Writing a farewell speech can be daunting. It's hard to find the right words for your last day at work, your graduation, your retirement, or any other occasion. You want to remember all your experiences, thank all those who participated and wish them the best for the future with elegance and charisma. It is undoubtedly a tall order, but if prepared properly, you can write the perfect farewell speech.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Deciding what to say
Step 1. Summarize your experience
Reflect on the overall experience you have had in the place you are leaving, whether it is work, school, volunteering or a place where you have lived for a long time. Try to remember what you did while you were there and think about how you would like to tell these stories from the moment you arrived until now.
- Try writing a story about your experience in that place. It doesn't have to be perfect for a speech, but it does have to help you remember everything you've done and understand what moments were most important to you.
- Your speech may begin with something like this: "I started working here right after university and had never lived alone before. I was so shy that I was unable to make new friends for the first nine months, but after a year I got a promotion and created meaningful bonds with colleagues in the new office."
- You can also write about difficult moments, which you can edit later. You could include something like "I hated moving to the new office"; this could become a funny anecdote when you edit the speech. Otherwise you could say something like "I was surprised how my colleagues managed to keep a good mood even in the most difficult times, for example when we had to move into the new office".
Step 2. Include anecdotes
Once you've written the summary, try to remember if there are any anecdotes you can add. Stories can be funny or heartwarming, but they need to be short and need to describe what your daily life was like and express your thoughts and emotions about it.
- The anecdote could start with something like "I will always remember my third day of school. Giacomo and I were sitting side by side on the bus and on the third day my grandmother followed me on the bus saying she needed to talk to Giacomo … ".
- Anecdotes can be perfect ways to express gratitude to a specific person or to tell something you appreciate. For example, an anecdote could end like this: “… and obviously, from that moment on he never turned his back on me” or “… that's how I understood that this school would become my second home”.
Step 3. Talk about something serious or moving
Even if you want to keep a positive tone during your speech, you may want to take some time to reflect on all the milestones you have been able to achieve during your experience and what you will miss about that place. People will appreciate your thoughts and emotions regarding this occasion.
- Think about the things you are grateful for and the moments that have helped you become who you are. Emphasize particular moments, for example "When Carlo defended me the first year" or "When the boss actually took my proposal to the board and I realized that my opinion matters".
- Talk about the reasons that sadden you at the thought of having to leave. It could be something like "I know that a group of people who take care of each other as you do are hard to find" or "I have learned so much from each of you that it saddens me to have to continue without you."
Step 4. Include greetings
It is possible that many will have to stay in that place even if you leave: wish something good to those who will remain. Try to be honest; you can even make a few jokes, as long as it's not mean.
- You can send greetings to the group in general, for example: "I'm sure that next year you will reach the national teams even without me in the team".
- You can also give individual wishes, such as: “Sara, I hope the transition to vice president is easy, I know you will be great. Riccardo, good luck in the management of the new office”.
- You can also talk about wishes and hopes, for example: "I don't know what my next step will be, but I certainly hope to find kind people like you."
Part 2 of 3: Writing the Speech
Step 1. Write a draft
Once you've established what the content of your speech will be, it's time to make it coherent and natural. A great way to do this is to figure out how to write a draft. It is a way to organize the content of the speech so that it is logical and easy for the listener or reader to follow.
- The draft can be as detailed as you want.
- It should be divided into opening, central body of the speech and quick conclusion.
- The draft does not contain the entire text of the speech, but has bulleted lists that summarize each section.
Step 2. Start with an icebreaker joke
Speeches that begin with a joke or with irony capture the attention of the public. In particular, for a farewell speech, the audience might expect something heavy or apathetic. Even if the occasion is solemn, try to start with something fun. This will create a good climate and help people pay attention to your speech.
- Icebreaker can be a joke that everyone understands and appreciates.
- If one of the anecdotes you wrote is funny and quick you can use it as an opening.
- Sometimes a motivating quote or message can be a good means of opening, although it would be best to reserve them for closing.
Step 3. Write the body of the speech
In this section you can share your anecdotes and, if appropriate, summarize your experience. You can tell stories about certain people or experiences, talk about the feelings and emotions that bind you to that place.
- When speaking in general or summarizing, remember to “show, don't tell”. It is usually better to be specific and provide details or examples rather than generalize.
- An example of this technique is saying "On the first day of work I noticed that half the staff stayed half an hour after the office closed to make sure the reports were finished" instead of saying "Everyone works hard".
Step 4. Conclude with a quote or a joke
The closing tone of your speech will be one way you will be remembered: you need to decide whether you want to end it in a fun or serious way. Even if you decide to make a solemn speech, ending with a joke can be a good idea and can ease the tension.
- You can search online for the most appropriate quotes - there are for every occasion.
- If you want, you can end the speech with a joke about the same anecdote you told at the beginning of the speech.
- For example, if you started with something like: “I'll never forget my first day here. I thought I got into trouble when I arrived twenty minutes late ", you can conclude by saying:" Well, I think the time available is over. And take a look: after five years, I'm still twenty minutes late! ".
Part 3 of 3: Deliver the Speech
Step 1. Test the speech
Writing it is only part of the presentation; you must also read it aloud, as often what is written is not suitable for becoming spoken speech.
- Review any parts that seem confusing or do not flow easily, then make any corrections necessary to make the speech easier to pronounce.
- Check how long it takes you to say it.
- Try giving the speech in front of the mirror so you can see if you can speak without continuing to look at the paper.
- You can also try it out in front of your friends and ask for recommendations.
Step 2. The speech must be short
Even if you have a lot to say, based on where you're saying goodbye and how important it was to you, it doesn't have to be too detailed and lengthy. Remember that people have to go back to work or they have other things to do. If you work hard, you can create a very nice but concise speech.
A farewell speech usually lasts five minutes. In certain circumstances it can exceed up to ten. Longer times are usually limited to particular cases, for example if a public figure resigns
Step 3. Be determined
Many people get nervous when they have to speak in front of an audience, but there are numerous tips on how to combat stage anxiety. Remember to rehearse the speech several times and be prepared to speak in front of the audience.
- Know that you will probably make mistakes, but try to be prepared. Don't grieve if you're wrong, but keep talking and laugh at your mistake together with the audience to release the tension.
- Focus on those involved in your speech. If they nod, smile, or follow you with their eyes, keep your attention on them. Their energy will give you strength and security.
Advice
- If in doubt, stay positive. People will always remember the positive feelings even when you are gone.
- If you're going to make a joke about someone, make sure the joke isn't mean or offensive.
