example leaving speeches for colleagues

45 of the Best Farewell Messages to Coworkers

By Priya Jain

Published: January 19, 2024

Workplace Culture & Morale

Writer & Career Coach

Saying goodbye to a coworker can be a bittersweet moment. Whether they’re moving on to new opportunities, retiring after years of dedicated service, or simply embarking on a different path, a thoughtful farewell message can leave a lasting impression. 

In this article, we explore why farewell messages are essential and provide you with 45 farewell messages to coworkers to express your appreciation.

Why Farewell Messages Are Essential

Farewell messages are crucial in maintaining positive relationships and fostering a culture of respect and appreciation.

Here are some key reasons why farewell messages are important:

Builds Lasting Relationships

Personalized farewell messages show that the relationship was valued beyond a professional capacity. This personal touch can lead to lasting relationships, which is beneficial for networking and future collaborations.

Improves Employee Well-Being

Saying farewell with a heartfelt message acknowledges an employee’s contributions, making them feel valued and appreciated. This can have a positive impact on their self-esteem and overall emotional well-being.

For both the departing employee and those who remain, farewell messages offer a sense of closure. This can be particularly important in easing transitions and helping employees to move forward with a positive mindset.

Positively Impacts Company Reputation

Positive experiences, including how exits are handled, can contribute to the company’s reputation. Former employees are more likely to recommend the company to others if their departure is handled with respect and appreciation.

Current employees observe how a company manages departures. Seeing colleagues treated with dignity and respect in farewells can enhance their perception of the company, increasing loyalty and engagement.

How to Write a Farewell Message to a Coworker

Writing a farewell message to a coworker is an opportunity to express gratitude, acknowledge their contributions, and offer good wishes for their future.

Here’s how to write a farewell message:

Express Appreciation for the Departing Employee’s Contributions

Begin by acknowledging how their work is integral to the team’s success. Mention the qualities that made them a great coworker, like their teamwork, creativity, or reliability. For example, “Your ability to bring creative solutions to complex problems is invaluable to our team.”

Share your gratitude for their support or mentorship. Mention instances where their guidance or collaboration made a significant difference to you. “I’ve personally benefited from your insights and supportive nature, which I will greatly miss.”

Acknowledge Specific Achievements and Milestones

Identify specific projects or tasks where their contribution was particularly noteworthy. “Your leadership in the [specific project] helped us achieve new milestones and set high standards for future work”.

If you’ve witnessed their professional development, highlight this. “Watching you grow from [initial role or skill level] to [current role or skill level] is inspiring. Your journey is a testament to your hard work and dedication”.

Communicate Best Wishes for Their Future Endeavors

You can wish the departing employee success in their future endeavors. Be specific about the new role or challenge they are taking on. “I am confident that your new role at [new company or position] will benefit greatly from your expertise and passion”.

Offer your continued support. Let your employees know you’re there for advice, a reference, or just to catch up. “Remember, you’ll always have a supportive colleague in me, and I hope we can continue to stay in touch”.

Examples of Farewell Messages to Coworkers

Below are various examples of farewell messages to coworkers:

Short Goodbye Messages to Colleagues

Here are short goodbye messages to write to your colleagues:

1. Simple and Direct

I wish you all the best in your next adventure. You’ll be missed!

[Your Name]

2. Warm and Friendly

It’s a pleasure working with you. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

3. Professional and Courteous

Dear [Name],

Thank you for your contributions to our team. I wish you success in your next chapter.

4. Encouraging and Supportive

Hey [Name],

Keep shining, and best of luck in all that comes your way!

5. Appreciative and Grateful

Thanks for the memories, and all the best as you move forward.

6. Casual and Light-Hearted

So long, and thanks for all the fish! Stay in touch.

7. Sincere and Thoughtful

We’ll miss your presence. I wish you much joy & success in your new journey.

8. Concise and Heartfelt

Farewell! Your hard work and dedication were an important part of our team.

Touching Farewell Messages to Coworkers

Creating touching farewell messages to coworkers involves expressing sincere gratitude, acknowledging shared experiences, and wishing them well for the future.

Here are some examples:

9. Farewell to a Close Colleague

Dear [Colleague’s Name],

As you embark on this new chapter, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. Your support, guidance, and unwavering dedication have not only been a driving force in our team’s success but have also left a lasting impression on my heart. I will miss our daily collaborations and the laughter we shared. I wish you all the happiness and success in your new endeavor. You will always have a friend in me. 

Warmest regards, [Your Name]

10.  Farewell to a Long-Time Colleague

Hello [Name],

It’s hard to believe the time has come to say goodbye. Through the years, your presence has been more than just a colleague. Your contributions have shaped our team’s success, and your positive attitude has brightened our days. As you move forward, remember that you leave behind a legacy of excellence and camaraderie. May your next chapter be filled with new adventures and challenges that bring you joy.

Best wishes,

11. Farewell to a Collaborative Partner

Working with you is one of the highlights of my career. Your unique perspective and innovative ideas have enriched our projects and inspired me personally. I have learned so much from you; I am forever grateful. As you move on to your next challenge, know that you leave behind a better team for knowing you. I wish you all the success in the world and hope our paths cross again.

12. Farewell to a Mentor

Dear [Mentor’s Name],

Your guidance and wisdom have been instrumental in shaping my career. You’ve taught me more than just job skills; you’ve shown me how to be a better team member and a more thoughtful individual. As you venture into your next adventure, know that your influence will remain in the lessons you’ve taught me. Thank you for everything.

13.  Emotional Farewell to a Departing Team Member

As you prepare to move on, I reflect on the incredible times we’ve shared. We’ll miss your laughter, enthusiasm, and passion. You’re not just a coworker but a valued friend. Remember, you always have a team here that cherishes you and your contributions. Here’s to your future – may it be as bright and inspiring as you are.

Farewell and best wishes,

Funny Farewell Messages for Coworkers

These humorous messages can lighten the mood and are a great way to bid farewell to a coworker on a cheerful note.

14. For the Office Comedian

Who’s going to keep our spirits up with bad jokes now? I’ll have to start laughing on my own. Good luck in your new job – they won’t know what hit them!

15.  For the Coffee Addict

Farewell to the only person with a deeper relationship with the coffee machine than their desk. May your new workplace appreciate your caffeine enthusiasm as much as we did!

16.  For the Team Foodie

Goodbye, and good luck! Without you, who will now lead our lunch expeditions? Your new team better have a great selection of snacks, or you might just starve.

Stay Hungry,

17. For the Always-Late Colleague

I’m sending this farewell message early so you get it on time! I wish you all the best in your new role. May your clock be forever in your favor.

Timely regards,

18. For the Desk Neighbor

Farewell to my favorite desk neighbor! Now, who will I stealthily roll my eyes at during meetings? Visit often, or I’ll send you my eye rolls via email!

19. For the Work Bestie

So, you’re leaving me to fend for myself in the wilds of [Company Name]? Traitor! Just kidding – knock ‘em dead. But remember, no one will ever beat our record for the longest coffee break.

20. For the Office Fashionista

Farewell to the office’s trendsetter! How will we ever keep up with the latest fashion without you? Don’t forget us when you’re famous!

Stylishly yours,

21. For the Tech Whiz

As you leave, can you first fix my computer? Just kidding! But seriously, your tech wizardry will be sorely missed. Best of luck in your new tech kingdom!

22. For the Happy Hour Enthusiast

It’s sad to see our happy hour hero go! Remember, you’re only a drink away. If your new job doesn’t work out, the barstool next to mine will always be open for you.

Farewell Messages to a Promoted Coworker

These farewell messages congratulate your coworker on their promotion while expressing your best wishes for their continued success in their new role.

23. For a Promoted Team Member

Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! It’s a pleasure working with you, and I couldn’t be happier to see you reach new heights in your career. Your dedication and hard work have paid off, and I doubt you’ll excel in your new role. While we’ll miss having you on the team, we’re excited to see you shine in this new chapter. Here’s to your continued success!

Warm regards,

24.  For a Colleague Moving Up

Your promotion is a testament to your skills and dedication. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to a valued colleague, I am thrilled to see you move up the career ladder. Your leadership and expertise will undoubtedly benefit your new team just as they have benefited us. Keep reaching for the stars, and may your new role bring you even greater achievements.

25. For a Promoted Supervisor or Manager

Dear [Manager’s Name],

Your promotion reflects your exceptional leadership and your positive impact on our team. While we’ll miss your guidance and mentorship, we’re excited to witness your continued success. Your new team is fortunate to have such an inspiring leader. Thank you for all you’ve done for us, and we look forward to hearing about your future accomplishments.

26.  For a Friend and Colleague

I’m thrilled to hear about your promotion! It’s amazing to see your hard work recognized and rewarded. While I’ll miss our daily interactions, I’m excited to see you take on this new challenge. I have no doubt you’ll do great things in your new role. Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements along the way!

Warmest regards,

27. For a Well-Deserved Promotion

Your promotion is a testament to your dedication and expertise. I couldn’t be happier for you! While it’s tough to see you leave our team, I know you’re moving on to bigger and better things. Keep aiming high, and may your new role bring you the success you deserve.

Congratulations and best wishes,

Farewell Messages to a Coworker Moving Away

Here are some farewell messages to coworkers conveying appreciation for their contributions while expressing your best wishes for their new adventure:

28. For a Close Colleague and Friend

Saying goodbye to a colleague like you is not easy. You’re more than just a coworker. You’re my friend and confidant. Although distance may separate us, know that our friendship remains intact. I wish you all the happiness and success in your new adventure. Stay in touch, my friend!

29. For a Valued Team Member

Your departure leaves a void in our team that will be hard to fill. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable. We will miss your presence greatly. As you embark on this new journey, remember you’ve made a lasting impact here. May your new path be filled with exciting opportunities and adventures.

30.  For a Colleague and Mentor

Your guidance and mentorship have meant the world to me. You’re a wonderful coworker, teacher , and role model. Although you’re moving away, your lessons and influence will stay with me. I’m grateful to have known you, and I wish you all the best in your new location. Please keep in touch.

31. For a Friend and Coworker

We do not often find friends at work, but I’m grateful to have found one in you. Your departure is bittersweet, but I’m excited about your new adventures. No matter the distance, our friendship remains strong. Keep being amazing, my friend!

32. For a Respected Team Player

Your professionalism and teamwork are an inspiration. It’s tough to see you go, but I have no doubt you’ll bring the same dedication to your new workplace. Thank you for your contributions, and may your future endeavors be as successful as your time here.

Best regards,

33. For a Departing Colleague

I wish you all the best as you start this new chapter in your life. You’re a wonderful colleague, and your departure leaves a void in our team. Remember, you’re not just moving away; you’re moving forward. May your journey be filled with exciting opportunities and new experiences.

Farewell Messages to a Retiring Coworker

Here are some farewell messages to a retiring coworker for conveying warm wishes and appreciation while celebrating the start of their retirement journey.

34. For a Respected Colleague

Congratulations on your well-earned retirement! We’ll miss your presence, but your legacy of excellence will continue to shine. Enjoy this new chapter of your life to the fullest, and may it be filled with relaxation and joy.

35. For a Mentor and Friend

Your retirement marks the end of an era for us. Your guidance and friendship are invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for your shared wisdom. As you move into this well-deserved retirement, may you find all the happiness and fulfillment you deserve. Please keep in touch, as we’ll always treasure your insights.

36. For a Team Player

I wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement! Your contributions to our team are remarkable, and your absence will be felt. Enjoy the leisurely days ahead, and may you discover new passions and adventures in this next phase of life. You’ve earned it!

37. For a Retiring Supervisor

Your leadership and guidance are essential for our team’s success. It’s a bittersweet moment as we bid you farewell, but we know your retirement is well-deserved. As you step into this new chapter, may you find relaxation, joy, and all the time to pursue your passions. Thank you for everything.

Warmest wishes,

38. For a Long-Time Colleague

Congratulations on your retirement! Your years of dedicated service have left an indelible mark on our team. We’ll sorely miss your wisdom and experience. Embrace this new adventure with open arms, and may every day be a celebration of your hard-earned retirement.

39. For a Friend and Retiring Coworker

It’s hard to believe the day has come for you to retire. Your friendship at work has meant the world to me, and I’ll miss our daily interactions. But I’m excited for you as you enter this new phase of life. I wish you all the relaxation and happiness in the world. Remember to send us postcards from your adventures!

Related Article: The Perfect Going Away Gifts for Coworkers

Farewell Messages to an Intern Leaving

These farewell messages convey appreciation for the intern’s contributions and offer encouragement for their future endeavors, whether continuing their studies, pursuing new opportunities, or entering the workforce.

40. For a Valued Intern

As your internship ends, I want to express how much we’ve appreciated having you on our team. Your dedication and enthusiasm have made a real impact. While this chapter may be closing, I have no doubt your future is filled with success. Best of luck in all your endeavors, and don’t be a stranger!

41. For an Intern Becoming a Colleague

Congratulations on completing your internship! It’s fantastic watching you grow and excel during your time here. We’re thrilled to have you join us as a full-time colleague. Your fresh perspective and energy will be a great addition to our team. Welcome aboard!

42. For an Intern Pursuing Further Studies

As you move on to your next academic adventure, thank you for your hard work and contributions during your internship. You’re a valuable team member, and your dedication has not gone unnoticed. Keep up the great work in your studies; we hope you return here soon!

43. For an Intern Leaving for New Opportunities

Your internship may be ending, but your journey is just beginning. Your enthusiasm and positive attitude are contagious, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead for you. Keep chasing your dreams, and remember the valuable experiences you’ve gained here.

44. For an Intern Making Career Choices

Your time as an intern has been an incredible learning experience for you and us. As you choose your career path, remember that you have a supportive network cheering you on. Follow your passion, and you’ll achieve great things!

45. For an Intern Moving Onward

It’s a pleasure having you as an intern on our team. Your contributions and dedication have made a lasting impact. As you move onward, remember that you can achieve whatever you want. Best of luck in all your future endeavors, and keep in touch!

Dos and Don’ts of Farewell Messages

Farewell messages are an opportunity to express appreciation and goodwill. Keeping them positive, sincere, and respectful is key to meaningfully impacting the person leaving.

Here are some dos and don’ts of farewell messages:

• Be Sincere: Your message should come from the heart. Express genuine appreciation and well-wishes for the person leaving.
• Keep it Positive: Focus on the positive aspects of the person’s contributions and future endeavors.
• Personalize: Include a personal touch or reference to shared experiences to make the message more meaningful.
• Keep it Professional: Maintain professionalism in your message, especially in the workplace.
• Express Gratitude: Thank the person for their contributions and acknowledge their impact.
• Wish Well: Wish them success, happiness, and fulfillment in their future endeavors.
• Keep it Concise: Farewell messages should be concise and to the point. Avoid overly long messages.

Do n’ts

• Don’t Be Negative: Avoid negative or critical comments, even if you had disagreements in the past.
• Don’t Make It About You : While expressing your feelings is okay, avoid making the message primarily about your emotions.
• Don’t Be Inappropriate: Maintain professionalism and avoid humor or inappropriate comments.
• Don’t Bring Up Past Conflicts: Leave any past conflicts or disagreements out of the farewell message.
• Don’t Assume Their Future: Avoid making assumptions about the person’s plans or career choices.
• Don’t Make It All About Work: While you can mention work-related achievements, acknowledge the person’s qualities and contributions outside work.
• Don’t Rush: Take the time to craft a thoughtful message rather than rushing through it.

About the Author

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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).

Top Retirement Speech Examples for Your Inspiration

Giving a retirement speech that resonates can be a gift not just to your listeners, but to yourself too. So let’s chat about how to sprinkle in your own flair, funny little moments, and hit the right vibe for your farewell chat.

Personal Touches and Anecdotes

Adding some personal stories and quirks gives your speech a genuine edge. People love a peek behind the curtain—show them the real you outside of work.

• Anecdotes : Throw in some tales that paint a picture of funny, enlightening, or just plain memorable times from your work life. Maybe that time you accidentally sent an email to the whole company or when you tried to make coffee and ended up with a frothy mess. It’s those nuggets of honesty that let people connect with you beyond the professional bubble.
• Personal Touches : Add shoutouts to colleagues who helped you stay sane and to those wild office parties that are now legends. Make it personal and even a bit cheeky – folks love feeling part of the inside joke.
• Balancing Humor : Self-deprecating humor, where you laugh at yourself (but just a smidge), goes a long way. Keep it light, never too harsh, because the idea here is grins and chuckles, not cringes ( Write Out Loud ).

Choosing the Right Tone

Nailing the tone can make your speech the highlight of the day. It should be friendly and warm like talking to good friends over coffee.

• Blending Emotions : Mix a bit of everything—honest reflections, bits of humor, and loads of gratitude. Think of it as storytelling with a dash of feels and fun.
• Avoiding Divisive Humor : Keep your jokes comfy for all – no roasting sessions. Love and laughter, no awkwardness or ouch moments ( Write Out Loud ).
• Speaking from the Heart : Skip the script sometimes. Talk straight from the heart. A heartfelt message hits home more than the fanciest words.

Suggested Structure for a Retirement Speech

Here’s a simple map for your goodbye message:

So there you have it. Keep it true to who you are, full of that personal charm, and you’ll leave them with smiles and warm hearts.

Adding a Dash of Fun

Sprinkle some humor into your retirement speech to keep your listeners entertained and hanging onto your every word. By gently poking fun at yourself and sticking to safe comedy rules, you’ll leave a lasting impression that’ll be fondly remembered.

Mastering the Art of Self-Deprecating Jokes

Making fun of your own little quirks is a great way to lighten the mood. It lets everyone see you’re just like them and not above a good laugh. Remember, don’t go overboard—it’s about chuckles, not self-bashing.

• Tell Your Tales:  Share amusing anecdotes from your work life. Got a story about a massive email goof-up that left the whole office scratching their heads? Bingo! Those moments are golden and oh-so-relatable.
• Add Some Zing:  Play around with catchy phrases or exaggerate for effect—like calling that one totally crazy meeting a “Festival of Confusion.” When you exaggerate a bit, you create an image that sticks.
• Be Kind to Yourself:  Light humor is your friend. Instead of saying, “I was the company’s blunder magnet,” try, “I kept everyone on their toes, myself included!”
• Bring Folks Together:  Your humor should make everyone feel like they’re in on the fun. A story about getting too wrapped up in work and needing a good laugh after will strike a chord.

Humor That Hits the Right Note

Funny is good, but keep it tasteful and respectful—you don’t want your jokes to backfire.

• One for All:  Ditch jokes aimed at specific groups. The best humor is a bridge, not a wall.
• Keep It Clean:  Skip anything profane or vulgar. Classy is the way to go.
• Stay Clear of Hot Topics:  Avoid making fun of religion, politics, or anything that might get folks riled up. No one wants a comedy conflict!
• Try It on for Size:  Run your jokes by a few friends to see if they land. Their reactions will guide you in fine-tuning your comic gems.

By weaving in humor that’s thoughtful and shared in good spirit, your speech will not only be well-received but cherished. Let your personal stories shine with a wink and a nod, following these humor tips to craft a standout and enjoyable farewell talk.

You can also use our AI powered retirement speech writer tool to get a perfect outline ready in just a few seconds.

Adding Emotional Depth

Packing your retirement speech with emotion can create a memorable moment for everyone. In this section, you’ll find tips on how to celebrate your achievements and express your deepest thanks as you say goodbye.

Acknowledging Accomplishments

Talking about what you’ve achieved isn’t just about listing trophies; it’s about telling the tales behind your triumphs. Sharing these stories will paint a complete picture of your career. Take Bob Tolhurst‘s speech, for instance. He didn’t just mention his 38 years of service—he described how his efforts helped his team grow from 24 to nearly 400 members, shaping the organization’s future ( U.S Strategic Command ). These stories show how much your work mattered.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Include specific achievements and why they matter.
• Offer a peek behind the curtain into your personal success stories.
• Give a nod to team efforts and collaborative wins.

Example Table:

Expressing Gratitude and Farewells

Saying thanks from the heart makes your retirement speech hit home. It not only rounds off your career but also lets others know they’ve been part of your journey. Remember Lou Gehrig’s famous line about being “the luckiest man on the face of the Earth”? Those words showed his deep gratitude for everyone who stood by him.

Things to focus on:

• Show appreciation to colleagues, mentors, and family.
• Explain how their support shaped and improved your career.
• Mix in a few shared memories to personalize your goodbyes.

Example Thank You Notes:

• To Colleagues:  “Thanks for always having my back and working by my side.”
• To Mentors:  “Your advice and knowledge were priceless gifts.”
• To Family:  “Your love and patience made all of this possible.”

By celebrating your triumphs and saying heartfelt thank-yous, your retirement speech will touch hearts and stand out as a special memory. You can check out our full guide on retirement speeches for more insights.

Utilizing Simple Storytelling

We’ve all been to those retirement speeches where folks just drift off, thinking about dinner. Let’s make yours riveting. Weaving stories into your speech doesn’t just say goodbye, it transforms the occasion into a heartfelt experience. By sharing personal tales and the wisdom gained over the years, you’ll hit your audience right in the feels.

Impactful Anecdotes

The best stories are those little drops of real life that reveal more than just your office persona – they show you’re human with quirks, laughs, and moments of growth. Forget the corporate title for a minute; this is your highlight reel.

• Personal Moments : Dig deep into your memory bank and pull out stories that spotlight who you are. Maybe that was the time you faced a tough decision, had a funny mishap in the office, or shared a touching moment with a coworker.
• Authenticity : Keep it real. Talk from the heart. People tune in when they sense it’s genuine, not scripted.
• Humor : A little chuckle never hurts. Got a story where you were the punchline? Share it, but keep it friendly and classy.

Lessons Learned and Inspirations

Your career wasn’t just about clocking in and out; it’s a treasure chest of lessons and inspirations. Sharing these nuggets helps you connect deeper with the audience.

• Acknowledging Mistakes : Own up to your goofs. It’s relatable and gives everyone a chance to learn through your experiences, without the mess-up.
• Recognizing Coworkers : Shine a light on those who’ve been there with you, whether they picked you up, guided you, or just shared a laugh. It’s like saying, “Hey, we did this together.”
• Achievements and Growth : Talk about those high-five-worthy moments. What did they teach you, and how did they shape you? It’s about pumping up the crowd to chase their own victories.

By wrapping your speech in stories, anecdotes, and earned wisdom, you’re not just reflecting on past days but inspiring and applauding the friends and colleagues who will carry the torch. Now that’s a speech they’d remember long after the cake’s been eaten.

Speech Delivery Tips

Creating a speech that’ll be remembered forever ain’t just about stringin’ words together—it’s about how you say ’em, too. Here we’ll tackle some handy hints to practice and tweak your speech so it stands out.

Practicing and Rehearsing

Getting your retirement speech down pat is the name of the game. Practicing makes a world of difference, especially when it comes to timing, pauses, and making your words pop. Here’s your game plan:

• Speak Out Loud : Run through your speech out loud a few times. This’ll help you get comfy with the words and spot any tricky bits.
• Front of a Mirror : Practicing in front of a mirror lets you see your facial reactions and hand waves.
• Hit Record : Record yourself while practicing. Listening back can be pretty eye-opening for tweaking how you sound.
• Watch the Clock : Try to keep it short and sweet—under 10 minutes keeps folks tuned in.

Tailoring Your Speech to the Audience

Knowing your crowd is half the battle for a killer retirement speech. Think about the different walks of life, ages, and where everyone’s comin’ from. Here’s some advice:

• Know Your Crowd : Give a nod to the different folks in the room, from the youngsters at the office to the seasoned vets.
• Tell ‘Em Stories : Spin some tales that’ll hit home with different folks.
• Make ‘Em Laugh : Polish those stories or jokes before you lay ’em on the crowd ( Write Out Loud ).
• Say Thanks : Talk about what you’ll miss and what you’re lookin’ forward to in this new chapter ( RTOERO ).

By applying these pointers, your retirement speech will be lively, genuine, and one for the books.

Finishing Elements to Include

Reflections on career highlights.

As you’re getting ready to say goodbye to your work life, it’s a good idea to look back and share those special career moments that bring a smile to your face and probably a tear or two. Let everyone in on the achievements that really stand out, the projects that made a difference, and those personal wins that shaped your path. It’s your time to reminisce about how these experiences molded you into the professional you became.

Maybe take a page out of Bob Tolhurst’s book. He spent a jaw-dropping 38 years at his gig, and his knack for leadership made a mark on operational smarts and beefed-up strategic bonds ( U.S Strategic Command ). Dive into the projects that left an impression, the hurdles you jumped, and the triumphs that were oh-so-sweet.

Example of Career Highlights:

• Years of Service : “Thinking back over my 25-year journey at XYZ Corporation…”
• Major Projects : “Launching the ABC initiative with our team was a moment of pure pride…”
• Leadership and Mentorship : “Helping guide young folks in their careers was one of the best parts of the journey…”

Anticipating Retirement Life

Wrap up your farewell talk by musing over the bits of work life you’ll miss and the stuff that gets you psyched about sitting back and enjoying retirement. Fondly mention the camaraderie, those oddly satisfying routines, or elements of your role that filled your days with happiness. Then, smoothly shift to what the future could hold.

Let your crowd in on your retirement plans, whether it’s the exotic places you dream to visit, cherished family time, revving up hobbies, or just chilling out and relaxing. Taking a moment to say thanks to your coworkers, while highlighting how they’ve made a splash on your work life, is a sweet cherry on top.

Example of Anticipating Retirement Life:

• What You’ll Miss : “Boy, will I miss the hustle with my awesome team, those creative brainstorms, and the thrill when we raced the clock…”
• Future Plans : “On the horizon, I’m eager to jet set around, dive into books galore, and finally get my hands dirty in my garden…”
• Expressing Gratitude : “To all of you who shared this adventure, my heartfelt thanks. You made this ride unforgettable…”

Think about using tables; they can neatly organize and showcase what you’ve done and plan to do, making it crystal clear for everyone taking it all in.

By adding these personal touches in your retirement speech, you’re set to create an emotionally rich farewell, leaving your audience inspired and moved. Pulling inspiration from iconic farewells, like Steve Jobs cracking wisdom at Stanford, can really up the emotional ante and make your speech a stand-out hit.

Related Stuff

Ultimate Guide for a Powerful Retirement Farewell Speech

Crafting Your Retirement Speech Reflecting on Your Career Path Thinking back on your career is a key part of making…

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Words at Ease

6 Last Working Day Speech Examples

Are you leaving your current job and searching for the perfect words to say goodbye to your colleagues?

Writing a heartfelt and memorable last working day speech can be a challenge.

You want to express your gratitude, share fond memories, and leave on a positive note.

Last Working Day Speech Examples

To help you find inspiration and get started on your farewell speech, we’ve compiled six examples of last working day speeches.

These sample speeches vary in length and tone, so you can find one that fits your style and the occasion.

Let’s explore these heartfelt goodbyes.

Short Last Day Speech (300 words)

Good morning, everyone. Today is a bittersweet day for me as it marks my last day working with this incredible team. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this organization for the past [number] years.

Throughout my time here, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most talented and dedicated individuals I’ve ever met. Each one of you has taught me valuable lessons and contributed to my personal and professional growth. I will cherish the memories we’ve created together, from the challenging projects we’ve tackled to the laughter-filled moments we’ve shared.

I want to give a special shout-out to my mentor, [Name], who has been an incredible source of guidance and support. Thank you for believing in me and pushing me to reach my full potential. Your wisdom and encouragement have been priceless.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I will carry with me the skills, knowledge, and friendships I’ve gained here. I do not doubt that this team will continue to achieve great things, and I’ll be cheering you on from afar.

Once again, thank you all for being such an integral part of my journey. I wish every one of you the very best in your future endeavors. Keep in touch, and remember that you have a friend and supporter in me always.

Thank you, and farewell!

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This short last-day speech is perfect for those who want to express their gratitude and bid farewell to their colleagues in a concise manner. It’s suitable for smaller gatherings or when time is limited. The speech focuses on acknowledging the support and growth the speaker has experienced while working with the team and ends with well wishes for the future.

Medium-Length Last Day Speech (500 words)

Good afternoon, everyone. As I stand here today, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. After [number] incredible years with this company, today marks my last day as a member of this remarkable team.

When I first joined [Company Name], I had no idea how much this experience would shape me both personally and professionally. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms and allowed to contribute my skills and ideas. I quickly realized that this was not just a workplace, but a family.

Over the years, we’ve faced our fair share of challenges and celebrated numerous victories together. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, and I’ve learned something new from every one of you. The level of dedication, creativity, and teamwork I’ve witnessed here is truly unmatched.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my supervisor, [Name], for being an exceptional leader and mentor. Your guidance and trust in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth and success. Thank you for always pushing me to think outside the box and for creating an environment where innovation thrives.

To my colleagues who have become dear friends, I cannot thank you enough for the laughter, support, and unforgettable memories we’ve shared. From the late-night brainstorming sessions to the team-building activities, every moment has been a treasure. Your friendship has made coming to work each day a joy, and I will miss our daily interactions more than words can express.

As I move on to the next chapter of my career, I want you all to know that the lessons I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve built here will stay with me forever. I do not doubt that [Company Name] will continue to achieve great things, and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to every one of you for being part of my journey. I am a better person and professional because of the time I’ve spent here. Please keep in touch, and know that you will always have a special place in my heart.

Commentary: This medium-length last-day speech allows the speaker to share more about their experiences and emotions. It’s suitable for a larger gathering or when the speaker wants to share more specific anecdotes and memories. The speech expresses gratitude towards colleagues, mentors, and the company as a whole, while also reflecting on personal growth and the impact of the experience.

Long Last Day Speech (700 words)

Good morning, everyone. Today is a day filled with mixed emotions for me as I stand before you to bid farewell to this incredible organization and the amazing people who have been a part of my journey for the past [number] years.

When I first walked through these doors, I was filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. Little did I know that this would become my second home, a place where I would grow, learn, and forge lifelong friendships. Today, as I prepare to leave, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, opportunities, and memories that have shaped me into the person I am today.

Throughout my time here, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and dedicated individuals in the industry. Each one of you has taught me valuable lessons, both professionally and personally. I have witnessed firsthand the power of teamwork, collaboration, and the incredible things we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, [Name]. Your guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth and success. You have challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone, to think critically, and to always strive for excellence. I am forever grateful for the wisdom and knowledge you have shared with me.

To my colleagues who have become cherished friends, I cannot thank you enough for the laughter, the late-night work sessions, and the endless support you have provided. We have celebrated victories together, learned from our mistakes, and grown stronger as a team. The bonds we have formed extend far beyond the walls of this office, and I know that our friendships will continue to thrive even as our paths diverge.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the leadership team and the company as a whole. Thank you for fostering an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and personal growth. Your commitment to excellence and your dedication to creating a positive work culture has made my time here truly exceptional.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I want you all to know that the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have gained here will forever be a part of me. I am confident that [Company Name] will continue to achieve great things, and I will always be proud to have been a part of this remarkable organization.

In closing, I want to express my deepest gratitude to every one of you for being a part of my journey. The memories we have created together will be cherished forever, and the impact you have had on my life is immeasurable. Please keep in touch, and know that you will always have a special place in my heart.

Thank you for everything, and farewell!

Commentary: This long last-day speech allows the speaker to share more personal anecdotes and memories while expressing gratitude towards colleagues, mentors, and the company. It’s suitable for a larger gathering or when the speaker has had a long tenure with the organization. The speech reflects on personal growth, the power of teamwork, and the lasting impact of the experience. It ends with a heartfelt farewell and an invitation to stay in touch.

Long Last Day Speech (800 words)

Dear colleagues and friends,

Today marks the end of an incredible chapter in my life as I bid farewell to this remarkable organization and the extraordinary people who have been a part of my journey for the past [number] years. As I stand before you, I am filled with a sense of gratitude, nostalgia, and excitement for what the future holds.

When I first joined [Company Name], I had no idea how much this experience would transform me both personally and professionally. From the moment I stepped through these doors, I was welcomed with open arms and allowed to contribute my skills and ideas to a team of talented and passionate individuals. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, and I have learned something new from every one of you.

Together, we have faced challenges head-on, celebrated victories, and created memories that will last a lifetime. I have witnessed firsthand the power of collaboration, innovation, and the incredible things we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal. The level of dedication, creativity, and teamwork I have experienced here is truly unmatched.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, [Name]. Your guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth and success. You have challenged me to think outside the box, to push beyond my comfort zone, and to always strive for excellence. I am forever grateful for the wisdom and knowledge you have shared with me, and I will carry those lessons with me wherever I go.

To my colleagues who have become cherished friends, I cannot thank you enough for the laughter, the late-night brainstorming sessions, and the endless support you have provided. We have celebrated milestones together, learned from our mistakes, and grown stronger as a team. The bonds we have formed extend far beyond the walls of this office, and I know that our friendships will continue to thrive even as our paths diverge.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the leadership team and the company as a whole. Thank you for fostering an environment that encourages personal growth, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Your commitment to creating a positive work culture and your dedication to the well-being of your employees have made my time here truly exceptional.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I want you all to know that the experiences I have gained and the lessons I have learned here will forever be a part of me. I am confident that [Company Name] will continue to achieve great things, and I will always be proud to have been a part of this remarkable organization. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a mind filled with cherished memories.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to every one of you for being a part of my journey. The impact you have had on my life is immeasurable, and the memories we have created together will be treasured forever. Please keep in touch, and know that you will always have a special place in my heart.

Commentary: This long last-day speech allows the speaker to share personal stories, reflect on their growth, and express deep gratitude towards colleagues, mentors, and the company. It’s suitable for a larger gathering or when the speaker has had a significant tenure with the organization. The speech highlights the power of collaboration, the impact of mentorship, and the lasting bonds formed with colleagues. It ends with a heartfelt farewell and an acknowledgment of the speaker’s pride in having been a part of the company’s journey.

Lengthy Last Day Speech (1000 words)

Dear colleagues, friends, and esteemed members of [Company Name],

Today, as I stand before you, I find myself filled with a mix of emotions. After [number] incredible years with this remarkable organization, the time has come for me to bid farewell and start a new chapter in my life. As I reflect on my journey here, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences, the lessons, and the extraordinary people who have made this chapter so meaningful.

When I first joined [Company Name], I was filled with excitement and a sense of purpose. Little did I know that this would become more than just a workplace; it would become a second home, a place where I would grow, learn, and forge lifelong bonds. From day one, I was welcomed with open arms and allowed to contribute my skills and ideas to a team of talented and passionate individuals.

Over the years, we have faced challenges together, celebrated victories, and created memories that will last a lifetime. I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, and I have learned something new from every one of you. The level of dedication, innovation, and teamwork I have witnessed here is truly unmatched.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, [Name]. Your guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth and success. You have challenged me to think critically, to push beyond my comfort zone, and to always strive for excellence. The wisdom and knowledge you have shared with me will forever shape my professional and personal journey.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the leadership team and the company as a whole. Thank you for fostering an environment that encourages personal growth, innovation, and a strong sense of community. Your commitment to creating a positive work culture and your dedication to the well-being of your employees have made my time here exceptional.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I want you all to know that the experiences I have gained and the lessons I have learned here will forever be a part of me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to this organization’s success and work alongside such talented individuals. I am confident that [Company Name] will continue to achieve great things, and I will always be proud to be part of this remarkable journey.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to every one of you for being a part of my story. The impact you have had on my life is immeasurable, and the memories we have created together will be cherished forever. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a mind filled with valuable lessons.

As I step into the next phase of my career, I carry with me the spirit of collaboration, the passion for excellence, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference that I have witnessed here every day. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the foundation I have built here will serve me well.

To my colleagues and friends, I want you to know that my door is always open. Please keep in touch, and know that you will always have a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the support, the laughter, and the camaraderie we have shared, and I look forward to continuing our friendships beyond these walls.

Once again, thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, and the incredible experiences. I will forever cherish my time at [Company Name], and I will always be proud to have been a part of this exceptional team.

With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for the future, I bid you farewell.

Commentary: This lengthy last-day speech allows the speaker to share deeply about their experiences, emotions, and the impact of their time with the company. It’s suitable for a significant milestone, such as retiring after a long tenure or leaving a high-level position. The speech expresses heartfelt gratitude towards colleagues, mentors, and the organization as a whole. It reflects on personal growth, the lasting bonds formed, and the lessons learned. The speaker also shares their excitement for the future and extends an invitation to stay connected. This speech is ideal when the speaker wants to leave a lasting impression and convey the depth of their appreciation.

Lengthy Last Day Speech (1000+ words)

It is with a heavy heart and immense gratitude that I stand before you today, as this marks my last day as a member of this incredible organization. After [number] years of being a part of this remarkable team, the time has come for me to bid farewell and start a new chapter in my life. As I reflect on my journey here, I am overwhelmed with emotions and filled with a deep sense of appreciation for the experiences, the lessons, and the extraordinary people who have made this chapter so meaningful.

When I first joined [Company Name], I was filled with excitement, nervousness, and a burning desire to make a difference. Little did I know that this would become more than just a workplace; it would become a second home, a place where I would grow both personally and professionally, forge lifelong friendships, and be part of a team that would inspire me every single day.

From the moment I stepped through these doors, I was welcomed with open arms and allowed to contribute my skills and ideas to a group of talented and passionate individuals. Every one of you has played a significant role in shaping my experience here, and I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude.

To my mentor, [Name], I cannot thank you enough for your unwavering support, guidance, and belief in my abilities. You have been a constant source of inspiration, challenging me to think critically, push beyond my comfort zone, and strive for excellence in everything I do. Your wisdom, patience, and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth, and I am forever grateful for the profound impact you have had on my life.

To my colleagues who have become cherished friends, I want to express my deepest appreciation for the laughter, the late-night brainstorming sessions, and the endless support you have provided. We have celebrated victories together, learned from our mistakes, and grown stronger as a team. The bonds we have formed extend far beyond the walls of this office, and I know that our friendships will continue to thrive even as our paths diverge. Your camaraderie, your willingness to lend a helping hand, and your genuine care for one another have made coming to work each day a true joy.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to acknowledge the leadership team and the company as a whole. Thank you for fostering an environment that encourages innovation, creativity, and personal growth. Your commitment to excellence and your dedication to creating a positive work culture has made my time here truly exceptional. The opportunities I have had to contribute to meaningful projects, to collaborate with brilliant minds, and to witness the impact of our work have been nothing short of incredible.

As I start this new chapter in my career, I want you all to know that the experiences I have gained and the lessons I have learned here will forever be a part of me. I am grateful for the challenges that have pushed me to grow, for the successes that have fueled my passion, and for the setbacks that have taught me resilience. I am confident that [Company Name] will continue to achieve great things, and I will always be proud to have been a part of this remarkable journey.

In closing, I want to express my deepest appreciation to every one of you for being a part of my story. The impact you have had on my life is immeasurable, and the memories we have created together will be cherished forever. I leave with a heart full of gratitude, a mind filled with valuable lessons, and a spirit inspired by the incredible people I have had the privilege of working with.

As I step into the next phase of my career, I carry with me the values that have been instilled in me here: the importance of collaboration, the pursuit of excellence, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. I am excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the foundation I have built here will serve me well.

To my colleagues and friends, I want you to know that my door is always open. Please keep in touch, and know that you will always have a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the support, the laughter, and the memories we have shared, and I look forward to continuing our friendships beyond these walls.

Once again, thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the lessons, the experiences, and the incredible moments that have shaped me into the person I am today. I will forever cherish my time at [Company Name], and I will always be proud to have been a part of this exceptional team.

With a heavy heart but a soul filled with gratitude, I bid you farewell. May your paths be filled with success, happiness, and the same warmth and camaraderie that have made my time here so special.

Thank you, and until our paths cross again.

Commentary: This lengthy last-day speech is suitable for a significant milestone, such as retiring after a long and impactful tenure or leaving a high-level position. The speaker takes the time to share deeply about their experiences, emotions, and the profound impact their time with the company has had on their personal and professional growth. The speech expresses heartfelt gratitude towards colleagues, mentors, and the organization as a whole, highlighting the lasting bonds formed and the valuable lessons learned. The speaker reflects on the challenges, successes, and setbacks that have shaped their journey, and expresses confidence in the company’s future success. They also share their excitement for the next chapter in their career, carrying with them the values and foundation built during their time with the organization. This speech is ideal when the speaker wants to leave a lasting impression, convey the depth of their appreciation, and inspire others with their words of gratitude and wisdom.

Writing the perfect last working day speech can be an emotional and challenging task, but it’s also an opportunity to express your gratitude, share memories, and leave a lasting impact on your colleagues.

Whether you opt for a short and sweet farewell or a lengthy and heartfelt speech, the key is to speak from the heart and convey your appreciation for the experiences and people who have shaped your journey.

Remember, your last working day speech is not only a goodbye but also a reflection of the relationships you’ve built and the growth you’ve experienced.

Use this moment to celebrate the accomplishments, the lessons learned, and the bonds forged during your time with the company.

As you start your next chapter, carry with you the memories, the skills, and the friendships you’ve gained.

Your last working day speech is a testament to the impact you’ve made and the legacy you leave behind.

We hope these six examples of last working day speeches have inspired you and provided a starting point for writing your heartfelt farewell.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so tailor your speech to your unique experiences and the culture of your workplace.

Good luck on your new journey, and may your last working day speech be a memorable and meaningful moment for both you and your colleagues.

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Giving A Farewell Speech At Work (With Examples)

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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. In This Article    Skip to section 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 References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What Is a Farewell Speech?

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.

How to Write a Job Farewell Speech

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.

Examples of Farewell Speeches

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!

Tips for Delivering a Good Farewell Speech

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.

Writing a Farewell Speech for a Colleague

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.

Farewell Speech FAQs

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.”

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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 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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15 Short Farewell Speech Tips And Ideas

As someone who has been tasked with bidding farewell to friends or coworkers, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure how to approach the situation. But don’t worry—there are plenty of short farewell speech tips and ideas that can help you craft the perfect goodbye. 

Whether you’re speaking to a crowd or just a few friends, these tips will help make your farewell speech meaningful and memorable .

Keep it short and sweet. A farewell speech should be just a few minutes long. Be concise and get straight to the point without dragging on.

1. Focus on the Positive

2. use personal anecdotes and stories, 3. thank those who have helped you, 4. share your future plans, 5. keep it light and funny, 6. share your highlights and accomplishments from your time at the company, 7.offer words of wisdom or advice for your colleagues, 8. encourage your coworkers to stay in touch and keep in touch with you, 9. reflect on the skills and knowledge you’ve gained while working at the company, 10. express your appreciation for the support and guidance you received from your colleagues and superiors, 11. share any funny or memorable moments that you’ve experienced while working at the company, 12. be authentic, 13. have fun, 14. reminisce about any special events or projects that you were a part of, 15. end on a positive note.

A farewell speech offers a chance to celebrate the good times and memories shared. Focus on the positive aspects of your time at the company rather than any negative experiences.

Sharing personal stories makes your farewell speech more impactful. Use specific examples from your time at the company to illustrate your points, avoiding general statements.

Thank those who’ve helped you—coworkers, supervisors, or mentors. Expressing gratitude to those who supported you at the company is essential.

If you’ve got future plans, now’s a great time to share them with your colleagues. This gives you a chance to discuss what you’ll do next and offer your coworkers a sense of closure.

Use humor to lighten the mood and make your farewell speech more enjoyable for everyone. Adding a touch of levity can make your audience enjoy your speech more.

Highlight some key achievements or milestones you reached while working at the company. This demonstrates your positive impact to colleagues.

Share any insights or advice you’ve learned at the company or from your own experiences. This can help colleagues grow and succeed.

Stay connected with colleagues after leaving the company. Encourage them to do the same. This keeps relationships strong and ensures you remain in touch.

Take a moment to reflect on the skills and knowledge you gained at the company. These will benefit you in the future. Ending your speech this way can leave your colleagues with a sense of accomplishment.

Thank those who supported and guided you during your time at the company. It’s a great way to show appreciation and acknowledge their help.

Share any memorable or amusing moments from your time at the company to entertain your audience and bring a smile to their faces.

Being genuine in your farewell speech makes it more meaningful and sincere, helping you connect with your audience.

Have fun . Celebrate the end of your time at the company, and share your experiences with your colleagues.

This tip urges you to think about any notable events or projects you worked on at the company. It’s a chance to celebrate your achievements and share your experiences with colleagues.

End your speech with a positive message. Express hope for the future or gratitude for the chance to work with your colleagues. This leaves everyone with good feelings about your time at the company.

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• Poems to read aloud
• How to write a speech
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• Farewell speeches
• Farewell speech for a colleague leaving

Write a farewell speech for a colleague

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

By:  Susan Dugdale  

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

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

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

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

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

What's on this page

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

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

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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Great & Memorable Farewell: Retirement Speech for Colleague

Table of Contents

Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For some, it’s a period of serenity and perhaps a time for new potential opportunities. Others may find retirement a bit more complicated, especially when the time comes to leave their colleagues. A retirement speech for colleague is a great way to say goodbye to your fellow. And express gratitude for the time you’ve both experienced together. It can help the retiree reflect on the past and look forward to the future. 

If your colleague is about to retire, you may be tasked with giving a retirement speech in their honor. But what exactly is a retirement speech, and what should it include? This article discusses how to craft and deliver a sincere and memorable farewell to a colleague.

What is a Retirement Speech for Colleague?

A retirement or farewell speech is a formal or informal address given to honor and celebrate a retiring colleague’s career and achievements. The speech is usually given by a friend, supervisor, or coworker at a retirement party or other gathering to mark the occasion.

Retirement is a big deal, and sometimes it’s tough to say goodbye to one’s career and leave old work behind. A retirement speech for colleague can help provide closure to someone who’s leaving the workplace. The speech is intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of the retiring individual. It is also an opportunity to express well-wishes and to share memories and experiences from the time they’ve worked at the company.

Retirement speeches for colleagues can be humorous or heartfelt, and can include anecdotes, personal reflections, and professional achievements. They are typically delivered in front of an audience, which may include other coworkers, friends, and family members of the retiring individual.

What To Include In A Retirement Speech?

1. congratulations to the retiree.

Start by congratulating your colleague on their retirement and wishing them success in their future endeavors. Tell them that you are confident they will succeed, and that you have enjoyed working with them.

2. Highlight Achievements

Celebrate the achievements of your retiring colleague throughout their career. Point out any projects or successes that stand out as especially noteworthy and explain what made those accomplishments so remarkable. Provide examples of your colleague’s work ethic, commitment to excellence, or specific skills if applicable.

3. Express Appreciation

Show your appreciation for all the hard work and dedication your colleague has given over the years. Remind them that each team member was vital to the overall success, and thank them for being an integral part of it.

4. Give Well-Wishes

Lastly, offer good wishes for the retiree’s health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in this new stage of life. Let them know that although you will miss them dearly, they can count on continued friendship and support even after they leave.

Retirement Speech for Colleague Examples

Here are a few examples of retirement speeches for colleagues:

“ Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be here today to celebrate the career and achievements of a truly remarkable colleague – [colleague’s name]. [He/She] has been a valued member of our team for [number] years, and has made a lasting impact on all of us with [his/her] hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

I have had the pleasure of working with [colleague’s name] for the past [number] years, and have seen firsthand the incredible contributions [he/she] has made to our company.

[he/she] has always gone above and beyond to ensure success, and has played a key role in our growth and development.

It is a pleasure to have worked alongside such an exceptional individual. I am proud to call him/her a colleague and a friend. We will miss [His/Her] expertise and guidance greatly. However, I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to excel in whatever [he/she] pursues next.

[Colleague’s name], on behalf of the entire team, I want to thank you for everything you have done for us. We remain grateful for your contributions and the impact you have had on our lives. We wish you all the best in your retirement and look forward to seeing how you will proceed. Congratulations and farewell.”

I stand before you today to bid farewell to my esteemed colleague as he embarks on his journey into retirement. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him for so many years. I must admit that it will be difficult to imagine our workplace without him. He brought a level of expertise, knowledge, and enthusiasm unparalleled by anyone else.

His commitment and dedication have helped shape this company into the thriving business we know today. Not only did he bring intelligence to every endeavor, but also resilience and resourcefulness. He always found ways to innovate, leading us down uncharted paths of success and prosperity. Even during times of difficulty, he stayed steadfast in maintaining high-quality standards, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence in all they do.

It’s difficult not to feel nostalgia when someone who has become such an integral part of our team moves on to the next chapter. On behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank my friend and colleague for his hard work, unwavering support, and congeniality over the years. We are eternally grateful! Wishing him a life full of joy and fulfillment.

Touching Lines To Add on Goodbye Speech to Colleagues

Here are some lines that you could use in a farewell speech to colleagues:

• “It has been an absolute pleasure working with you over the years [colleague’s name]. It was an experience we all have learned so much from, and we are grateful for it.”
• “In my memories of our time together at this company, I will always remember and appreciate your personal touch to team projects.”
• “I am truly grateful for the fatherly support and guidance I received from you [colleague’s name]. I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned.”
• “I will always remember the laughter, the long hours, and the late nights spent working together to achieve our goals. These memories will stay with me and every team member forever.”
• “I’m sorry that you leave at such a difficult time, but I’m excited for the future opportunities and adventures that lie ahead.” Thank you all for everything.”
• When we split up, I know we’ll continue to remain friends, even when we’re apart.”
• “I will always look back on your time here with gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of working with you. Thank you [colleague’s name] for everything.”

How to deliver a Sincere Farewell Speech for your Colleague

1. establish the tone and acknowledge milestones.

It’s important to start off your speech with an appropriate tone. Start by thanking everyone who came and taking some time to acknowledge that your colleague has reached a significant milestone in their life. Express gratitude for having been able to work alongside them over the years.

2. Express Gratitude

Focus on how much you have valued working together, while also expressing appreciation for the impact they have had on your own professional growth. Give genuine compliments and be specific about ways they may have helped you or what you have admired most about them.

3. Share Fun Memories

Even if it’s brief, take a few minutes to reminisce about shared experiences during their tenure. You will bring out emotion and memories for others who had been involved.

4. Offer Words of Encouragement & Support

Retirements are often accompanied by feelings of both excitement and uncertainty as people navigate this new stage of life. Offering words of encouragement and support can make a great difference as someone embarks on this next chapter in their lives.

5. Speak from the Heart

Make sure to speak candidly and openly about how much your retiring colleague meant to the company. Talk about the joys of working with them and share anecdotes or funny stories that may bring laughter to the occasion. Embrace the emotional aspect of saying goodbye while expressing sincere gratitude.

5. Conclude Appropriately

Before concluding remarks, make sure to end on a positive note. Leave everyone feeling optimistic about the future and eager to find out what your colleague has in store!

A retirement speech for colleague is a great way to celebrate the retiree’s achievements as they move on to a new phase of life . It is an opportunity to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication, share memories and experiences, and offer well-wishes for the future. Congratulate the retiring colleague, reflect on their achievements, appreciate the individual, and offer kind wishes.

It can also be helpful to include anecdotes or funny stories to add a personal touch to the speech.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Speeches HQ

10 Sample Retirement Speeches by Retiree

Retirement marks a significant milestone in one’s life. It’s a time to reflect on past achievements, express gratitude, and look forward to new adventures.

This article presents 10 sample retirement speeches for various occasions. Whether you’re preparing to bid farewell to your career or looking for inspiration to honor a retiring colleague, these examples will guide you.

Let’s explore these speeches and uncover the elements that make them effective.

1. The Grateful Goodbye (Short Speech)

“Thank you all for being here today. As I stand before you, ready to close this chapter of my life, I’m filled with gratitude. To my colleagues who became friends, thank you for your support and camaraderie. To the company that gave me opportunities to grow, I’m forever thankful. As I step into retirement, I carry with me fond memories and valuable lessons. Here’s to new beginnings!”

Commentary: This short speech focuses on expressing gratitude. It’s ideal for a small office gathering or a brief farewell during a team meeting.

2. The Humorous Farewell (Medium-Length Speech)

“Well, folks, the day has finally come. After 35 years, countless cups of coffee, and more meetings than I care to count, I’m hanging up my work boots. Don’t worry, I’ve already changed the Wi-Fi password so you can’t call me for tech support!

Jokes aside, it’s been an incredible journey. I’ve seen this company grow from a small startup to the powerhouse it is today. I’ve watched fresh-faced interns become department heads. And somehow, through it all, the office fridge still smells like someone left their lunch in there since 1995.

To my amazing team, thank you for putting up with my dad jokes and questionable fashion choices. You’ve made coming to work a joy, even on Mondays. And to management, thanks for not firing me when I accidentally sent that embarrassing email to the entire company. We all learned a valuable lesson about ‘Reply All’ that day.

As I embark on this new adventure called retirement, I promise to use my newfound free time wisely. By that, I mean I’ll finally have time to perfect my golf swing and maybe learn how to cook something other than microwave dinners.

Thank you all for the memories, the laughs, and the friendship. It’s been a wild ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Except maybe that hairstyle I had in the ’80s. That definitely needed changing.

Cheers to the future, and don’t forget to invite me to the holiday party!”

Commentary: This lighthearted speech uses humor to reflect on a long career. It’s suitable for a relaxed office environment or a retirement party where the retiree wants to keep the mood upbeat.

3. The Legacy Builder (Long Speech)

“Good evening, everyone. As I stand here today, preparing to say goodbye to a career that has spanned four decades, I find myself reflecting on the journey that brought me to this moment.

When I first joined this company, personal computers were just becoming mainstream, the internet was in its infancy, and our office still had a fax machine. Over the years, I’ve witnessed incredible changes, not just in technology, but in the way we work, communicate, and solve problems.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that have shaped our industry. From developing our first online platform to leading the team that created our award-winning product line, each challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow.

But the true highlight of my career hasn’t been the projects or the accolades. It’s been the people. The brilliant minds I’ve collaborated with, the mentors who guided me, and the young talents I’ve had the honor of mentoring. You have all played a crucial role in my professional journey, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

To my team, your dedication and creativity never cease to amaze me. You’ve turned seemingly impossible ideas into reality, and I have no doubt that you’ll continue to innovate and lead our industry forward. Remember, the greatest limitations are the ones we place on ourselves. Keep pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.

To the company leadership, thank you for your trust and support over the years. Your vision has steered us through challenges and towards success. I’m proud to have been part of this organization’s growth and evolution.

As I prepare to step down, I’m filled with a mix of emotions. There’s a sense of nostalgia for the years gone by, pride in what we’ve accomplished together, and excitement for what the future holds – both for me and for this company.

To those who will carry the torch forward, I leave you with this advice: embrace change, for it is the only constant in our fast-paced world. Never stop learning, for knowledge is the key to innovation. And most importantly, value the relationships you build along the way, for they are the true measure of a successful career.

As for me, retirement doesn’t mean I’m riding off into the sunset just yet. I plan to stay active in the industry, perhaps do some consulting, and definitely catch up on my reading list. Who knows, I might even finally learn how to use all the features on my smartphone!

Thank you all for being part of my journey. It’s been an honor and a privilege to work alongside such talented individuals. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and excitement for the next chapter.

Here’s to the future – may it be as bright and promising as the legacy we’ve built together. Thank you.”

Commentary: This comprehensive speech reflects on a long career, acknowledges key people and moments, and offers advice to those continuing in the industry. It’s appropriate for a formal retirement dinner or a large company gathering.

4. The Educator’s Farewell (Lengthy Speech)

“Esteemed colleagues, dear students, and honored guests,

Today marks the end of a 40-year journey in education, a path that has been as rewarding as it has been challenging. As I prepare to turn the final page of this chapter in my life, I find myself overwhelmed with a profound sense of gratitude and accomplishment.

I still vividly recall my first day as a teacher. I stood before a classroom of eager young minds, armed with nothing but a textbook, a piece of chalk, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to change lives. That belief has only grown stronger with each passing year.

Over the course of four decades, I’ve had the privilege of teaching thousands of students. I’ve watched shy first-graders blossom into confident teenagers, struggling readers become published authors, and uncertain minds grow into critical thinkers. Each student has left an indelible mark on my heart, and I hope that in some small way, I’ve made a positive impact on their lives as well.

Education, as we all know, is not merely about imparting knowledge. It’s about inspiring curiosity, fostering creativity, and nurturing the unique potential within each individual. It’s about equipping our youth with the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. And perhaps most importantly, it’s about instilling values that will guide them to become responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens.

To my fellow educators, I want to express my deepest admiration and respect. Your dedication, patience, and passion for teaching are nothing short of inspirational. In the face of budget cuts, policy changes, and societal challenges, you have remained steadfast in your commitment to our students. You are the unsung heroes shaping the future of our nation, one lesson at a time.

I’ve been fortunate to witness significant changes in education over the years. We’ve moved from blackboards to smart boards, from encyclopedias to the internet, and from standardized approaches to personalized learning. Yet, amidst all this change, the fundamental essence of education remains constant – the human connection between teacher and student.

To the administration and support staff, thank you for your tireless efforts behind the scenes. Your work often goes unnoticed, but it is the foundation upon which our educational system stands. From maintaining our facilities to managing complex schedules, your contributions are invaluable.

To the parents and community members, thank you for your trust and partnership. Education is a collaborative effort, and your involvement has been crucial in creating a supportive learning environment for our students.

And to my students – past and present – you have been my greatest teachers. You’ve challenged me to think differently, to explain more clearly, and to see the world through fresh eyes. Your enthusiasm, your questions, and yes, even your occasional mischief, have kept me on my toes and young at heart. Remember, education is a lifelong journey. Never stop questioning, never stop learning, and never underestimate your ability to make a difference in the world.

As I step away from the classroom, I do so with mixed emotions. There’s a sense of satisfaction in looking back at a career well-spent, but also a twinge of sadness at saying goodbye to a profession that has been my calling and my passion.

However, I’m excited about the next phase of my life. Retirement, for me, is not an end but a new beginning. I plan to volunteer, to travel, to read all the books I’ve been meaning to get to, and perhaps even write one of my own. And who knows, you might still find me in a classroom now and then, this time as a guest speaker or a volunteer.

In closing, I want to share a quote from the great Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As I retire, I pass this weapon – this torch – to all of you. Use it wisely, use it boldly, and use it to illuminate the paths of future generations.

Thank you for the memories, the challenges, and the immeasurable joy of being an educator. It has been the greatest privilege of my life.

Class dismissed.”

Commentary: This extensive speech is tailored for an educator retiring after a long career. It’s suitable for a school-wide assembly or a dedicated retirement ceremony. The speech touches on the changes in education over time, acknowledges various stakeholders, and emphasizes the lasting impact of teaching.

5. The Brief But Heartfelt Goodbye (Short Speech)

“After 25 years with this wonderful company, it’s time for me to start a new adventure. I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the growth I’ve experienced. To everyone who has been part of my journey, thank you. I leave with a full heart and exciting plans for the future. Wishing you all the best!”

Commentary: This concise speech packs a lot of emotion into a few sentences. It’s perfect for a quick farewell at a team lunch or a brief announcement during a company meeting.

6. The Team Player’s Farewell (Medium-Length Speech)

“Good afternoon, everyone. Well, the day has finally arrived. After 30 years of early mornings, late nights, and countless projects, I’m trading my laptop for a fishing rod.

First and foremost, I want to thank this incredible team. You’ve been more than colleagues; you’ve been my second family. We’ve celebrated successes, weathered challenges, and grown together. I’ve learned something valuable from each one of you, and for that, I’m truly grateful.

To our clients, thank you for your trust and partnership over the years. Your challenges have pushed us to innovate and excel, and it’s been a privilege to work with you.

As I look back on my career, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. From small projects to company-wide initiatives, we’ve always strived for excellence. And while I won’t miss the Monday morning traffic, I’ll certainly miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose I’ve found here.

To those just starting their careers, a piece of advice: embrace teamwork. The most rewarding experiences and biggest achievements in my career came from collaboration, not solo efforts.

As I embark on this new chapter, I leave knowing that the company is in capable hands. Keep pushing boundaries, supporting each other, and making a difference.

Thank you all for making these 30 years unforgettable. I may be retiring, but I’ll always be cheering for your success. And hey, if you ever need someone to test your products on a beach somewhere, you know who to call!”

Commentary: This speech emphasizes teamwork and relationships built over a long career. It’s suitable for a close-knit work environment or a department farewell party.

7. The Entrepreneur’s Exit (Long Speech)

“Good evening, everyone. Today marks a significant milestone, not just for me, but for the company we’ve built together. After 25 years of leading this organization from a small startup to a market leader, I’m stepping down and embarking on a new journey called retirement.

When we started this company in my garage, armed with nothing but a big idea and bigger dreams, many thought we were crazy. The market was competitive, the odds were stacked against us, but we had something special – passion, determination, and a vision to change our industry.

Looking around this room, I see faces that have been with us since those early days. You believed in our vision when it was just a spark, and you’ve fanned that spark into a roaring flame. To those early employees, thank you for taking a chance on a small, unproven company. Your faith and hard work laid the foundation for everything we’ve achieved.

To those who joined us along the way, you brought fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the energy we needed to keep innovating and growing. You’ve helped shape our culture of creativity, resilience, and customer focus.

I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together. We’ve not only created successful products, but we’ve also made a positive impact on our community. Our sustainability initiatives, charitable programs, and commitment to ethical business practices have set a standard in our industry.

As I prepare to hand over the reins, I want to assure everyone – employees, shareholders, and customers – that the future of this company is bright. The leadership team we’ve put in place is exceptional, blending experience with fresh perspectives. They understand our values, our vision, and have the skills to lead us into the next era of growth and innovation.

To our customers, thank you for your loyalty and feedback over the years. You’ve challenged us to be better, to think differently, and to never rest on our laurels. Your trust in our products and services has been the driving force behind our success.

To my family, who are here today, thank you for your unwavering support. The late nights, missed weekends, and constant travel weren’t easy, but you stood by me every step of the way. I’m looking forward to making up for lost time.

As I step down, I’m not saying goodbye to this company or this industry. I’ll be moving to an advisory role on the board, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing to contribute to our long-term strategy. But I’m also excited about having more time to mentor young entrepreneurs, get involved in community projects, and yes, finally learn how to golf properly.

To everyone in this room and to all our employees around the world, thank you for your hard work, your creativity, and your commitment to excellence. You’ve turned a dream into reality, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve achieved together.

As I close this chapter, I’m reminded of a quote by Walt Disney: “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” We had the courage to pursue our dreams, and look at what we’ve accomplished.

The future is bright, the possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to see what this company will achieve next. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being part of this incredible journey.”

Commentary: This speech is tailored for an entrepreneur or company founder retiring from a business they built. It’s appropriate for a large company event or shareholders’ meeting, reflecting on the growth of the company and expressing confidence in its future.

8. The Public Servant’s Farewell (Lengthy Speech)

“Distinguished colleagues, honored guests, and fellow citizens,

Today, as I stand before you to mark the end of my 35-year career in public service, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude, pride, and hope for the future of our great nation.

When I first took the oath of office all those years ago, I was driven by a simple yet powerful idea – that through dedicated public service, we can make a positive difference in people’s lives. That belief has guided me through every challenge, every decision, and every policy initiative throughout my career.

Over these past three and a half decades, I’ve had the privilege of serving in various capacities – from local government to state legislature, and finally, in the halls of Congress. Each role has offered unique challenges and invaluable lessons, but the most important lesson has remained constant: our duty is always to the people we serve.

We’ve faced our share of challenges during this time. Economic recessions, natural disasters, public health crises, and national security threats. But through it all, I’ve witnessed the remarkable resilience, compassion, and strength of the American people. It is this spirit that has inspired me to push harder, work longer, and strive for solutions that serve the greater good.

I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We’ve passed legislation that has improved education, strengthened healthcare access, protected our environment, and fostered economic growth. We’ve fought for civil rights, advocated for veterans, and worked to make our communities safer and more inclusive.

But I didn’t do this alone. To my staff, both past and present, your dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts have been the backbone of everything we’ve achieved. You’ve burned the midnight oil, navigated complex issues, and always put the needs of our constituents first. I am deeply grateful for your service and proud of the work we’ve done together.

To my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, thank you for your partnership and, yes, even for your opposition at times. Our debates and disagreements, while sometimes fierce, have ultimately led to better, more comprehensive solutions for the American people. In an era of increasing polarization, I urge you all to remember that compromise is not a weakness, but a strength of our democratic system.

To the countless citizens I’ve had the honor of meeting and serving over the years – thank you for sharing your stories, your concerns, and your hopes with me. Your voices have shaped my understanding of the issues facing our nation and have been the driving force behind my work. Never underestimate the power of your voice in our democracy.

As I prepare to step down, I’m often asked about the state of our nation and the challenges we face. Yes, we have significant hurdles ahead – climate change, economic inequality, healthcare reform, and the need to rebuild our infrastructure, to name a few. But I leave office with a sense of optimism.

Why? Because I’ve seen firsthand the power of democracy in action. I’ve witnessed how grassroots movements can spur national change. I’ve seen how a single piece of legislation can improve millions of lives. And most importantly, I’ve seen how the engagement and passion of ordinary citizens can shape the direction of our country.

To the young people considering a career in public service, I say this: We need you. We need your fresh ideas, your energy, and your idealism. Public service isn’t just a job – it’s a calling. It’s about waking up every day with the goal of making your community, your country, and your world a little bit better. It’s challenging, often thankless work, but it’s also deeply rewarding.

As I transition into retirement, I won’t be stepping away from civic engagement entirely. I plan to continue advocating for causes close to my heart, mentoring the next generation of leaders, and staying involved in community initiatives. Because the work of building a better nation never truly ends – it just takes on new forms.

I leave office with a heart full of gratitude for the trust you’ve placed in me, the experiences I’ve had, and the changes we’ve accomplished together. I’m grateful for the support of my family, who have been my rock through the ups and downs of public life.

To my successor and to all those who will continue to serve in government, I offer this advice: Listen more than you speak. Stay connected to the people you serve. Never forget that your power comes from the public trust. And always, always strive to leave things better than you found them.

In closing, I’m reminded of the words of Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” It has been the honor of a lifetime to be part of that process of change, to work alongside committed citizens in the pursuit of a better nation.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your partnership in this great democratic experiment we call America. The future of our nation is bright, because it rests in the hands of its people – in your hands.

God bless you, and God bless America.”

Commentary: This extensive speech is designed for a long-serving politician or public servant retiring from office. It’s suitable for a formal farewell address or a large public event. The speech reflects on a career of public service, acknowledges key achievements and challenges, and offers encouragement for the future of civic engagement.

9. The Reluctant Retiree (Short Speech)

“They say all good things must come to an end, but I’m not so sure about that. This job, this company, and all of you have been such a big part of my life for the past 20 years that it’s hard to say goodbye. But as they’re practically pushing me out the door, I guess I have no choice! Thank you all for the memories, the laughs, and for making this place feel like home. Don’t be surprised if you see me hanging around the office now and then – old habits die hard!”

Commentary: This brief speech adds a touch of humor to express mixed feelings about retirement. It’s suitable for a casual office setting or a retirement party for someone known for their dedication to their job.

10. The Industry Veteran’s Farewell (Medium-Length Speech)

“Good evening, colleagues and friends. After 40 years in this industry, it’s time for me to log off for the last time. When I started my career, we were using punch cards and mainframes. Now, we’re talking about artificial intelligence and quantum computing. What a ride it’s been!

I’ve seen technologies come and go, companies rise and fall, and trends cycle through more times than I can count. But through it all, one thing has remained constant – the incredible people in this industry. Your innovation, your passion, and your relentless pursuit of progress have been truly inspiring.

To the young professionals just starting out, let me share a bit of advice: embrace change. In this field, the only constant is evolution. Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to take risks. The biggest breakthroughs often come from challenging the status quo.

As I step into retirement, I’m excited to see where the next generation will take us. The problems you’ll solve and the innovations you’ll create are beyond anything we can imagine today. And that’s what makes this industry so exciting.

Thank you all for being part of my journey. It’s been an honor to work alongside such brilliant minds. While I’m looking forward to trading in my laptop for a good book and a comfy chair, know that I’ll be cheering on your successes from the sidelines.

Here’s to the future of technology – may it be as thrilling and transformative as the past 40 years have been. Thank you, and goodbye… for now!”

Commentary: This speech reflects on a long career in a rapidly changing industry. It’s appropriate for a retirement event in a tech company or at an industry conference, offering a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking optimism.

63 Friendly Farewell Messages to a Co-Worker Who's Leaving

Whether it's your work bestie or someone you barely know, we have the right words to bid a colleague adieu.

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

You work side-by-side (or Zoom by Zoom), sometimes for years, and share a sense of purpose. So naturally, when a colleague leaves, no matter why they're going, you'll have some feelings about it. Even if you and the colleague weren't the best of friends, it's always best in business not to burn bridges, and wishing a co-worker well in their new endeavors can keep your all-important network intact. 

Whether you're work besties and will miss seeing them daily or casual collaborators working in different departments, when you're ready to bid adieu to a colleague, our farewell messages for a coworker are a great way to get closure, wish them well, and keep the door open for future communication and networking. 

Farewell Messages for a Co-worker

Whether it's a close colleague or someone from an entirely different department who you work with from time to time, these messages can help you wish them well moving forward. 

• Retirement Songs: 63 Epic Tunes to Quit Your Job To
• I've enjoyed working with you. Wishing you all the success as you move on. 
• We didn't work together much, but I always enjoyed the times we did. Your talents will be missed.
• May you find all the success you deserve in whatever adventure awaits you.
• Farewell and best wishes for success in your career.
• I was sorry to learn that you are leaving the company. I wish you all the best now and in the future.
• Best wishes for success as you move on from [insert company name]. You will be missed.
• The time may have come for you to go, but we're sure to miss you more than you know.

Goodbye Messages to Your Work Bestie

When your work BFF or office spouse is moving on, it can definitely feel devastating. After all, the two of you have been kicking it at work for a while, and when they move on, it's going to leave a big hole in your work life. So even when you're sad to see them go, our messages can send them off in style.

• I don't know what I'll do without you here. Thanks for all the times we've shared at work. You've made work fun, and I'll miss you so much.
• Working with you has made my days bright. You're my favorite lunch buddy and collaborator, and I don't know what I'll do without you. 
• I'll never have another work bestie like you. I hope we stay in touch because we've become true friends.
• You have been the best office spouse ever, and I know you'll be successful moving forward.
• Thanks for all the laughs and support. You've brightened my days, and I'll miss you. 
• I'm better at my job because I worked with you. Thanks for always being there for me.

Farewell Messages for Your Mentor

If you've been lucky enough to have a mentor at work, then we bet you know you owe them a ton. As they head out the door, make sure they know how much their mentorship has meant to you.

• Thank you for taking me under your wing and teaching me. I have learned so much from you, and I'm so deeply appreciative. I'll do my best to pass it on.
• Your mentorship at work has meant so much to me. I'm better for having learned from you. Thank you.
• I'm so grateful for all you taught me. You will always be one of the most important people in my career development. Thank you. 
• I'm feeling a little lost that you're leaving, but I know you've prepared me well. Your mentorship has meant the world to me. 
• Your mentorship and the example you set made me a much more creative problem solver. Thank you. You will be deeply missed. 
• I'm so grateful for your mentorship and support. You've made a real difference in my career. 

Farewell Messages for an Employee

If you're a supervisor and one of your employees is leaving, try one of these office farewell messages.

• All the best in your future endeavors. We'll all miss you. 
• You have been such a talented and valued member of our team. Thank you for all your contributions.
• I've always appreciated your enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership skills. You made our team stronger and better. Best wishes in your new ventures.
• It has been a pleasure being your supervisor. I would love it if we could work together again someday.
• It's been such a pleasure working with you and watching you grow your skills and talents. Thanks for being part of our team. You'll be missed. 
• Thanks for all your contributions to our team. Wishing you all the best. 

Goodbye Messages for a Supervisor

If your supervisor is heading off into the sunset, one of these messages can help you bid them farewell. 

• I've always appreciated your steady and consistent leadership. Wishing you all the best in your new ventures!
• Thanks for being our teamer leader. We accomplished a ton with you at the helm, and we'll miss you.
• It has been a pleasure working for you. I've learned a lot. Thank you and good luck.
• I'll always appreciate that you gave me a job and a chance. Thank you for your confidence in me. Good luck moving forward.

Farewell Messages to a Co-worker Starting a New Job

The average length a person stays at a job is about 4.1 years ( thanks for the data, Bureau of Labor Statistics ). So, co-workers are going to move on to new ventures. When a co-worker leaves the company because they're headed off on a new venture, be sure to congratulate them and wish them success. The goodbye messages listed below are perfect for a colleague who has resigned from the company to start a new job.

• Farewell and best wishes for success in your new job. You will be missed around here.
• I'm so excited to hear you're off on a new adventure. Wishing you all the best. 
• Congratulations on your new job! I will miss working with you, but I wish you great success in your new endeavor.
• I'll miss seeing you in the office every day, but I am so happy about your success! Farewell and best wishes.
• You are a great co-worker and team member. Best wishes for continued success! Please keep in touch.
• I'm sad to see you leave [insert company name], but am excited that you have such a great career opportunity.

Farewell Messages to a Promoted Co-worker

When a co-worker gets the big promotion they've been bucking for, be sure to wish them well, especially if you won't be working as closely together anymore. 

• Best wishes for success in your new position! No one deserves this promotion more than you.
• You deserve all the accolades you receive. I'll miss working with you, but I'm so happy for you. 
• You're so deserving of your promotion! I hope you'll pop back in and say hi from time to time. 
• Congratulations on your recent promotion! I will miss working with you every day.
• Farewell from [insert team name], as you move up to a new role. Best wishes for continued success.
• I wish you all the best as you step up into your new role as [insert new job title] with our company.
• Let me be the first to say, "Congratulations, boss!" I'll miss you, but I am proud that I'll always be able to say "I knew you when."

Farewell Messages to a Transferred Co-worker

People move around in bigger companies all the time. If someone is transferring out of your department, these messages can let them know you've appreciated working with them. 

• I have enjoyed getting to know you during your time with the [current/old team name]. I wish you continued success as you become part of the [new team name].
• Your new team will be lucky to have you! Best wishes in your new role.
• I'll miss working with you on a daily basis — you're a great co-worker. I am sure you will enjoy continued success in your new role with the company.
• You have been an indispensable part of our team. I know you will continue to do well and achieve great success. The [new team name] is lucky to have you!
• I hope everyone at the [insert new location] appreciates what a great colleague you are. Goodbye, and good luck!
• I bid you farewell as you move to your new role at the [insert new work site] branch. Best wishes for a smooth transition.

Goodbye Messages for a Co-worker Who Will Stay Home With a Baby

When a co-worker leaves to become a stay-at-home parent , be sure to send them off with a fond farewell and best wishes for success during this special time in their life. 

• Congratulations on the addition to your family! I am so happy for you and wish you much joy and happiness as you focus on parenting full-time.
• Welcome to your most challenging role ever. I hear your new boss is super demanding! You'll be missed, but I'm so happy for you. 
• I'll miss seeing you around the office, but I know that someone else needs you more. Enjoy spending time with your little one!
• While I will miss seeing you at work, I am so happy for you to be able to step away from work and focus on your family at this time.
• I am sad to see you go, but I am also so very happy for you and your family. I wish you only wonderful things as you focus on parenting full-time.
• Farewell to a terrific co-worker and an even better parent. These early days with your little one are precious. Enjoy every minute!
• We'll miss you, but your new officemate is the cutest coworker ever. 

Farewell Message Ideas for a Retiring Colleague

We know you're probably feeling a little bit jelly, but your time will come. In the meantime, wish your soon-to-be former co-worker the best as they head into retirement with a brief farewell message or even a retirement toast . 

• May your hard work be paid off with a wonderful retirement experience.
• Best wishes for a long and wonderful retirement. May all of your dreams come true!
• Working with you for the past [insert number] years has been a joy! I'll miss working with you, but I am so happy for you.
• It has been a pleasure to work with you. I wish you only the best as you retire from [insert company name]!
• Farewell, my friend. No one is more deserving of a long, happy, and relaxing retirement.
• Congratulations on your retirement. You'll be missed around here. 

Related: Funny Retirement Poems for Co-workers & Family Members

Say Goodbye Gracefully

No matter what your relationship is with your co-worker or why they're leaving the company, they'll appreciate a well-thought-out good-bye message. Use one of our messages or make them your own to say your farewells. 

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.

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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.

Farewell Speech

Farewell speech generator.

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

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

What is a Farewell Speech?

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

Download This Farewell Speech Bundel

Farewell Speech Format

Introduction.

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

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

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

10+ Farewell Speech Samples

• Farewell Speech to Colleagues
• Farewell Speech at Work
• Farewell Speech for Teachers
• Farewell Speech for Coworkers
• Farewell Speech for Friends
• Farewell Speech for Boss
• Farewell Speech for Pageant
• Farewell Speech for Managers
• Farewell Speech for Outgoing Poster
• Farewell Speech for Graduation
• Farewell Speech for Seniors
• Farewell Speech for School
• Farewell Speech for Employee Leaving

Best Farewell Speech Example

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

Farewell Speech for Students

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

Farewell Speech in Office

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

Presidential Farewell Speeches

President barack obama’s farewell speech.

Washington’s Farewell Address

President Reagan Farewell Speech

Retirement Celebration Farewell Speech

College Farewell Speech

Farewell Address to an Honorable Justice

Ambassador Farewell Speech

Example of Farewell Speech

Sample Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech Sample

Sample Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech to an Honorable Justice

Farewell Reference Speech

Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech in PDF

Formal Farewell Speech

How To Write Breathtaking Farewell Speech For Any Occasion?

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

1. Plan and think.

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

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

2. Expound.

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

3. Summarize.

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

4. Think of an introduction.

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

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

How to Strat a Farewell Speech

1. begin with a greeting.

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

2. Express Gratitude

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

3. Set the Tone

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

4. State the Purpose

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

5. Hook Your Audience

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

6. Share a Memorable Moment

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

7. Acknowledge the Emotions

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

Example of a Farewell Speech Start:

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

Tips for Writing a Memorable Farewell Speech

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

1. Humility Speaks Volumes

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

2. Express Sincere Gratitude

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

3. Recall a Story

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

4. K.I.S.S.

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

5. Parting Messages

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

6. Inspire; Do Not Demoralize

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

7. Set a Light Mood

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

8. Express Everything

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

How Do You Say Goodbye on Last Day of Work?

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

How Do You Say Goodbye to a Team Member?

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

What You Should Say on Your Farewell?

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

How Do You Give a Short Farewell Speech?

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

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

Write a Farewell Speech for a retiring colleague.

Create a Farewell Speech for graduating students.

Compose a memorable farewell address for a departing boss

Generate a sincere goodbye speech for a beloved teacher

Write a warm farewell message for a coworker leaving

Formulate an emotional farewell speech for graduating seniors

Develop a brief goodbye speech for a teammate

Craft an inspiring farewell speech for a club president stepping down

Prepare a poignant farewell address for an employee retiring

Build a thoughtful farewell speech for a manager moving to a new job

40 Examples of Farewell Speech for Colleagues and Others

Posted: February 19, 2019 •

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“Farewell” we wish people who leave us to start a journey all new. Farewell means that wherever you go, whatever you do, may it be in peace and you get success. “Farewell” is not just a word, but an emotion. So, is there someone who is retiring or , among your colleagues? Or is anyone leaving your institution and joining others for growth and prosperity? Then you would want to give them a farewell speech. It isn’t difficult to do that, however, you would want the speech to touch their heart, wouldn’t you? Then you would need to have some guidelines and examples before writing down your own. who

Examples of Farewell Speech for Colleagues and Others

How do you give a farewell speech?

The best farewell speech is the one that comes from the heart and not what you read on different articles. Although the examples cold be useful to actually shape your thoughts into words, your farewell speech should be the one that has a taste of what you experienced at the place you are leaving behind. For example, mention the first day that you had at your workplace of college that is where the story starts. Gradually include how you got familiar with people around you and made some amazing friends who stood by you through thick and thin . Further, credit your mentor, for it is because of him/ her that you could survive in that environment and blossom. Tell everyone all the fun moments that you had with your friends and what mischiefs you did. Make everyone remember the memorable days that you had spent in there and how you will always cherish being there.

Why is farewell important?

When a baby is born, everyone celebrates its birth and eventually, it is a celebration to wish the baby a good new start . Similarly, when a person leaves an institution, he is bid farewell so that the journey that he has a merry journey ahead as he had where he had associated. A farewell ceremony is therefore important as it acts as a get together to wish someone happy journey.

What should I write in a farewell letter?

Remember, farewell is associated with a positive feeling that is mutual of one who left us. So when you write a farewell letter, keep it positive. Remember that you want their journey to be happy and positive so even if there were and negative incidents between you, avoid them. Start by addressing them in a friendly manner. Then inculcate some amazing, happy and funny moments you had with them. Write how you will miss them and doing stuff with them. Finally wish them good luck, success, and happiness for the future.

Remember, a farewell speech is not a formal speech so you don’t have to behave formally and it is okay if you are emotional. Moreover, the best way one can give a farewell speech is by being emotional. A few tips for giving a farewell speech are

Jot down the speech on a paper and read it form that paper.

If the speech is emotional, let your emotions flow.

Speak of the memories you had with the one you are delivering the speech for.

Wish them all the best for their future and have a promise of keeping touch.

  EXAMPLES OF FAREWELL SPEECH FOR COLLEAGUES

Example Speech 1:

Good Evening Everyone!

I am sure all of us know Ms. Sarah Summers in the Sales Department of our office. She has always been an outstanding employee and it is impossible for anyone not to have heard of her yet. Fortunately for her and unfortunately for us, Sarah has chosen to move out of the city to study further. And I, as the head of the sales department, would like to say a few things about her, to her and all of you here, before she leaves.

Sarah joined our company as an intern, right out of college. Though our organization was a little hesitant to hire her for her lack of experience, they also saw true potential in her. And, might I add, she never missed an opportunity to prove us wrong. A highly passionate girl, Sarah has, if anything, greatly contributed to the improvement in the function of the sales department. We are now more organized, we challenge ourselves to think differently, and we implement plans we thought would be impossible to implement. While many discard the vision of a youth as a mere idealistic tendency, we found that these inputs indeed helped us move ahead and give our department a much-needed change.

Sarah, we are going to miss you deeply, for the liveliness you brought whenever you entered a room, for the spark your enthusiasm could ignite, and for the sheer dedication, you gave your job. Replacing you is going to so difficult. I, on behalf of everyone here, wish you all the luck with your life ahead. We hope to see you shining brighter and achieve what you truly deserve. God Bless!

  Example Speech 2:

Good afternoon everyone,

I am delighted to welcome you to the farewell party. It is an honor and a great pleasure for me to deliver this speech. Today, we are all here to bid goodbye to our very good boss, an exceptional leader and a mentor who retired from active service.

It gives me great satisfaction to say that we must recognize, respect, and appreciate all the valuable skills, knowledge, and all the positive qualities that our amiable boss had instilled onto us and to thank him for all his time and efforts in shaping our profession. Of course, we all know how painful it is, to say goodbye to a very friendly boss and a father. However, we all need to express our sincerest gratitude to him for all his uncommon contributions not only to this organization but toward every staff career progression.

He spent 15 years guiding and inspiring everyone in the workplace; it seems like it was yesterday we started to work under him. Sir, you have given us so many opportunities to be thankful for. I see myself and my colleagues as lucky to have worked under your leadership. Words are not enough to express how much we are going to miss you.

You will be remembered for the great things that you have done not only for this company but for every staff in the workplace. If it had been possible for us to stop your retirement, or decrease your age and increase the number of years left to continue with what you know how to do best—creating a peaceful workplace for the superiors and subordinates to work together in harmony—we would have done that for you. However, it is your turn today. Our own retirement period is also waiting around the corner when someone else will have to bid us goodbye just like we are doing for you today.

I am also delighted to have witnessed today’s event, and proud to have worked under your leadership. Not only are you an amazing boss, but you have shown yourself to be a loving and caring person. I remember when I was sick and had lost all hope of ever getting on with this job, you counseled me, gave me moral support, and prayed for a miraculous healing from the illness. During that difficult time, all your words of encouragement, inspiration, and kindly support put me back on track for optimal job performance. I will never forget the positive influence that you have made on my life.

Through your compassionate heart and support, you have put smiles on many faces. Your leadership made working in the office easy and enjoyable. Thank you for opening many opportunities for me and my coworkers and for being so passionate about our well-being and career advancement.

I remember when the company was facing some financial difficulties, with your professional skills and knowledge in making quick decisions in a very hostile situation; you were able to bring back hope to the organization even beyond our expectations. Indeed, your exceptional qualities have inspired us in so many ways. For that, we cannot thank you enough — the sweet memories of ever working with you will remain in our hearts forever.

Thank you for all your support and encouragement, you are the best boss we have ever worked with. Your many contributions to our success are immeasurable. You have contributed immensely to the company’s success in so many ways. It is no gain saying that it will be difficult for anyone to surpass the good examples that you are leaving behind.

Our very good outgoing boss has put in great efforts in instilling values, such as determination, tolerance, equity, kindness, honesty, patience, and professional skills that are needed to get on with the job even in his absence. You have worked assiduously; now it is time to enjoy all that you have labored for all over the years and live life happily without any stress. As you join the seniors of this great country, I pray that God continues to grant you sound health, mercy and blessings. And may you find life after retirement a happy moment with endless sweet memories.

On behalf of the company and my colleagues, I wish you good luck and full success in future endeavors.

Example Speech 3:

I remember the first time I saw you,” Allie said. “I thought you smelled me first.” “Right,” said Allie. “The chocolate. But then I saw you as I sat up in the dead forest, thinking I knew you. At the time, I thought I must have seen you through the windshield when our cars crashed…. But that wasn’t it. I think, way back then, I was seeing you as you are now. Isn’t that funny?” “Not as funny as the way I always complained, and the way you always bossed me around!” They embraced and held each other for a long time. “Don’t forget me,” Nick said. “No matter where your life goes, no matter how old you get. And if you ever get the feeling that someone is looking over your shoulder, but there’s nobody there, maybe it’ll be me.” “I’ll write to you,” said Allie, and Nick laughed. “No really. I’ll write the letter then burn it, and if I care just enough it will cross into Everlost.” “And,” added Nick, “it will show up as a dead letter at that the post office Milos made cross into San Antonio!” Allie could have stood there saying good-bye forever, because it was more than Nick she was saying good-bye to. She was leaving behind four years of half-life in a world that was both stunningly beautiful, and hauntingly dark. And she was saying good-bye to Mikey. I’ll be waiting for you, he had said…. Well, if he was, maybe she wasn’t saying good-bye at all. Nick hefted the backpack on his shoulder. “Shouldn’t you be heading off to Memphis?” he said. “You’d better hit the road…. Jack.” Then he chuckled by his own joke, and walked off.”

Example Speech  4: A Poem!

“Out of the starless night that covers me, (O tribulation of the wind that rolls!) Black as the cloud of some tremendous spell, The susurration of the sighing sea Sounds like the sobbing whisper of two souls That tremble in a passion of farewell.

To the desires that trebled life in me, (O melancholy of the wind that rolls!) The dreams that seemed the future to foretell, The hopes that mounted herward like the sea, To all the sweet things sent on happy souls, I cannot choose but bid a mute farewell.

And to the girl who was so much to me (O lamentation of this wind that rolls!) Since I may not the life of her compel, Out of the night, beside the sounding sea, Full of the love that might have blent our souls, A sad, a last, a long, supreme farewell.” ― W.E. Henley,

Example Speech 5:

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.

EXAMPLES OF FAREWELL QUOTES THAT YOU CAN USE IN SPEECHES

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.”

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

A.A. Milne (Winnie-the-Pooh)

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”

“There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.”

Mahatma Gandhi

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing.”

E.B. White (Charlotte’s Web)

“If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.”

Paulo Coelho

“This is not a goodbye, my darling, this is a thank you.”

Nicholas Sparks (Message in a Bottle)

“The two hardest things to say in life are hello for the first time and goodbye for the last.”

Moira Rogers

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”

“Man’s feelings are always purest and most glowing in the hour of meeting and of farewell.”

Jean Paul Richter

“Great is the art of beginning, but greater is the art of ending.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”

Richard Bach

“Why can’t we get all the people together in the world that we really like and then just stay together? I guess that wouldn’t work. Someone would leave. Someone always leaves. Then we would have to say good-bye. I hate good-byes. I know what I need. I need more hellos.”

Charles M. Schulz

“It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.”

Ernie Harwell

“All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.”

Anatole France

“Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.”

J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan)

“We’ll meet again, Don’t know where,don’t know when, But I know we’ll meet again, some sunny day.”

Vera Lynn (We’ll Meet Again)

“Only in the agony of parting do we look into the depths of love.”

George Eliot

“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

Jack Kerouac (On the Road)

“Remember me and smile, for it’s better to forget than to remember me and cry.”

“So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good.”

Helen Keller

“Yesterday brought the beginning, tomorrow brings the end, though somewhere in the middle we became the best of friends.”

“Goodbyes make you think. They make you realize what you’ve had, what you’ve lost, and what you’ve taken for granted.”

Ritu Ghatourey

“Moving on, is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard.”

Dave Mustaine

“They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom.”

“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”

Charles Dickens (Nicholas Nickleby)

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Though miles may lie between us, We are never far apart, For friendship doesn’t count miles, It’s measured by the heart.”

“To part is the lot of all mankind. The world is a scene of constant leave-taking, and the hands that grasp in cordial greeting today, are doomed ere long to unite for the the last time, when the quivering lips pronounce the word – Farewell.”

R.M. Ballantyne

“Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, Until we meet again.”

Are these Examples of Farewell Speech for Colleagues and Others helpful? We hope they are! Keep in mind the tips we shared with you on making your speech effective and write the speech in your own words rather than coping it. You can always have some inspiration from the examples give above, however, your experiences are yours, and they cannot be found in example speeches. One effective way of wishing farewell is by writing the speech in the form of a poem or in other words sentences that rhyme. In this, you can include all the names of the members you had memories with and this will help you indulge everyone actively in your speech.

Haylay M Harmonica

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