A mix of light-hearted anecdotes and thoughtful observations is always a fitting tone for this capstone event.
If you are the main speaker, your tribute should include humor. How did the retiree interact with coworkers, the bosses, or those in subordinate positions? Such personal associations are often a source for good-natured fun. But you'll also want to include comments about the person's character, leadership style or contributions. A mix of light-hearted anecdotes and thoughtful observations is always a fitting tone for this capstone event.
If you are honoring the retiree, you'll want your speech to be entertaining and touching. Open your speech with something that will grab the attention of the audience. A quote, statistic or funny story about the honoree works well. And since retirement parties are walks down memory lane, most of your speech should include recollections of what the individual has meant to the workplace.
Aim for a 5 minute talk. That's long enough to do justice to the retiree and short enough to keep your audience from secretly reaching for their phones. The body of your talk should be a blend of stories and observations that paint a picture of the retiree and the role he or she has filled with the organization.
Put some thought into your conclusion. It may be funny or serious but be sure to mention how much the person has contributed or will be missed. If you’re a pro, you’ll end your talk with a conclusion that ties back to your opening remarks or an earlier story. Hard to do but that is always a winning formula.
For help with polishing your retirement speech, check out these tips from Toastmasters International.
(If you are retiring and will be making a speech, See When you are the retiree for a suggested speech outline.)
And in case your sensitivity monitor does not always work, remember that over-the-hill remarks or nursing home jokes that were hilarious at a 50th birthday party are not so amusing now. Most retirement parties include members of the family and some will probably be elderly. A safe option is to focus on the workplace and relationships there. Highlight some funny things that happened to the person while at work or earlier in his or her life.
If the person is healthy, active and looking forward to leaving work, it’s appropriate for the retirement speech to include some light remarks about a laid-back future enjoying hobbies. But if you’re not sure of the person’s situation, focus on their role with the company.
If the retiree is leaving the military, include some stories or sayings about military service that apply to the retiree and the branch of service.
There are a variety of retirement sayings or quotes you can use but be careful. In all cases, avoid those dire predictions about a toothless, drooling, declining future that, while intended to be funny, may embarrass others or make them uncomfortable.
The following sample honors Joe Smith who is retiring from Always There Insurance in Wilkesboro after working there for 15 years. You can adapt this formula and the tips for retirement wishes listed in the left-hand column to fit your honored guest. If you're stuck for ideas, incorporate some of the retirement sayings on this website.
If you are the main speaker, keep your remarks to around 5-7 minutes. (The average attention span of an audience is about 7 minutes.) If there are several speakers (besides the retiree), aim for no more than 4 minutes.
| | Statistics tells us that 10,000 Baby Boomers reach retirement age every day. And one of those retiring today is Joe Smith. We're sorry to say goodbye to Joe. But, every ending has a bright side when it also marks a new beginning. We're here to say a few words about his life at Always There and wish Joe well as he goes to that place in life we all look forward to . . . retirement. Thank you, friends and coworkers, for joining us . . . . Joe, you didn't know, did you, that so many people would be celebrating your departure! Before we get started, I'd like to take just a minute to introduce some special guests. . . . |
| | Seriously, Joe, … you've been an anchor in our marketing department for the past 15 years. He was one of the first ones in every day and would watch we Gen X’ers and Millenials come dragging in an hour after he’d finished his second cup of coffee. And he’d always have something cheerful to say before 8 a.m. Sometimes it was irritatingly cheerful for those of us who are night owls. He’s definitely not like those people who come in late but make up for it by leaving early. Joe was always here, greeting us with a wide grin. I asked him once why he was always so happy and Joe simply said, “You might as well smile because you’re here anyway and there’s no point in bringing anybody else down by complaining.” That comment says a lot about who Joe Smith is. His glass is always half full. And on those occasions when our marketing team's creativity had run wild and out of bounds, Joe knew how to gently guide us back in the fold while complimenting their ingenuity. One of the things people like most about Joe... besides his ability to smile all the time . . . is the fact that he can laugh at himself. And Joe has provided the rest of us with some laughs along the way. Remember that time when his team developed the campaign with the talking locks? That campaign had a memorable slogan: Joe’s bright idea to the idea was to show everybody how we were the one insurance company with the talking locks that could make every house safe. His pitch – – was a great success until it was abruptly ended. As you recall, that was the time the Wilkes police launched a raid on a prostitution ring that covered five states and was headquartered in a safe house in nearby Winston. Suddenly Joe’s idea of pitching Always There as the backer of the safe house didn’t fit the image the executive suite wanted. I think cracks about Joe's safe house went on for months. . . . And he laughed every time he heard it. Thanks, Joe, for being such a good sport. |
| | Looking back over Joe’s career here, we all have stories about him. Others will share some of those shortly. To Joe, I want to say how much we admire your dedication to your colleagues and this company. When Joe started working here, Always There was a small agency with just 6 employees but with a vision of customer service that would transform us into in this market. And Joe... you have been in our growth and prosperity. |
| It’s the people like Joe, who come into work with a smile, make our clients happy and understand that we always have to keep improving our service . . . those people like Joe are the ones who have made Always There Insurance the success it is today. It’s impossible to measure what Joe has meant to this company all these years. And I know I speak for everyone when I say this is a bittersweet moment . . . saying goodbye to a friend and coworker who has meant so much. But we are all happy that Joe and Laura will have time to kick back, get off this treadmill and do what they want. |
| | We’re now at the point in a retirement party when someone presents the retiree with a watch. But we don't have one and that's okay because Joe will no longer need a watch. What we do have are some more memories we’d like to share. It is obvious that you will be missed. We wish you and Laura all the best and like knowing that your smile will be even broader now that you don’t have to take that commute in every morning. And we know that if the Wilkes police ever break up another safe house, they can call you because you’ll know just what to say. |
| | Joe and Laura, would you please stand so we can say thanks. |
Retirement sayings - retirement wishes.
These retirement sayings - retirement wishes will help you write a retirement toast or speech.
Are you participating in a military retirement ceremony or celebration? If so, this collection of military retirement toasts will help you says something heartfelt and punchy.
Need some help with retirement party planning? Here are some tips to help you organize a fun gathering whether the party involves a dozen people or a hundred. The basic elements of planning a successful retirement party are the same.
If an educator you admire is departing, here are some teacher retirement toasts to help you express your appreciation.
Retirement celebrations Honoring a retiring co-worker Quotes about retirement Your retirement speech Make them glad they came Military retirement toasts Teacher retirement toasts Retiring teacher tribute Boomer retirement party Quotes about teaching P lanning the party Retirement roasts and song s Retirement songs and poems
Helping you shine when the spotlight is on you.
7 retirement speech samples (from the retiree).
Retirement marks a significant milestone in an individual’s life, representing decades of work, achievement, and transformation. It’s a time of reflection, celebration, and sometimes bittersweet farewells.
A well-crafted retirement speech serves not only as a personal testament to one’s career but also as a source of inspiration and guidance for colleagues, friends, and family.
The speeches outlined in this article are tailored to encapsulate various careers, personalities, and sentiments, each offering a unique perspective on the transition from a professional life to retirement. They are detailed, and imbued with a mix of emotions and anecdotes, making each one a memorable ode to the retiree’s journey.
As I stand before you, I can’t help but reflect on the journey that has brought me to this moment. My career in public service was more than a job; it was a calling that I answered wholeheartedly, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of others. I remember the day I took my oath of office, feeling a profound sense of duty and anticipation for the work that lay ahead.
Over the years, I’ve served in various capacities, each with its unique challenges and rewards. I’ve been a steward of public trust, a policymaker, and an advocate for the voiceless. I’ve witnessed the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the impact of collective action. My journey has taken me from local town halls to national forums, always with the aim of serving the greater good.
The life of a public servant is often unsung, with long hours, difficult decisions, and constant scrutiny. Yet, it is also a life filled with immense satisfaction and purpose. I’ve seen policies enacted that have improved lives, initiatives that have sparked change, and moments of unity that have overcome division. These are the milestones that have marked my career and the memories that I will cherish as I move forward.
As I retire, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to serve, for the colleagues who have journeyed alongside me, and for the community that has entrusted me with their hopes and concerns. To those who will continue in public service, I leave you with this charge: serve with integrity, lead with compassion, and never lose sight of the people you are sworn to serve.
Retirement for me does not mean the end of my commitment to public service. It merely marks a transition to a new role. I look forward to supporting causes close to my heart, volunteering in my community, and perhaps, enjoying a little more quiet time with family and friends. The path of service is never truly complete; it simply evolves.
As I close this chapter, I am overwhelmed with a sense of fulfillment and anticipation for the future. My years of service have been an honor and a privilege, and I step down with the knowledge that the work we do matters, that each of us can make a difference, and that the journey of service is one of the most rewarding paths one can take. Thank you for the opportunity to serve, for the memories, and for the journey that lies ahead.
Today, as I stand before you, I am reminded of the very first day I stepped into the hospital as a young, eager healthcare professional. It was a day filled with nervous excitement and a profound commitment to the journey ahead. My career in healthcare has been nothing short of a calling—a relentless pursuit to heal, comfort, and improve lives.
Throughout the years, I’ve witnessed the spectrum of human resilience and vulnerability. I’ve held the hands of those fighting for their next breath and shared the joy of those overcoming illness. Each patient’s story has left an indelible mark on my heart, reminding me of the profound impact healthcare workers have on individual lives and the community at large.
My path has been filled with continuous learning, adapting to new medical advancements, and always striving to provide the best care possible. The long hours and emotional toll were balanced by the camaraderie among colleagues and the unwavering spirit of our patients. I’ve seen the healthcare landscape evolve, driven by innovation and a collective commitment to bettering public health.
As I retire, I carry with me a treasure trove of memories and experiences. I leave behind a legacy of care and hope that the next generation of healthcare professionals continues to carry the torch with the same passion and dedication. The journey does not end here for me; it merely shifts. I look forward to volunteering, perhaps mentoring the next generation, and taking some well-deserved time to nurture my well-being.
To those who continue in the field of healthcare, remember the profound impact you have. Your hands heal, your words comfort, and your presence brings hope. Continue to advocate for your patients, for each other, and for the health of our communities. The world needs you more than ever.
Thank you for the honor of serving alongside you, for the lessons learned, and for the countless lives we’ve touched together. As I step into this new chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and eyes looking forward to the horizon of possibilities that retirement brings.
As I stand here today, I am filled with a multitude of emotions. After 35 years of waking up at dawn, preparing lessons, grading papers, and most importantly, nurturing young minds, the halls of education will surely miss my footsteps. My career began as a bright-eyed teacher in a small town, armed with nothing but a passion for literature and a desire to make a difference. Over the years, I witnessed thousands of students cross the threshold of my classroom, each leaving a mark on my heart.
I remember the countless school plays, the science fairs, and the joy of seeing a struggling student finally grasp a difficult concept. These moments were not just the milestones of my career but the building blocks of the community we created together. However, this journey was not without its challenges. Budget cuts, policy changes, and the ever-evolving landscape of education meant constant adaptation. Yet, these hurdles only strengthened my resolve to provide the best education possible.
As I retire, I carry with me not just memories but lessons learned and friendships forged. To my colleagues, I leave behind a legacy of dedication and hope you continue to inspire as I have been inspired. To the students, past and present, remember that education is a lifelong journey, and you are its navigators. I look forward to the next chapter, knowing that the impact we’ve made together is indelible.
Today marks not an end but a culmination of a three-decade-long adventure in the world of finance. From the bustling floors of the stock exchange to the intense boardroom negotiations, my career has been nothing short of a thrilling ride. I started as a junior analyst, fueled by ambition and an insatiable curiosity about the markets. Each fiscal year brought new challenges and opportunities, from navigating economic downturns to celebrating record-breaking profits.
My journey was underscored by the relationships I built. To my clients, I was not just a financial advisor but a trusted partner in their aspirations. We celebrated successes and weathered storms together, always looking forward to the next opportunity. To my team, your dedication and ingenuity have been the driving force behind our success. Your resilience and commitment have not only shaped our company’s legacy but also defined my career.
As I step into retirement, I am excited for the future. The world of finance is ever-changing, and I have full confidence that the next generation will continue to innovate and lead with integrity. I look forward to watching from the sidelines, perhaps over morning coffee rather than market reports. Thank you for an incredible journey.
After years of drawing lines and envisioning spaces, the time has come for me to put down my pencil and step back from the drafting table. Architecture has been more than a career; it has been a passion that shaped my worldview and allowed me to leave a tangible mark on the world. From the first sketch to the final brick, each project was a story, a challenge, and an achievement.
My career took me to different cities and countries, each project reflecting the culture and community it was built for. I have had the honor of designing homes, institutions, and public spaces, each with its own story and significance. The late nights, the client meetings, and even the occasional setbacks were all part of a fulfilling narrative.
To the young architects just beginning their journey, I leave you with this advice: never stop dreaming and drawing. Architecture is not just about buildings; it’s about the lives that unfold within them. As I step into retirement, I look forward to seeing the skyline continue to change, knowing that I had a hand in shaping it.
As I hang up my lab coat for the last time, I am struck by a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. My career as a scientist has been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The laboratory has been my home, where hypotheses were tested, discoveries made, and sometimes, the impossible made possible.
From my early days as a doctoral candidate to leading groundbreaking research, the thrill of discovery never waned. I’ve seen the power of science to change lives, from developing new treatments to understanding the mysteries of the universe. My journey was not a solitary one; it was filled with collaboration, debate, and the shared joy of discovery.
To the next generation of scientists, keep questioning, exploring, and pushing the boundaries of what we know. The world is full of mysteries waiting to be solved, and now it’s your turn to lead the charge. As for me, retirement doesn’t mean the end of discovery; it’s simply a new chapter with unbounded possibilities.
Standing here today, I am reminded of the day I started my first business. It was more than just a venture; it was a leap of faith into a world of unknowns. Entrepreneurship is not just a career; it’s a lifestyle characterized by risk, innovation, and perseverance. I’ve had the pleasure of starting businesses, seeing them grow, and sometimes, letting them go.
Each business was a chapter in a larger story, filled with its own set of characters, challenges, and triumphs. I’ve learned that success is not just about profit but about impact and legacy. It’s about the jobs created, the communities supported, and the innovations that push society forward.
As I step into retirement, I do so with the knowledge that the entrepreneurial spirit never retires. I look forward to mentoring the next generation, investing in new ideas, and perhaps even starting a new venture or two. The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see what it holds.
Each speech reflects the essence of a career filled with dedication, challenges, and achievements. They serve as a farewell but also as a beacon for those who continue the journey. Retirement is not an end but a transition, an opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and look forward to new beginnings.
While some may view a farewell or retirement speech as optional, it’s far more than a mere formality. It offers a powerful opportunity for both the retiree and their colleagues, friends, and family to experience closure, reflection, and connection.
For the retiree, it’s a chance to share their story, reconnect with those they’ve touched, and express gratitude. For colleagues, friends, and family, it’s a moment to appreciate, learn, and be inspired. This speech can even be a cathartic release for the retiree, allowing them to share words they’ve held close.
In this guide, I’ll provide you with ideas and tips on crafting a memorable and impactful retirement speech, whether for yourself or on behalf of another retiree. The latter half will offer some curated examples to inspire your own unique message. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting a memorable and impactful farewell speech, packed with practical writing and public speaking tips. Follow these steps to create a speech that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
Note : This guide primarily assumes you’re the retiree, but the steps and tips are equally applicable if you’re writing on someone’s behalf or honoring a retiree. Just adapt the language as needed.
Before diving into your farewell retirement speech, ensure you have ample time to plan and prepare. Create a rough outline beforehand, jotting down key points you want to cover.
Some crucial points you may want to prioritize in your draft outline:
Remember, these are just suggestions; choose the aspects that resonate most with you and your story.
Writing Tip: Prioritize outlining first. It allows you to visualize the flow of your speech. Work your way down to the last bullet point, and don’t hesitate to cross out anything that feels inappropriate or uninteresting.
Public Speaking Tip: Aim to internalize your outline. It will guide you seamlessly if you choose to deliver the speech without a script.
Once your outline is complete, it’s time to flesh out the details and craft your script. Before diving in, familiarize yourself with your audience.
Remember, tailoring your speech to your listeners is crucial. Consider their age range and interests. If children will be present, adjust your language accordingly. Similarly, for a formal event, minimize potentially offensive jokes or anecdotes, especially about colleagues or supervisors. You want to leave a positive lasting impression, not be remembered as someone who has turned hostile with retirement.
Writing Tip : Prioritize clear and relatable language, using examples that resonate with your audience’s level of understanding. While AI can be a helpful tool, carefully review its output as the tone and language it generates can sometimes be extreme or inappropriate.
Public Speaking Tip : Establish eye contact to connect with your audience. Consider encouraging participation by asking questions or inviting them to share their own stories, but be mindful of time constraints and use your judgment when deciding if interacting with individuals in the audience is feasible.
Decide what you want to achieve with your speech. Do you want to express gratitude, share memories, or offer advice? While you may have each of those covered in your speech, it’s still critical to choose one of them as your speech’s main theme. Having a clear goal will help you to structure your speech and stay focused.
Writing Tip : Your farewell retirement speech is a unique chance to create a lasting impression that reflects your true essence. Think about what will resonate most with you and your audience. Also, write it as if it’s the last thing you’ll write in your life.
Public Speaking Tip : Sharing personal experiences or feelings can deeply connect with the audience. While staying within your comfort zone is important, consider injecting moments of vulnerability to add authenticity and emotional resonance.
With a solid outline as your compass and your audience in mind, you can start enriching your script with fresh ideas and engaging content. While your retirement speech holds the potential for countless anecdotes, don’t forget to balance it with lighthearted moments and playful touches.
Begin by brainstorming all the elements you want to weave into your speech. Consider personal stories, noteworthy achievements, and pearls of wisdom you wish to share. Don’t hold back—let your imagination run wild!
Writing Tip : While it’s important to acknowledge your achievements, remember not to overemphasize them or let them overshadow the essence of your speech. Your personal journey takes center stage.
Public Speaking Tip : Watch out for overly playful or flippant tones that might undermine your message. If you become aware of sounding cheeky, playfully acknowledge it and redirect the focus to a more serious tone.
As you expand your retirement speech with additional content, consider supporting your claims and stories with research. While your personal experiences are inherently credible, verifying surrounding details adds a layer of factuality and gravitas to your message.
Grounding your anecdotes in verifiable truth can significantly enhance your credibility and persuasiveness, effectively driving your points home with greater impact.
For example, if you have a remarkable story from your work, you might consider speaking to others who were present to corroborate the events. This not only strengthens your story’s credibility but can also add more nuance and richness through their perspectives.
Writing Tip : Pepper your speech with specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your achievements and the impact you’ve made on the company. These personal accounts will resonate powerfully with your audience.
Public Speaking Tip : Leverage the presence of individuals you consulted during your research. Their involvement can amplify your claims and add weight to your stories, further solidifying your credibility and speech’s impact.
At this point, your script is becoming longer and longer, filled with memory-inducing details. Now, it can become a hot mess, so you need to make sure that you organize all the thoughts and stories you’ve written.
Group your ideas by theme and decide on the order in which you want to present them. This will help you to create a clear and logical structure for your speech.
Writing Tip : Perform mind mapping. It’s a visual brainstorming technique that can help you organize your thoughts effectively, especially when crafting a complex speech. There are many apps out there that provide helpful and intuitive mind mapping.
Public Speaking Tip : When delivering your speech, remember your well-organized writing plan! But also chunk your ideas, pause between chunks, and signpost your transitions.
With your ideas nicely organized, you’re ready to write your initial draft. Start by making a memorable introduction that grabs your audience’s attention right away. This is your chance to set the stage and show your tone, whether it’s heartfelt, funny, or a bit of both.
Follow your outline and include personal stories, sincere thanks, and well-timed humor. Remember, balance is important. Your stories should highlight your journey, your thanks should feel genuine, and your humor should bring smiles without making light of the occasion.
Also, keep it short and sweet. Aim for a speech that holds the audience’s interest for about five to 10 minutes to leave a lasting impression. And most importantly, speak from the heart. Use a conversational tone, like you’re sharing these stories with old friends, which is basically what you’re going to do during a speech.
By the way, five to 10 minutes of speech is roughly equivalent to 1,000 to 2,000 words. As you can see, you have a lot of legroom.
Writing Tip: Keep it flexible. Your outline is a guide, not a rigid framework. Be open to modifying it as you write and rehearse your speech. Also, write in a way that feels natural to you, as if you were conversing with a friend.
Public Speaking Tip: Your first draft will likely evolve as you refine your ideas and practice your delivery. Don’t get attached to it or feel pressure to memorize it right away. Meanwhile, don’t get rid of your outline. Your outline serves as a valuable roadmap later, even after you’ve written the full speech. It can help you stay on track, remember key points, and maintain logical flow.
Depending on the time available, you can edit and revise your initial draft until you are satisfied with it. Focus on clarity, conciseness, and sincerity. Also, make sure to eliminate inappropriate lines and language.
Writing Tip : Read it aloud. Hearing your writing can help you identify clunky sentences and areas that need improvement.
Public Speaking Tip : Prepare key phrases and responses. Anticipate questions or situations where you might need to ad-lib. Some of your listeners may take a jab at you, ask questions, or try to humor you while you speak. It’s unavoidable. So, have prepared answers or transitions ready.
Practicing your delivery is still a part of the writing process. While reading your lines out loud may help you find awkward and even grammatically erroneous sentences and paragraphs, practicing your delivery can help you identify problems with pacing, length, and impact.
Rehearse your delivery several times before the big day and edit as you go. This not only familiarizes you with the content but also helps you avoid stumbles and deliver with confidence.
To ensure comfort and confidence on the big day, practice your delivery in front of a mirror or with a friend. Remember to time your speech to avoid exceeding or falling short of the allotted duration.
Writing Tip: Imagine the questions your audience might ask, especially for complex sections that could ignite their curiosity. By seamlessly incorporating answers within your speech, you can proactively clarify any potential doubts and maintain a smooth, uninterrupted flow.
Public Speaking Tip: Practice your pacing, tone, and gestures. Record yourself and watch the playback to identify areas where you can improve.
Though you’ve reached the end of the steps on how to write a great farewell retirement speech, chances are you haven’t begun writing yet (that’s a good thing!). Before diving in, be sure to consider these key elements for a truly amazing speech—aspects the previous section might have missed.
A powerful opening to your retirement speech isn’t just a formality; it’s a strategic move with several compelling advantages:
Now, how do you translate this advice into an unforgettable start?
Begin with a memorable and attention-grabbing opening that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. This could be a funny retirement joke that breaks the ice and eases any tension, a personal anecdote that reveals a glimpse into your journey, or a retirement quote that resonates with your personality or your time at the company.
As a retiree, take a moment to express gratitude and appreciation to your colleagues, managers, and mentors. Thank the people who helped you along the way, acknowledging their hard work, dedication, guidance, and support. This act not only reinforces the positive relationships you’ve built but also showcases your deep appreciation for their contributions.
While highlighting your achievements is a natural part of a retirement speech, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Here’s why your speech offers so much more:
No need to fear self-promotion, but remember, don’t cross the line and brag about everything about yourself for more than you should.
Stories can be powerful tools for communication, helping to engage your audience. Choose stories that are relevant to your audience and effectively illustrate your points. Keep them brief and to the point, using them to highlight the impact of your work and the relationships you’ve built.
For a lighter touch, consider sharing a humorous anecdote that embodies your personality or your dedication to work. Choose something that resonates with you and your colleagues, allowing them to see you beyond just your professional achievements.
Some of the memorable moments you can try to include in your speech are the following:
While it’s good to include a lot, remember that you don’t need to tell everything. Leave yourself and your audience some topics to discuss after the speech.
Add heartfelt wishes to your retirement speech. They can make room for your speech to express your thanks, strengthen bonds with the audience, and provide positive closure. They can also capture your audience’s attention and inspire them.
Leave a lasting legacy of goodwill. Well-wishes, sprinkled with personalized mentions and optimism, show you value the relationships built. They warm your farewell and build camaraderie, creating a cherished memory for all.
Making your speech positive allows you and others to celebrate triumphs more fully, embrace the future with optimism, and solidify bonds with the audience. It also creates a joyful atmosphere, which is something everybody would definitely appreciate.
Beyond these benefits, positivity simply feels good. It allows you to end your career on a high note, filled with joy and satisfaction. It also sets a positive precedent for your retirement, paving the way for new adventures and experiences.
Ticking off retirement speech boxes can be tempting, but it often leads to a calculated, formulaic monologue that falls flat. Authenticity, on the other hand, amplifies connections, creates a lasting impact, and sparks genuine inspiration.
Why? A heartfelt retirement or farewell speech isn’t a checklist; it’s an opportunity to express yourself honestly to celebrate your career with integrity. This unfiltered expression resonates with others, forging a genuine farewell that honors your achievements and strengthens your bonds.
Sincerity simply feels right and it can allow you to end your journey with grace and authenticity. This, more than anything, will leave a lasting impression, not just on those present, but on your own path ahead.
While “concision” may not be the most common word, it’s the secret ingredient for a captivating retirement speech. Avoid rambling detours and focus on the essence of your journey. It’s easy to get lost in memories, but prioritize the core moments and keep your audience enthralled.
As a rule of thumb, five minutes of speech is highly acceptable, but it’s okay to go longer than that as long as you don’t exceed 10 minutes. Remember, like a good host, leave them wanting more, not wishing for the end.
Injecting some humor into your retirement speech benefits both you and your audience. For starters, a well-timed joke can help dissolve your nervous tension, especially for those of us who aren’t seasoned public speakers. Beyond calming your nerves, humor can also forge a relatable connection with your listeners and leave a lasting positive impression.
Humor further enhances engagement by keeping the audience on their toes and invested in your message. And let’s be honest, a well-placed laugh can provide a welcome emotional release after recounting the trials and triumphs of your career.
While sharing the dramatic moments is valuable, a well-timed joke can lighten the mood and prevent tears (of boredom, of course!). Here are a few retirement speech jokes you may want to draw inspiration from:
Conclude your address with a statement that resonates. Choose a funny retirement quote or expression that embodies the essence of your career and accomplishments, delivered with the gravitas of one taking their final bow. This final message will echo long after your speech is done.
Elevate your retirement speech by utilizing visuals. With projectors and widescreen televisions now being common in homes and function halls, you can expect to have the opportunity to show some relevant pictures and videos, which can help with your speech.
Photos in a slideshow can illustrate key points and add engagement. Alternatively, create a fun tribute video featuring colleagues, family, and friends. If that sounds daunting, fear not! Here are some of my articles that can help you out with retirement slideshows and tribute videos and clips .
Having a highly positive speech may not be possible. However, you should at least make sure that you end with a positive note.
Concluding your retirement speech on a positive note not only leaves everyone with a smile but also provides a profound sense of closure and satisfaction. This shared positivity extends beyond mere cheer as it serves a more profound purpose. It enables you to wrap up your career on a high note, filled with joy and contentment.
In essence, by ending on a positive and uplifting tone, you not only mark the end of one chapter but also signal the promising beginning of another, creating a seamless transition into the next phase of your life.
Now that you’re familiar with the process of writing a farewell retirement speech and the crucial elements you can include, it’s time for some inspiring examples!
Please note that these examples are condensed for brevity and lack specific details. They’re meant to serve as adaptable templates, not ready-made speeches.
Without further ado, let’s explore these examples!
Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiree:
Good evening, everyone. I am truly honored to be standing here today, surrounded by my colleagues and friends, to celebrate my retirement. After many years of hard work and dedication, reflecting on my career and the many memories I’ve made along the way feels incredible. As I look back on my time with this company, I am struck by the many challenges and accomplishments that I’ve experienced. I’ve worked with some incredible people, faced some difficult obstacles, and come out on the other side as a stronger and more resilient person. I am especially grateful for the friendships and relationships that I’ve formed over the years. Working alongside such talented and committed individuals has been a privilege, and I know that the memories we’ve made together will last a lifetime. To my colleagues and managers, I want to express my deep appreciation for your guidance and support throughout my career. Your mentorship and advice have been invaluable to me, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from you. To those still working, I want to share a few words of wisdom I’ve learned throughout my career. First, never lose sight of your passion and your purpose. Your passion will keep you motivated and inspired and your purpose will guide your actions and decisions. Second, always remember the importance of teamwork and collaboration. None of us can achieve our goals alone, and only through working together can we make a real impact. Finally, I want to say thank you to everyone in attendance today. Your friendship and support have meant the world to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have worked with you. I will miss you all dearly, but I am excited for the next chapter in my life. As I move on to the next phase of my journey, I feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. I know that retirement will bring its own set of challenges and adventures, and I am ready to embrace them with open arms. Again, thank you for your kindness, generosity, and friendship. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together.
Here’s a sample of a retirement speech by a retiring teacher:
Dear students, colleagues, and friends, I stand before you today with mixed emotions as I announce my retirement from teaching. After [insert number of years] years of being in the classroom, it’s time for me to step back and enjoy the fruits of my labor. As I reflect on my career, I’m filled with a sense of pride and gratitude. Teaching has been more than just a job for me. It has been a calling, a passion that has enriched my life in ways I never thought possible. To my students, I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I have learned so much from you, and I hope that I have also imparted some knowledge and wisdom to you. Watching you grow and develop into successful adults has been the most rewarding part of my job. To my colleagues, I want to express my appreciation for the support and encouragement you have given me over the years. You have been more than just co-workers; you have been my friends and confidantes. I will miss our collaborations and discussions about teaching, but I’m excited to see what the future holds for you and the students. As I begin this new chapter in my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family, traveling, and pursuing other interests. But I will always remember the memories and experiences that I have gained from my time as a teacher. Thank you all for the wonderful years I have spent here, and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Here’s a sample retirement speech from a coworker:
Dear colleagues and friends, Today is a bittersweet day for all of us as we gather to celebrate the retirement of our esteemed colleague and friend [Retiree’s Name]. We’re here to honor [Retiree’s Name] and to acknowledge the incredible contributions [they/he/she] has made to our organization. It’s hard to imagine our workplace without [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been a constant presence here for [insert number of years] years and has played a pivotal role in shaping the culture and success of our team. [Retiree’s Name] has always been a person who leads by example. [He/She] is hardworking, committed, and always willing to lend a helping hand. [He/She] has inspired all of us to be better colleagues and better people. [His/Her] dedication to our team and our mission is something we will always remember. As [Retiree’s Name] begins a new chapter in [his/her] life, we want to express our deepest gratitude for all [he/she] has done for us. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and unwavering dedication to our team will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name], we wish you all the best in your retirement. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, travel, spend time with your family and friends, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. Know that you leave a lasting legacy here, and you will always be a part of our team. Thank you for being such an amazing colleague, mentor, and friend. We will miss you dearly. Congratulations on your retirement!
Here’s a sample retirement speech from a friend:
Dear [Retiree’s Name], As I stand before you today, I feel both joy and sadness. Joy, because I’m so happy for you as you embark on your retirement journey, and sadness because I know our time together will be more limited. But today is about celebrating you, my friend, and I’m honored to have this opportunity to do so. You have been my true friend over the years, and I’m grateful for the memories we’ve shared. We’ve been through a lot from our college days to our careers. And now, as you retire, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in all that you’ve accomplished. Your work has always been a source of inspiration to me. I have watched you dedicate yourself to your profession, and your passion and commitment have always been evident. Your work has touched so many lives, and you leave a legacy of excellence that will be hard to match. But as much as I admire your professional accomplishments, what I treasure most about our friendship is the person you are. You have always been a kind, caring, and loyal friend. Your wit, humor, and wisdom have enriched my life countless times. As you move into this new phase of your life, I hope you’ll take some time to reflect on all that you’ve achieved. But more importantly, I hope you’ll savor the simple pleasures of life—time with loved ones, new experiences, and the chance to pursue hobbies and interests that may have taken a back seat to work. So my dear friend, as you retire, know that you leave behind a legacy of excellence, friendship, and inspiration. You will be missed, but your impact will live on. Congratulations on your retirement, and I wish you all the happiness in the world.
Here’s a sample corporate retirement speech for an employee from a boss or colleague:
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we’re here to celebrate the retirement of one of our most dedicated and hardworking employees, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and we’re all sad to see [him/her] go. [Retiree’s Name] has been a true asset to our company. [His/Her] hard work, leadership, and innovative thinking have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission will be missed. As [Retiree’s Name] moves into retirement, we want to express our deep gratitude for all that [he/she] has done for our company. [He/She] has played a key role in making us the successful organization we are today, and [his/her] influence will be felt for years to come. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional achievements, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your hard work, dedication, and commitment to our company. You leave behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire us for years to come. We wish you all the best as you move into this new chapter of your life. We hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue everything you’ve always wanted to do. We will miss you dearly, but we’re excited to see what the future holds for you. Congratulations on your retirement, and have fun!
Here’s a sample of a retirement speech for a boss:
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the retirement of one of the most esteemed leaders in our organization, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our team for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. [Retiree’s Name] has been an outstanding boss and mentor to all of us. [His/Her] vision, leadership, and passion have helped us achieve some of our most important goals. [His/Her] contributions to our team and our mission have been immeasurable. As a boss, [Retiree’s Name] has inspired us all to improve. [His/Her] ability to lead by example, challenge us to achieve our full potential, and create a culture of excellence has been remarkable. [His/Her] wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have left a lasting impact on our organization and every one of us. But beyond [Retiree’s Name]’s professional accomplishments, [he/she] has been a valued colleague and friend to many of us. [His/Her] kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others have left a lasting impression on all of us. [Retiree’s Name], thank you for your tireless work and unwavering commitment to our organization. You have left an indelible mark on our company and our lives, and we are forever grateful for all that you have done for us. As you move into retirement, we hope you will take this opportunity to relax, spend time with your loved ones, and pursue all the things you’ve always wanted to do. We know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next, and we wish you all the best in this next chapter of your life. Congratulations on your retirement, and thank you for everything.
Here’s a sample retirement speech for a principal from teachers or school staff:
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate the retirement of one of the most distinguished and accomplished principals to ever lead our school, [Retiree’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our school community for [insert number of years] years, and [he/she] will be greatly missed. As a principal, [Retiree’s Name] has been more than just a leader. [He/She] has been a mentor, a role model, and a champion for our students, faculty, and staff. [His/Her] unwavering commitment to excellence, [his/her] tireless work ethic, and [his/her] dedication to our school have left an indelible mark on our community. Under [Retiree’s Name]’s leadership, our school has thrived. [He/She] has implemented innovative programs, embraced new technologies, and fostered a culture of learning and growth that has inspired us all. [His/Her] ability to connect with students and staff on a personal level, to listen to their concerns, and to provide guidance and support has made [him/her] one of the most beloved leaders in our school. But [Retiree’s Name]’s impact goes far beyond our school walls. [He/She] has been an active member of our community, serving on boards, volunteering, and always striving to make our city a better place. [His/Her] leadership and vision have profoundly impacted our entire community, and [he/she] will be remembered as one of the most outstanding educators and leaders of our time. [Retiree’s Name], we want to thank you for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to our school and our community. You have left a lasting legacy of excellence that will continue to inspire future generations of students, faculty, and staff . As you embark on this next phase of your life, we hope you will take some time to reflect on all that you’ve accomplished. You have touched so many lives, and your impact will be felt for years to come. Congratulations on your retirement, and have a happy, healthy, and joyful retired life.
Here’s a retirement speech example for your father:
Good evening, everyone. Today, we come together to celebrate a very special man—my father—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, my father has decided to retire. For as long as I can remember, my father has been the hardest-working man I know. He has always put his family first, and he has sacrificed so much to provide for us. Through his tireless work and unwavering commitment, my father has built a legacy of strength, determination, and love that will live on for generations. As a father, my dad has been my rock. He has been there for me through thick and thin, always providing a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, and a guiding hand. His wisdom, compassion, and selflessness have helped shape me into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for his love and support. Now that my father is retiring, I know that he will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy his well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see him explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with his us. Dad, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing father, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared and the memories to come. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you, and we know that you will continue to inspire and lead in whatever you do next. Congratulations on your retirement, Dad, and thank you for everything.
Here’s a sample retirement speech for a mother from her children:
Welcome, everyone. Today, we gather to celebrate a remarkable woman who has dedicated her life to her family and her career—my mother—[Retiree’s Name]. After [insert number of years] years of hard work, sacrifice, and devotion, my mother has decided to retire. As a mother, my mom has been an inspiration to us all. She has always put her family first, sacrificing so much to provide for us, support us, and love us unconditionally. Through her unwavering commitment and dedication, my mother has built a legacy of strength, resilience, and compassion that will live on for generations. As a professional, my mother has been a true leader. She has dedicated her career to [insert profession], making a profound impact on the lives of so many people. Her expertise, innovation, and passion have inspired colleagues, mentees, and students alike, and she will be remembered as one of the most outstanding professionals in her field. Now that my mother is retiring, I know that she will finally have the chance to relax and enjoy [her/his] well-deserved retirement. I am excited to see her explore new hobbies, travel the world, and spend more time with her loved ones. Mom, on behalf of our family, I want to thank you for all that you have done for us. You have been an amazing mother, provider, and role model, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished. You have left an indelible mark on our lives, and we will always cherish the memories we’ve shared. As you enter this next phase of your life, know that we are here for you and support you. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you. Make sure to kick back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Congratulations Mom. You deserve a happy, healthy, and joyful retirement.
Here’s an example of a military retirement speech by a retiree:
Good afternoon, everyone. As I stand here today, I am filled with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am excited for the next chapter in my life, but on the other hand, I am sad to be leaving behind the military family that has become such a big part of my life. After [number] years of service, it is time for me to hang up my uniform and retire. When I first joined the military, I could never have imagined the incredible experiences that were in store for me. I have had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest men and women this country has to offer. Together, we have faced countless challenges, from training exercises to deployments to combat missions. Through it all, I have learned the true meaning of teamwork and the importance of trust, loyalty, and dedication. I would like to take a moment to thank my fellow service members for their unwavering support and camaraderie. You have made my time in the military unforgettable, and I am honored to have served alongside every one of you. I would also like to thank my family for their constant love and encouragement. Your sacrifices and support have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams and proudly serve my country. Without you, I would not be where I am today. As I prepare to transition to civilian life, I am excited about what the future holds. I look forward to spending more time with my loved ones, pursuing new interests and hobbies, and positively impacting my community. I want to express my gratitude to the military for allowing me to serve my country and make a difference in the world. Working alongside you has been an honor and a privilege, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve made together. Thank you, and goodbye!
Here’s a sample military retirement speech for a retiree:
Dear [Retiree’s name], Today, we gather to honor and celebrate your years of dedicated service to our country. You have served with distinction, and we are grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission. Throughout your career, you have demonstrated the qualities that define the best of the military: loyalty, honor, and selflessness. You have sacrificed much, spent long hours away from your loved ones, and faced danger with courage and resolve. Your service has made a real difference, and we are proud to have served alongside you. But now, as you enter this new phase of your life, we know you will continue to impact the world. You will apply the lessons you learned in the military to whatever path you choose next. You will inspire others with your example, just as you have inspired us. As you leave the service, we want you to know that you will always be a part of our military family. We will remember your contributions, and we will be here for you whenever you need us. On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank you for your service and wish you a happy and fulfilling retirement. May the years ahead be filled with joy, adventure, and the satisfaction of a life well-lived. Congratulations!
A farewell retirement speech is more than just a formality. It’s a meaningful moment for saying goodbye, reflecting on your journey, and connecting with your colleagues, friends, and family.
When you retire, you often get one chance to share your story, which is through your retirement speech. Take this unique opportunity to make your story known and leave a lasting impression on everyone. To do so, follow the steps and suggestions mentioned earlier. Also, feel free to use the examples provided and add your own experiences and personality to them.
If you want to learn more about retiree life and get extra insights, check out my website for more relevant content.
My wife and I quit the rat race and retired in 2021. We RV'ed around the US for a couple of years and now we're slow traveling outside the US!
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After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, retirement is a big milestone in life.
It’s a time to reflect on all the amazing moments experienced over the years and celebrate the future ahead.
As such, it often requires giving a retirement speech to acknowledge the occasion and those with whom you’ve worked for many years.
Knowing what to say when passing the baton and sharing final words of wisdom is challenging.
Should you be funny or serious?
Go into detail or keep it brief?
Look no further if you’re stuck and need some ideas or inspiration.
We’ve put together a few examples of retirement speeches from the retiree’s perspective (and from an employee’s, as well) to help ignite your creativity.
Tips for writing your retirement speech, 1. farewell type of retirement speech, 2. short retirement speech, 3. funny retirement speech, 4. heartfelt/serious retirement speech, 5. retirement speech for an employee, final thoughts.
Like any other written work, your retirement speech should have a narrative that walks through the main points clearly and concisely.
To ensure your address resonates with your audience, you should outline it properly before delivering it.
When creating an outline for your retirement speech, make sure to consider the following steps:
By crafting an effective outline and following these steps, you can ensure that your retirement speech is well-received by everyone in attendance. It may take a few drafts to get it right, but the effort will be worth it.
As you bid farewell to your work life and embark on a new chapter in life, a well-written speech will serve as an inspiring reminder of all that has been accomplished.
Use these pointers as a checklist that you can refer to when putting together your retirement speech.
With careful consideration, you’ll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization.
If you need help getting started with your goodbyes, here are some examples of retirement speeches by the retiree (and an employee speech) to help you craft the perfect address:
This type of speech is the most common and is often sentimental. It’s about saying goodbye while thanking everyone who helped you along the way.
It should help the audience understand what this change means for you while keeping them curious about where your next chapter will take you.
Example Farewell Retirement Speech:
It’s difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. After XX years of dedicated service, I’m finally ready to take on my next journey.
When I first started my career, I never imagined all the wonderful memories and relationships that would come with it. Every day has been rewarding in its own way, but today is an especially bittersweet occasion as I bid farewell to all my colleagues and look ahead to the future.
I think about all the fantastic people I’ve met who have helped me along the way – from supervisors who encouraged me through challenging times to mentors who gave wise advice when the going got tough. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore.
The biggest blessing must be my meaningful collaborations with some of my favorite coworkers over the years. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was always worth it in the end!
Although I won’t be in this office anymore, there are still plenty of contributions yet to come from me and those like me who will carry this legacy forward into our respective futures. With every challenge you face, there will always be someone new at your side willing to help you move mountains if you need it.
So allow me to leave you with a few pieces of advice: Believe in yourself but never be afraid of asking questions and learning more; cherish every relationship you come across; and remember that hard work pays off even when you don’t see it right away! With that said, I will miss all of you and wish you and (name of company) continued success.
Many retirement speeches happen in spaces where we need to be brief, such as a Zoom meeting or other virtual space.
A short retirement speech will allow you to be concise and still convey your message. It can also make for an excellent written piece for a retirement card or email greeting.
Example Short Retirement Speech:
Today, I have many mixed emotions. I bid farewell to this great organization that’s played such a meaningful role in my life. And I’m saying goodbye to the most supportive and incredible colleagues.
I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve enjoyed here to make a difference by working diligently on staff development initiatives, fundraising efforts, and day-to-day operations. Our amazing team accomplished so much in the years I’ve been here, and I’m proud to have played a part in our success.
My gratitude extends beyond words as I am leaving behind something that’s defined me for over XX years. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead.
I will miss all of you tremendously and hope to stay in touch to see how everyone is doing. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship – I will never forget it.
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Being light-hearted at the end of one’s career is a graceful but uplifting way to bid farewell. If you choose to make a funny retirement speech, be sure it is not offensive and still conveys your genuine appreciation for your colleagues.
Funny Retirement Speech Example:
I’m sure you’re as excited as I am to see me take that final walk down the corridor, knowing it’s the last time you’ll have to hear one of my speeches. But please don’t envy my new freedom. I may be saying goodbye to my boss here, but it seems I’m now a full-time employee of my spouse, and I’ve heard he/she runs a tight ship.
Projects around the home that I’ve masterfully avoided with “But I’ve gotta work” excuses are already on a list taped to the fridge. It will feel a lot like the first job I had in high school, fixing up old appliances and cleaning bathrooms, but with even less pay!
Oh wait, maybe I’m not retiring.
On a more genuine note, I will certainly miss all of you and our great work here. But also, it will be exciting to transition into a less demanding lifestyle. I’m excited to travel, catch up with old friends, and find a few part-time projects where I can share my hundred years of experience.
It’s been an amazing journey here at this company, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me grow while putting up with my occasional growing pains. Not unlike a “colorful” family, we’ve had our share of laughs and disagreements, but ultimately we have always come together to get the job done.
Thank you for your camaraderie and support throughout these years. Cheers!
A heartfelt or serious retirement speech is perfect for those who have put their life and heart into their career.
This type of retirement speech allows for more time as you pour your heart out and express how the people around you have positively impacted your life over the years.
Heartfelt/Serious Retirement Speech Example:
Today I stand here proud, humbled, and emotional – all at once. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been part of this organization for the last XX years. When I first began here, I started at the bottom, yet I was deeply hopeful that I could use my passion and hard work to make a difference.
Little did I know that while accomplishing the tasks at hand, I was also gaining something much more valuable – friendships with people who have become like family to me. From you, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about life and work; but most importantly, I’ve learned that relationships are what matter in the end.
They are the life force of who we are as an organization, and without the strong support I’ve received from my colleagues, it would have been impossible for me to stand here today.
But life goes on – and while I’m grateful for the wonderful memories with all of you, I also look forward to new challenges ahead. Retirement offers a whole new set of opportunities to explore, and I am excited to take them all on with the same passion and enthusiasm I had when I started working here.
My next chapter may involve a learning curve, but I am confident that the life skills I’ve learned here will help me in whatever I pursue going forward.
And most importantly, I want to continue providing opportunities to the next generation, so they have the support I was lucky enough to receive. As I enter the legacy phase of my life, I do so humbly and gratefully, taking the invaluable lessons I have learned here and sharing them with others.
Thank you all for everything. It truly has been an incredible journey, and I will miss all of you more than I can express.
If a notable team member is retiring, it’s an excellent opportunity to express gratitude for their contributions and commitment while highlighting hard work and excellence for other employees.
The following sample speech is perfect for any employee who has dedicated years of service to the company.
Retirement Speech for An Employee Example:
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we celebrate and recognize someone exceptional who has made an invaluable difference in our organization. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life.
[Name] has worked at this company for [number] years and has been an integral part of its success. During their time here, they have gone above and beyond in every task and project they were involved with, delivering results consistently and serving as a role model of integrity and professionalism for all of us. Some notable accomplishments during their tenure here include:
We will sorely miss their hard work, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It’s rare to find an employee so dedicated and engaged, and frankly, I don’t know what we will do without them.
Most of all, I’ll miss their bright and cheerful demeanor, always lifting the spirits of everyone around them with a smile and kind words. Connecting with others in a relatable way is the key to building relationships and fostering a positive work environment, and [name] was a master at that, among other things.
So please join me in wishing [name] the best as they enter this exciting next phase of life. We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person.
Thank you for everything you have done for us!
Like most people, you may find crafting a retirement speech daunting. But if you follow the above guidelines and model after some of the example speeches, you can deliver a thoughtful talk filled with warmth, humor, and gratitude.
So begin your celebration by expressing your heartfelt appreciation to your team and excitement for the next phase of life. You deserve it!
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Writing memorable retirement speeches: expert tips & examples.
Writing your retirement speech seems daunting? You are not alone. In this post, our professional speechwriters share techniques for writing a truly memorable speech.
People with whom you've worked for years have become an important part of your professional and personal life. You have spent more time with your coworkers than with your family members, and they witnessed your achievements as well as rough times. Thus, you'll want to craft a heartwarming retirement farewell speech to thank everyone for the good times spent together.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a good retirement speech for any situation. The duration of the speech and what to include will depend on your relationships with coworkers, how many years you have spent in the company, and the corporate culture. In this blog, we have summarized the main principles for writing a great retirement speech plus some examples for your inspiration.
If writing isn't your forte and you still want to express your co-worker with a memorable retirement speech, get professional help. On our website, you can order a custom retirement speech at a pocket-friendly price. Share what you'd like to include in your speech, and our expert will find the right words for your important event, keeping your speech professional yet powerful and emotional.
If you are looking for sample speeches for your retirement party or the final meeting at the office, check out the examples below. You can customize them a little, or use them as an inspiration to write your own speech.
This example of a speech of a person retiring has a formal tone and is focused on their professional achievements. It also expresses sincere gratitude towards colleagues and reiterates important professional highlights.
This humorous speech won an international speech contest decades ago. If you want to draft an informal speech, pay attention to the structure and tone of voice in this example.
As you give a speech for your retirement celebration, things can easily go wrong. Some people get carried away and use unprofessional jokes and personal stories that make others feel uncomfortable. Others prepare thoroughly, but their speech lacks warmth and emotion. Here's how to compose a speech that will sound professional, appropriate, and sincere.
Not all companies can boast a positive working environment and strong relationships between the co-workers. Even if your boss had anger management issues and some coworkers were toxic, do not bring this up on your retirement day. Focus on the positive side of things - you can think of some good moments during your fulfilling career which are worth mentioning. If coworkers failed to become your second family, compliment them on their work ethic and mention the results you've achieved as a team.
As you spend time creating your speech, devote at least one paragraph to expressing gratitude. Thank your boss, people that worked next to you every day, and mention a few people you had strong relationships with. You may even share a short story about some project or achievement. If at least one family member is present, thank them for supporting you in your career as well. To make a lasting impression also mention what you've achieved with the company, what challenges you faced, and who helped you along the way.
You will want to adapt the content of your speech depending on where the event will take place and how many people will be present. Obviously, the text of the speech for a company-wide meeting with two hundred people and a small gathering in your office will be different. In the latter case, you can keep your speech less formal as if you were speaking to close friends, but do not forget to keep it professional. If speaking for a larger audience, you might want to leave insider jokes out and focus on things that everyone in a room will understand.
If you work for a company that encourages a laid-back environment, casual clothes, and informal team-building events, it is absolutely fine to come up with a funny retirement speech. Your colleagues will appreciate it and see it as a sign of warm, friendly working relations. On the flip side, if you work in a serious organization with a formal professional culture, such as an investment bank, law firm, or a government institution, it is best to keep your speech formal and polite.
The public opinion about retirement today is different from that of twenty years ago. Now, not everyone is looking forward to receiving a gold watch and a calm time off work. Your retirement speech will look even better if you share plans for the future. Tell what you'd like to do during your next chapter of life: consult and mentor others, start a new exciting hobby, or maybe travel. Let your friends and family know that you are looking forward to something new and interesting.
Another good idea for retirement speeches is supporting them with visual aids. You can prepare a presentation with pictures from corporate events or celebrations, or share a video of some memorable moments. If you launch a presentation during your speech, it will evoke a bigger emotional response and help you truly connect with an audience.
After you've written a draft of your speech, ask for honest feedback from a trusted person, such as a family member or a friend. They will look at the text with a fresh eye and recommend what to add and remove. If you truly care about the success of your speech, consult a professional speechwriter. They will review your speech with a professional perspective and recommend improvements that will work better with the auidence.
Just a kind reminder: at SpeechPaths, you can order a customized speech for any special occasion, including a retirement speech. A dedicated expert will work one-on-one with you to craft the text that you'll be satisfied with. Hire an expert to write a retirement speech with a 20% discount today - chat with us to claim your code!
If you aren't the one who is retiring and need to pay tribute to a retiring coworker or subordinate, you'll want to prepare thoroughly. The most important thing about such speeches is to keep them personalized. Find features specific to that person, and focus on these features as you bid farewell to them. You may not only pay homage to a retiree's work, but also mention their personality, complement their sense of humor, the ability to solve unsolvable problems, or a high-achieving spirit. Thank the person for their contribution to the company - after all, they have devoted years of their life to it, and their achievements need to be mentioned.
Composing your speech is only a half of the journey. You also need to deliver it efficiently to impress the audience. Since public speaking is a challenge to many, take these tips from professional speech writers into account:
It is hardly possible to deliver a persuasive speech without proper preparation. Start practicing your speech days in advance: read it aloud, and work on your gestures and body language. You will have plenty of time to hear how your words actually sound, and add/paraphrase something to make the speech better. Moreover, as you practice delivering the speech to your family, you will feel more confident speaking to the audience on your big day.
A polished professional attire will help you feel more confident in everything you do, including public speaking. You don't need to be overdressed, but wearing a new pressed suit and freshening your nails will make you look more considerate during the official retirement day.
Many people find speaking to a large crowd intimidating. You may feel anxious, have sweaty palms, and other symptoms of stress. To calm down before the speech, try breathing exercises - the simplest one is counting to four as you breathe in and out. Other methods to beat anxiety include meditation - give yourself a few minutes before getting on stage - and visualization techniques. Imagine the room and the audience, and plan every move in advance. Keep a glass of water at hand in case you have a sore throat - you can also take a sip or two when you need to pause.
Whether delivering the speech is an exciting perspective for you or you are anxious about it, remember to keep it short. As a rule, you need to keep it between 5 to 10 minutes. No need to pay tribute to every person you worked with and recollect every workplace situation. Mention only the most important milestones and people who played a key role in your professional life. Time yourself as you practice speaking at home to keep your speech at optimal length and not to bore the audience.
If you don't deliver speeches frequently, your eyes may start to wander as you speak, and you can get distracted or simply feel uncomfortable. Here's the solution: find a point that you will look at as you speak. This can be a clock or a poster on the opposite wall. The audience will think that you are looking at the back row, and you'll be able to concentrate on your speech entirely.
As you write and deliver your retirement speech, do not forget about the main thing: have fun during the process! Speeches may sound stressful, but eventually your retirement party will become a memorable day that will evoke only positive emotions.
At SpeechPaths, we deliver insightful and memorable speeches for every professional and personal occasion. If you lack inspiration to draft your retirement speech, let us know and our expert will prepare a speech tailored to your requirements in as little as 12 hours. We offer amazing prices for first-time customers - contact us and make sure!
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It is customary for a person retiring to give a speech, either at a retirement celebration or at a final meeting in the workplace. If writing a retirement speech isn't really in your wheelhouse, don't worry! It's easy to write a retirement speech when you create some focus for your words.
If you need a little more guidance on writing your retirement speech, check out these original sample speeches. They might help inspire your own speech or might be appropriate to use with a little customizing. For help with downloading or printing these sample speeches, refer to the Guide for Adobe Printables .
Over the last few decades, you have probably spent more time with your co-workers than you have with your own family! For better and sometimes for worse, your co-workers have been a huge part of your career and your life. They have celebrated weddings, babies, and promotions with you. They likely comforted you in times of loss and were there when you hit a rough patch on the job. Use your retirement speech to pay homage to the people you worked with and the family and friends who supported you throughout your working years. This speech format focuses on gratitude and acknowledges the speaker's coworkers and family.
Some workplaces are fun and relaxed environments to spend your days, and others have a far more serious tone to them. If your workplace does not appreciate humor, or if you feel more reflective than funny about this milestone, a serious speech can be a good way to close this chapter of your life. As long as a serious speech is heartfelt and doesn't feel cold or removed, it will surely do the trick.
Some retirees want to go out with a bang! These people need to nail a speech that engages the audience with humor and brings smiles to faces surrounding him/her. During the final moments of your career, remind your colleagues, superiors, friends, and family why you were so much to be around for all those years and how much they will miss your banter around the watercooler. This speech is meant to prompt laughter while poking a little fun at the people who must return to work on the next workday. When creating a humorous speech, be sure to balance jokes and jests with grace and class. Humor speeches should never tread into the waters of offensive.
Related: Funny Retirement Quotes for a Hilarious Send-Off
If you are the head honcho at work and you have an employee retiring, you will want to send him/her off with a well-thought-out, carefully planned speech.
The person who is retiring has given the company you both work for decades of his/her life. Show the retiree respect by handcrafting a speech specific to them. If they are full of personality, jokes and have a fun-loving spirit, then write up a funny speech full of hilarious memories and inside jokes. If they are better known for their serious side and hard work ethic, play on those qualities, incorporating them into a more serious speech.
When you're writing your retirement speech, keep in mind the culture of your workplace. While you want to inject your own personality into it, you don't want to deliver a speech that will make other people uncomfortable. Follow a few key etiquette tips to ensure that you stay in your lane and don't veer too far off course during your speech.
A retirement speech is not the appropriate opportunity in which to air your grievances. Even if you're leaving a workplace that you largely considered toxic, filled with co-workers who might benefit from anger management training , you should focus on the positive. Do your best to drum up the good and steer clear of the bad. Thank your co-workers for their passion or comment on the promptness that the company functions under.
How long your speech runs largely depends on the venue and tone of the event. If you're standing up in a meeting to say farewell, you should take less time than if you're giving your speech at a formal celebration intended only to celebrate your retirement. Ask the event coordinator how much time they set aside for your speech and stick to the time allotted. If no guidance is given otherwise, for a formal celebration, aim for a speech lasting under 10 minutes. For a quick stand up in a meeting, you should not exceed three minutes.
Consider your audience. Your now-former colleagues are likely comprised of older and younger people who are now all sitting in the venue awaiting your words. When you deliver your speech, regardless of the speech style and tone, be sure to address those who have been with you for many years, as well as newcomers to the workplace. Pay homage to everyone surrounding you and make sure all feel like a part of your journey.
Thank all the people who helped you along the way in your career, including those outside the workplace such as mentors, family, and close friends. It's important to thank the people within your workplace responsible for pulling together your retirement celebration. Before drafting a retirement speech, draft a list of must-mention people. If you have many people to include in your tribute, consider grouping some folks into a department. For example, you could say, "I could not have made it through my days without the dedication and assistance of the ______ department."
There is nothing wrong with asking a trusted person to review your speech before you finalize it. They may come up with ideas or insights you didn't think of. Allow a few people to read through your speech or listen to you read through a draft of your speech before finalizing it. Take their thoughts into consideration. You don't have to change up your whole speech on account of others, but ponder their suggestions in the very least.
Speaking in public can be difficult for people unaccustomed to it, but there are steps you can take to ease your anxiety.
Put on something clean and pressed, give yourself a shave or freshen up your nails and makeup. You don't have to look like a supermodel, but you do want to put a bit of thought and consideration into your look on your retirement day. For many in the audience, this is the last time they will see you, so give them a bit of a show. Sometimes when people put on their best, they feel more confident and ready to take on challenges that lie ahead.
Nobody expects you to memorize your speech, but you should familiarize yourself with your completed speech before you try to deliver it to a crowd. Reading it aloud beforehand may reveal portions that will make you emotional, and you don't want to get caught off-guard by getting choked up. Knowing that you are not going into a cold read can help reduce your anxiety levels on your big day.
As you wait to deliver your speech, take slow, deep breaths to help relieve your nervousness. Envision your lungs and balloons and fill them with air, then forcefully exhale. This type of breathing can help calm you.
The body reacts to stress in different ways. If you feel anxious about delivering a speech in front of people, your throat might tighten up. A cup of water by your side allows you to take a moment, clear your throat, and continue with the speech. Additionally, it's a good idea to have tissues or a handkerchief nearby in case you tear up.
Find a spot on the furthest wall of the room and make that your go-to focal point. It might be an exit sign or a clock but look at your focal point when you have trouble looking at your audience - especially if the people close to you are getting emotional and you're afraid you might become emotional too. The other benefit to the focal point being at the furthest wall is that it will appear to your audience as though you're simply looking at the back row instead of staring at an exit sign or clock.
This speech, daunting as it may seem, is only 3-10 minutes of your entire life. You WILL get through it, and then it is over, tucked away to memories for the rest of your days. Remind yourself that you will only be standing and speaking for a short span of time, and then you will be done. Even if you envision a million things going wrong, the reality is that none of it likely will. Our concerns are always worse than the reality.
You worked hard to get to the point of retirement . Nobody expects an Emmy award-winning performance from you, so try to enjoy this one final work task of thanking the people who helped make your retirement possible.
When it comes to celebrating the end of a career, few things can be more meaningful than delivering a well-constructed retirement speech. This is an opportunity to show appreciation, offer well wishes, and leave a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and family members. However, crafting the perfect speech can be a daunting task. In this guide, we will explore the key steps to writing a unforgettable retirement speech.
Before diving into the specifics of constructing a retirement speech, it is essential to understand its purpose. Simply put, a retirement speech is a public address given by an individual at the end of their career. The goal of the speech is to express gratitude, reflect on past achievements, recognize colleagues and mentors, and offer well wishes for the future.
The first aspect of a retirement speech is to celebrate the career of the retiree. This means highlighting their accomplishments, sharing meaningful moments from their career, and emphasizing how their contributions have made a difference. Mention their notable achievements such as awards, promotions, and successful projects. Give examples of moments where they went above and beyond to help the company or clients. Make sure to paint a thorough and accurate picture of their professional achievements.
A retirement speech is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation. This means taking the time to thank colleagues, mentors, and the organization as a whole. It is important to highlight how these people have made a difference in the retiree’s career and how their support and guidance have had a lasting impact. Thank individuals for their specific contributions and express sincere gratitude.
A retirement speech should also look to the future. This means offering well wishes for the retiree's future endeavors and highlighting their plans for retirement. This can include talking about the retiree's passions outside of work, such as travel plans, hobbies, or time with family. Encourage them in their next chapter and make the speech inspirational for them to kick start their new journey.
Once you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your retirement speech, the next step is to know your audience. This means tailoring your speech for the people who will be present.
Retirement is a family affair, and many people will bring their loved ones to the event. It is important to include a personal touch in the speech and make it relatable to both the retiree and their loved ones. Tell stories that bring out the retiree's character, hobbies, and family life. Highlight the retiree's achievements outside of work, and emphasize how they have made a difference in the lives of their loved ones.
The retiree's colleagues and coworkers are the people who have shared in their daily work experience. Make the speech understandable to everyone in the organization by not using too much jargon or technical terms. Make it concise and informal so that everyone can follow along. Address the current and retired colleagues as a team who have had the opportunity to work with and learn from the retiree.
Throughout their career, the retiree has undoubtedly had influential mentors or managers. Show appreciation for those who have given guidance, support, or mentorship throughout their career journey. Acknowledge the retiree's superiors who have given support through promotions, important assignments, and performance reviews. Make sure these people's contributions are recognized during the speech.
The next step to writing a retirement speech is gathering information. This includes researching career highlights, conducting interviews, and collecting personal anecdotes and memories.
To get a more personal feel of the retiree's career, consider conducting interviews with colleagues. Start by asking open-ended questions such as "What did you admire most about the retiree?" or "What story would you share about their time with the company?" Encourage people to recount meaningful moments or stories that speak to the retiree's character both at work and outside of work.
Researching the retiree's career highlights can provide valuable information to highlight during the speech. Look up relevant milestones, projects, presentations, awards to capture key achievements of the retiree's career. Incorporate industry accolades or recognition that show off the retiree's expertise and what is his/her remarkable contribution to the industry.
Collecting personal anecdotes and memories is another crucial aspect of the speech-making process. Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues to gather stories that capture moments that were special with the retiree. Use these stories to highlight the retiree's unique character and personality traits.
With a deep understanding of the purpose of a retirement speech and your audience in mind, you can now start organizing your speech.
Start with an intentional outline. The outline should reveal your ideas in an organized manner. It gives the speech effortless flow on a logical sequence. Start with an introduction to set the tone for your speech and include the celebratory aspects of the retiree's career. The body of the outline will include expressing gratitude and well-wishes in an organized manner. You can also mention career highlights. A conclusion is an appropriate way to sign off with some of the most meaningful highlights from the speech.
When writing a retirement speech, it is important to strike a balance between humor and sincerity. Balance humor by adding a few funny anecdotes for levity. On the other hand, it should be sincere and heartfelt with genuine feelings communicated by all speakers. Keep the humor lighthearted and avoid using inappropriate stories or comments that can be taken in the wrong way.
Ensuring a logical flow of ideas is an essential part of effectively delivering a retirement speech. Make sure to incorporate personal stories or experiences that help build the story. Make sure to highlight significant achievements but also balance the speech by engaging the audience. Organize the speech ideas chronologically or on the order of importance to help enhance the speech’s cohesion. Take breaks between paragraphs and don't rush the speech.
Chatgpt prompt.
Compose a well-crafted and thoughtfully written speech that captures the essence of your retirement and expresses your gratitude, reflections, and future aspirations. Ensure that your speech is engaging, memorable, and appropriate for the occasion, and that it effectively conveys your personal experiences and sentiments to your audience.
[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]
Retirement speeches are an excellent way to celebrate a long career journey, express appreciation, and leave a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and family members. To write an unforgettable retirement speech, you need to have a deep understanding of your audience, the retiree's career journey, and show balance between humor and sincerity. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, and you'll be well on your way to delivering an unforgettable retirement speech.
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Retirement—a remarkable milestone, a time for celebration and heartfelt appreciation. As you prepare to deliver a speech that honors the retiree, it’s essential to make it truly exceptional. This guide is here to help you do just that with a conversational and engaging approach.
In this practical guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to crafting a stand-out retirement speech. From expressing genuine gratitude to sharing light-hearted anecdotes and inspiring words, we’ll cover the essential elements that will make your speech shine.
You’ll find valuable tips, techniques, and relatable examples to guide you every step of the way. With this guidance, you’ll gain the skills to deliver a speech that captivates, uplifts, and creates cherished memories for the retiree and everyone present. Whether you’re a close colleague, a dear friend, or a loving family member, this guide will be your trusted companion as you create a retirement address that resonates deeply.
Are you ready to honor the retiree and craft a speech that leaves a lasting impact? Let’s dive right in and uncover the secrets to preparing a retirement speech that will be remembered and cherished for years.
A heartfelt and memorable retirement speech is a culmination of several key elements. Let’s explore what separates a great retirement speech and how to incorporate these elements into your tribute.
One of the fundamental aspects of a remarkable retirement speech is expressing sincere gratitude to the retiree. Take the time to reflect on their contributions, impact, and how they have touched the lives of others. Share specific examples and heartfelt appreciation for their dedication, expertise, and the positive influence they have had on colleagues, students, or the community.
An excellent retirement speech is tailored to resonate with the audience. Consider who will be present at the retirement gathering and what they value most about the retiree. Adapt your speech to connect with their shared experiences, sentiments, and why they hold the retiree in high regard. Understanding the audience helps you create a speech that truly speaks to their hearts.
When selecting the person to deliver the retirement speech, choose someone who deeply understands the retiree’s journey, accomplishments, and personal qualities. This speaker should have an intimate knowledge of the retiree’s impact, allowing them to authentically convey the retiree’s story, achievements, and character traits that deserve recognition.
While it’s tempting to recount every detail of the retiree’s career, it’s essential to strike a balance between brevity and meaningfulness. Keep your speech concise, focusing on the most significant aspects of the retiree’s professional journey. Select anecdotes, achievements, or moments that best represent their impact, and share them in a way that captures the essence of their career and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
Organize your notes and structure the speech effectively to ensure a smooth and coherent delivery. Start with a compelling opening that grabs the audience’s attention and establishes a connection. Arrange your thoughts logically, transitioning smoothly from one point to the next. Consider using storytelling techniques to engage the audience and make your speech more relatable. Conclude with a powerful closing that leaves the audience inspired and grateful for the retiree’s contributions.
By incorporating these elements into your retirement speech, you’ll create a powerful tribute that expresses gratitude, resonates with the audience, and captures the essence of the retiree’s career. So, let’s move forward and explore how to write and deliver a retirement speech that will be remembered for years.
When it comes to writing a retirement speech, it’s all about capturing the essence of the retiree’s journey, expressing heartfelt gratitude, and creating a memorable experience for the audience. This section explores practical tips and creative strategies to help craft a speech that has a lasting impact. From finding inspiration and injecting humor to tailoring your words to the audience, let’s delve into the art of writing a remarkable retirement speech.
Begin your retirement speech by expressing genuine gratitude to the retiree. Thank them for their dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have had on others. Share specific examples of how their contributions have made a difference, leaving a lasting legacy. Remember, heartfelt appreciation sets the tone for an impactful tribute.
When brainstorming speech content, consider the retiree’s notable achievements, memorable moments, and the unique qualities that define them. Reflect on their professional journey, personal growth, and the challenges they overcame. Incorporate stories, anecdotes, and quotes that highlight their character and contributions. Let their story inspire and resonate with the audience.
Humor can be an excellent addition to a retirement speech, lightening the atmosphere and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Consider incorporating a well-placed joke or lighthearted anecdote if appropriate and in line with the retiree’s personality. Remember, humor should always be respectful and inclusive, ensuring it enhances the overall speech experience.
As you craft your retirement speech, always keep the audience in mind. Consider their relationship with the retiree, their shared experiences, and what they value most about them. Tailor your words and anecdotes to resonate with the audience, ensuring they can connect with your sentiments and feel a sense of unity in celebrating the retiree’s accomplishments.
Before finalizing your retirement speech, consider seeking the feedback and review of a trusted individual who knows the retiree well. They can provide valuable insights, help refine the content, and ensure that your speech accurately reflects the retiree’s journey and impact. Their input can add depth and authenticity to your tribute.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of writing a great retirement farewell speech, it’s time to explore the essential skills that will elevate your delivery and leave a lasting impact on your audience. Crafting the perfect speech is just one piece of the puzzle—how you deliver it is equally important.
Confidence is key when delivering a retirement speech. Embrace the fulfilling career and remarkable accomplishments of the person retiring. Stand tall, speak with conviction, and let your confidence shine through. Remember, you are chosen to honor their journey, so own the stage and captivate the audience with your words.
o create a memorable experience, engaging with everyone present at the retirement party is essential. Look into the eyes of family members, colleagues, and friends, making a genuine connection. Use your words to transport them into the retiree’s world, evoking emotions and shared memories. Let your speech be a conversation that embraces and includes everyone in the celebration.
Your body language and vocal delivery are powerful tools to convey your message. Maintain an open and confident posture, using gestures to emphasize key points. Modulate your voice, allowing it to reflect the emotions and significance of the moment. You’ll capture the audience’s attention and create a captivating atmosphere using your body and voice effectively.
When delivering your retirement speech, select a focal point that symbolizes the retiree’s journey. It could be a cherished memento, a significant photograph, or even the retiree themselves. Let this focal point guide your speech, grounding you in the essence of their accomplishments and their impact on others. This visual representation will enhance your delivery and add depth to your tribute.
So, the big retirement celebration is just around the corner, and you’re eager to deliver a speech that honors the retiree’s work and bids farewell with grace. In this section, we’ll share practical tips to help you shine on retirement day. From practicing and rehearsing your speech to expressing genuine gratitude, let’s dive in and discover how to make your delivery truly impactful while navigating the excitement and emotions that lie ahead.
Practice makes perfect, they say, and that holds true for delivering a memorable retirement speech. Review your words, familiarize yourself with the flow and pacing, and ensure you feel comfortable with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, enlist the help of a friend, or even record yourself to gain confidence and fine-tune your delivery.
When the retirement celebration arrives, it’s time to put your delivery skills into action. Remember to make eye contact, speak clearly, and project your voice to ensure everyone can hear your heartfelt words. Engage the audience through gestures, smiles, and pauses, allowing your words to resonate and create a genuine connection.
While you may have a lot to say about the retiree’s accomplishments and their impact, it’s essential to keep the speech length in check. Aim for a balance between heartfelt storytelling and concise delivery. Time yourself during practice sessions and make adjustments as needed to ensure your speech fits within the allotted timeframe, allowing others to share their sentiments.
As you stand before the audience, express your gratitude from the depths of your heart. Be genuine, sincere, and specific in your appreciation for the retiree’s contributions. Share personal anecdotes and stories that highlight their character and the positive influence they’ve had. Let your words convey the profound impact of their work and express heartfelt thanks for their dedication.
With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to delivering an impactful retirement speech that celebrates the retiree’s achievements and sets the stage for the exciting chapter ahead in their personal life. So, let’s practice, prepare, and get ready to express your gratitude genuinely, leaving a lasting impression on this special day.
Looking for inspiration to craft your own remarkable retirement speech? This section presents a collection of retirement speech examples that will ignite your creativity and guide you in expressing heartfelt gratitude.
These examples will help you strike the right tone and create a speech that leaves a lasting impact, allowing you to express gratitude for the retiree’s contributions eloquently. From heartfelt tributes to lighthearted anecdotes, let these speech examples guide you as you navigate the art of honoring a remarkable career and spending quality time with those who matter most. Get ready to embark on your journey of creating unforgettable retirement speeches filled with genuine expressions of gratitude.
“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests, today we gather together to pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has graced our lives and organization with their presence for many years. As we bid farewell to [Retiree’s Name], we reflect on an extraordinary career. They have exemplified excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference throughout their tenure.
From their early days as a [mention early role] to their rise through the ranks, [Retiree’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a passion for [mention their main contributions]. They have become a true pillar of our team, a guiding force, and an inspiration to us all. Their tireless efforts and innovative thinking have propelled our organization forward, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of [industry/field].
But beyond their professional accomplishments, [Retiree’s Name] has also been a beacon of kindness and compassion. Always ready with a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand, they have touched the lives of countless colleagues on both a personal and professional level. Their mentorship and guidance have shaped careers, fostered growth, and created an environment where everyone felt valued and supported.
Today, as we express our deepest gratitude, let us remember the invaluable lessons we have learned from [Retiree’s Name]. They have taught us the importance of perseverance, the power of collaboration, and the impact that one individual can have on an entire organization. We are forever indebted to their dedication and vision.
So, as we bid farewell to [Retiree’s Name], let us do so not with sadness but with pride and admiration. Let us celebrate their legacy, their impact, and the countless lives they have touched. On behalf of the entire organization, I extend our heartfelt thanks for the privilege of working alongside such an exceptional individual. We wish [Retiree’s Name] a retirement filled with joy, fulfillment, and new adventures. May this be the beginning of an exciting new chapter where they can fully embrace the well-deserved rewards that await them. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for everything you have done.”
“Hey everyone, can we get a round of applause for the star of the day? That’s right; it’s time to celebrate [Retiree’s Name]’s grand exit from the world of early alarms and office shenanigans! Today, we bid farewell to someone who has been a dedicated colleague and a master of turning the office into a place of laughter and good times.
[Retiree’s Name], where do we even begin? From the moment they walked through those office doors, they brought a breath of fresh air and a truckload of humor. It seemed like they had a secret stash of hilarious one-liners for every occasion, turning even the dullest of meetings into an improv comedy show.
But it wasn’t just their quick wit that made [Retiree’s Name] a comedic genius. No, they had a talent for finding humor in the most unexpected places. Remember that time when [share a funny and memorable anecdote]? [Retiree’s Name] managed to turn what could have been a disaster into a legendary tale that still has us laughing to this day.
Beyond their jokes and pranks, [Retiree’s Name] was a friend, a confidant, and the reason why coming to work felt like a visit to the comedy club. Their contagious infectious laughter brightened our spirits and made the toughest days seem bearable. We all knew that if we needed a pick-me-up or a good laugh, we could count on [Retiree’s Name] to deliver.
So, as we gather here today to bid farewell, let us not shed tears of sadness but tears of laughter, reminiscing about the hilarious moments we shared. [Retiree’s Name], you’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts, and our days at the office won’t be the same without your quick comebacks and infectious sense of humor.
As you step into this new chapter of your life, may the laughter continue to follow you wherever you go. May your days be filled with endless adventures, hilarious escapades, and moments that make you double over with laughter. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for being the office comedian, the laughter catalyst, and a true friend. We wish you a retirement that’s as funny and joyful as you’ve made our time together. Cheers to you!”
So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to [Retiree’s Name], the office prankster extraordinaire, as we bid them farewell and wish them an abundance of laughter in their retirement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to our esteemed colleague, [Retiree’s Name]. They have dedicated themselves to [mention specific achievements] in their years of service. Their impact on our team is immeasurable, and their presence will be deeply missed. As we bid farewell, let us carry forward their spirit of excellence, commitment, and camaraderie. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for inspiring us all and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.”
In summary, this guide has provided valuable insights into crafting memorable retirement speeches. We have emphasized the importance of expressing heartfelt gratitude, connecting with the audience, choosing a speaker who knows the retiree well, keeping the speech concise yet meaningful, and organizing notes effectively.
By incorporating these key points, you can create a retirement speech that resonates with the retiree and the audience. Remember, not everyone is a natural public speaker, but anyone can deliver a meaningful tribute with practice and honest feedback.
So, as you embark on this journey, remember to express gratitude sincerely, connect with the audience, and deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impact. Your words have the power to celebrate a fulfilling career and bid farewell with warmth and sincerity.
Use this guide as your roadmap, embrace the challenge, and create a retirement speech that will truly be remembered. The retiree and the audience await your heartfelt words.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some lines that you could use in a farewell speech to colleagues:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Excellent examples of retirement poems and quotes.
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“Today, as we gather to bid farewell to [Colleague’s Name], it’s hard not to reflect on the incredible impact they’ve had on each of us and the organization as a whole.”
Share a memorable anecdote that encapsulates their personality.
“I remember the time when [Colleague’s Name] took on a challenging project that everyone else hesitated to approach. Not only did they deliver, but they also turned it into one of our biggest successes.”
Speak about their qualities and contributions.
“Dedicated, passionate, and ever-eager to help—these are just a few words that come to mind when I think of [Colleague’s Name]. Their contributions have been invaluable, and their legacy will continue to inspire us.”
End with well-wishes for their future endeavors.
“As [Colleague’s Name] embarks on this new chapter, we wish them nothing but happiness, success, and countless new adventures. You will be missed, but never forgotten.”
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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.
Like other types of speech, a retirement speech takes preparation. You can dedicate one to a friend or colleague or deliver a message as the retiree. But how do you write a retirement speech?
My guide will help you give sample speeches for a retirement party. Discover the steps you need to follow, mistakes to avoid, and some tips to improve. I even included an example to follow.
A co-worker can give a retirement speech to a retiree or a retirement speech by a retiree.
Someone who has worked with the honoree for a long time can extend their congratulations for racing this unique milestone at the end of their career. They usually share interesting information while showing respect to the person who contributed significantly to the workplace.
A retirement speech can also be given by the person retiring. They may thank their fellow employees for the beautiful years and for helping them grow in the company.
These occasions are usually informal. That means you can deliver a casually funny retirement speech that’s the opposite of typical, formal speeches. But it is always helpful to plan what you will say in the speech so that everything flows smoothly.
A speech is a critical medium for presenting information and entertainment to a group of people. Here are some qualities of an excellent retirement speech.
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Whether it’s a formal or informal retirement speech, it’s essential to focus on the honoree . Do not focus on yourself but on the accomplishments and values of the retiree.
A speech should be free from ambiguity so everyone can understand it easily. Make sure to break up run-on sentences and reduce wordiness. Using the active voice also improves the clarity of the speech.
It’s okay to insert famous quotes in your speech. But it’s also important to customize your message to the person you are honoring. Do not give a generic retirement speech you copied from Google or a speech builder.
A person who served in your organization deserves a long speech. But avoid repetitive, cliche , and filler words. Don’t bore your audience with a 30-minute speech.
An attention-grabbing story in the introduction is a quick way to make your speech enjoyable. Other methods include using examples, inserting quotations, and citing jokes.
An outstanding speech is not only about verbal communication but also comes with necessary body language. Use non-verbal cues with your hands, mouth, and eyes.
The length of the retirement speech depends on the time allotted for this part of the event. It usually lasts around 5-10 minutes and comprises 600-1000 words.
Some people do not need to read from their manuscripts at this length. They may prepare and practice using only their outline. But if you’re a beginner, you can bring an entire manuscript when delivering.
Follow these six steps to creating a retirement speech.
The first step to creating a retirement speech is to gather information about the person’s life from different people. Hopefully, you can get extraordinary stories from them and a core idea of what you will put in the speech.
Gathering information will be a breeze if the retiree has been a long-time employee. You’ll find out how multi-faceted the person is. To their fellow employees, the person might be friendly and good-humored. But to their supervisor, the retiree might be intelligent and strategic.
Try gathering as much information about their personality as possible. But remember the key details. Try asking the following questions:
Your retirement speech should not only highlight the person’s career. It must also involve legendary stories or perhaps funny stories from their personal life.
For example, what are their personal hobbies? If the retiree likes to golf, you might try a golf-related theme for the party. If the retiree is an English teacher, try inserting English puns in your speech.
Here are some questions you can ask during interviews with people to craft a fantastic retirement speech.
However, some people want to keep their private life private. You don’t have to snoop around when gathering information about the retiree.
The entire speech writing process and public speaking stage are much easier if you start with an outline.
You have to decide how the farewell speech will sound. Do you want a heartfelt speech, a humorous speech, or a mix of both? Once you have decided, it’s time to brainstorm what to include in each part.
Skip this step if you’re already a skilled public speaker. Some practiced orators can even deliver humorous speeches on the spot without stuttering.
But if it’s your first time delivering a retirement speech for a boss, it’s best to write it down. Start with retirement speech starter headlines. It can include interesting daft stories, milestones, or a philosophy.
But overly preparing a speech can make it sound less heartfelt. Make sure you’re writing an authentic speech that feels natural to deliver.
You also don’t want to use the word “I” very often. Otherwise, it will give the impression of a boastful speech.
Seek people’s help before delivering a grateful retirement speech in front of a large crowd. Try asking someone who knows the retiree well to listen to your speech. Ask them about their thoughts on the fun story you shared, and make sure to consider their alternative ideas.
It also helps to ask an editor to fix any spelling or grammar issues. They can help you keep the speech more concise and engaging.
The last step before offering a tribute speech to a retiree is to record yourself. Check your appearance when you’re talking. Are you smiling or not? Was your brow creased? This step is essential if you don’t always talk in front of a large audience of people.
Now that you know the correct procedure for speech-writing, here are some tips you can follow.
If you were chosen as the speaker, then you must have enough knowledge about the person’s entire life. One advantage of knowing the person too well is that you instantly have various content ideas for your speech.
This person can be someone other than the head of the organization. It can be their work best friend, business partner, or family member.
Your priority is to think about how the person will feel. Do you want to focus on their success, positive attributes, or their future success? Brainstorm some characteristics or key points you want to include in the tribute speech.
You may evoke emotion in this speech by highlighting a sense of fondness. But don’t make it too dramatic, especially when your relationship was formed in the workplace.
Mentioning memorable moments improves bonds with the honoree. Let them know what you will miss most about them.
An important person in the company deserves more than three minutes of tribute. But that doesn’t mean you must include every detail of their previous career. Keep it short and sweet at around five to ten minutes to not bore the audience.
Keep your outline organized and simple to clarify the main message. It should serve as a blueprint to track your entire speech.
You already know the five parts of a retirement speech. However, you can still make it simpler using these parts:
Refrain from assuming that the best days of the retiree are over. They are likely to be excited about their retirement. So instead of making a eulogy-like speech, deliver one that covers both the past and future.
You’ve probably heard hundreds of speeches with funny punchlines. But you should always plan your humor around your audience. Avoid jokes that rely on profanity and controversial topics. No one also wants to hear you put the retiree down harshly.
As with any other type of speech or presentation, preparing is always worth it. Try talking with people who have worked closely with the retiree. Look for common themes, then start crafting.
I also don’t recommend spending too much time discussing the career highlight reel. The audience might already know the honoree’s professional development in minute detail. Focus on their impact, values, and the larger lesson they taught you.
It’s okay to bring an outline or manuscript as long as your eyes stay longer on the audience. Tell the speech from the heart, take deep breaths, and know exactly what you will tell next.
Maintain a good posture as you walk across the stage and give the speech. It shows confidence in your discussion, making the audience more interested.
Overlooking.
Are you talking too much about yourself? Is your anecdote losing focus on the retirement speech’s goal? Make sure your address aims to make the retiree feel appreciated. The conclusion or final part of the speech should be direct gratitude toward the individual.
Using humor in speeches can be challenging, especially if your audience is a bunch of serious people. Although sharing a boys’ night out story is tempting, others might not appreciate it. That said, do your research on the audience to avoid awkwardness.
No, retirees don’t sit on their porches all day reminiscing about their previous job. Many people continue working or start their own businesses. The correct term for this is “active retirement.” So avoid retirement cliches in your speech that will make you sound tone-deaf.
Joking about old age may have been common in earlier retirement speeches in an attempt to make a funny speech. But today, it’s considered insensitive. Avoid offensive words toward the retiree and the audience.
Consider these thirty-five examples if you need some retirement quotes for your speech.
Here’s an example of a short but heartfelt retirement speech you can give to someone you want to pay your respects to.
I have witnessed many friends come and go to this school. But today, we have gathered to show our love and respect for Hartford Elementary School’s English teacher, Bradley McAdams. After working with him for more than 30 years, I don’t think I have the right words to say about his inspiring impact, dedication, and character.
Bradley, or, as many people call him, “Mr. Brad,” has handled over 1,000 students. That includes 10,000 essays checked, 80 English lessons taught, and 60 literary works recommended.
But beyond the schoolwork checked, Bradley has made meaningful relationships with his students over the past few years. He became a good friend to individuals who need comfort and a family to children who want to feel a sense of belonging.
We are also proud of him for publishing his dissertation in 2018 and obtaining a doctorate in 2019.
Mr. Brad, you are one of the most inspiring educators in the teaching profession. You made a lasting impression on the world through your grit. You deserve a break! We hope you get enough rest, travels, and pampering in this new stage of your life. Congratulations on your retirement!
Hopefully, my guide helped you learn how to write a retirement speech. Whether it’s for a friend or boss, that person deserves appreciation and support on their special milestone.
Another popular category for these speeches is when it comes to friends, family, service professionals, or a college commencement speech. Learn how to create an inspiring speech for different people!
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Appreciation of retiree’s contribution.
A speech to retiree is a sincere appreciation of the retiree’s contribution to the Company. It is a celebration, and a fond farewell to a co-worker. It is an emotional occasion and the speaker should use anecdotes to illustrate the retiree’s character and accomplishments. If you are asked to present a speech honoring a retiree, make it memorable and respectful, with humor added, if it suits you and your retiring co-worker.
The best is yet to come.
When John Smith joined the ACME Company, black and white television had just arrived in Ireland and a new Liverpool pop group, called the Beatles, were top of the charts with a song called Hard Day’s Night.
When we look back on the history of the ACME Company, we find that different people featured in prominent ways at various times. JJ Doe, the founder, Jane Doe the award winning inventor and Philip Doe who saw the commercial potential for wholesaling Widgets. But the 1980s belonged to John Smith and it is my pleasure and privilege to pay tribute to this era. Everyone in this room, from our longest serving employee to our newest recruit has contributed to Acme’s success, but this talk is dedicated to John.
John has steered the company through times of great change from the early days of helping out in the factory or assisting with sales and distribution. He was appointed General Manager in 1980, and over the following 20 years he would oversee many defining moments and major developments.
(Here give a few examples of the metamorphosis in manufacturing, distribution and trading style, and the conviction and consistency with which the Brand Strategy was followed.)
John was firm, fair, and consistent-you knew where you stood with him and if you got a telling off, you most likely deserved it, and once said it was over and done with.
He was very good at encouraging initiative and cultivating team work and the company displayed tremendous entrepreneurial flair during the 1980s and 1990s.
He was a good listener and delegator, it was as if he followed the maxim ‘The best way to keep power is to share it, and the best way to influence is to listen’.
John didn't have any great business philosophy that I could discern-he just seemed to concentrate on getting the basics right.
I guess that using your talents and leaving a legacy is something we all desire to do and John has succeeded in doing this. And yet he was almost self -effacing in seeking recognition for his achievements. One of the nice things I have heard said about John is that he is essentially the same person who joined The ACME Company all those years ago.
ACME Company is a better place to be because of John’s efforts. Let’s hope we can all say that when our time comes.
My final tribute is to say that such is the strength of the foundation that he has lain that I believe we can all face the future with confidence under Kevin’s leadership. (His successor)
John, I have called my toast ’The best is yet to come’ and I hope that sentiment holds good for you personally, and for the company that bears your influence. Enjoy your retirement hobbies-golf, hill walking, travel and whatever new activities you turn to.
John is retiring from ACME Company, but there is a new world of business, leisure, and voluntary opportunities waiting. There are dozens of organisations who would value his talents and skills.
I know he is well prepared for this transition, having worked with a retirement coach over the last year.
John, I’m reminded of the words of Horace the Roman poet...
‘You have played enough, you have eaten and drunk enough, now is the time to depart’
Congratulations on a wonderful career, and best wishes for the next phase-it has been our pleasure to know you and to work with you.
To yourself and Jane, I wish you long life, health, and happiness together.
The wheel has come full circle and it’s time to begin again. I said at the outset that Hard Day’s Night was top of the charts when you joined ACME, it’s been ‘Long and Winding Road’ and now you've got a ’Ticket To ride’!
This is an example of a Speech to Retiree . If you are the retiree go to the link in this paragraph for advice on how to create your own farewell words.
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Are you closer and closer to checking off items from your retirement bucket list ? Congratulations!
Funny ways to say goodbye to coworkers, ways to say goodbye to your boss when you retire, heartfelt ways to say goodbye to coworkers, email messages to send on your last day.
You may be expected to say a few words to your fellow staff members as you embark on your retirement. Maybe you’ve been writing your speech in your head for years, or maybe you have no idea of what to say. Regardless of whether you have a few talking points or not, here are some snippets from goodbye speeches that may inspire you to write your own.
Don’t forget to use your own words when you say goodbye to your coworkers. It’s always better to speak from the heart instead of sounding polished and unemotional.
Tip: Pair your goodbye with small tokens of appreciation for everyone in the office. We like sets of succulents to give out . If it doesn't make sense to buy gifts for each person, try putting out a big snack basket, like this one , on the day of your departure.
You may have quite a few inside jokes if you’ve spent years interacting with your coworkers. This is especially true if you deal with the general public or if a colorful bunch of characters works in your office.
One of the best ways to say goodbye is to refer to funny things that have happened in the office over the years. Here are some general examples.
“One of the saddest things about retiring before tax season begins is that I will no longer be able to work with dear Mrs. Jones. Someone else will have to break it to her that she can’t claim her 14 cats as dependents.”
“Before I tell you about what I will miss about working in this office, let me tell you the things I will gladly leave behind: TPS reports, audits, the jammed printer, the slow elevator, and bad coffee.”
“Whenever I need a laugh, I’ll just think back about all the practical jokes Jim always played on Dwight. Putting Dwight’s stapler in Jello was such a fantastic practical joke. It almost makes me sad to retire, knowing that I will miss the next laugh.”
“I’m not sure if my wife is looking forward to my retirement or not. She read me this quote the other day: ‘When a man retires, his wife gets twice as much husband for half as much money.’ And she didn’t laugh when she read it to me.”
“Please don’t feel that even though I’m retiring, I’m leaving you in a lurch. I know that questions may come up after I go. Feel free to get a hold of me. Just call all the beaches in Mexico and ask to talk with the lady with the daiquiri in her hand.”
Saying farewell to your boss may be difficult, especially if you have had a long professional relationship with the person. Here are some things to say to your boss as you launch your retirement.
“You’ve been the best boss ever. Thank you for all the support you showed me throughout the years. You always encouraged me to learn new skills and grow in the field, whether the business would benefit or not.”
“I remember when you hired me. You asked me how long I planned to stay at this job, and I told you I hoped to retire here. Who would have thought that day would come so quickly? Time flies. Thank you for supporting me for all these years.”
“Even though we didn’t always see eye-to-eye, I always respected you as a leader. You are kind, respectful, and generous. Thank you so much.”
“It’s been an honor and a privilege to work with you for the last 23 years. I think of you not only as a boss but a friend as well.”
“When you love what you do, work doesn’t feel like work. Thank you for making me happy to show up in this office every day for the last two decades.”
“Thank you for gently correcting me every time I made a mistake and moving on like it never happened. It takes a person with real class to interact with employees this way.”
“I feel like Dorothy when she said goodbye to the scarecrow. ‘I think I’ll miss you most of all.’ Thank you for being a great leader.”
It’s incredible how quickly you become close to your coworkers, especially if you work in a hospital, school, or another highly emotive environment. Saying goodbye may be painful. Here are some ways to do it.
“You are the sisters and brothers I never had. Thank you all for making Smith and Jones a great place to work.”
“My family doesn’t understand why I’m so sad to retire. They don’t understand how much I will miss you all.”
“Confucius said, ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ Who knew I would have so much in common with an ancient Chinese philosopher?”
“Jack Kemp once said, ‘There is a kind of victory in good work, no matter how humble.’ Even though we aren’t working to cure cancer, I am proud of the excellent work we have accomplished together. Our work has improved the lives of others, and I am proud of it.”
“It’s incredible how a group of people from such diverse backgrounds worked so closely and well together. We complement each other, and that is something special.”
“I’ve never worked with such a special group of people. Thank you for the last 20 years. I love you all, and I will miss you.”
“It’s not often when a group of coworkers can brighten a person’s life. I have treasured our time together.”
Depending upon your workplace, there may not be an opportunity to give a speech at the end of your last day. You may have to settle for sending out an email message to your boss and coworkers. Here are some snippets of text you may consider using for your special message.
Play some goodbye songs , fire up your laptop, and write your goodbyes. You may surprise yourself and shed a tear or two.
“Please excuse me for not saying goodbye in person. I’m feeling really sad and just can’t! You have made this a lovely place to be every day, and I will miss the office terribly — best wishes to you all.”
“Today is my last day at Blythe and Anders. I’ve been counting down the days to my retirement so I can start traveling the world but I’m also really sad. I will miss seeing all your smiling faces, and I wish I could smuggle you all in my luggage.”
“My life won’t be the same starting on Monday morning. It will be a hard transition. In fact, I’m sure you all will be the first people that I think about — after I wake up at 10 a.m.”
“You all know how much I love Winnie the Pooh . The creator, A.A. Milne, once said, ‘How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” I am one of the luckiest women in the world.”
“As much as I am sad to leave you, I am excited to be able to spend more time with my grandkids and kids. After a few weeks of me being around, they may ask me to come back to work to volunteer.”
“William James once said, ‘The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.’ I feel that we have done excellent work in this firm, and we have helped others live their best lives. I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I want to thank you all for letting me be a part of your team.”
“I’d love to continue being a part of your lives. Let’s get together for a monthly lunch. My personal cell phone number is xxx-xxx-xxxx.”
You don’t have to give a long, drawn-out Shakespearean soliloquy as you say goodbye to your coworkers. In fact, they would probably prefer that you keep it short, so they could get down to the business of eating cake and drinking champagne at your retirement party.
Here are some short but sweet goodbye messages to use for your retirement.
“I know that our job is sometimes not easy. I know the countless extra hours you put in to do it well. I also know how discouraging our jobs can be at times. But I want to offer these words of encouragement: You are doing good work. You make a difference in the world.”
“I would like to borrow the words of Lou Gehrig, one of my personal heroes. ‘Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth.’ Not because I am ending my career with Wilson and Wilson, but because I had the opportunity to work with the best group of lawyers and staff for the last 30 years.”
“In the words of the great Oscar Hammerstein, ‘So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night! I hate to go and leave this pretty sight!’”
“Instead of saying goodbye, I would prefer to say, ‘See you later.’ I’m not dying, after all. I’ll just be playing a lot more golf.”
“If you need me, I’ll be on the beach!”
“I would like to give a special shout-out to my team. Thank you for making me look good for all of these years. You guys are such an amazing team that our clients won’t even realize that I’m gone.”
“I don’t have any words of wisdom or profound thoughts to offer as I look back over my career. Instead, I would like to sincerely thank you all, from the bottom of my heart, for being such a great team of coworkers. I never once dreaded Monday mornings – and that says a lot about the place you work.”
“I would like to thank my family for supporting me in my career for all of these years. They have sacrificed a lot, so that I could build this company into what it is today. Now, I am dedicating what’s left of my life to them.”
“It’s hard to believe that 45 years have passed since Mr. Halloway took a chance on me, a young kid without any work experience. He told me that he ‘liked my spark.’ Remember that the next time you need to hire someone for your team.”
Do you need to announce your retirement in writing? Perhaps you need to send a message to HR, your bosses, or the board of directors. Here are some snippets of formal goodbye messages.
“I am writing to share that I will be retiring from Sprint effective April 1, 20XX. I am grateful to the corporation for providing me with a rewarding, challenging career.”
“As you may have already heard, my husband’s job is taking him to England. Because of this move, I wish to announce my early retirement from the company.”
“Please accept this as formal notice of my retirement, effective April 1, 20XX. As you know, I have had many health struggles lately, and I wish to spend more time with my family.”
“It’s harder than you would think for me to write this email. However, I would like to announce my retirement from Wilson and Wilson, effective April 1, 20XX.”
“I appreciate all the support and encouragement I have received from the leadership team over the last 18 years. I would especially like to thank Ryan Smith for hiring me back in 2001. I had little experience in the industry, but he decided to take a chance on me. I am forever grateful.”
“Even though I hope to schedule my last day early this spring, I am happy to stay until a new executive assistant can be hired and trained. I would be happy to help you all with this process.”
“Even though I will miss all my friends at Wilson and Wilson, I look forward to caring for my newest grandson, Tyler.”
“After 40 years of teaching Junior English, I have decided that it is time to retire from Smith High School. I say goodbye with a mixture of excitement and melancholy. Even though I won’t miss grading stacks of essays and research papers every night, I will miss forming meaningful relationships with my students and colleagues.”
“I want to thank the leadership team for their support and encouragement through the years – especially when I was undergoing cancer treatment.”
“I am excited to begin the next phase of my life. However, I will remember fondly the years I spent at Wilson and Wilson.”
“Thank you for encouraging me to get additional cybersecurity training. I feel good that I am leaving the company well-protected against cyber attacks. However, it’s important to stay vigilant!”
Perhaps you are saying goodbye to a retiring coworker. Here are some snippets to inspire you as you write in a retirement card.
“You will be missed.”
“I can’t imagine Wilson and Wilson without you! You have been a fixture here for the last 35 years, and you will be difficult to replace.”
“Please pass on your chili recipe to someone in the office. The promise of your chili each Friday was the only thing that helped me get through tax season.”
“It’s impossible to summarize your professional achievements over the last 30 years. So let’s just say this: You have contributed a great deal to our company and our entire industry. It’s not just our office that is sad to see you go. Other firms across the country will miss your innovation and leadership.”
“Even though we are sad to see you go, we understand why it is necessary. Please know that you will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers as you care for your wife.”
“On behalf of the entire staff, I would like to wish you a happy retirement. You have been a faithful, hard-working employee. So even though we are sorry to see you go, we are delighted for your new phase of life.”
“Our organization has become stronger due to Jeff’s commitment to our mission, values, and work. We appreciate all his contributions, and he has touched the hearts of many in the office. Please join us as we honor Jeff’s career at Wilson and Wilson by attending a retirement party on Saturday, May 1, at the Hilton Ballroom.”
“I’m not sure how long I would have lasted here if it wasn’t for you. Thank you for spending time with me when I first arrived. You helped me get through a lot of rough spots. For that, I will be eternally grateful.”
“I’ll never forget that presentation you made to Wilson and Wilson. You are the reason our company is in such a healthy position today.”
“Enjoy sleeping in, going to afternoon baseball games, and spending time on the golf course. You deserve it!”
“We are lucky to have had your leadership over the last several years. Thank you for your constant reassurance and positive attitude.”
“You have been the face and voice of our company for so long that it is hard to imagine someone else sitting at your desk and answering our phone. It’s not just our team that will be lost without you. Our customers will miss you as well.”
It’s common to feel sad after retirement. Work was probably a big part of your life. You may feel as if something is missing when you quit. Learn how to combat these feelings by reading books on aging .
Take care of a few pieces of business before you become too comfortable with your retirement schedule. First, set up your will and/or trust. Second, start your end-of-life planning. Finally, figure out how you want to serve others so that you can feel like you’re still making a difference during your retirement years.
Post-loss tip: Sometimes goodbyes are even more difficult, as when, when you have to let go of a dying loved one. If you are the executor for a deceased loved one, the emotional and technical aspects of handling their unfinished business can be overwhelming without a way to organize your process. We have a post-loss checklist that will help you ensure that your loved one's family, estate, and other affairs are taken care of.
Content ideas for a great retirement speech.
By: Susan Dugdale
The prospect of writing a retirement speech either for yourself or for someone else might seem daunting.
The reality is, fortunately, that it's not as hard as it first appears to be. ☺
Follow the steps outlined below and you'll finish with a speech you'll be happy to give, and listeners will be happy to hear.
* brainstorm - the name given to an invaluable prewriting technique used to generate lots of potential ideas about a topic
Before you even attempt to write you need to collect your ideas together.
The most efficient way I know to do this is to do a brainstorm. (Scroll down to see an example.)
First grab yourself a large sheet of paper or open a new document.
Before you begin set yourself a time limit - say 30 minutes.
Then use the retirement speech starter headlines and the content suggestions * next to each one to kick start your creative juices.
Put down as much as you can under each heading. Do NOT self edit. Nothing is too trivial! You don't have to spell properly, or write complete sentences. All you have to do is allow your ideas to flow.
You will rearrange, expand, trim or delete them later but for now it's important you put whatever thought occurs down, to capture it before it disappears.
* You can see these headlines and content suggestions in action in my sample brainstorm.
I remember ... Suggestions: starting out 'x' years ago, what was most important to the company, what I looked like back then, what the pinnacle of technological sophistication was ...
Colleagues ... Suggestions: those who've been influential, friends, major campaigns/accounts worked on together ... What special qualities will you miss about these people?
Tributes ... Suggestions: Who have you admired and why? Who has inspired you? Name and thank them. Especially those who contributed majorly in either little or large ways, making your work life easier or more pleasant; from the cook in the canteen who regularly kept back a sandwich just for you, or the lift operator who always held the door for you up.
Milestones ... Suggestions: significant personal achievements, the firm's major achievements ...
Anecdotes ... Suggestions: amusing daft stories about either yourself or perhaps the people you worked with. (But mostly featuring you, because people appreciate a person who is self-aware and secure enough to make fun of themselves, one who doesn't need to call out blips in behavior, or lapses in logic in others in order to make themselves look good.)
The future ... Suggestions: Personal future: what I'm looking forward to, where I'll be, what I'll be doing ... The firm's future: where do you see it going? What challenges does it face?
Philosophy ... Suggestions: the values that have been important over the years, still are and why
Now that you have the raw material you're ready to shape it. But before you begin to write the speech you have three more important elements to consider. What you decide will have an impact on the final outcome.
Because many retirement speeches are delivered over a dinner or at a party, most people strive for a balance of light-hearted self-deprecating humor, sincerity and respect. Put yourself in your colleagues' shoes and ask yourself what you would appreciate and enjoy listening to.
By all means keep the speech real. However make it more about the positive aspects of the business and the people who work there rather than yourself.
A theme is useful to tie all the segments of your speech together. It's a core idea uniting them, and giving them cohesion.
Here are some ideas you could make work well: team effort (through uniting one achieves more), friendship, loyalty, the value of ongoing education, that youth is wasted on the young, humor, the importance of believing in one's dreams ...
How long you are expected to speak for governs how many words you write.
A relatively informal retirement speech to be given at a social gathering is usually 3 - 5 minutes long. That's between 625 - 750 words depending how fast you speak. * Much more and you run the risk of losing people's attention.
In a formal setting you may be expected to speak for 10 minutes, and then some.
If you are unsure of what's being asked of you, find out. Whatever the time limit, its good practice to finish within it. In the words of Franklin D Roosevelt, USA's 32nd President - March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945: " Be sincere; be brief; be seated."
* (Most people speak at a rate of between 120 - 150 words per minute. See my page on speech rate if you want more information.)
Sometimes it's incredibly helpful to read a sample leaving speech before starting to prepare one of your own. This example is an example retirement speech for a teacher . It was written using the guidelines on this page.
Go back through your notes, select what you want, put it in order and write exactly as if you were talking out loud to a respected friend.
You'll need an opening, middle and conclusion.
Remember the time allowance. You are better to make a few points well rather than try to cram your speech full to fit everything in, and then rush gabbling through in order to meet the time constraints.
If it worries you that you've had to leave out either people or events, say so. Your audience will understand.
Look through this large selection of retirement quotations . You'll find sharply witty, warmly funny, inspiring, as well as some sad thoughts about retiring. Take any that appeal to weave through your own words. Maybe you'll find just the opening or ending you want!
If you are writing a farewell or retirement speech about a colleague remember: "Do unto others as you would have done to you".
Your job is make the person feel valued and appreciated for who they are and what they've brought to the workplace. If you're the only speaker remember you're talking on behalf of your workmates too.
Pull one or two of them in on the brainstorming process. If you don't know, find out what they're intending to do once they've left work. Dig around to give yourself a great collection of information to pick and mix the best from.
To gauge whether or not what you've written will be well received or has covered all the most important points, firstly put yourself in their shoes and secondly, read the speech through to several colleagues whose judgement you respect.
Be very aware of revealing personal or sensitive information. The person retiring because of ill-health or for special family considerations may not want it made public. Ask before speaking. If you don't feel you can ask, then you probably shouldn't be saying anything about it.
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RTOERO CEO and award-winning communicator Jim Grieve has delivered hundreds of speeches through the years and has attended many retirement events. In this short video, he shares his best tips for giving an amazing retirement speech.
1. keep it short.
Keep the speech to 10 minutes or less. You don’t have to share your entire work history or give kudos to all your past colleagues individually. Not sure how long your speech is? Practice it in front of the mirror a few times and time yourself!
Remember your audience is at different ages and stages – some are younger, some at the end of their career like you. Try to offer something for everyone!
Consider sharing little mistakes you made and learned from and the names of coworkers who helped or inspired you. Be careful here to avoid jokes or stories that may be at the expense of another person.
Share the accomplishments you’re most proud of and the accomplishments of your team, organization, and leaders you worked with. The goal is to leave the people who are continuing with the great work feeling empowered.
To close out the speech, you can reflect on what you’ll miss most about working, but also what you’re most anticipating as you start retirement. And of course, thank everyone for coming to celebrate with you.
We hope these tips are helpful!
Preparing your retirement speech may be on your retirement planning checklist . If you’re getting started preparing for retirement, check out our free retirement planning workshop . You can attend as many times as you’d like!
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COMMENTS
Learn how to write a memorable retirement speech for yourself or a colleague, with tips on etiquette, humor, and gratitude. Find short retirement speech examples for different roles and occasions.
Learn how to write and deliver a heartfelt farewell speech for a colleague who is leaving work. Find out what to include, such as achievements, anecdotes, jokes, personality, and future plans.
Learn how to write a funny and touching retirement speech for a colleague with this sample and tips. Find out what to say, what to avoid and how to structure your tribute.
Find inspiration and guidance for your retirement speech with these seven examples tailored to different careers and personalities. Learn how to reflect, celebrate, and say farewell to your colleagues and friends with gratitude and hope.
Learn how to craft a memorable and impactful farewell speech, whether for yourself or someone else, with tips and examples. Follow a step-by-step guide to plan, write, and deliver a speech that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.
Learn how to write a retirement speech with tips and examples for different types of speeches. Whether you are a retiree or an employee, find inspiration and guidance to celebrate your career and thank your colleagues.
Learn how to write a memorable retirement speech for a coworker or yourself with expert advice and examples. Find out how to choose the right tone, structure, and visual aids for your speech.
Find original sample speeches for retirees, tips for writing a retirement speech, and etiquette guidelines for delivering it. Whether you want to be grateful, serious, or funny, you can tailor your speech to your audience and style.
The outline should reveal your ideas in an organized manner. It gives the speech effortless flow on a logical sequence. Start with an introduction to set the tone for your speech and include the celebratory aspects of the retiree's career. The body of the outline will include expressing gratitude and well-wishes in an organized manner.
Learn the secrets to crafting a stand-out retirement speech that expresses gratitude, resonates with the audience, and captures the essence of the retiree's career. Find tips, techniques, and examples for writing and delivering a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring tribute.
Learn how to write and deliver a sincere and memorable farewell to a colleague who is retiring. Find out what to include in a retirement speech, such as congratulations, achievements, appreciation, and well-wishes, and see some examples and touching lines.
Find a speech template and writing guide to honor your retiring colleague's impact and legacy. Include personal anecdotes, quotes, and well-wishes for their future endeavors.
Learn how to write a retirement speech for a colleague or a friend with tips, examples, and a step-by-step guide. Find out what makes a good retirement speech and how to avoid common mistakes.
Learn how to craft a retirement speech that celebrates the retiree's achievements, contributions, and legacy. Find tips on structure, stories, feedback, and more in this comprehensive guide.
A retirement speech should be heartfelt and genuine, showcasing the retiree's gratitude for their colleagues, friends, and family members who have supported them throughout their career. The speech can also include future retirement plans and goals. It is essential to keep the tone light-hearted and humorous while still expressing sincere ...
Find a sample speech to retiree honoring a co-worker and learn how to create your own farewell words. A speech to retiree is a sincere appreciation of the retiree's contribution to the Company and a celebration of their achievements.
Professional or Formal Goodbye Messages for Retirement Do you need to announce your retirement in writing? Perhaps you need to send a message to HR, your bosses, or the board of directors. Here are some snippets of formal goodbye messages. "I am writing to share that I will be retiring from Sprint effective April 1, 20XX.
How to write a retirement speech
Learn how to keep your speech short, think about your audience, acknowledge the helpers and learning, share your accomplishments, and reflect on what you'll miss and anticipate. Watch a video with more details and examples from RTOERO CEO Jim Grieve.
Retirement Speeches for Coworkers. Part of the series: Preparing & Delivering a Speech for a Retiree. You may be asked to write and present a retirement spee...
But unlike the previous four decades, King, 67, didn't actually have to start typing. Instead, this year, just after the Lions beat the Rams, he just went to sleep. He didn't stay up until 4am writing or talking to his editor. He wasn't negotiating interviews with star players or coaches all evening.