A simple template for a farewell speech

Posted by Ian McKenzie

Written on March 24, 2009

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Over the next few weeks we will be saying goodbye to employees who are retiring or transferring to new opportunities. Saying goodbye to work mates means luncheons and speeches. When you add the emotions of saying goodbye to the normal stress of giving a speech, the idea of saying a formal goodbye might seem too much for some people.

Part of my job places me in a position where I have to periodically make this type of speech. To simplify speech preparation, I use a simple outline template to write a farewell speech.

Start with the obvious – an introduction saying thanks for the privilege of representing the other members of the organization in making the presentation, and perhaps why you are the one chosen to make the presentation.
Talk about beginnings – what were the circumstances that brought this person into the company or perhaps what was your first contact with them?
Tell about the person – what personal characteristic made a particular contribution to the organization and to co-workers: were they energetic, optimistic, perky, dependable, quiet, friendly, etc? Talk about the things everyone is going to miss when they’re gone.
Cover the history – what were their accomplishments or achievements during their time with the company? Use stories, quips, memories to highlight the contributions.
Why are they leaving? – if appropriate, touch on the circumstances taking them away. Look at the opportunities and challenges and wish them all the best for future success.
Present the gift – finish by presenting the gift that is intended to serve as a token of thanks and remembrance.

Note: Not all of these steps are going to be appropriate every time. If the employee is leaving because of corporate reorganization, you’ll probably omit the “why are they leaving” step. If the employee leaving is one of those who create more than their share of office conflict, I try and frame my remarks from a personal perspective, rather than giving a false picture of a warm and fuzzy workplace relationship.

Whether you’re saying a short goodbye to a volunteer coach in a youth league or making a major presentation at the retirement of a long-term employee, a farewell speech should bring conclusion and tribute for those leaving and those staying behind. A template like this will help you cover all the points you need to consider when saying goodbye.

Outline template for writing a speech

Comments

very unhelpful as I was wanting a template for a speech where I was saying goodbye to my fellow students at EDSS. woot woot EDSS is the best

Comment by John Doe on June 14, 2007 @ 11:38 am

farewell of a teacher from college

Comment by talhajawaid on February 5, 2008 @ 2:22 pm

Thank you, it was very helpful, as it helped me draft a thank you note for my employer.

Comment by azra on February 24, 2008 @ 1:34 am

This will b helpful to me,because I will be tendering a farewell speech for both grade r and grade farewell,if there anything that might be helpful you are more than welcome to e-mail me,thank you.

Comment by Christo on September 24, 2008 @ 4:07 am

Dear Sir,

Please send a smple of speach of employee leaving.

thanks

Monir

Comment by Monir on December 1, 2009 @ 8:28 pm