressing, acknowledging their support, friendship, or guidance throughout their journey together.
• Farewell speeches often r eflect shared experiences , memorable moments, and accomplishments. Speakers may recount anecdotes, highlight achievements, and reminisce about the time spent together.
• Speakers often  extend their best wishes to the group of people in attendance , expressing hopes for their future endeavors. They may offer encouragement, inspire confidence, and express optimism about what lies ahead.
• Farewell speeches often include  recognizing and appreciating specific individuals  who have had a significant impact. This can involve expressing gratitude to mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members who have supported and influenced the speaker’s journey.
• Speakers may  reflect on personal growth and lessons learned . They might share insights gained, challenges faced, and how those experiences have shaped them as individuals.
• Farewell messages often  create a sense of closure and unity  by emphasizing the importance of the shared journey and the connections formed. Speakers may encourage ongoing relationships, express a desire to stay connected, and leave the audience with a sense of unity and togetherness.

Tailor the content of your speech according to the situation and audience. For example, the mood of your address may be lighter at a farewell party than at a more intimate occasion in an office.

How Do You Start A Farewell Speech?

A good farewell speech captures the audience’s attention and establishes a connection. You can do this by  acknowledging the presence of everyone gathered and going into a heartfelt opening.  Sharing a personal anecdote or a reflective quote sets the tone and establishes an emotional connection with the listeners.

What Should I Do If I’m Too Nervous To Speak?

Many people find the thought of  public speaking terrifying , and it’s quite common to experience feelings of dread and sickness in the days and hours before you speak. The following steps may help you alleviate these symptoms:

• Before stepping up to speak,  take a few deep breaths  to help relax your body and calm your mind. Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and nervousness by providing a moment of focus and centering.
• Adequate preparation  is key to building confidence. Rehearse your speech until you are entirely familiar with the content and have become comfortable with the flow and structure. Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member to gain feedback and build confidence.
• Begin your speech with a strong and engaging opening line  or anecdote that captures the audience’s attention, maybe about your personal life. This can help you overcome initial nerves and establish a positive connection with the listeners.
• If appropriate, consider using  visual aids or notes  to assist you during the speech. Having key points or reminders written down can help you stay on track and provide a sense of reassurance.
• When speaking, consciously  slow down your pace and remember to incorporate pauses . This lets you gather your thoughts, maintain composure, and engage with the audience. Pauses can also help you manage nerves and project confidence.
• Remember, the audience is there to support you.  Maintain eye contact, smile, and engage with them . Consider focusing on receptive or friendly audience members to help you feel more at ease.
• Feeling nervous is totally natural and even expected in public speaking. In fact, you should experience some trepidation.  Embrace any imperfections and be authentic in your delivery . Share your genuine emotions and tell the audience you value their presence.
• If your nerves persist,  seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.  They can offer guidance, encouragement, or even accompany you during your speech for added confidence.

You can overcome your nerves with practice, preparation, and a positive mindset and deliver a memorable farewell speech.

What Should I Do After The Speech?

After delivering your farewell address, wrap up the speech effectively and engage with the audience.  Here’s what you can do:

• Take a moment to  thank the audience  for their attention. Let them know how much their support and camaraderie have meant to you. Wish them good luck in their future endeavors.
• Depending on the setting and the nature of the farewell, you can i nvite the audience to ask questions or share their thoughts.  This can create an interactive and engaging atmosphere, allowing for further connection and dialogue.
• After the formal part of your speech, make an effort to  interact with the audience individually . Approach people and engage in conversations.
• Use the opportunity to  network with colleagues, classmates, or other attendees . Exchange contact information with individuals you would like to stay connected with.
• Take some time to r eflect on the experience of delivering the goodbye speech . Consider what went well, what you could improve, and any lessons learned. Reflecting on your performance can help you grow as a speaker and build confidence for future public speaking engagements.
• If possible,  seek feedback from trusted individuals  present during your speech. Ask for their honest opinion, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement. Feedback provides valuable insights and helps you refine your speaking skills.
• After the farewell event, consider  sending thank-you notes or messages . This gesture shows appreciation and reinforces the connections you have formed.

What Are Some Good Farewell Speech Examples?

Here are some sample farewell speech excerpts:

Leaving A Job

“Good evening. Looking back, I am reminded of the countless triumphs we achieved together. From overcoming complex challenges to celebrating major milestones, we have consistently demonstrated the power of teamwork and unwavering dedication.”

Transferring To Another Office

“Throughout my time in this office, it has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most talented individuals who have inspired me every day. Together, we have tackled challenges, celebrated successes, and created a vibrant and supportive work environment. The fond memories we have shared will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“Dear friends and neighbors, I stand before you on this special occasion with mixed emotions as I bid farewell to this beloved neighborhood that has been my home for many years. As I prepare to move to a new house, I am reminded of the countless memories and the strong sense of community that has made this place so special.”

Joining The Military

“Joining the military is not merely a career choice; it is a commitment to defend and protect the ideals we hold dear. Standing alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our nation’s freedom is an honor. I find it hard to find the right words, but I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause and be part of a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service.”

Going Away To College

“Standing here today, I am humbled by the tremendous support and guidance I have received from my parents and teachers. Their unwavering belief in my potential has prepared me for this natural progression from high school to college, where I am eager to embark on a journey of self-discovery, hard work, knowledge, and endless possibilities.”

Leaving Your Post In An Organization

“Good morning. I leave the business today with a mixture of gratitude and a sense of heaviness in my heart. My journey with my manager and colleagues has been transformative, and their unwavering support and guidance have prepared me for this moment. While it has been incredibly difficult to make the decision to move on, I believe it is time for me to embark on a new path, carrying with me the cherished memories and lessons we have shared.”

Adam Howarth

Adam covers the topic of Public Speaking for Digital Authority. From his first experience of oratory with his school debating society to his more recent experiences of promoting the local business scene in Wrexham, Wales, he has always been involved in public speaking.

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50 Perfect Farewell Messages to Coworkers Leaving the Company

Here are 50 perfect farewell messages to coworkers that will remind them of how much they will be missed.

——

You’ve been so dependable, supportive, encouraging, and honest during your time here. Your new place is incredibly lucky to have you. Keep doing great things.

Thank you for all the support and goodwill you have shown to me over the years. The sweet memories of working with a coworker like you will be hard to forget. Farewell, mate.

Take care of yourself in your new job. I wish I could be your coworker there too. The people you’re going to work with are in for a real treat. Goodbye, and keep in touch.

Thanks for all those times when you helped me in the tasks I wasn’t able to do on time. It will be difficult to fill the void created by your absence. I am really going to miss you. Best of luck.

Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay awhile, make footprints on our hearts and we are never, ever the same.

Your decision-making skills are an asset that have always inspired me to be like you. I appreciate all your words of encouragement and everything I have learned from you. Farewell, sir.

This is such an exciting opportunity for you, but we still can’t believe you’re leaving. Please keep in touch.

It’s time to move on and scale new heights. But we wish that you don’t forget the old friends who have loved you always.

Thanks for training me. I’ll do my best to make sure I uphold the work ethic and commitment that you’re known for. Thanks for the motivation and for the on-the-job training I have received from you. Goodbye, mate.

Thank you for your help and kindness. I wish you the best of luck and continued success wherever you may find yourself.

You’ve been a friend, colleague, and mentor whom I have treasured so much. However, you’re bound for bigger and better things. Goodbye, mate.

Thanks a lot for all your support and encouragement. You are the best colleague I have ever met. Bye, and keep in touch.

The troubles of miles of commute was undone by your one smile. Do well.

Your resignation is a cruel reminder that all good things in life must come to an end. You may have stopped being a colleague, but you’ll always remain my friend. Farewell.

The most difficult and trying part of you leaving will be adjusting to a new boss who likely won’t be half the leader that you are.

You may no longer be my coworker, but you’ll continue to be my friend. Good luck at your new job.

It has been an honor working with a wonderful colleague like you these past years.

Saying goodbye to a true friend is really tough. But I bid you goodbye with the hope that we would meet again one day.

Thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me. You’re a wonderful boss. It’s so sad to hear that you’re leaving. I’ll never forget you. Farewell, boss, and I hope to see you again soon.

You decided to move to greener pastures, but your departure will leave our grounds barren and dry. Farewell.

It has been a pleasure working with a boss like you. Thank you for making the workplace a fun place to be. I hope for your success in your new role. Good luck, and farewell.

You’re moving away; this office is going nowhere. However, if you need someone to help proofread your work, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Here’s wishing you the best of goodbyes.

It didn’t take long for me to see you as my friend, rather than my colleague. I’m lucky to have worked with you, and I’ll miss you. Let’s keep in touch.

I’ve learned a lot working with you these past years. I know you’ll be successful in your new position. Thank you and farewell, friend.

While you might no longer work here, let’s keep working on our friendship. I’d love to stay in contact with you.

I’m seriously going to miss you here. Best of luck in your new endeavor. See you soon.

I’ll miss you and think of you. Thank you for the good times and sweet memories that we shared together.

I will miss my colleague and best friend, but the sweet memories we shared together will stay in my heart forever. You are the best staff I have ever worked with. Bye.

While it pains me to bid you farewell as you start a new phase of your career, I sincerely wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.

I want to hunt down the head hunter who hunted you and tell him that he has scored his best hunt ever. Farewell.

We wish you boundless success wherever you go.

I like the feeling of finding it difficult to say goodbye to someone because it only means that I have found a true friend.

Working in this office without you will be so boring. We’ll miss having a wonderful colleague like you. Good luck in your future endeavors.

I know that you are going to get an awesome salary in your new job but there is no guarantee that you will get awesome colleagues like us too. Do you still want to go? Farewell.

I hope the next place that you work will rival the joy that you’ve had working here.

Wishing you much joy and happiness as you begin a new chapter in your life.

I hope that your new place is full of fun and happiness. Take care, and wishing you all the best.

Every once in a while, you meet a person that you instantly click with. You’re definitely one of those people for me. I’m so happy that we got to spend the time we did together. Enjoy your new position.

Our teamwork hasn’t been the same since you left the office. We’re really missing your valuable contributions.

You were the best colleague that I have ever worked with. I wish you all the best for your future. Farewell.

Dear officemate, you are an exceptional staff member dedicated to promoting excellence and making the workplace a fun place to be. We will definitely miss you, and we hope you will keep in touch with us from time to time.

I’ve really enjoyed working with you. Good luck at your new job.

Go ahead, enjoy your new job. We are friends forever!

Good colleagues are the kind of people you can rely on, generally get along with, share a joke or two, and ask for help. You’re definitely all of these things. I’m sure your new coworkers will think the same about you as well.

Having awesome colleagues is a bad habit, because it’ll be impossible to work with someone else now that you’re leaving. Goodbye.

Wishing you the best in this next phase of your career. Congratulations, and best of luck.

Having fun and being happy here won’t be as easy without a wonderful person like you around. The whole workplace will miss you. Goodbye, and all the best.

Having the privilege of working with you has been the highlight of my time here. Best of luck in your new position.

Monthly targets and performance appraisals will come and go, but the memories of working with a colleague like you will stay in my heart forever.

Let me take this moment to acknowledge the deep gratitude I have for your many kindnesses and unwavering support during all of the years that I worked with you. I wish you all the best. Goodbye.

Having you as a partner at work was one of the best professional experiences in my career. Farewell.

I hope you enjoyed these great farewell messages to help inspire you to find the right words for your own unique message.

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How to say farewell to a colleague: 35 ways to say goodbye

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Cultivating work relationships

Why is it important to say goodbye.

35 messages to say farewell to a colleague

What’s the best way to say farewell to a colleague?

For the future: Tips to consider when saying goodbye

Send them off on the right note

Finding the right words to say farewell to a colleague is never easy. You want to express your respect , sense of loss, and well-wishes all at once. 

Even if you weren’t close, saying goodbye to a colleague who is leaving and wishing them well on their new journey is a touching gesture that they’re sure to appreciate. 

Starting a new chapter in your professional life is exciting and scary, and your words can fill them with the self-confidence they need to march into their new adventure. 

Anyone can say goodbye, but few know how to deliver a carefully crafted farewell message that helps a valued colleague embrace their next opportunity. Here’s how to send your colleague off with integrity and care, whether they were your work bestie or a new coworker who you haven’t worked with closely.

Nothing makes saying goodbye to a departing coworker you’ve come to appreciate, or who has even become a great friend, any easier. You spend countless hours building good working relationships and teamwork skills, and then that person leaves. 

Even if your colleague’s next job is a dream come true and you’re excited for them, it’s normal to feel a little down when you’re losing a friend at work . But it’s a good habit and a compassionate move to say your goodbyes and put some thought into your message. 

Goodbye messages are a part of any work (or life) experience, and sending one is the perfect opportunity to wish your favorite coworker — or even the one who can be difficult to work with — your best as they embark on a new opportunity.

Everyone wants to feel appreciated and like they left a mark on a workplace before navigating the offboarding process and moving on to a new role . 

Aside from the importance of maintaining professional relationships , writing a coworker farewell letter gives a sense of closure, both to you and the colleague leaving. It’s here that you get the chance to express gratitude for everything this person has accomplished. This is your final opportunity to show how grateful you are for what they brought to the team — or to you personally. 

Studies have shown that a proper goodbye can be a motivator for continued success.  People who get a proper sendoff from their colleagues have an easier, more positive transition into their next position. Saying goodbye to friends at work , as it turns out, is actually one of the best things you can do to help them start a new job on the right foot. And you owe it to your colleagues to set them up for a bright future.

If you didn’t get a chance to give your colleague a proper goodbye on their last day, it’s not too late. Consider sending a message to their personal email address. It’ll brighten their day as they onboard into a new job .

35 messages to say farewell to a colleague 

When pondering how to say goodbye to coworkers, you don’t need to get too creative. These situations are all about expressing your feelings and wishing someone well, not showy gestures that overwhelm your colleague. Brevity can be more impactful in emotional situations. 

If you’re stuck, here are 35 example messages you can tweak for your departing coworker:

• "I'm going to miss seeing you around the office. I wish you all the best with your new company and future endeavors!"
• "Good luck with your new job! You were always such a great team member to have around and work with. I'll miss your positive attitude and funny stories."
• "Thank you for being such an important part of our team these past few years. We couldn't have accomplished what we did without you!"
• "Your new job is lucky to have such a hard worker like yourself. Your problem-solving skills taught me a lot about the industry and inspired me to improve my own. We will miss you!"
• "Great leaders like yourself impact their workplace, and it's obvious that you’ve touched a lot of people. Thank you for your dedication and hard work."
• "I'll never forget how patient and understanding you were with me when I first started working here. I appreciate your kindness throughout the years and your dedication to employee wellness . We will miss you!"
• "Working with a team member like you was so eye-opening — I learned a ton. Good luck with your new position. I know you'll teach them many important things like you did here!"
• "I'll always think of you when we have problems with Zoom because you were always the person to call for tech help! Thank you for being a wonderful presence. I wish you good luck moving forward."
• "Great team members like yourself make working the overnight shift easier! Thanks for all your help."
• "I'll miss you when I take my lunch breaks. You always knew how to cheer me up and keep morale high."
• "You've been an incredible mentor to me this last year, and I'll always appreciate the time you took to help me understand things and grow. I'll miss you."
• "Being desk buddies with you has taught me a lot! I'm grateful for your strong work ethic and inspiration. Thank you for all the great times."
• "Keep up all the awesome work at your new job! I know you'll continue to motivate others to reach their goals and be a positive role model. We’ll miss your kindness."
• "Your fearless leadership guided us through challenging moments, and you always ensured everyone was practicing self-care in and out of work. Thank you, and I'll miss you dearly."
• “It’s hard to say goodbye to a colleague who has become such an essential part of our team. I hope your new coworkers know how lucky they are to have you. We will miss you!”
• “Wishing you all the best in your new adventure. Thank you for being such an incredible colleague and friend.”
• “I will miss your infectious energy and can-do attitude. It has been great working side-by-side with you these last few years. Thank you for everything.”
• “I know you’re going to nail this new chapter of your life. You deserve all the best! Thank you for your hard work and always being there for the team.”
• “You’ve been a great friend and confidante. We will all miss you and your incredible presence.”
• “Though we haven’t always seen eye-to-eye, I always appreciated your commitment to teamwork. Good luck in your new job.”
• “It’s difficult to express how much the team will miss you. Thank you for always bringing your A-game!” 
• “I’m so excited about this new opportunity. You’ve earned it! Thank you for being such an inspiration, and good luck on your next adventure.”
•  “I hope you know you’ve left an incredible impact on our team that we’ll feel long after you leave. Thank you for your hard work, thoughtfulness, and kindness.”
• “Saying goodbye feels like losing a member of the family. It’s been an honor to work alongside you and learn from your work ethic, generosity, and passion. I know you’ll do great on your new journey.”
• “You’re truly a special person. Your support and encouragement helped me in ways that I can’t express in words. Thank you for everything.”
• “I wish we had more opportunities to work together. Best of luck with your new company!”
•  “Sharing a cubicle with you made every day worthwhile! Thanks for always putting a smile on my face. We will miss you.” 
• “Working with such a great leader has changed the way I look at my job. Thank you for illuminating the path. Good luck with this new opportunity.”
• “You’ve been the best colleague and friend I could’ve ever asked for. I will always appreciate the kindness and generosity you showed me.”

How to say farewell to a colleague you weren’t close to

Just because you weren’t friends, or even acquaintances, with a colleague doesn’t mean you can’t bid them farewell. Here are some ways to address a coworker you didn’t know well:

30. “Although we weren’t able to work together as much as I’d liked to, I appreciate our time together. Best wishes in all your future endeavors.”

31. “While we didn’t get the chance to work together closely, I hope that this new opportunity is everything that you’re looking for. Best of luck!”

32.  “Thank you for being such a great leader. Your dedication to everyone’s success has been such an inspiration.”

33. "Take care of yourself. I can't wait to see what you do in the next chapter of your career! All the best."

34. “I hope your new promotion is everything you want and more! You deserve the best.”

35. “ Kudos on the new position! You’re going to do amazing.”

What is the best way to say farewell to a colleague?

People like to know hard work is appreciated. Whether delivering on a team project, displaying strong leadership skills, or going above and beyond on a specific task, these are things you should acknowledge. When thinking throug h what to say when someone leaves a job, recognizing what they’ve accomplished or how they’ve inspired you is a safe place to start.

Finding the best way to express your goodbye might seem overwhelming , but it doesn't have to be. Here are four ways to extend your farewell message that are both professional and moving:

1. Send a card or gift

A simple farewell card or gift says a lot. You have the opportunity to write a farewell note of your own or have other colleagues join in. It's also a nice keepsake for the coworker leaving. They can take it with them wherever they go next, and it'll remind them of their time at your company. A card or farewell gift is handy for colleagues who you might not know very well. It doesn't have to be ultra-personalized, but it still sends a message of gratitude — especially if your whole team contributes.

2. Say it in person

You want to say goodbye in person if the colleague is someone special to you. Sharing a farewell message to a colleague in private often reflects your relationship: it's personal. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and share how you feel about them leaving, but avoid making the conversation about you. This could be a difficult time for them. Don’t let your feelings overwhelm the exchange.

3. Throw a farewell party

Put together some decorations and order a cake or other treat. Get your colleagues together to laugh and reflect on this person’s time with the company. Unwind. Relax. And above all else, enjoy your time together. It’s these moments you’ll miss most when they’re gone.

4. Send an email or message

Remote work environments require you to get creative. Maybe you can't come together in person, but you can still wish your colleague the best. A farewell email or Slack message is a solid alternative to meeting face-to-face, but you can also arrange a video call if you’re close. You can also fire off a personal email. There’s nothing wrong with dropping a few paragraphs in someone’s inbox detailing what you enjoyed about your time together and what you’ll miss when they’re gone. It’s also a great way to exchange contact information to keep in touch.

For the future: tips to consider when saying goodbye

Saying farewell isn’t always easy. Colleagues often make meaningful contributions to your life , even if you’ve only known them for a short time. These are the people outside your immediate family or roommates that you spend the most time with, after all.

When wishing a colleague farewell, here are a few final considerations:

• Keep your message personalized, positive, and uplifting
• Exchange contact information, like phone numbers or LinkedIn profiles , to keep in touch
• Don't craft a message that’s too long or off-topic
• Don't be afraid to be vulnerable

On the flipside, if you’re the one leaving your current role or retiring, there are different tips for writing a strong goodbye email to coworkers on your last day. 

Regardless of what you say or how you say it, your soon-to-be former coworker will appreciate you taking the time to reach out on their last day. You’ll express your best wishes and give them the confidence they need to perform well in their next chapter, whether that’s taking time off or starting a new position. So don’t be shy — say farewell to your colleague.

Turn farewells into new beginnings

BetterUp is here to guide you from one chapter to the next. Embrace your new beginning with personalized coaching.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

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• Farewell Speech for a Colleague

An Emotional Farewell to a Beloved Colleague

Saying goodbye to a person with whom you have worked for years is tough. Farewell speeches are given to celebrate the contribution of the employee towards the organization. It is very important that a farewell speech for a colleague should always cover the achievement of that person at the company. His behaviour, attitude, and his personality traits should also be included in the speech.  

It's like a bitter-sweet occasion. When your colleagues are leaving the office, you may deliver a farewell speech to your colleagues.  Farewell speeches are written for colleagues who have a significant influence in the workplace. They have been associated with the organization for many years and have helped many people throughout their careers.

Long and Short Farewell Speeches to Colleagues

Here we have provided long and short goodbye speeches to colleagues and along with that we have also given 10 line pointers about the farewell speech for the office colleague. 

You taught us how to enjoy the job and give our best performance for the organization. Because of you, we knew how to get on with the job without stress. And the way you enjoy your job is an inspiration for us to follow in your footsteps. You have taught us the importance of working in a happy environment which brings more positive results.

Words are not enough to express your contribution to this organization. Knowing you for the last 5 years, I am sure that whatever the future holds, you will excel in it undoubtedly. I promised him that he would be in my heart forever and requested him not to forget us also. Wishing you a bright future ahead. While I hope our paths cross in the future, I wish you all the luck and prosperity in the world even if that does not happen. May you only meet good people and make the best memories.

Today, we promise you to lead this organization as your successor and maintain your extraordinary high standards in every work we perform for the organization.

Long Farewell Speech for a Colleague 

Good morning to one and all present here. Today we all have gathered here to bid farewell to one of our best colleagues, Ramesh. It is so difficult to let go of a person who has done so much for the company and Ramesh is that person. He has filled this place with joy through his presence. Ramesh has worked for this company for 5 years and throughout all those years he has never let the organization down. He is known for his professional behavior and hard work and I am sure you have set a benchmark for all the others.

Whatever the task was, Ramesh did it effortlessly. You are always creative when it comes to ideas and how to execute them and because of that many projects which were under you have been successful and I hope many people have learned from it. 

You are a mentor and inspiration to many employees over here, I remember when a new batch of Interns arrived Ramesh took it as his responsibility to train them for the next 3 months. The way you have contributed to this organization cannot be put into words. We will surely miss you as you got your job done without any kind of delay. 

Ramesh is not only a good colleague but also a very good friend to many of the employees at the company. You were always kind and greeted everyone with respect. You patiently listened to your junior’s problems and always tried to help them find the solution and because of that, the working environment was always positive. 

In addition to your professionalism, you have a set of personality traits that many wish to have. You are a  talented and honest person who is always productive and can be trusted to get the job done. 

It was also fun to be around when we did not work. I remember we all went trekking with you and I can surely say it was the best trekking trip of my life. Your humor and the way you manage everyone without anyone feeling left alone is a talent in itself. You are not only a great colleague but also a good Son, father, and husband. Your approach to balancing both professional life and personal life is truly incredible. You never allowed your personal life to affect your productivity at the workplace and were always on a mission to make our project successful.

I look around and always wonder who will fill in your void and I am sure seeing your work at the company many of your colleagues will get inspired to outperform themselves in the future. 

To conclude I would like to say that it is sad to see you leave but the moments we all shared and the memories we made with you will always be remembered. On behalf of everyone, I wish you good luck with your new job. Because of your personality, I am sure that you will find your new workplace pleasant and will surely reach greater heights. Thank you for your stay at the company. 

Short Retirement Speech for a Colleague

Good morning to one and all present here. Today we all have gathered to bid farewell to our favorite colleague, Ramesh. He has done so much for the company and because of that, it is very difficult to let him go. For the last 5 years, Ramesh has worked for the company and throughout all those years he has given his best for the organization. He has set a benchmark in this company and as we all know he is very professional in his work.

It does not matter what the task was, Ramesh did it effortlessly. He is always creative when it comes to working or promoting our campaign. 

I remember when a new batch of interns got recruited to the company and he took it as his own job to make sure that all the interns are trained within 3 months. I give the credit to Ramesh because he shared his knowledge with all of them and trained them so well that they are doing wonders now. 

Ramesh is a good colleague to everyone in the office as every morning he would greet everyone with a smile and he always tries to make the working environment as positive as possible. He is patient enough to handle the mistakes done by his juniors and guide them to correct those mistakes. 

Ramesh is known for his ability to maintain both professional and personal life. He is a good husband, a father, and a son. He has never allowed his personal life to interfere with his profession. And that quality is very rare to find. 

It is very sad to see that you are leaving this company but the moments we shared and the memories we made will always be remembered and cherished. On behalf of everyone I wish you the best of luck at your new job and I am sure you are going to be successful at our new workplace. Thank you for your service at the company. 

10 Lines on Goodbye Speech to Colleagues

It is very difficult to say goodbye to a person with whom you have worked for 5 years.

Today Ramesh is leaving this company and we all have gathered here to celebrate his life at the company. 

Ramesh is a kind-hearted and very hard-working employee who always thought about the company's profit and success.

Ramesh did all the tasks effortlessly and made sure that the project was completed before the deadline.

Ramesh was always creative and had ideas that only helped in promoting the product. 

Ramesh has the ability to maintain both personal and professional life. He did not allow his personal life to affect his professional life and vice versa and that variety is very rare to find. 

Ramesh was always ready for a challenge and he was the one who came forward to train the new interns at the company and because of his efforts our interns are doing a fantastic job.

Ramesh is always fun to work with and he is always humble towards the other employees. He greeted them with respect in the morning and his presence made the working space always positive and full of energy. 

Ramesh is very funny. I remember the trekking trip we all went to and he made sure to talk to everyone without anyone feeling left alone. 

It is very sad to see you leave but on behalf of everyone I wish you all the best at your new job. 

How to deliver a Sincere Farewell Speech at Work?

Sincerity is the best tool to help you say your speech in the way you want, and these tips will help you convey your sincerity in the best way possible:

• Speak in a soothing tone: A conversational, heartfelt tone engages your audience, and speaking from notes rather than a script will help your farewell speech sound more conversational.

• Speak clearly and loudly: This technique is especially useful if you're giving a speech in front of a large gathering without using a microphone. It also ensures that everyone hears and understands the speech, which can help to increase participation.

• Maintain your composure: Take a few deep breaths or concentrate on speaking quietly and firmly to a buddy in the room. When saying goodbye, it's fine to be a little emotional, and these relaxing tactics can help you deliver your statement correctly.

FAQs on Farewell Speech for a Colleague

Q1. What things make your farewell speech attractive?

To make the speech more attractive, you need to keep it short and clear, keep things simple and add natural gestures. Do not read the script; try to speak with confidence and maintain eye contact with the audience.

Q2. What are the points one can follow before starting a speech?

Take 4-5 deep breaths, practice your speech before your friends, keep yourself calm, be confident, and believe in yourself. 

Q3. Is it okay to cry when delivering a farewell speech in the office?

Farewells are sad and it is natural to feel like crying. So, it is perfectly okay to shed a few tears. However, try to keep your emotions under control so you can get through your speech properly and so that you do not get known as the crybaby of the office. If you really want to cry, then meet up with your colleague personally and have a heart-to-heart.

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• Speech Writing /

Farewell Speech for Colleague in English

• Updated on  
• Jan 31, 2024

It’s never easy to say goodbye. A farewell speech is an emotional address delivered by a person leaving a community, an organization or a group. It’s a chance to say thank you and share insights, and experiences with friends, coworkers or an audience. These speeches are usually given during farewell celebrations and provide the departing person an opportunity to thank everyone for the memories and friendships they have started. Continue reading to get a sample of a farewell speech for colleague in English.

Table of Contents

• 1 What is a Farewell?
• 2 Best Farewell Speech for Colleague
• 3 10 Best lines to Add to your Farewell Speech

Master the art of essay writing with our blog on How to Write an Essay in English .

What is a Farewell?

In our lives, there comes a time when we have to bid farewell to our friends, colleagues, classmates or juniors. Farewell can be an emotional and exciting moment for students and employees, as you are looking back to all the good old days and times that you spent together. 

For students, who have been studying at an institution for years, it’s an emotional moment, as they will no longer be seeing their junior friends, favourite teachers, their playground, and the school canteen. School is like a second home to all of us and it is never easy to say goodbye, not because someone has stage fear or anything, but because you will be missing your old and happy life. 

Best Farewell Speech for Colleague

‘One last good morning to the batch of 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who have always been there for me, from academic help to emotional support, cheering me during my football matches, sharing jokes and always pushing me to achieve my goals.

I know this moment is a little emotional for all of us and one speech is not enough to express how grateful I am. I’ve been in this school past 10 years, and I have made some great friends. I know we don’t share the same blood, but we are like brothers, always having our backs.

With a heavy heart, we have to accept the harsh fact that we won’t be seeing each other like we used to. No more gossip, class bunks, soccer practice, and that canteen stuff we were crazy for. Every line and every word that I am expressing today is coming from my heart. You guys have played a major role in my life and helped me with all my achievements. Remember the last-minute exam preparation? You guys taught me an entire history chapter in just a couple of minutes. 

The personality I have today is shaped by your blissful company. Your company dyed my blank canvas with vibrant colours, gave my school days meaning, and even stood by my side when I was having a rough time with teachers. 

I know we are not 21 and we are not allowed to raise a toast, but do you what else we can do? We can all thank ourselves in chorus and say, ‘This one is to the batch of 2023. Salud!’ 

I am having a little pain in my left shoulder. Is it because of this emotional moment or am I gonna have a heart attack? Whatever it is, I am sure we will survive cause that’s what we’ve done here. 

I would like to conclude by saying that this farewell is just the beginning of something new, a new life waiting for us. And who knows we can all meet together and maybe next time we can have a drink or go on a road trip. 

So let us take a moment to thank each other for all the joyful moments we shared. This whole world can be a happy place we everyone has friends like me. Even if we are apart, we are just one call away. We will surely be in touch after school days and will never let any of us down.

Thank you, my friends.’ 

Also Read: Child Labour Speech

10 Best lines to Add to your Farewell Speech

Here are the 10 best lines to add to your farewell speech for colleague. Feel free to add them to your farewell speech.

• Thanks to all my colleagues and teachers who helped me during my school days.
• It was your support and camaraderie which made my school journey adventurous.
• Looking back on our school days reminds me of all the time we spent together.
• I am filled with fond memories and experiences that have shaped our friendship.
• It breaks my heart to say that the time for farewell has finally arrived.
• With a heavy heart, I have to say that today is our last day of school.
• You guys turned my boring life into an adventurous one, Thank you, my friends.
• Let’s take a moment to celebrate the victories, big and small, that have defined our school time together.
• I don’t have stage fear, but it’s a bit scary to say farewell to you, my friends.
• Let’s not say farewell or goodbye. Instead, let’s say until we meet again.

Also Read: Thanksgiving Speech Samples for Students

Ans: ‘One last good morning to the batch of 2023. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my colleagues who have always been there for me, from academic help to emotional support, cheering me during my football matches, sharing jokes and always pushing me to achieve my goals. I know this moment is a little emotional for all of us and one speech is not enough to express how grateful I am. I’ve been in this school past 10 years, and I have made some great friends. I know we don’t share the same blood, but we are like brothers, always having our backs.

Ans: To lighten the mood, share funny and relatable anecdotes, like the time you spent in the canteen, your sports achievements, that last-minute exam preparation, the jokes you shared, the emotional bond you had and how you tackled every problem together with your friends, etc.

Ans: Here are some best farewell speech lines: It breaks my heart to say that today is the last day of our school year. We all have been friends for the past couple of years and now we won’t be seeing each other like we used to. Thanks to all my colleagues and teachers who helped me during my school days. Let’s take a moment to celebrate the victories, big and small, that have defined our school time together.

Related Articles

For more information on such interesting speech topics for your school, visit our speech writing page and follow Leverage Edu .  

Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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