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Farewell Speech Examples: How to Say Goodbye with Grace

As much as we’d like our goodbyes — whether to a job, a loved one, or a chapter in our lives — to be extended and leave us with a lasting feeling of warmth and appreciation, that isn’t always the case.

A well-crafted farewell speech has the potential to turn any difficult goodbye into a fond farewell, leaving all parties feeling gracious and grateful. To guide you in bringing your goodbye to its highest form, let’s delve into the art of delivering a good farewell speech.

What is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a way to mark one’s departure from an organization, group, or event. It’s typically delivered by someone who is leaving or has recently left their role or position in the organization and is typically intended to say thank you and express empathy and gratitude for the audience.

Farewell speeches often include a call to action for those who remain in the group or organization, providing insights and advice that can help the group move forward even after the speaker leaves.

The debate about what constitutes an effective farewell speech depends largely on the context of the particular situation.

On one hand, some people argue that a simple goodbye and thank you are all that is needed in order to properly bid farewell. They might argue that more than this would be repetitive and unhelpful as it would not add any new information or create any additional value.

On the other hand, others argue that a more detailed goodbye and send-off provides more closure, comfort, and support, allowing those remaining to better process the change and find growth opportunities in it.

No matter the approach taken, however, it’s important to recognize that farewell speeches are important moments for both those who are leaving and those who are staying; they provide an opportunity for reflection on memories shared, lessons learned, and relationships formed—all of which contribute to making an impactful farewell experience.

With this in mind, the next section will discuss what makes an effective farewell speech.

Quick Answer

A farewell speech is an important way to mark one’s departure from an organization, group, or event. It usually includes gratitude and a call to action for those who remain in the group. Farewell speeches often include a reflection on memories shared, lessons learned, and relationships formed. What constitutes an effective farewell speech depends on the situation but it should provide closure and comfort.

What Makes an Effective Farewell Speech?

The delivery and content of a farewell speech can significantly influence the sentiment behind goodbye messages. It’s important for sendoff speakers to emphasize gratitude and to express their appreciation for the time spent with colleagues, friends, or family.

A successful farewell speech should be heartfelt, sincere, and thoughtful. When crafting a farewell speech, speakers may want to consider incorporating elements like humour, humility, and inspiration in order to add depth to their words.

Additionally, touch upon shared emotions to convey the bond between both parties. Focusing on these three elements allows for a memorable sendoff that will stick with the crowd in attendance.

Humour is an effective way of connecting with the audience and lightening the atmosphere; providing some levity amongst more serious anecdotes. Self-deprecating remarks can be a way of connecting with colleagues in a more intimate way; showing you are equally as human as they are.

On the flip side, too much humour can sometimes come across as insincere and hinder the speaker’s attempt at conveying genuine emotion; arguably one of the key components of an effective farewell speech.

Moreover, include inspirational stories which feature distinct examples of gratitude within them—this will create greater authenticity and leave guests feeling impacted by your words.

As aforementioned, it’s vital for goodbyes to incorporate appreciation for time spent together—evoke specific memories and draw attention to individuals when necessary rather than speaking in generalities.

Ensure that your words make an impact on those who need to hear them. With these in mind, it’s possible to craft a successful transition from one stage of life to another through an effective farewell speech that is full of grace and gratitude.

Having addressed what makes an effective farewell speech, we’ll next discuss how best to show appreciation in sending off messages.

Showing Appreciation

Showing appreciation is a key element of any farewell speech. Expressing gratitude for the years spent in each other’s company conveys respect and admiration for all that has been accomplished.

When it comes to including words of acknowledgement and appreciation, many people choose to highlight the special moments shared, celebrate the successes seen, and offer thoughtful acknowledgements or simple thank yous.

However, there are opposing opinions on how to best show appreciation. Some suggest keeping dedications to a minimum so as not bore listeners with too much detail while others believe a more thorough approach can help create lasting memories and nostalgia.

The most important thing is to be mindful of your audience and what feels right based on the relationship that the farewell speech is celebrating.

If appropriate, consider having a moment at the end of your speech where you thank everyone individually while explicitly naming their individual contributions. A more public approach can include a round of applause directed at individuals who have had an impact on you along your journey.

In conclusion, expressing appreciation in a farewell speech provides an opportunity for reflection and celebration of meaningful experiences. Celebrating the occasion marks a special moment in time as one move forward in life or career.

Celebrating the Occasion

When someone is leaving their current role, it is important to take some time to celebrate and recognize their achievements. Celebrating the occasion acknowledges their contribution, gives thanks for their hard work, and shows gratitude for their time.

It can be a meaningful gesture that highlights the value of the departing employee or colleague, and can also be an inspiring opportunity for those who remain in the position.

In planning a celebration for the person’s departure, consider what would best suit their personality and interests. A simple going-away party, a framed thank-you card, or another creative form of recognition might be just the right way to say goodbye.

However, it is also important to consider how this celebration could affect morale and productivity within the team. If there is already tension in the workplace due to changes in leadership or a reorganization of roles, then holding a celebratory event could serve to further emphasize inequalities among employees or even create an uncomfortable environment.

When deciding how best to celebrate someone’s departure, it is important to assess both potential positive and negative implications of any action and plan accordingly. Doing so ensures that both the departing employee or colleague is properly recognized as well as all other members of the team feel respected and appreciated for their own contributions.

By acknowledging this balance appropriately, it will help ensure that everyone feels included and appreciated when saying goodbye. From here we can move on to discuss how to use a farewell speech to inspire your audience.

Inspiring Your Audience

In order to move an audience and leave a lasting impression, it is important to ensure that your farewell speech is both inspirational and meaningful. To do this, consider talking about how much the experience meant to you, how much you have enjoyed and learned from your friends and colleagues, or highlighting the greatest accomplishments of the group.

Additionally, use personal anecdotes that reflect the experiences of everyone in the audience. This will not only inspire emotions in them but also allow them to connect with each other as they share similar memories.

If applicable, provide words of wisdom to encourage resilience and success in the future. Show gratitude for being part of something special, even if it may be difficult to say goodbye.

By doing so, you can instill hope rather than sadness in the audience with your kind words. By expressing solidarity and understanding, your message can picture a bright future on which everyone can look forward to despite leaving their respective positions.

Ultimately, it’s important to speak positively during a farewell speech so as to leave a good impression in people’s minds when departing. Inspiring your audience will also help them remember you fondly and feel positive about their time spent together.

As such, wrap up your speech with an example or phrase that gets repeated by people long after they heard it or send out a meaningful message that serves as an uplifting reminder for all who were present.

Now that we have discussed how to inspire an audience through a farewell speech it’s time to focus on what such speeches could be like. In the next section, we will cover examples of farewell speeches so you can get some great ideas on what to include in your own address.

Example of a Farewell Speech

When you’re leaving your current position at work, it’s customary to deliver a farewell speech. These speeches provide a meaningful way to say goodbye and reflect on the successes of your time spent in the role.

Here is an example of an effective farewell speech that can be tailored to your experience and the tenor of your workplace:

“Good morning everyone! I want to thank you all for being here today. As many of you know, today is my last day with [Company Name], and I wanted to take a few moments to say a few words about my experience here.

This company has been a great home for me during the last [insert length of time]. During my time here, I learned countless skills , met fantastic people, and made memories to last a lifetime. Working with all of you has been an incredible honor – you have always demonstrated kindness and strong work ethic. I’m sure the business will continue to grow under the capable leadership of [current leader].

I have enjoyed every minute of my time here and I wish this team tremendous success as they move forward. Remember: no matter what happens in life, don’t forget to find joy in what we do. Thank you so much for your support – now let’s celebrate!”

Farewell speeches are a great opportunity for reflection and sentimentality but it’s important to balance it out with humor or positivity depending on the setting.

On one hand, some people might opt for deeper reflections on their journey and how each person has played a part in their development, while others may choose to keep their speeches lighthearted and upbeat.

Regardless of which option works best for your audience, remember that these farewell speeches provide valuable opportunities to build connections before departing from an organization or team.

At the same time, it’s important not to let the farewell speech drag on too long – keep the message brief yet meaningful. This allows present colleagues to receive appreciation without disrupting daily workflow.

Prefer a longer example? Here’s one from George Washington to the people of the USA .

Crafting Your Own Farewell Speech follows similar guidelines – find the right mix between reflection and positivity in order to create an effective speech that resonates with its audience.

Crafting Your Own Farewell Speech

Crafting your own farewell speech is a task that should not be taken lightly. It requires thought and honest reflection to craft a meaningful and memorable goodbye speech.

Your words should pay tribute to the experience you have had while connecting emotionally with your audience. Crafting your own farewell speech gives you the opportunity to directly address how hard it was to leave and acknowledge the contributions made both by yourself and others in the organization.

When deciding on how to create a memorable farewell speech, there are two paths one can take. On one hand, those looking for guidance might want to find existing templates filled with the right sentiments that they can customize to fit their needs.

Alternatively, those who prefer writing from scratch can develop their own narrative thread, drawing on their own words of wisdom and emotions as they feel them in the moment.

When constructing a self-made speech, it’s important to remember brevity is key. Each word should have intent and purpose; it’s better to be thoughtful than wordy.

Bear in mind that this moment presents an opportunity for closure and for celebration for accomplishments along the journey you embarked upon together.

It’s also worth mentioning any lessons learned or valuable experiences gained during this transition. As daunting as this may sound, it can be immensely rewarding when done well.

Having taken into account both sides of creating a farewell speech, next is brainstorming potential topics that can serve as inspiration for crafting an effective goodbye message.

Brainstorm Topics

Brainstorming topics for a farewell speech allows you to come up with an effective way to express your gratitude and appreciation when saying goodbye. This is important because it helps you maintain dignity, respectfulness and meaningfulness in the words you choose to say.

Before delivering a heartfelt farewell, it’s important to consider what areas are worth mentioning.

You should focus on three main topics when creating a farewell speech: the past, the present, and the future.

When reflecting on “the past ,” you should focus on acknowledging your successes and accomplishments while working there. This helps to reinforce that your contributions did not go unnoticed and were appreciated by those around you.

It helps to inspire and motivate others with the knowledge of your success in the workplace. Consider thanking coworkers for helping you achieve your goals over time; collaborative efforts often go underappreciated and focusing on why their help was beneficial can be a pleasant surprise.

Another important topic to consider is “the present ”; this is where you can express your gratitude and thank everyone who has helped you through this long journey of leaving the company.

Provide sincere thanks to coworkers and colleagues who have been key in making it possible for you to depart gracefully.

Consider being transparent about what you have learned during your years in the organization and how these learnings will propel you forward into new opportunities or ventures.

Finally, mention how much the people in the organization mean to you, as well as how much they will be missed—this will help solidify that relationships were built during your stay at the company and that they won’t easily be forgotten or taken for granted.

Lastly, “the future ” focuses on optimism, hope, and reaffirms resilience—even in times of change. Here, emphasize any newfound strength that was built during this experience, as well as talk about future aspirations or goals with optimism.

Lastly, send off a few encouraging words for those left behind reminding them that great things can still occur despite difficulty or instability occurring at work due to your departure from the team.

With these three topics outlined it’s now time to choose your words carefully with precision so that the final speech resonates all of these concepts entirely; leading into a memorable goodbye for those who will hear it spoken aloud.

Choose Your Words Carefully

When crafting your farewell speech, it is important to choose your words carefully. Each word should invoke not only emotion, but also provide a level of understanding for the audience. It is essential that you communicate your message perfectly and with clarity.

To begin, strive to craft an introduction with strong language that grabs the attention of your listeners. This could range from using metaphors or analogies to compare yourself to a superhero or time traveler depending on the audience’s sense of humor and interests.

Anticipate potential questions from the audience and provide thoughtful answers in advance.

Be sure to include gratitude during your speech even if it’s uncomfortable. Doing so will make you look professional and acknowledge how much you appreciate any help given to you over the years. Showing appreciation will surely leave a lasting impression.

Try to close strong, offering perspectives to the colleagues who remain and looking ahead to new possibilities instead of focusing on sadness or regret. Reassure them that they too can pursue their dreams and opportunities just as you have, conveying optimism in the process.

Furthermore, reflect on your newfound clarity while providing an outlook full of positivity; emphasizing the benefits you may reap going forward regardless of any hardships faced along the way.

Choose your words carefully when preparing for a farewell speech; it will be key in making sure this moment shines.

Consider tips such as designing an introductio n full of strong language, expressing gratitude, and providing an optimistic outlook for those remaining when constructing your own dream goodbye speech.

As a final step before delivering it, practice speaking with emotion and deliver the speech body language that conveys both warmth and sincerity. With these strategies, you can say goodbye with grace and gratitude.

This next section looks at how best to deliver a farewell speech with emotion; from preparing beforehand to finding ways to connect with the audience on an emotional level while delivering it.

Deliver the Speech With Emotion

Delivering a farewell speech with emotion can make or break the impact of the speech. On one hand, some might say that showing too much emotion is not professional and may take away from the gravity of the situation.

For example, if someone gets overly emotional in a workplace setting, it could create an uncomfortable atmosphere. The speaker would need to maintain a certain level of composure to keep the focus of the audience and to remain professional.

On the other hand, delivering a farewell speech without emotion does not give justice to the heartfelt emotions connected to this particular occasion. Heartfelt tales of memories and personal experiences paired with earnest gratitude and respect should be expressed with intensity and feeling.

Audiences tend to connect more deeply with speeches that are delivered with genuine emotion rather than one filled with boring facts and statistics.

It is important to find balance in your delivery style between staying professional while also expressing your feelings fully in order to truly convey the gravity of the occasion.

A blend of stoic delivery and heartfelt emotions will ensure that everyone in attendance can both respect your professionalism while connecting on an emotional level with you as well.

As we have seen, it is important to strike a balance between staying professional while delivering a farewell speech with emotion – finding this balance will help ensure that everyone in attendance appreciates your sincere sentiments and respects your level of composure at the same time.

In the following section, we will discuss how to bid adieu in an effective conclusion to your farewell speech.

Conclusion: Saying Goodbye

Saying goodbye can be one of the most emotionally fraught experiences in a person’s life. It is a moment when all of the hard work, dedication, and fond memories come flooding back in a flood of mixed emotions.

Farewell speech examples can provide structure and guidance for those who are preparing their own speeches. There are many different types of farewell speeches, from those that are funny and lighthearted to those that are more reflective and sombre.

No matter which type of speech you decide to write or deliver, always remember to express your utmost gratitude towards the people who have helped you during your time with them. Aim to make your speech memorable by ending it on an emotional high note. Above all else, strive to keep it sincere and meaningful.

It is often said that endings can be bittersweet, however, with proper planning and preparation through reviewal of some farewell speech examples, your own farewell speech can be both graceful and positive.

When the words come from the heart they will often linger with your friends or colleagues long after they are gone. With this in mind, remember to make goodbyes count – not only for yourself but for the people around you as well.

Answers to Common Questions with Detailed Explanations

How should i structure my farewell speech.

Structuring your Farewell Speech is important as it can help to make sure that your thoughts and sentiments are expressed in an organized manner. There are several steps that you can take to ensure that your speech is well-structured: 1. Acknowledge the occasion and thank people for being there – After beginning with a warm welcome, state the reason for gathering and express gratitude to everyone present for attending the function. 2. Take time to share memories – Many farewell speeches are full of nostalgia so use this time to reminisce about moments from the past, stories from shared experiences, fond memories of work or successes achieved together. 3. Show Gratitude – Take some time to express appreciation for colleagues and associates for their support, friendship, and guidance throughout your tenure. Express any sorrow you may have in leaving. 4. Thank & Recognize those who Inspire You – Use this opportunity to thank anyone who has deeply inspired you or been influential in facilitating your success thus far. 5. Conclude with Encouraging Words – Retrospect on what was accomplished and speak positively about what lies ahead both for yourself and other colleagues.

What are some of the key elements of a successful farewell speech?

The key elements of a successful farewell speech are to leave your audience with appreciation and gratitude, reflect on your best memories, thank those who have impacted your journey, highlight accomplishments and share a few wise words or memorable quotes .

Start by thanking everyone in the room for attending and taking the time to celebrate with you. Make sure to express your appreciation and gratitude for the unique experience that this role brought you.

Reflect on some of the best moments you experienced while fulfilling this role, focusing on what you learned and how these experiences shaped and motivated you.

Next, thank those who influenced your journey, like mentors, colleagues and friends. Acknowledge their support and ask them to continue providing advice when needed.

Highlight your successes, as they demonstrate how much work was put into achieving these goals , which should be cause for celebration!

Lastly, offer a few nuggets of wisdom or quotes that resonated with you from this experience – not only will it make people think, but it can also leave a lasting impression.

By following these tips and sharing heartfelt words of appreciation and wisdom, you can create a memorable farewell speech that celebrates your accomplishments while looking towards the future.

What are some tips for delivering a memorable farewell speech?

Delivering a memorable farewell speech is no easy feat, but it can be done with a little practice , creativity, and confidence. Here are a few tips to help you make your speech stand out:

1. Know your audience – Keep in mind who will be listening to your speech and tailor it accordingly. Are they colleagues? Friends? Family? Making sure that your speech resonates with the people you’re addressing is key for delivering a compelling message.

2. Be personable – Letting some of your personality shine through in your speech is key for making it memorable. Personal anecdotes, humor, and quotes are all great ways to do this.

3. Focus on the present – Make sure that you address the present feelings of those in attendance instead of solely dwelling on the past or future. Remind everyone why their current relationship has been special and unique and emphasize what brought everyone together in the first place.

4. Avoid cliché phrases – Goodbye speeches often contain phrases like “it’s been a pleasure” or “I wish you all the best” but these can come across as insincere if overused. Instead, try to come up with thoughtful compliments or memorable expressions that reflect the spirit of your goodbye.

5. Leave on a high note – A memorable goodbye speech should end with a moment of gratitude and optimism; this will stay in everyone’s minds as you leave them for good. Express how glad you have been to work or connect with these specific people and express hope for successful futures for them all (including yourself).

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Giving A Farewell Speech At Work (With Examples)

• Say Goodbye To Coworkers
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• Farewell Speech

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

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

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

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

Key Takeaways:

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

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

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

What Is a Farewell Speech?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If You’re Retiring

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

If You’re Leaving For Another Company

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How should I start my farewell speech?

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

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

What are some good farewell sayings?

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

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

How do I say goodbye to my colleagues?

Same ways to say goodbye include:

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

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

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

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

Best Speech Topics – Farewell Speech

Throughline – How To Give A Memorable Farewell Speech

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

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How to Write an Inspiring Farewell Speech: Step-By-Step

Updated 06/7/2022

Published 05/14/2020

Kate Wight, BA in English

Contributing writer

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There are many times in our lives when we have to say goodbye to the people we care about. We may retire or switch jobs. We may move away or graduate. We may even die. If you’re leaving a place or situation, you may be asked to give a farewell speech.

Jump ahead to these sections:

Step 1: determine your audience, step 2: figure out what you want to say, step 3: make an outline, step 4: be personal, step 5: don’t speak for too long, step 6: practice makes perfect, sample farewell speeches.

This can be nerve-wracking for people who aren’t experienced in writing speeches or speaking in public. You may be tempted to just read a farewell poem and call it a day. But even a novice writer can craft an inspiring farewell speech.

Here, we’ll break down how to write one step-by-step and also provide examples of farewell speeches from several different occasions.  

Knowing who you’re speaking to will determine the tone of your speech. If you’re giving a retirement speech or saying goodbye to a co-worker, you’ll want to be slightly more formal. It’s definitely not the right place to engage in risqué humor.

If you’re a valedictorian speaking to your classmates, strive for an uplifting and inspirational tone. If you’re eulogizing yourself at a living funeral, you can be more irreverent than you might be eulogizing someone else. Give thought to the appropriate tone for the occasion and go on from there. 

Even professional writers and public speakers can’t just whip up a speech in one draft. Before you start writing, take some time to jot down some ideas.

Are there particular stories you want to share about your time with the people you’re speaking to? Make a note of them. Are there specific anecdotes about coworkers or friends you want to revisit? Write those down, too. Once you’ve narrowed down what you want to say, you’ll find it a lot easier to begin writing.

Once you’ve figured out what you want to say, it’s time to write up an outline. A speech should include the following components:

• Introduction: This will set the tone for the rest of your speech. A good introduction will grab people’s attention and keep it on you. A good introduction will include a greeting to the audience. It may also contain an icebreaker like a joke to loosen up the crowd. Finally, it will let people know the purpose of the speech.
• Body: This is the meat of your speech. In the body, you can delve into the stories and anecdotes you wrote down in your brainstorming session. You will likely be talking about a few different events, so make sure to include transitions between events.
• Conclusion: Finally, you’ll need to wrap up your speech. Most conclusions will summarize things you’ve already covered. For a farewell speech, you may want to end on a poignant note, even if the rest of your speech has been fairly lighthearted. This lends it emotional resonance. 

You may want to make your speech feel perfect and polished. The problem with that is that a perfectly polished speech can end up feeling a little generic.

It’s important to infuse your speech with personal and specific stories. This will help your audience feel more connected to what you’re saying. 

Once you’ve completed your speech, it’s time to edit it down. People may start to tune you out if you go on for too long. Even if your introduction is attention-grabbing, it won’t keep people engaged indefinitely. Five minutes is an appropriate length for more casual speeches. For a more formal farewell speech, you could speak for up to ten minutes. This might apply to a valedictorian speech at graduation or a retirement dinner for an important company figure. 

Ultimately, you need to use your best judgment. Read your speech out loud, being sure to speak slowly and clearly enough to be understood. Factor in pauses for laughter during humorous moments. If your speech is too long, then go through and trim out any unnecessary parts. This will ensure your speech is as strong and memorable as possible.

You may think that once your speech is written, you’re all done. But there’s still one more important step. You need to be comfortable delivering your speech. This means practicing it as many times as it takes.

A lot of people will rush through speeches if they feel nervous or uncomfortable in front of a crowd. Practicing it at the correct speed will help ensure you don’t speak too fast on the actual day of a farewell event. It’s almost like muscle memory. As you practice, you can even note spots where you need to breathe or take a sip of water. Being prepared for little things like that can make you feel more confident.

Practicing can also help you memorize your speech. However, this doesn’t mean that you need to go up without cards or notes. Even the most well-prepared person can have a forgetful moment. Without notes, you may panic and go completely blank.

Keep your speech in front of you so you’re able to quickly pick up where you left off. Just don’t rely on your notes too heavily, either. You want to connect with the audience by making eye contact. Practicing and preparing can help you strike the right balance.  

Now that we’ve broken down the steps that go into writing a farewell speech, we’ll share some examples. You can see how to say goodbye to coworkers through a touching retirement speech. You can see how people say goodbye when graduating or moving away.

You can even see how someone eulogizes themselves at a living funeral . Read on for excerpts from all of these kinds of farewell speeches:

Example for saying goodbye at work or retirement

“Over the past twenty years, I’ve seen this company grow from five people to over five hundred. But even though the office has changed significantly over the years, some things remain the same. We are truly like a family here. We’re just a much larger family than we used to be. 

But just because I’m retiring, it doesn’t mean I don’t still care about every one of you. A family doesn’t stop being a family just because someone moves away. Anytime you need to talk, I’m just a phone call away.” 

Example for saying farewell at the end of someone’s life

“I’ve attended an unfortunately large number of funerals in the past several years. This is the first time I’ve ever attended my own, though. 

I decided to have a living funeral after burying so many of my other friends who also had terminal illnesses. I thought it was a real shame that they didn’t get to hear their friends and family members celebrate them. Perhaps selfishly, I want to hear all of you talk about how awesome I am.

But more than that, I wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate you, too. If you’re here, it’s because I can never fully express how much your support has meant to me while I’ve battled this illness. You’ve all helped me in so many ways. You’ve driven me to treatments. You’ve organized meal trains to feed my family. You’ve cleaned my house. You’ve taken care of my kids. You’ve told me jokes and let me vent. You’ve laughed with me and cried with me. You’ve been there for me in so many ways.

As you all know, we’ve hit a point where treatment isn’t doing anything to help anymore. I’ve gone ahead and discontinued it because it’s making me feel terrible and not actually doing anything. I’d rather go out peacefully and say goodbye on my own terms. And what better way to do that than throw myself a funeral party? So everyone please enjoy some food and music. And don’t forget to come over and tell me how great I am, because I do want to hear it.” 

Example for students or teachers

“Over the past four years, our class has been through a lot together. We’ve had ups and downs, but no matter what, we’ve always come through it closer than ever. Maybe it’s because we’re such a small school. While we might not all be the closest of friends, we don’t have the same cliques you might find at other schools. That might also be because many of us have been in school together since kindergarten. In a lot of ways, we’ve always been like a team. 

Now that we’re all going off to college, many of us will be on our own for the first time. It’s bound to be an enormous challenge for some. But I have faith in every single one of us. We’re graduating from a highly-competitive college prep school. Everything we’ve been through has prepared us for this.

We may be small fish going into a big pond. But we’re some of the smartest and toughest small fish you’re going to find. And ultimately, even if we end up scattered across the country, I know I’ll always be able to count on you. And I hope you know you can always reach out to me, too.”

Example for someone who’s moving away

“Moving away from friends isn’t exactly new for me. With a wife in the military, I end up having to pack up every few years to move. I know you all know what that experience is like. But this is definitely the hardest time I’ve ever had packing up to go.

Y ou don’t always encounter a lot of other civilian husbands living on base. It’s been incredible having a built-in support system with other dads and husbands who understand what this life is like. I’m really going to miss having our families all get together for cookouts on the weekends.”  

Writing an Inspiring and Memorable Farewell Speech: Tips, Tricks, and Examples 

When you’re leaving people behind, it’s hard to know how to say goodbye . You may worry that you won’t be able to properly express what the people in your life have meant to you.

Just follow the steps above and remember to speak from your heart. At the end of the day, that’s what will have the most impact.  

And if you're interested in unique ways to continue someone's legacy after their passing, you can consider a custom urn from a store like Foreverence  or even have a memorial diamond made from ashes with a company like  Eterneva .

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How to Write a Farewell Speech – Tips & Samples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

A farewell speech is one of the best ways to send off a departing co-worker, friend, or family member. It allows you to express gratitude for their contributions and wish them well in their new endeavors.

Additionally, a farewell speech can be a great opportunity to reflect on shared memories and offer wisdom for the future. Let’s see what the best farewell speech looks like based on different situations. I’ll explain everything plus include sample farewell speeches. 

Farewell or Goodbye Speeches

As you move on to the next phase in your life, it is important to take a second to reflect on special memories and all you’ve accomplished. A farewell speech is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Whether you are retiring, resigning, or moving to a new company, a farewell speech is a chance to look back on your time at your current job and express your gratitude for the experiences you have had. It is also an opportunity to say goodbye to your colleagues and wish them all the best in their future.

What Is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a type of speech that is typically given at the end of a person’s tenure in a particular role. It’s often a professional goodbye but with a relaxed tone given at a farewell party or event.

For example, a student might give a farewell speech upon graduating from college, or an employee might give a farewell speech upon retiring from a company. Sometimes, a person might also give a farewell speech when leaving a particular organization or position, even if they aren’t retiring.

A prepared farewell speech usually contains personal memories, thank yous, feelings about the people involved, and a simple goodbye in person.

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Farewell speeches are typically intended to be positive and uplifting and to thank those who have helped the speaker during their time in the role. They may also include words of wisdom or advice for those who remain.

What Should I Say in a Farewell Speech?

When leaving an organization or group, it is customary to give a farewell speech. This speech is a chance to thank the people who have helped you during your time with the organization and to wish them well in the future.

You may also want to share some advice or words of wisdom with the group. When preparing your speech, consider what you would like to say and what message you would like to leave with the group.

It’s also important to be mindful of the tone of your speech. A farewell speech should be positive and uplifting, so avoid dwelling on negative experiences or speaking ill of the organization or group.

Take the time to write your thoughts and practice delivering your speech before the big day. With a little preparation, you can deliver a farewell speech that is both memorable and meaningful.

How Do I Start a Farewell Speech?

When giving a farewell speech, it is common to start by thanking the audience for attending. This helps to set a polite and appreciative tone for the rest of the speech.

It is also common to give a brief overview of the event or occasion that is being farewelled. For example, you might talk about how much fun the party was or how successful the project was.

This helps to create a sense of shared experience and nostalgia. Finally, it is common to finish with a positive message or thought. This could be something as simple as wishing everyone all the best for the future.

By starting with thanking the audience, you can ensure that your farewell speech is polite and engaging.

What Do You Say in a Goodbye Speech for a Colleague?

Finding the right words to say when saying goodbye to a colleague can be difficult. After all, you want to express your appreciation for their contributions while also acknowledging the sadness of their departure. Here are some of my suggestions for what to say in a goodbye speech to a colleague.

What They Contributed

First, take a moment to reflect on the positive impact that your colleague has had on your life and career. What have they taught you? How have they made you a better person? Be sure to express your gratitude for their guidance and mentorship.

Best Wishes

Next, wish them all the best in their future endeavors. Whether they are moving on to another job or retiring, let them know that you believe in their ability to achieve great things.

Finally, offer your support if they ever need anything. Let them know that you’re always there for them, whether it’s a reference for a new job or just someone to talk to.

Saying goodbye to a colleague can be tough, but expressing your appreciation and support can make it a bit easier for both of you.

What Do You Say in a Short Leaving Speech?

It is often said that brevity is the soul of wit. This is certainly true when it comes to giving a leaving speech. Whether you are stepping down from a club presidency or saying farewell to your colleagues at a retirement party,

it is important to keep your remarks brief and to the point. A few key elements should be included in any leaving speech.

First, take a moment to express your gratitude for the opportunity that you have been given. Next, focus on the future and discuss exciting new opportunities. Finally, leave your audience with a positive message, and encourage them to continue working hard in the months and years to come.

How Do You Thank in a Farewell Speech?

One of the most important elements of a farewell speech is thanking the people who have helped you along the way. Whether you are leaving a job, a team, or an institution, it is important to take a moment to express your gratitude.

Thank those who have been directly involved in your journey. This may include mentors, colleagues, or supervisors.

Next, thank the larger community that has supported you. This could include friends, family, or simply those who have taken an interest in your work.

Don’t forget to thank yourself! After all, it is your hard work and dedication that have brought you to this point.

Tips for Delivering a Memorable Farewell Speech at Work

I’ve written a number of speeches in my life, and these are some of my tips on how to do it right.

Draft an Outline

I’m insistent about outlines in every aspect of my life, from the next book I’m writing to an article and, yes, speeches. When preparing to give a farewell speech, one of the most important things you can do is create an outline. This will help you to organize your thoughts and ensure that your speech flows smoothly.

A good outline will also help you to keep your speech within a reasonable length. If you need help figuring out where to start, there are a few key points you should always include in your farewell speech.

First, thank the audience for their time and attention. Next, introduce yourself and explain why you’re giving the speech. Then, give an overview of the main points you’ll be covering. Finally, conclude with a call to action or a personal message.

Include Relevant Details

Giving a farewell speech can be difficult. You want to say goodbye to your friends and colleagues in a memorable and appropriate way. One of the best ways to do this is to include relevant details in your speech.

For example, you might tell a story about a time when you worked together on a project or helped each other out. This will help to personalize your speech and make it more relatable for your audience.

Including specific details also helps to show that you have been paying attention to the people you are saying goodbye to. It shows that you value their friendship and want to remember the good times you have shared.

Expand on Your Ideas With the Right Tone

Any good speech, whether for a graduation, a retirement, or any other occasion, should have a clear, concise, and cohesive message. It should also be engaging, drawing in the audience and leaving them with a lasting impression.

However, choosing the right tone is one of the most important aspects of giving a speech. The tone of your voice can convey confidence, authority, and sincerity, or it can come across as nervous and uncertain.

If you want to give a farewell speech that will be remembered fondly, it is essential to choose the right tone. A confident and sincere tone will let your audience know that you are sincere in your words and that you believe in what you are saying.

Conversely, a nervous or uncertain tone will make your audience question your message and may leave them feeling uninspired.

Add Humor When Appropriate

As anyone who has ever given a speech knows, it is often difficult to find the right words to say. This is especially true when giving a farewell speech, as you want to strike the right balance between appreciation and levity.

One way to do this is by adding humor when appropriate. A well-placed joke can help to lighten the mood and show your audience that you are comfortable with the situation.

Also, humor can help break the ice, especially if you speak to a group of people who do not know each other well.

Just be sure to keep your jokes tasteful and appropriate for the occasion. With a little humor, you can give a farewell speech that will be remembered for all the right reasons.

Edit Your Speech

When giving a farewell speech, it is important to ensure that your words are well-chosen and carefully edited. This is not a time for spontaneous ramblings or off-the-cuff remarks.

Your farewell speech should be memorable, which means taking the time to edit your words to be powerful and impactful.

There are a few benefits to editing your speech. First, it will help you to choose the right words. You want your words to be meaningful and to capture the essence of what you are trying to say.

Second, editing will help you clarify your thoughts and communicate your message. And finally, editing will help ensure that your speech is free of any grammatical errors.

Ask for a Trusted Colleague’s Opinion

For several reasons, asking for a trusted colleague’s opinion before giving a farewell speech to colleagues can be beneficial. First, it can help to ensure that the speech is memorable and appropriate for the occasion.

It ensures that the speech is well-received by the audience. You can test to see if you’re comfortable with your speech and check that the speech is tailored to the individual’s needs.

Finally, it can help to ensure that the speaker has the opportunity to practice before delivering the speech. Overall, asking for a trusted colleague’s opinion can be a helpful way to prepare for a professional speech of farewell.

Farewell Speech Examples

Use these prompts to create original speeches for your farewell or goodbye. They can be tweaked for funeral speeches, formal farewell speeches, or any other personalized speeches you need.

Example of Farewell Resignation Speech

“Thank you all for being here today. I’m honored to be given the opportunity to say a few words on behalf of everyone.

First, I want to say how much I’ve enjoyed working with everyone over the past year. It’s been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I truly appreciate your support.

As many of you know, I’ve been offered an exciting new opportunity that I’ll be starting next month. While I’m excited about this new chapter in my life, I’m also sad to leave such a great team behind. I assure you that I’ll be available to help with the transition in any way possible.

And, of course, I’ll stay in touch. Thank you all again for everything. I wish you all the best in the future.”

Example of Farewell Speech at Graduation

“As we stand on the threshold of a new phase in our lives, it is natural to feel both excited and apprehensive about what lies ahead. But no matter what the future holds, we will always remember our time together. This school has been our second home, and we will always treasure the fond memories we have made.

As we go our separate ways, let us never forget the lessons we have learned. Let us use them to make the world a better place for all. And let us stay in touch, so we can continue supporting and encouraging each other as we pursue our dreams.

Thank you all for everything. Good luck and best wishes for your future endeavors!”

Example of Farewell Retirement Speeches

“It is with mixed emotions that I stand before you today to deliver my farewell speech. On the one hand, I am sad to be leaving a job I have loved for many years. But on the other hand, I am excited to begin this next chapter in my life.

Retirement allows me to finally pursue some of my long-held dreams and goals. And although I will miss everyone here at the office, I take comfort in knowing we will all remain in touch. I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the years. It has been truly appreciated.

And although I am looking forward to this next phase of my life, I will always cherish the memories we shared. Thank you.”

Example of Farewell Speech for Colleague Retirement

“On behalf of everyone here at ABC Company, I would like to say a few words to celebrate John Doe’s retirement.

John has been with us for over thirty years, and in that time, he has made an indelible mark on our organization. He has been a mentor to many of us, and his expert advice will be sorely missed.

We are all better for having known John, and we wish him all the best in his retirement. Thank you, John, for everything.”

The Bottom Line

A farewell speech is an important opportunity to express gratitude, offer words of wisdom and a note of memories, and say goodbye to those who have been important in your life. They can hold a humorous tone or lean more towards a simple and respectful tone. 

Farewell speeches can also be a chance to say goodbye to a person or group you may never see again. As such, they offer an opportunity to express sentiments that might otherwise go unsaid.

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If you’re moving on to better opportunities at work or stepping into a new chapter in life, a brief farewell speech can leave a lasting connection with everyone involved.

To make a farewell speech memorable for your team, focus on creating a special tone with a mix of nostalgia, humor, and optimism. The structure is vital, too. Begin with a captivating start, share stories in the main part that highlight the strong bonds within the team, and wrap it up with an inspiring closing line. Sprinkle in some inside jokes to keep it light, express genuine appreciation for those who played a role in the journey, and convey confidence in a successful future.

In other words, aim for all the laughs, tears, and warmth of the best short farewell message or goodbye speech you’ve witnessed…then dial it to 11! This guide covers tips to help you do just that. Learn how to resonate with the perfect balance of humor, inspiration, and expressions of gratitude for any farewell occasion.

Key Elements of a Farewell Speech

Giving a short staff farewell speech is an art. The best ones stir up laughter, tears, and warmth by including certain key ingredients:

Tone: Nostalgic, reflective, optimistic for the future

Aim for sincerity by getting nostalgic about fond memories. For example, “I’ll never forget the late nights we pulled to meet deadlines” or “Alex, your pep talks gave me courage before every presentation.” Be reflective about obstacles overcome and lessons learned. Finally, express confidence and positivity about colleagues’ future opportunities. This uplifts the audience.

For example, “I’ll never forget the creative ways we problem-solved production snafus…” sets a warm, positive tone.

Also Read: How To Write an Interview Confirmation Email

Structure: Opening, body, ending

When saying goodbye, keep it short and sweet. Start with something interesting or a question to catch attention. Then, in the main part, thank important people and teams and celebrate achievements. End by sharing lessons learned and looking forward to the future with optimism.

Anecdotes: Lighthearted stories about your time together

Include funny personal stories, inside jokes, or touching memories that highlight relationships with colleagues. Rather than just thanking the marketing team, share that time they rebranded products overnight after a last-minute executive switch-up.

Specific moments make your short farewell speech more vivid, genuine, and emotionally resonant. For instance, “Priya always made Mondays better with her cheesecakes for employee birthdays.”

Appreciation and thanks

Recognize specific people for the value they added with stories and examples. From senior leaders to receptionists, sincerely thank those who made a difference behind the scenes. This leaves everyone feeling seen and valued.

For example, “To my successor Ramesh – congratulations! With your capabilities, I feel very hopeful for the future direction.”

Delivering a farewell day speech in English allows for the expression of gratitude, recognition of achievements, and the opportunity to convey well-wishes for the future endeavors of departing colleagues or classmates.

Read More: How To Write an Unforgettable Farewell Message

Speech Template

Here’s a general template you can adapt to give a memorable and touching farewell speech:

Grab Attention Upfront

Start strong with a compelling farewell message to a coworker, a rhetorical question, joke, inspirational quote, or poignant memory. This pulls the audience in emotionally. For example:

• “I’ll never forget the creative ways we problem-solved production snafus…”
• “Isha’s sage advice in my early days was a lifeline…”
• “Who knew that baby shower food fight would spark a tradition…”

Describe Fond Memories and Milestones

Share funny anecdotes, accomplishments, and inside stories that capture relationships formed with colleagues over time in your farewell speech to coworkers. Highlight significant milestones reached through teamwork. For example:

• “Priya always made Monday meetings better with her baked goodies… I’ll miss her creative cheesecakes announcing employee birthdays.”
• “Rajesh’s willingness to roll up his sleeves was crucial when pulling that all-nighter to meet the Vision Corp deadline.”
• “Swathi, thanks for the pep talks before every big presentation – your confidence in me meant more than you’ll ever know.”

Related: Best GoodBye Email Examples That You Can Send to Coworkers

Express Appreciation and Best Wishes

Saying goodbye to a valued member of our team is never easy, but with a farewell speech for colleague, you can make it right. Recognize specific people with tailored messages expressing what you value about working together. Wish colleagues and your successor continued growth and success. For example:

• “Sahil, your mentorship and friendship are invaluable – please keep nurturing rising talent.”
• “Nikhil, your dedication behind the scenes kept operations humming – enjoy your well-deserved vacation!”
• “To my successor Ramesh – congratulations! With your capabilities, I feel very hopeful for the department’s future direction.”

Conclude on an Uplifting Note

Share your confidence and optimism surrounding the future of colleagues and your own next steps. Rally everyone around exciting opportunities ahead. For example:

• “With the strong foundations we’ve built, I see only great things on the horizon that will make us all proud.”
• “I’ll cherish the lessons learned and friendships gained here as I pursue new professional challenges.”

Memorable Closing Lines

Impactful short farewell speech often wrap up with inspirational final thoughts or quotes. Some examples of memorable closings from famous farewell speeches:

• “This is not an end, but a beginning” – Martin Luther King Jr. (hopeful)
• “We did not change as we grew older – we just became more clearly ourselves” – Lynn Hall (nostalgic)
• “Every farewell combines a hint of sadness with the expectation of the next meeting” – Robert Peacock (bittersweet)
• “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened” – Dr. Seuss (uplifting)
• “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard” – A.A. Milne (heartfelt)
• “Goodbye middle school – I can finally stop pretending I like you” – Anonymous (humorous)
• “We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere” – Tim McGraw (poignant)
• “Funny how goodbyes are always the easiest words to say and the hardest to explain” – Anonymous (reflective)
• “This is the end…my only friend, the end” – The Doors (dramatic)
• “Well, this is it. I’m finally free of this mess. Good luck, suckers!” – Anonymous (snarky)

Pick a closing line tone that matches the vibe of your farewell situation and the message you want to leave with colleagues. Tailor it to uplift and inspire around new beginnings post-goodbye!

Related: Thoughtful Retirement Wishes Samples and Farewell Messages for Colleagues

Sample Closing Lines: 

• As I start on new journeys, the wonderful memories we have will be kept warmly in my heart for when I want to remember and smile.
• Even when life takes us on surprising paths, the connections we made staying up late to meet deadlines and playing jokes in the office will connect us for many years ahead.
• When we say goodbye it makes us feel sad, but being this upset proves how much happiness we shared while spending time together.
• This farewell is not a final stop, but rather a stepping stone that propels us forward to bravely accept the thrilling uncertainties of life.
• You are more than work friends to me; you’re like my family. I eagerly anticipate our lively get-togethers and festivities in the upcoming years.
• The warmth from our team, similar to rays of sun coming through clouds, will encourage me during future difficulties and make me think of the good times that are yet to come.
• Having achieved successes and gained knowledge, I perceive continuous growth, potential, and clear skies in the future for all of us who are paving new paths.
• As we write the next parts of our lives, I wish that a small thing or even a humorous incident will bring back happy memories of the wonderful times we shared.
• Words fail to express the depth of value I carry from our time spent together. Be aware that my world has been greatly improved because of it.

Also Read: How to Write an Effective Formal Email

Practice Tips

With a short farewell message in hand, finesse the final delivery:

• Read Aloud: Get a sense of timing and catch clumsy wording. Edit areas that feel awkward or long-winded.
• Time Carefully: Keep a farewell message for team members for 5-10 minutes max, or attention wanders. Better to leave desiring a little more.
• Record Yourself: Seeing impacts differently than hearing. Watch the video to refine body language and address any nervous tics. The more comfortable you seem, the more audience members relax and connect.
• Farewell day speech in English: Giving a speech in English would be a better choice than speaking in another language.

Crafting a brief goodbye note is both an artistic skill and a precious talent. When executed properly, it holds deep significance for both the person who writes it and those who receive it. A proper goodbye speech to colleagues expresses nostalgia for the past and optimism for the future. It has nice tales about the friendships made, and sincere thanks to those who influenced your time there. Learn these elements well from the first sentence to the last, and your words will surely create a feeling of warmth, friendship, and motivation.

Q1. What are some examples of a short farewell message?

Example short farewell messages: “It was really nice to work with you! Keep in touch.” “I hope you find success in your new journeys.” “May you be happy in whatever place life leads you to afterwards.” Keep them brief but personalized when saying goodbye.

Q2. What should I include in a farewell message for a team member?

Talk about certain moments, private humorous stories, or the good characteristics you admire in your colleague. Give your gratitude and best hopes for their next achievements. Share how your team or company won’t be quite the same without them.

Q3. How do I give the best farewell speech to colleagues?

When you write your farewell party speech, start with old memories that bring smiles, then thank those who mattered a lot and end by sharing positive thoughts about what’s coming. Mix in some jokes with sincere feelings. End your speech with a touching quote or some words from the heart that inspire and raise spirits. Rehearse to achieve a fluent, self-assured presentation.

Q4. What should a farewell message say when writing to a coworker?

The best farewell speech will describe a private joke or memory that highlights your connection. Talk about particular instances when working together was enjoyable, and explain what those experiences taught you. Express well wishes and keep communication open for future advice or coffee catch-ups.

Q5. What’s a good example of a short farewell speech for college graduates?

For a short farewell speech, begin by recalling fond memories from university days or amusing incidents that happened in the dormitory. Express gratitude for the teachers and the bonds of friendship formed. End by expressing your trust in overcoming upcoming challenges, strengthened by the experiences and relationships built. Connect past learnings with a hopeful outlook for what lies ahead.

Q6. What are some examples of a farewell email to colleagues?

Briefly recount meaningful moments working together. Thank specific people for their guidance. Tell them that you believe that wonderful chances are coming for your colleagues because of the skills you have sharpened as a team. Say that you are ready to assist during the changes that lie ahead.

Q7. What elements make a good farewell speech for an office colleague?

Tell about amusing moments that show what your office is like. Value everyone who helps make working there unique. Offer sincere well wishes to those staying and departing for their next adventures.

Q8. What are some ideas for giving a lighthearted, funny farewell speech?

Share funny tales about the friendships made with unique colleagues. Lightly tease about stuff you will not regret, such as morning meetings that start too early. Recall the funny times at work to create smiles and fond memories. Add jokes but keep the mood upbeat.

Q9. How can I make my farewell day speech lively and engaging for my English class?

Add some student slang and funny nicknames for the amazing teachers and staff. Share some funny stories from school and inside jokes. Thank those who made your school journey special. Wrap it up with some cheerful words to lift the spirits of your fellow graduates!

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Write a farewell speech for a colleague

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

By:  Susan Dugdale  

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

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

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

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

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

What's on this page

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

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

Step One: Brainstorming - collecting material 

The first step is to gather your material for the body, or main part, of your farewell speech. The easiest way I know to do this is to brainstorm.

How to brainstorm to get ideas

Either download and print off a A4 sized blank brainstorm template to use, the one in the image below, or grab a blank sheet of paper of your own.

Use the four headings below as triggers or prompts to get your ideas flowing.

Put down everything you think of, or associate with your colleague, under each of them. (Just like I've done in the example image above.) Do not stop to get the spelling right. Do not stop to edit. You can do all of that later.

What’s important now is to get down as many content ideas as possible. (If you don’t know something you think is vital to include, make a note to find out later.)

When you can’t think of anything more, move on to the next prompt.

1. Basic Facts – History with Company 

(You need to get these accurate. If you don’t know, or are unsure about anything, ask.)

• How long has your colleague been employed by the company?
• What positions or areas have they worked in over that time?
• What are they leaving to do? Take a new job in another company? Travel? Retire? Go on parental leave? Have they been promoted or transferred to another section or branch of the company? Or is what they’re going to be doing in the future private and they would prefer it not mentioned? Like, for instance, they're going to be dealing with a major health issue and don't want everybody to know about it.

2. Positive qualities or characteristics

What positive qualities or characteristics automatically spring to mind when you think of your colleague?

Note them down, with examples.

For example:

• Fun loving: organized ‘crazy hat’ and t-shirt Fridays.
• Genuinely caring and considerate: made a point of always acknowledging what had been done by someone to get a job done, was careful to NOT overload already stretched workers, watched for signs of stress.
• Honest and respectful: direct and sincere in dealings with others, acknowledged their own part and what had been done by others in the success or otherwise of projects.
• Collaborative: didn’t need to be a solo hero – could easily involve others and share the spotlight – a team player.
• Responsible: took ownership of tasks assigned to them, made sure they delivered the very best they could.

3. Work stories: serious and amusing 

Over the time you’ve been working together what stories can you share that best illustrate your colleague’s positive qualities? Are there major projects or milestone developments that could or should be mentioned? What have you jointly achieved? Highlight your shared successes!

For example: 

• the development of the hugely successful mentoring and ongoing training scheme to nurture junior product developers
• the push to diversify and develop high value niche products

What about genuinely amusing, or funny, stories you know your colleague will be OK about sharing publicly?

• the time they thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversize pink furry top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing and nodding at the ends of long green springs.

4. Special skills and their impact

What special skills does your colleague have that you admire or are inspired by? Perhaps they have great communication skills. Or maybe they’re a whizz at collecting, organizing and analyzing information for reports.

What impact did those skills have on you? On the business?

• the ability to pull together useful, easily understood, yet complex, spread sheets quickly

Return to Top

Step Two: Reviewing your material

Go through all of the ideas you've generated.

As you do, consider the purpose of the speech,  the tone you want,  who is going to be listening (the audience) and then choose what you want to use from each section of your brainstorm.

Remember you have 3 -5 minutes speaking time. You can not include everything! Take the best and strongest of what you have.

(For more about the characteristics of a good farewell speech ) 

Step Three: Organizing the body of your speech

Enter what you have chosen under the right headings in the farewell speech outline template .  This material will form the body of your farewell speech.

See the examples below. All these content ideas have been taken from the initial brainstorm (Step One).

1. Basic facts: history with company

• [name of colleague eg. Sam] has been with us 5 years.
• Started as senior product development manager and soon became the new group product development manager.
• Leaving to go travelling!

2. Positive qualities, with examples

• Fun loving: organized ‘crazy hat’ and t-shirt Fridays
• Genuinely caring and considerate: made a point of always acknowledging what had been done by someone to get a job done, was careful to NOT overload already stretched workers, watched for signs of stress
• Collaborative: didn’t need to be a solo hero, could easily involve others and share the spotlight, a team player

3. Work stories

Successful projects:

Funny work story:

• the time they thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversized pink top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing at the ends of long green springs.

4. Special skills and their impact

• the ability to communicate effectively with empathy and humor 
• to motivate through example
• to quickly collate and transform vast quantities of information into readable, actionable reports which laid the foundation for the success of the projects. I’ve learned a lot from being alongside them.

Step Four: Brainstorm the conclusion

Use the four headings below as a prompt to note a few ideas to use in your ending.

Do this either on a blank sheet of paper of your own or download and print a blank A4 sized speech conclusion and introduction template to use. 

1. What is the impact of your colleague leaving?

What will you miss? What will change?

I know it's selfish, but how on earth are we going to pull together the monthly reports without you? And who is going to delight us with a new silly hat every week? We definitely have a few challenges ahead.

2. Best wishes

Send your colleague off with your best wishes for whatever it is they are going to do next.

• Despite knowing we’re going to miss you, we’re excited that you’re going to new and challenging opportunity. We can’t think of a better person for the job. You deserve it!

We’re really happy that your dreams have come true: that you’re going to be travelling and exploring the world. Just don’t rub it in too hard and too often with instagrammable moments.

On behalf of us all thank you for everything over your time with us: your encouragement, support, humor, and your leadership.

• Thanks for being a great team mate, for teaching me your special spread sheet skills, and most importantly, for sharing my love of chocolate. I couldn’t have wished for a sweeter colleague!

4. Final comment

• Please don't be a stranger. Our door is always open!
• Please remember that to us you are much more than a colleague. You are a friend, and friends keep in touch.  We look forward to catching up with you sometime soon.
• Go well, go strong, and go knowing we think the world of you, and wish you all the best. Keep in touch!

Step Five: Brainstorm the introduction

Write the speech introduction.  You’ll want a couple of sentences to welcome everyone and to acknowledge why you’ve got together.

(There is space on the printable conclusion/introduction brainstorm template to do this.)

• Good afternoon everyone, and thank you for coming.  As we all know, we've gathered to say goodbye to [name] who is leaving us today to take on a new role as [insert name of role e.g. Director of Product Management] for [insert name of company or organization e.g. The Q-R Group]
• Who else has been marking off the days until [name of person] leaves us? From next Monday there’ll be a gap in our team. They’ll be [what ever it is they’re going to do e.g. basking in the sun on a beach in Bali] and we’ll be wondering just how we’re going to manage without them!
• Thanks for coming along to help farewell [name of person]. It’s great to see so many of you here. I hope you’ve brought your tissues to mop up the tears!

Step Six: Linking the pieces together

In this step you're going to link the pieces together to make a complete speech.

You'll see in my example speech I've used most of the notes from the outline, and I've added words where needed to tie it altogether.

Here is the full text of the farewell speech for Sam: your much respected and liked colleague. ☺

It is 516 words long which will take approximately 3-4 minutes to say. (See how many words per minute in a speech for more information.)

Sample farewell speech for a colleague leaving

"Who else has been marking off the days until Sam finally leaves us? It’s sad but from next Monday there’ll be a huge hole in our team. She’ll be basking in the sun on a beach in Bali and we’ll be wondering how we’re going to manage without her.

Sam’s been with us for five years now. She began as a senior product development manager and it didn’t seem that long before she was promoted to new group product development manager, a position she’s held for last three years.

And now she’s got her passport updated, bought flight tickets, and she’s off travelling.

I know I speak on behalf of all of us when I say how much we’ve enjoyed working alongside you Sam. We’ve love and admire the initiatives you put in place. They tick all the boxes: increased diversification, sustainability, productivity and workplace satisfaction.

Crazy Hat Friday reminds us to not take ourselves too seriously and to laugh! Something we all need to do.

The development of the recently implemented very successful mentoring and ongoing training scheme to nurture junior product developers will help ensure we continue to grow. While the push to diversify and develop high value niche products has already proven itself lucrative. You were right! There was a need.

In our opinion, what made these initiatives even better was how you put them in place. You make it easy for people to cooperate and collaborate with each other. We admire and respect how easily you share the spotlight, how you made a point of always acknowledging what someone had done in order to get a project over the line, and especially how careful you were to NOT overload already stretched workers, and to watch for signs of stress.

You’re a true team player and leader – a person who understands how to draw the best from the people they work with.

So yes, we’re going to miss you."

"To help get over your absence we’ll cheer ourselves up by remembering the time you thought it was ‘crazy hat’ Friday and arrived at the office in time to meet the trade delegation from China in the foyer wearing an oversized lolly-pink top hat decorated with bright yellow daffodils bouncing at the ends of long green springs.

It was the best, and has made us smile ever since!

Joking aside, next Monday, the reality will hit home.

Go well, go strong, and go knowing we think the world of you, and wish you all the best. Keep in touch!"

Step seven: testing and rehearsing

To be absolutely sure you've got the tone and timing right, that you've included everything you should  and haven’t put in anything that would be best left out, read your speech to a couple of trusted colleagues. Be guided by their comments, and alter your speech if needed.

Once you're satisfied that you've done the best you can please rehearse. Practice is what makes the difference! Getting the words sorted is an important step. However rehearsing can take your speech from ordinary to extraordinary!

For more go to: how to rehearse a speech .

Farewell speech for a colleague printables

 Click the links below to access the three google word documents. (Please note, the links will open in a new window.

• Brainstorm template for the body of the speech
• Brainstorm template for the speech conclusion and introduction
• Farewell speech for a colleague sample outline

To make a copy, share, email, download or print the document, click open the drop down 'file' menu as shown in the screenshot below. Then click on the option you want.

Another option for getting a farewell speech done

If you've run out of time to write the speech yourself, or you're finding it too tricky to manage, there's another option you may like to consider.

That is getting me to do it for you. I offer a custom speech writing service and have written numerous farewell speeches for clients over the years. You can find out more about that here: speech writer for hire .

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How to Make a Farewell Speech

Last Updated: December 30, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 275,715 times.

Writing a farewell speech can seem like a daunting task. It can be hard to find the right words for your last day, whether it's your graduation, retirement, or any other occasion. You want to try to sum up your experiences, thank everyone involved, and offer wishes for the future, and do it all with grace and charm. This is a difficult task, but with some careful thought, you can write the perfect farewell speech.

Writing Your Speech

• Your outline can be as detailed as you'd like.
• Your outline should contain spaces for an opening, the body of the speech, and a tight conclusion.
• An outline doesn’t contain the complete text of the speech. It simply has bullet points and summaries of each section.

• An ice breaker might be some kind of inside joke or chant that everyone present would know about and be able to appreciate.
• If one of the anecdotes you wrote down is particularly funny or snappy, it could make a good opener as well.
• Sometimes a quote or inspirational message can work well as an opener, though you may want to save this for your closer.

• When speaking generally or summarizing, remember to, “show, don’t tell.” This means that it’s usually stronger to be specific and give details or examples, rather than generalizing.
• An example of “show, don’t tell” is saying, “On my first day of work, I noticed that half of the office stayed an extra half hour after closing time to make sure the reports were done,” instead of, “Everyone here always works extra hard.”

• You can search for great quotes online by subject. There are quotes for almost every occasion.
• If you’re particularly clever, you can end with a punchline that ties together with a joke or anecdote you told at the beginning of your speech.
• For example, if you started the speech with something like, “I’ll never forget my first day here. I thought I was doomed when I walked in the door and saw that I was twenty minute late,” you could close the speech with, “Well, I guess that’s all I have time for. Look at this. Five years later, and still running twenty minutes behind.”

Choosing What to Say

• Try writing down a narrative history of your time at this place. It doesn’t have to all be appropriate for a speech. Simply write it down to help yourself remember everything you’ve done, and to help yourself realize what has been the most meaningful to you.
• Your narrative may start with something like, “I came to work here right out of college and had never lived on my own before. I was so shy that I didn’t make any friends for nine months. Then I got that promotion a year later and formed close bonds within my new department.”
• It’s okay to write down things that were difficult. You can edit them out later. You might include something like, “I hated when we had to move to the new office.” When you edit your speech, this may turn into a funny anecdote, or maybe you’ll say something like, “Even when we had to move to the new office, I couldn’t help but notice how cheerful my colleagues managed to be in a hard time.”

• An anecdote might start out something like this: “I’ll always remember my third day of school. Spencer and I had been assigned to sit next to each other on the bus, but on the third day, my grandmother followed me onto the bus and declared she’d need to have a word with Spencer…”
• Anecdotes can be great ways to express appreciation for a specific person, or to illustrate something you appreciate about the place as a whole. For example, the above anecdote might end with something like, “...and of course, he’s never left my side since then,” or, “...which is how I knew that this school community would finally be a place that I’d feel at home.”

• Think of things you’re grateful for, or moments that helped you become who you are. Make a note of something like, “when John stood up for me freshman year,” or, “when the boss actually brought my proposal to the board and I realized that my voice mattered.”
• Think about the reasons you’re sad to go. This could be something like, “I know that a group of people who look out for each other like this is a rare thing to find,” or, “I learned so much from each person here, it will be sad to move on without everyone.”

• You can offer wishes for the group in general, such as, “Of course, next year, I’m sure you’ll all finally get to nationals without me on the team.”
• You can also offer individual good wishes, such as, “Janet, I hope you have an easy transition to being vice president; I know you’ll do great. Richard, good luck taking over the entire smoothing department.”
• You can also state hopes and wishes you have for yourself, such as, “I don’t know what’s next for me, but I certainly hope it involves people as kind as all of you.”

Delivering Your Speech

• Go over any parts that seem confusing or that don’t flow easily. Make any notes or changes that will be helpful when delivering the speech.
• Time the speech when you recite it.

• A farewell speech should usually be about five minutes long. Ten minutes is acceptable in certain circumstances. More than that should be reserved for extremely special circumstances, such as when a head of state resigns.

• Know that you may make a mistake. Be prepared for this. Don't beat yourself up if it happens. Acknowledge it and move on. You can even laugh at yourself to help put the audience at ease.
• Focus on people who seem to connect to your speech. If they're nodding, smiling, or have their eyes glued to you, focus on them. Their energy will help give you confidence.

Community Q&A

• When in doubt, keep it positive. People will keep the memory of the positive feelings for a long time after you’re gone. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• If you’re going to make jokes about others, make sure they’re clearly light hearted and couldn’t be perceived as mean. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zv7fqp3/articles/z4w96v4
• ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffschmitt/2013/07/16/10-keys-to-writing-a-speech/?sh=3eff35264fb7
• ↑ https://finley-h.schools.nsw.gov.au/content/dam/doe/sws/schools/f/finley-h/localcontent/how_to_write_a_speech.pdf
• ↑ https://www.ohlone.edu/sites/default/files/documents/imported/samplestudentnarrativespeech-outline.pdf
• ↑ https://canvas.santarosa.edu/courses/22355/assignments/92237?module_item_id=350284
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/9-2-the-attention-getter-the-first-step-of-an-introduction/
• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/giving-a-farewell-speech-at-work
• ↑ http://www.greatspeech.co.uk/farewell-speech-if-leaving-company.html
• ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nikki-stone/confident-public-speaking_b_4058830.html

About This Article

Before you make your farewell speech, write an outline to organize your thoughts. Open with a joke or funny anecdote to grab the audience’s attention. The body of your speech should summarize your time there and include specific stories to express your feelings about the people and place. Conclude your speech with a quote or a punchline, depending on if you want to leave on a serious or funny note. Then, once your speech is written, practice so it will flow easily. For tips on how to give your speech confidently, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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How To Give A Memorable Farewell Speech

It’s your last day on the job. Your colleagues have gathered in a conference room, gotten you a few nice going away gifts, and purchased a cake in your honor.

Suddenly, your co-workers begin chanting: Speech! Speech! Speech! 

Your adrenaline surges, your heart begins pounding. Oh no! A goodbye speech! If you’re like most people, you’ll mutter something like this:

“Okay, well, I wasn’t expecting to say anything, but, well, I guess what I’d like to say is that it’s been an amazing eight years here. You’re all an amazing team, you’re like a second family, and we’ve really been through some ups and downs together … okay, a lot of downs together. But I will really miss you, although this isn’t really goodbye, because I’m going to stay in touch with all of you…whether you like it or not!”

I’ve been guilty of giving that bland farewell speech as well. In 1999, for example, when I left ABC News’ Nightline, at the time one of the most prominent evening news programs, the staff gathered in a conference room to send me off. Ted Koppel, the host of the program was there, as were the executive producer, all of the senior producers, on-air correspondents, and others. Frankly, I was overwhelmed that so many important people thought enough of me to have gathered in my honor. I made it through a few sentences, got emotional, and abruptly ended my farewell speech.

Tips for Your Best Farewell Speech

There’s no specific formula for how to give a great goodbye speech to colleagues at work, but here are some tips on how to deliver your best farewell speech.

Tell a story or two. Stick to anecdotes that are humorous and self-effacing, as well as heartfelt. Don’t be afraid to offer some details of your personal biography – particularly an episode that captures a universal human experience or condition. Reveal gratitude or offer thanks. Share with your colleagues how they helped you to do your job better, allowed you to grow as a person, and/or helped you to understand something about yourself. Keep it short and sweet. Strip your stories and remarks to their most essential details. It will help you to pack a lot of content – and offer a meaningful message – in  a short amount of time. Make it original. When you focus on personal anecdotes and revelations, you deliver a farewell speech that is unique to you and far from trite.

Example Goodbye Speech to Colleagues

As I look back at my farewell speech to my colleagues, I wish I could do it over again. If I could, my goodbye speech would have looked more like this:

“Most people are nervous to meet Ted Koppel. I know I was. When I finally worked up the nerve to say hello, I confidently stuck out my hand and introduced myself. I then promptly took a step forward and caught my foot on an open file cabinet drawer, which sent me plummeting to the ground. (pause) It took me a good two weeks to get past that humiliation. When I did, I quickly learned that this was a place that offered endless opportunities to a young staffer, far more than I had earned. You were open to my story ideas, welcomed me into edit rooms, sent me on video shoots, and gave me the opportunity to make some very public mistakes. People know Nightline is a great show, but they probably don’t know how great its staff is at making a young, aspiring journalist feel like a fully initiated part of the team. My mother tells me that my grandfather never missed a Nightline . He died in 1982, when I was nine years old and when Nightline was only two. To this day, every night when I hear that opening theme music, I think of him, and how proud he would have been to know that his grandson worked here, with all of you. Thank you.”

As you can see, this version is humorous, heartfelt and reveals a bit about who I am . How I start this farewell speech is with a funny story and then I move to a serious point – a thank you for not making an inexperienced staffer feel so inexperienced. I keep the remarks purposefully short but pack a lot of content into the 90 seconds it takes to deliver. And, it’s entirely original. No one else could deliver these remarks, because no one else has had all of these specific experiences.

Get Help Planning Your Goodbye Speech

When giving a goodbye speech to your colleagues at work, it’s important to keep it personal and professional. In our custom public speaking workshops , we delve deeper into these public speaking tips and techniques, as well as others, to deliver effective and memorable presentations and speeches that are both.

Forearmed is forewarned, as they say. Your colleagues’ call to deliver a farewell speech may be impromptu, but that doesn’t mean you should feel unprepared.

The next time you leave a job, challenge yourself. Deliver a goodbye speech that will be remembered long after you finish your slice of goodbye cake.

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Comments (13)

When I left the newsroom where I’d worked for six years, the people in my department threw a party for me. It’s one of my deepest regrets that I didn’t speak in any sort of official way! I was too emotional and didn’t feel I could say anything without breaking down. I won’t ever make that mistake again. Thanks for providing such a great template!!

Lovely piece & some great advice, thanks for sharing!

Thank you so much, Heather! I have fond memories of my days with Nightline, and hope that came through in the piece. Thanks for commenting, Brad

Thank you for sharing this. In a few weeks, I will be leaving a firm where I’ve spent the past 15 years. This provides the framework to prepare my thoughts for both an email farewell message as well as a “speech” to co-workers on my last day.

Patrick, I’m delighted to hear that this post was useful to you. Congratulations on your 15 years of service to your firm, and best wishes in your future endeavors. Best, Brad

I made the same mistake as Daphine. I think about it often. I widh i would have read this back then.

Great advice, wish I’d read it before I left my first job. I was much loved and so popular that the whole building arranged a surprise party for me. My boss presented me with a cake and flowers and a gift and said such lovely things about me that, when everyone called for a speech, I became so nervous and panicked and punched my boss to the ground. Never will I be caught out like that again!

When I left my post as a director and scriptwriter of a daily radio show I knew I could not deliver a speech, so I did not. I wrote it down and send it to each work mate, and to my bosses. I made it in the same wording an extension of one of our editorial pieces, and the top brass decided to air it the day next to my departure. I was overwhelmed. Many thanks for sharing your moments.

Your speech was nice only that am still a student preparing a send-off speech as an assignment.

Thank you so much your speech is very impressive I have leant a lot in it, I am leaving my current position sooner.. by Fikile Mkhanyiswa

Well written one

Thanks for sharing your valuable compose regarding good-bye Speech on last day of job. This will help me a lot to prepare my speech which would deliver few months later. Thanks again Mr. Phillips….

Thank you very much for such an insightful template; Im only left with one month at work, so I have been nevous for what to say during farewell day; but now I know how I will construct the speech

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Farewell Speech: Words Marking LIfe’s Transitions

When leaving a job, position, or place, it is common to give a farewell speech if there is a get-together in your honor. You might graciously thank your colleagues, friends, and neighbors for the good times you enjoyed together, share some stories, and express your regrets upon leaving.

As the time to bid adieu draws near, the bittersweet emotions of a farewell speech come into play.  Farewell addresses  mark significant milestones , be it in schools, workplaces, or any other sphere of life. They serve as an opportunity to look back on cherished memories, express gratitude, and inspire others for the journey ahead.

This article delves into the essence of a farewell speech, exploring the power of nostalgia, the importance of heartfelt words, and the potential to ignite hope as we embrace new chapters in our lives.

Table of Contents

What Are Some Occasions Where You May Be Called Upon To Give A Farewell Speech?

Several occasions may call upon a farewell speech. Here are a few common situations:

• When someone is  retiring from their profession  after a long and successful career, a farewell speech is often given to honor their contributions, express appreciation, and wish them well in their future endeavors.
•  At the  end of an academic journey , whether it’s high school, college, or any other educational institution, students may deliver a farewell speech to reflect on their experiences, thank their teachers and peers, and share aspirations for the future.
•  When  leaving a job or embarking on a new career path , a farewell speech can be an opportunity to express gratitude to colleagues, mentors, and superiors, share reflections on professional growth, and bid farewell to the work community.
•   Moving away from a community  or a place where you have established connections can warrant a farewell speech. It allows you to express appreciation for friendships, memories, and the community’s impact on your life.
•  Farewell speeches can also be given during  farewell parties  or gatherings organized to bid farewell to a friend, colleague, or loved one who is leaving for an extended period or permanently. It provides an opportunity to celebrate the person’s presence in our lives and convey your best wishes for their future.

Sentiments You Might Express When:

Leaving a job.

Thank the organization  for the employment opportunity, support, and professional growth provided during your tenure. Acknowledge the hard work, contributions, and camaraderie of your colleagues, expressing appreciation for their collaboration and support.

Discuss positive things  like significant achievements or projects completed, showcasing the impact and value you brought to the organization.  Extend your best wishes to the organization, your colleagues, and the team for their future success, and express excitement for your own future endeavors.

Transferring To Another Office

Share how the  experience in the current office has contributed to your personal and professional development , highlighting the skills and knowledge gained.

Express excitement about the upcoming transfer , emphasizing the new challenges, perspectives, and opportunities that lie ahead in the new work environment. Express your eagerness to work with the new team, learn from their expertise, and contribute to their success while expressing gratitude for the relationships built in the current office.

Thank the neighbors, friends, and members of the community  for their support, friendship, and the memories created during your time in the area.

Reflect on specific memories or experiences  that hold a special place in your heart, highlighting their positive impact on your life.

Talk about your anticipation for the new home and location , emphasizing the opportunities for personal growth, new experiences, and building new connections.

Assure your current community that you value the relationships formed and express your commitment to staying connected, despite the physical distance, and continuing to foster those friendships.

Joining The Military

Express your patriotism  and duty by discussing your deep sense of pride and commitment to joining the military. Emphasize your dedication to serving your country and protecting its values.

Discuss your readiness to face the challenges and responsibilities  that come with military service, highlighting your determination to contribute to the defense and well-being of your nation.

Going Away To College

Thank your family, friends, and mentors for the role they played in preparing you for college.

Highlight the opportunities for personal growth, intellectual development, and building new relationships.

Leaving Your Post In An Organization

Thank the organization for the opportunities, experiences, and support you received during your time in your position, expressing sincere gratitude to your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors for their guidance and collaboration.

Acknowledge the collective effort and teamwork of your colleagues, acknowledging their contributions and expressing gratitude for the collaboration and camaraderie experienced while working together.

Extend your best wishes to the organization, your colleagues, and the team to carry on the work and achieve future goals.

Who Should You Say Farewell To?

The specific individuals or groups you should say goodbye to vary depending on the context and your relationship with them. Here are some common groups of people you may consider saying farewell to:

• When leaving a job or transferring to another office, it is customary to  say farewell to your colleagues  and coworkers. This includes your immediate team members, colleagues from different departments, and those with whom you have collaborated closely.
•  It is respectful to  bid farewell to your supervisors and managers  who have provided guidance, mentorship, and support during your time in the organization.
•  If you have had a supervisory or leadership role, it is important to  say goodbye to your subordinates  or team members. Recognize their contributions, express appreciation for their efforts, and wish them continued success.
•  If you have established  relationships with clients or customers  during your time in a business or professional setting, it can also be appropriate to say farewell to them. Express your appreciation, and provide any necessary transition information.
•  Bid farewell to  individuals you have forged close friendships or personal connections wit h, expressing appreciation for their friendship and expressing a desire to stay in touch.

How Do You Organize A Farewell Speech?

Organizing a farewell speech involves structuring your thoughts and ideas in a coherent and engaging manner. Here are some steps to help you organize your farewell speech effectively:

• Introduction:  Start with a warm greeting and express gratitude for the opportunity to address the audience.
•  State the purpose of your speech, whether it’s leaving a job, transferring to another office, or any other relevant context.
•   Reflect on your time or experiences:  Share your journey and highlight the significant moments, accomplishments, or challenges you encountered during your time in the role or organization.
•  Mention specific projects, initiatives, or collaborations that were memorable or impactful.
•   Express gratitude and appreciation:  Thank the individuals or groups who have supported and influenced you throughout your journey.
•  Acknowledge the contributions of colleagues, supervisors, mentors, and other important figures who have played a role in your success.
•   Share well wishes and future aspirations:  Extend your best wishes to the organization, colleagues, and teammates, expressing confidence in their future endeavors.
•   Offer words of encouragement and support  for ongoing projects or initiatives, showing your continued investment in their success.
•   Closing:  Wrap up your speech by reflecting on the lessons learned and personal growth you have experienced.
•  Conclude  with a heartfelt thank you and express your gratitude once again.
•  Leave the audience with a positive and inspiring note , emphasizing the value of the connections made and the growth experienced.

Remember to keep your speech concise, engaging, and personalized. Use appropriate humor, storytelling, and anecdotes to connect with the audience. Practice your speech to ensure smooth delivery and maintain a genuine and sincere tone throughout.

How Can You Make Your Farewell Speech Memorable?

To make your farewell speech memorable, consider incorporating the following tips:

• Share personal anecdotes , stories, or experiences that are meaningful to you and relevant to your time in the organization.
•   Be authentic  and let your emotions come through in your speech. Share your gratitude, joy, nostalgia, or even a touch of humor.
•   Paint a vivid picture with your words , using descriptive language and imagery to evoke emotions and create a memorable experience for the audience. Use metaphors, similes, or powerful statements to make your speech more impactful.
•   Humor  can make your farewell speech more engaging and memorable. Share funny anecdotes or witty remarks that relate to your time in the organization, but keep it appropriate and inclusive.
•   Express genuine appreciation and gratitude  to the individuals, teams, or the organization as a whole. Highlight specific contributions, support, or mentorship that made a difference to you.
•   Deliver with confidence and passion , speak clearly, and use appropriate gestures and body language to convey your message.
•  End your speech with a positive and uplifting message. Use the right words to leave the audience feeling inspired, motivated, and encouraged.

Farewell American Political Speeches

Farewell speeches have long held a significant place in American political history. From George Washington’s farewell address to modern-day presidential speeches, they have served as pivotal moments of reflection and transition. These speeches, delivered before Congress, the Senate, and the American people, capture the essence of a leader’s journey and their vision for the nation.

Presidents And Vice Presidents

Standing in the hallowed halls of the White House or addressing a crowd in New York, presidents and vice presidents have bid farewell to their political life, offering profound insights and farewell sayings. They have expressed gratitude to their fellow citizens and acknowledged the great nation they had the privilege to serve.

These farewell speeches have become a part of the history of the world, as they encapsulate the spirit of American democracy and the principles upon which it was built. They have sparked moments of contemplation and ignited a collective sense of pride and unity.

President Eisenhower

As President Eisenhower once said, “The last day in office does not mark the end, but rather the beginning of a new chapter.” These speeches serve as a powerful reminder that political transitions are part of the democratic process, and they inspire hope for the future.

In the State of the Union or before the United Nations, leaders have used their farewell speeches to reflect on their accomplishments and outline the path forward. These sample farewell speeches have set the stage for a peaceful transfer of power and reaffirmed the strength and resilience of American democracy.

Adam Howarth

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

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Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech - Writing Tips & Examples

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

Don't worry; we're here to help. 

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

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

Occasions for Giving a Farewell Speech

Farewell speeches are a type of speech that are delivered when someone is parting from a group, organization, or event.

They can be for retirement, leaving a job, or stepping down from a leadership role. Students often give farewell speeches during high school or college graduations. 

These speeches mark the end of an important chapter in their lives. Students may also give farewell speeches when leaving clubs, sports teams, or student councils.

These speeches allow people to express gratitude, share memories, and inspire their peers. 

So, it's important to carefully keep in mind the context for the farewell speech before you start writing one.

How to Start a Farewell Speech?

If you want to leave an impression on the audience, the key is to write a brilliant speech. A good speech can not be written without a plan. No matter if you are writing a casual speech or a very formal address, planning is essential. 

Before you jump to the writing process of a farewell speech, learn how to make a start. Only good planning will let you execute the ideas successfully and effectively. 

To make a start, follow the steps given below:

Step 1 - Identify the Audience 

Think about your audience. Who will be listening to your speech? Is it colleagues, friends, fellow classmates, family, or a mix of these? 

Consider what they might expect from your speech and what kind of tone and message would resonate with them. Your speech should be relatable to your audience.

Step 2 - Brainstorm Relevant Ideas 

Now that you know your audience, make a list of the key points you want to include in your speech. 

These could be memories, achievements, lessons learned, or well-wishes. Brainstorming these ideas will give you a clear direction for your speech.

Step 3 - Gather Stories and Anecdotes

Collect stories and anecdotes that relate to your key points. Shared stories and experiences can add a personal touch to your speech and make it more engaging. 

These stories should support your main message and create a connection with your audience.

Step 4 - Create an Outline 

Although farewell speeches are informal and more personal, they still require a particular outline. 

So, before you dive into writing, create a rough outline for your speech. 

This can be a simple bullet point list of the main sections of your speech, including the opening, body, and conclusion. Outlining helps you organize your thoughts and create a format for your speech. 

How to Write a Farewell Speech?

If the planning of your goodbye speech is intense and structured, the execution of the ideas will become easier. Once all the prewriting steps are taken effectively, follow the writing steps provided below:

Step 1 - Create an Interesting Opening 

When you write a farewell address, you have the opportunity to be creative and personal. Begin with an attention-grabbing opening to captivate your audience. 

Dull beginnings can lose your audience's interest quickly. You can kickstart your speech with humor, a casual statement, a meaningful quote, or a relatable anecdote. 

After the hook, share your feelings about leaving the place or position. Greet your audience and briefly state the purpose of the event.

Struggling to come up with a good way to start your speech? Check out these creative ways to start a speech and grab your audience’s attention!

Step 2 - Create a Strong Body 

The body of your speech contains the heart of your message. Here, you'll share ideas, stories, events, and key points. Be sure to provide relevant information. While crafting the body of your speech:

• Be Personal: Make your farewell speech relatable by using personal anecdotes and a conversational tone. Engage your audience with your words and emotions.
• Keep It Concise: Lengthy speeches can lose their impact. Keep it concise and straightforward. Focus on events and moments involving others, avoiding excessive self-focus. Steer clear of repeating or over-explaining.

Step 3 - Provide Closure 

Conclude your farewell speech by summarizing the main points and expressing gratitude. You can also extend well wishes or share a relevant quote. This closing part wraps up your speech on a thoughtful note.

Step 4 - Review and Practice

Before delivering your speech, review it thoroughly. Read your speech aloud to check the tone and flow. Practice your delivery to ensure it comes across as genuine and not overly scripted.

Farewell speeches are given in various settings and to diverse audiences.

Farewell Speech At Work

Saying goodbye at work, be it in a retirement speech or when leaving colleagues, marks a significant moment in your career. Let's look at two common work occasions for giving a farewell speech:

Farewell Speech for Boss

This speech is given when your manager is leaving the company or moving to a new position. It includes an introduction, appreciation for their leadership, personal anecdotes, well wishes, and a warm farewell.

Here’s a sample speech for biding your boss goodbye:

Farewell Speech For Boss

Farewell Speech for Colleagues

Farewell speeches for colleagues are given when a team member is leaving the organization, transferring to a different department, or relocating.

Here’s an example of how you can create a speech for your co-worker:

Farewell Speech For Colleague

Farewell Speech Examples 

As discussed, farewell speeches are given on many occasions. Some of the most popular farewell speeches have to be American presidential speeches. These speeches reflect on the tenure, express gratitude to the nation, and offer guidance for the future.

Here is a segment from Harry Truman’s presidential farewell speech , 1953:

Here are some farewell speech examples for students and teachers: 

Farewell Speech For Teachers

Are you a teacher by profession who is leaving the job or position from a certain school? Then you might be asked to deliver a farewell speech. The example provided below will help you write an impactful speech.

Sample Farewell Speech for Teachers

Farewell Speech for Students

Students often find writing farewell speeches daunting. Whether it is a graduation speech or just a goodbye speech in a classroom, students have no idea what to say.

If you need to give a farewell address at school, here are some samples:

Sample Farewell Speech for Students

Farewell Speech by Students Leaving School

Farewell Speech in English

Farewell Speech for Seniors

Need more sample speeches? Explore these speech examples of multiple types of speeches to get inspiration!

Farewell Speech for Friends

Saying goodbye to friends or family members is the hardest but delivering a speech to them is the easiest. 

As it is an informal type of speech, people can start from anywhere and say anything. But if you are not sure how to say goodbye to friends, take help from the example below. 

Sample Farewell Speech for Friends

Writing Tips for a Farewell Speech

While there are no strict rules for speechwriting, some tips can make your address memorable.

• Share Personal Experiences - Share your stories and incidents to make your goodbye address memorable. Through your personal experiences, state how things and actions of others influenced you and your life
• Show Gratitude - Showing gratitude is the right attitude. Thank people and their gestures with an open heart.
• Keep it Short - Avoid dragging your speech and share interesting information only. 
• Use Simple Words - Avoid using bombastic vocabulary. You are not there to impress anyone but just to be grateful for the efforts. 
• Be Original - Copying the addresses of others is not the right choice. Be unique and original and write your content for the speech. 

Now that you've gained insights into crafting a meaningful farewell speech, you can create a memorable and heartfelt address. 

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

Just buy speech from our writers and they will undoubtedly exceed your expectations!

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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How To Give a Farewell Speech in English (How To, Samples, and Tips)

What is a farewell speech.

A farewell speech is given at the end of an event or occasion, such as a graduation ceremony, in order to thank those who have been involved and to wish everyone well. The speech can be emotional or humorous, but it should always be positive. Farewell speeches are also an opportunity to reflect on the past and to look forward to the future.

If you are giving a farewell speech, be sure to thank those who have helped you along the way and to express your excitement for what lies ahead. Whatever you do, don’t forget to take the time to say goodbye. So take some deep breaths, and get writing down those fond memories!

The Right Time to Give a Farewell Speech?

There is no one “right” time to give a farewell speech. The key is to gauge the mood of your audience and decide whether a farewell speech would be well-received. If you’re leaving a job, for example, you might give a farewell speech at your going away party. If you’re moving to a new city, you might give a farewell speech to your friends, family, and other members of your personal life. And if you’re retiring from a long career, you might give a farewell speech at your retirement party.

The important thing is to make sure that your farewell speech is appropriate for the occasion. If you’re not sure whether a farewell speech would be welcome, err on the side of caution and don’t give one. But if you think your audience would appreciate a few words of farewell, then go ahead and give your farewell speech with confidence.

How to Write Farewell Speech at Work:

1. drafting an outline.

The best way to approach writing a farewell speech is to draft an outline. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you hit all the key points you want to make. Here’s a basic outline for a farewell speech:

• Introduce yourself and explain why you’re giving the speech.
• Thank your audience for their time, support, and friendship.
• Reflect on your time together and shared experiences.
• Offer words of wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the future.
• Conclude with a final thank you and farewell.

3. Writing an introduction

When it comes time to write a farewell speech at work, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Make sure that you thank the people who have been most instrumental in your career. This could be your boss, your colleagues, or even your clients.
• Take this opportunity to reflect on your time at the company and highlight some of your proudest accomplishments.
• Wish everyone all the best for the future and express your gratitude for being part of such a great team.

5. Adding humor when appropriate

When it’s time to say farewell, a little humor can go a long way. Whether you’re the one moving on to a new adventure or the one left behind, a funny farewell speech can help to lighten the mood and make the tough times a little bit easier.

Of course, it’s important to strike the right balance – too much humor and you risk coming across as insensitive or unprofessional. But a well-placed joke or two can help to ease the tension and let everyone know that it’s ok to laugh through the tears. So if you’re looking for a way to add a little levity to your farewell speech, here are a few pointers:

• Try to avoid making fun of anyone in particular. Jokes about your boss or coworker might be entertaining, but they’re also likely to backfire.
• Steer clear of controversial topics like religion or politics – nobody wants to get into an argument at a farewell party.
• Don’t be afraid to self-deprecate – sometimes the best jokes are the ones we make at our own expense.

3. Expanding on your ideas

What are some of your fondest memories? What have you learned? This is your opportunity to share your gratitude for the experience and the people who have made it possible.

Next, turn your attention to the future. What are your plans? What do you hope to accomplish? Use this as an opportunity to inspire your colleagues and remind them of their own potential. Finally, end on a positive note and thank everyone for their support.

4. Editing your speech

Take some time to edit your speech before delivering it. Make sure it flows well and sounds natural. Editing your speech effectively will make sure it is clear and concise.

Remember, this is not a time to deliver a long, drawn-out speech. Instead, keep your farewell speech short and sweet. And most importantly, make sure you express your sincere thanks and best wishes to your colleagues. With these tips in mind, you can write a farewell speech that will be both memorable and meaningful.

5. Proofreading your work

When it comes time to write a farewell speech at work, proofreading your work is essential. Not only do you want to make sure that your grammar and punctuation are correct, but you also want to check for any awkward phrasing or awkward sentences. By taking the time to proofread your speech, you can be sure that you’re putting your best foot forward as you say farewell to your colleagues.

7. Asking for a colleague’s opinion

One way to ensure that your farewell speech is a hit is to ask for input from a trusted colleague. This person can help you to choose the right words and tone, ensuring that your farewell speech is both heartfelt and professional. In addition, seeking out feedback will show your colleagues that you value their opinion and are willing to work together to create a farewell speech that everyone will remember.

10 Tips for Making a Memorable Farewell Speech

1. express gratitude:.

Regardless of the occasion, a farewell speech is an opportunity to share your feelings and experiences, and to express your gratitude to the people who have been a part of your life.

2. Keep it Personal:

The most memorable farewell speeches are those that are heartfelt and personal. Avoid using cliches or recycled jokes, and instead take the time to reflect on your unique experiences and relationships.

3. Mind Your Tone:

It’s also important to be mindful of the tone you set with your farewell speech. While it’s okay to be sentimental, avoid being too negative or nostalgic as this can make the event feel more like a funeral than a celebration.

4. Keep it Short:

Keep your farewell speech short and sweet. No one wants to listen to a long, drawn-out farewell, so try to keep your comments concise and to the point.

5. Give Shoutouts:

Be sure to thank all of the important people in your life, from your family and friends, to your colleagues and mentors. A sincere expression of gratitude will go a long way in making your farewell speech memorable.

6. Lessons Learned:

Share a few words about what you’ve learned during your time at the organization or in the relationship, and offer some advice for the future.

7. Keep it Tasteful:

Use humorous anecdotes sparingly, as they can easily backfire if not delivered properly. If you do choose to share a funny story, make sure it is appropriate for the occasion and that everyone in attendance will have the correct interpretation of it.

8. Be Authentic:

Be authentic in your delivery, and don’t try to be someone you’re not. Your farewell speech should be a reflection of who you are, so resist the urge to put on an act or put on a show.

9. Be Positive:

When possible, end on a positive note by sharing your hopes for the future or expressing excitement about what’s to come next in your life.

10. Say Goodbye and Thank You:

And finally, don’t forget to say goodbye! A simple “thank you for everything” or “I’ll miss you” will suffice – just make sure you actually mean it.

Examples of Farewell Speeches at Work

Farewell speech for retirement.

“Although I am sad to be leaving, I am also excited to start this new phase of my life. I want to thank you all for being such a great team to work with over the years. I will really miss Getty Images, but I know that you will continue to do great things without me.

I am so proud of all that we have accomplished together and I know that the future is bright for this company. Thank you again for everything. I wish you all the best in the years to come.”

Farewell speech for moving on

“As we all know, today is my last day here at the office. It’s been a great ride, but now it’s time for me to move on to new opportunities. I want to take this opportunity to say farewell and thank you all for the support and friendship you’ve shown me over the years. I’ll never forget the good times we’ve had together, and I’ll always cherish the relationships I’ve made here. I wish you all the best in everything you do, and I know you’ll continue to be successful in all your endeavors. Thank you again, and farewell!”

Farewell speech for your boss

“It has been my honor and privilege to work with you for the American people over the past few years. You have been a great mentor and an even better friend. I will never forget all the advice, support, and laughs we’ve shared as we improved the American experience. I am grateful for everything you’ve done for me and I know I will always cherish our time together. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors to improve the American memory and American Industry.”

Farewell speech with humour

“I’m not going to lie, I’m going to miss each and every one of you. But I know that you’ll all be fine without me. You’ve been surviving without me for years, after all! I just want to say thanks for all the support, laughter, and advice over the years. I know I’ve been known to be a bit forgetful, so please bear with me if I forget your names from time to time (or the 34th time!). Just wave and say ‘It’s me!’ And I’ll be sure to remember. Thanks again, everyone.”

Farewell speech over email

“Hello everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to say farewell. I have enjoyed working with all of you and am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this team. I am moving on to a new opportunity now, but I will always remember the good times we had here.

I wish everyone the best in their future endeavors and professional lives. Thank you for everything.

[Your name]”

Farewell speech in person

“As I stand before you today, I can’t help but reflect on all the incredible memories we’ve shared over the years. It seems like only yesterday we were laughing and joking together in the staff room about popular culture and singing karaoke at John’s 39th birthday party. But alas, all good things must come to an end, and so today is my farewell.

I’m not going to lie, it’s been tough saying goodbye to all of you. But I know that with each passing day, the memories of our time together will only grow more and more dear. So although this may be farewell for now, I know we’ll all be back in each other’s lives very soon.

In the meantime, I want to thank you all for everything. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with each and every one of you. And I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again soon.

Until then, farewell! And may the odds be ever in your favour!”

When it comes time to move on in your career, you’ll want to make sure you craft the perfect farewell speech. And with the tips from this blog, you’ll be able to do just that.

First, you’ll want to thank your colleagues, mentors, and others who have helped you along the way. Next, you’ll want to reflect on your time at the company and share any lessons you’ve learned. Finally, you’ll want to express your excitement for the future and wish your company all the best.

By following the tips detailed in this blog, you’ll be able to deliver a farewell speech that is both memorable and meaningful. So go ahead and start planning your farewell speech today – it’s sure to be a hit!

The main purpose of a farewell speech is to thank the person for their contributions and to wish them well in the future. However, a farewell speech can also be used to give advice or share memories. If you are giving a farewell speech, it is important to keep the tone positive and upbeat. Thank the person for their contributions and express your best wishes for their future endeavors. You may also want to share a memory or give some advice.

While it may be difficult to say goodbye, a farewell speech can be a great way to show your appreciation for someone who is leaving. Whether you are the one saying farewell or you are the one who is being farewelled, there are a few things to keep in mind when starting to write a farewell speech. First, consider what you want to say. A farewell speech should be positive and focus on the good memories you have with the person. It is also important to be genuine in your words. If you are the one giving the farewell speech, try to personalize it as much as possible. For example, you might share a story about how the person has helped you or made an impact in your life. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to deliver a farewell speech that will be remembered long after the farewell itself.

It can be difficult to know what to say, especially if you are feeling emotional. However, there are a few key elements that can help to make your farewell speech more effective. First, take a moment to reflect on the relationships you have enjoyed with the people you are saying goodbye to. What have you learned from them? What memories do you have of good times together? sharing these reflections can help to create a more personal and meaningful farewell speech.

Whether you are leaving a job, a project, or just moving on to something new, it can be tough to find the right words to express to your team. However, a farewell speech is a great opportunity to thank your team for their hard work and let them know how much you have appreciated their dedication. Here are a few tips to help you write a farewell message that will resonate with your team: 1. Keep it positive. Focus on the good times and the things you have accomplished together. Avoid dwelling on negative experiences or putting blame on anyone. 2. Be personal. Share stories and anecdotes that illustrate your time working together. This will help your team remember you and feel connected to you even after you’re gone. 3. Be specific. Thank each member of your team by name and mention what they contributed that was most valuable to you. This will make everyone feel appreciated. 4. Keep it short. No one wants to listen to a long, drawn-out speech. Be concise and to the point so that your team can move on quickly. Saying farewell is never easy, but if you keep these tips in mind, you can write a message that will leave a lasting impression on your team.

A farewell speech is an opportunity to say goodbye to your colleagues, classmates, or friends. It can be a bittersweet moment, especially if you’re moving on to a new phase in your life. However, a farewell speech can also be a powerful way to reflect on the past and inspire others to pursue their dreams. In a farewell speech, you have the chance to thank the people who have supported you, share your hopes for the future, and express your gratitude for the experiences you’ve had. Whether you’re the one leaving or the one staying behind, a farewell speech can be a meaningful way to commemorate a special time in your life.

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Bethany MacDonald

Bethany MacDonald has contributed articles LillyPad.ai since 2020. As their Blog Lead, she specialises in informative pieces on culture, education, and language learning

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Tips & Tricks to Prepare a Memorable Farewell Speech

Saying goodbye is an inevitable part of life's journey, a moment that often leaves an indelible mark on both the speaker and the audience. Whether bidding farewell to colleagues, friends, students, or mentors, the ability to articulate sentiments, memories, and aspirations becomes an art—a craft that requires precision and authenticity.

As we delve into the intricacies of crafting a memorable farewell speech, it's essential to recognize the power embedded in the spoken word. A well-constructed farewell speech is more than a formality; it's a poignant narrative that encapsulates shared experiences, acknowledges individual contributions, and leaves a lasting impression on those present.

How to Craft a Perfect Farewell Speech?

In the following exploration, we'll navigate the nuances of bid adieus, uncovering the art of addressing diverse audiences and blending nostalgia with humour. It's about expressing gratitude sincerely, navigating challenges gracefully, and infusing hope for the future. So, let's embark on this journey, unravelling the threads that weave a farewell speech into a tapestry of remembrance, laughter, and optimism.

1. Know Your Audience: Tailoring Your Message

Understanding the diversity of your audience is crucial. Colleagues, friends, students, and seniors all come together for a farewell. Tailor your message to resonate with this diversity, ensuring everyone feels acknowledged.

Example: As I stand here, I see faces that have shared laughter, challenges, and triumphs. Each of you holds a special place in my heart, and it's essential to tailor my words to embrace our diverse connections.

Situational Example:

If addressing colleagues: In our professional journey together, I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated individuals who have not only been colleagues but also friends. Crafting the message to honour the professional bonds you've formed is crucial for a meaningful farewell.

2. Reflect on Shared Experiences: Nostalgia Done Right

Nostalgia is a powerful tool. Reflect on shared experiences, highlighting moments that defined your journey. These shared memories create a sense of unity and appreciation for the time spent side by side.

Example: Let's take a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the time we faced that challenging project head-on or the spontaneous moments of joy that lit up our workspace. These shared experiences are the threads that weave our unique tapestry.

For a farewell speech in a student setting: From late-night study sessions to the joyous celebrations after exams, our shared experiences as students have created bonds that will last a lifetime. Let's cherish these moments as we bid adieu to this chapter of our academic journey.

3. Express Gratitude: Acknowledge Contributions

Expressing gratitude is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of those around you. Acknowledge the efforts and unique qualities of individuals, making each person feel seen and valued.

Example: I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Your dedication, creativity, and unwavering support have not only shaped our shared journey but have left an indelible mark on my professional and personal growth.

If addressing seniors or mentors: To my mentors and seniors, your guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career. Expressing gratitude for your wisdom and leadership is not just a formality but a sincere acknowledgement of the impact you've had on my professional development.

4. Add Humor: Balance Laughter and Sentiment

Humor adds a delightful touch. Balance sentiment with well-timed humour, sharing light-hearted anecdotes that bring smiles to faces. Laughter becomes a bridge that connects hearts even amid goodbyes.

Example: They say laughter is the best medicine, and I couldn't agree more. So, let's trade tears for laughter as we recall that hilarious incident during our team retreat. Who knew team-building activities could be so adventurous?

In a farewell party of students or colleagues: As we bid farewell, let's not forget the laughter that echoed through these halls. From inside jokes to shared pranks, our ability to find humour in the daily grind has been the glue that held us together.

5. Address Challenges: Turn Goodbyes into Opportunities

Acknowledge the challenges of saying goodbye. Addressing potential conflicts or emotional difficulties demonstrates emotional intelligence. Turn these challenges into opportunities for growth, emphasizing the positive aspects of change.

Example: Goodbyes are never easy. They come with a mix of emotions, and it's okay to feel them all. But let's view this goodbye not as an end but as a new chapter filled with opportunities for both personal and professional growth.

If addressing a diverse group of friends: In our circle of friends, goodbyes can be bittersweet. It's challenging to part ways, but let's view it as an opportunity to expand our horizons and create new connections while cherishing the bonds we've formed.

6. Share Future Endeavors: Create Hope and Excitement

Share your future plans and aspirations, infusing hope and excitement. Your enthusiasm for the future becomes infectious, inspiring confidence and optimism among your audience.

Example: As I embark on this new journey, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the skills honed. I'm excited about what lies ahead, and I hope you share in this anticipation of new beginnings.

In a farewell speech to colleagues: As I transition to a new professional chapter, I carry the knowledge and skills gained here with me. I'm eager to apply them in new ways, and I'm confident that our paths will cross again in the world of opportunities that awaits.

7. Close on a Poignant Note: Leave a Lasting Impression

The closing moments of your farewell speech should be poignant, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Choose words that resonate deeply, encapsulating the essence of your time together.

Example: In closing, let me express my deepest gratitude. Our paths may diverge, but the impact you've had on my life will endure. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and may our paths cross again in the tapestry of life.

In a farewell speech for a retiring colleague: As you step into the realm of a well-deserved retirement, let the legacy of your contributions be a beacon of inspiration for us all. May your days ahead be filled with the joy and relaxation you've earned.

8. Dos and Don'ts: A Quick Guide for an Effective Farewell Speech

Explore practical dos and don'ts for crafting an effective farewell speech. From maintaining sincerity to avoiding common pitfalls, these guidelines will ensure your speech is impactful and well-received.

• Dos: Speak from the heart, personalize your message, and maintain a positive tone.
• Don'ts: Rush through your speech, dwell on negatives, or use language that may be misunderstood. A well-crafted farewell speech requires a delicate balance.

For a farewell speech to students:

• Dos: Inspire them with your journey, share valuable life lessons, and express genuine gratitude.
• Don'ts: Overwhelm them with advice, overlook their achievements, or dismiss the impact they've had on your growth as an educator.

9. Q&A Session: Engaging with the Audience

Encourage audience participation with a Q&A session. This interactive segment allows the audience to express their thoughts, seek clarification, and actively engage with the farewell experience.

Example: Before we wrap up, I'd love to hear from you. Any questions or thoughts you'd like to share? Let's make this farewell a dialogue, enriching the collective experience.

Situational Example: In a farewell speech to a team: Your input has always been valuable to me. As we open the floor for questions, let's engage in a meaningful conversation. Your insights are an essential part of our shared journey.

10. Personal Touch: A Unique Farewell Gesture

Consider adding a personal touch to your farewell speech. This could be a symbolic gesture, a memento, or a special acknowledgement. A thoughtful farewell gesture leaves a lasting impression.

Example: As a token of appreciation, I've prepared a small collage capturing our memorable moments together. Each picture tells a story, and I hope it serves as a reminder of the bonds we've forged.

Situational Example: For a farewell speech in a close-knit team: I've arranged a 'Memory Jar' where each of you can write a note or share a memory. This jar will travel with me, preserving the essence of our time together. Let's continue adding to it, even from afar.

Crafting a memorable farewell speech involves weaving together gratitude, humour, and a personal touch. As you bid farewell, remember that your words have the power to resonate long after you've said goodbye. Cherish the moments, embrace the change, and may your farewell be a celebration of the chapters you've written together. Here's to new beginnings, lasting friendships, and the echoes of a well-crafted farewell that transcend the confines of goodbye.

Good Bye Speech Ideas for Colleagues, Mentors & Friends

1. farewell party speech.

• Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and dear friends, today marks a momentous occasion as we gather to bid farewell. In the spirit of camaraderie, let us celebrate the incredible journey we've shared, the memories that have woven us together, and the laughter that echoes in the halls of our time together.
• As we gather for this farewell party, let's raise our glasses not just to bid adieu but to celebrate the incredible moments that have made our journey unforgettable.
• This farewell party isn't just about saying goodbye; it's a testament to the laughter, tears, and shared experiences that have shaped us into a family.
• As the music plays and the laughter echoes, let's savour this moment of togetherness and gratitude for the friendships that will endure beyond the farewell.
• Here's to the late-night adventures, the inside jokes, and the dance-floor memories that define our time together.
• As the curtains fall on this chapter, let's carry the spirit of this farewell party into the future, where new adventures and cherished memories await.
• In the symphony of farewells, let this party be a crescendo, a celebration of the unique notes each one of you brought to our collective melody.
• Cheers to the triumphs and the setbacks, to the unspoken bonds, and the shared dreams that have made this farewell party a reflection of our journey.
• May the echoes of our laughter tonight be the soundtrack to the memories we'll carry with us as we step into new beginnings.
• As the night unfolds, let's cherish the moments that make saying goodbye a little sweeter and the memories that will forever linger in our hearts.
• Here's to the farewell party – a kaleidoscope of emotions, a canvas of shared stories, and a testament to the bond that time nor distance can diminish.
• As the curtain falls on this chapter, let the echoes of our shared laughter and the warmth of our friendships linger in our hearts. Here's to the farewell party – a celebration of memories, a tribute to enduring bonds, and a reminder that though farewells are inevitable, the spirit of our shared journey lives on.

2. Farewell Speech for Students

• Dear students, esteemed faculty, and honoured guests, today is a poignant moment as we stand at the crossroads of academia and future endeavours. We gather not only to bid farewell but to celebrate the achievements, growth, and indomitable spirit that define our graduating class.
• Dear students, as we stand on the brink of farewells, let's not focus on the goodbyes but on the incredible journey that brought us to this moment.
• In your academic pursuits, you've not only gained knowledge but also forged friendships, discovered passions, and grown into resilient individuals ready to face the world.
• As you leave these halls, remember that your legacy isn't just in academic achievements but in the kindness, leadership, and indomitable spirit you brought to our institution.
• May your future be as bright as the potential we see in each one of you today. Congratulations on reaching this milestone.
• Here's to the late-night study sessions, the shared victories, and the unspoken support that defined your time here. You've made us proud.
• As you spread your wings, carry with you the values you've imbibed here – curiosity, perseverance, and the belief that you can make a difference.
• To our graduating class, your achievements have left an indelible mark on our institution. May your journey ahead be filled with purpose, success, and joy.
• As you embark on new adventures, remember that the foundation you've built here will be the stepping stone to a future of endless possibilities.
• Your time here was not just about textbooks and exams; it was about discovering your passions, building lasting friendships, and becoming the best version of yourselves.
• May the lessons you've learned here guide you to success and fulfilment in all your future endeavours. Go out and make us proud, graduates.
• To our graduates, as you step into the world beyond these halls, carry with you the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the experiences that have shaped you into the remarkable individuals you are today. May your future be as bright as the potential we see in each one of you. Congratulations on reaching this milestone!

3. Farewell Speech for Colleague in Office

• Good [morning/afternoon/evening], esteemed colleagues, and cherished guests, today is a day of mixed emotions as we bid farewell to a respected colleague. In [Colleague's Name], we've not just had a team member but a source of inspiration, support, and an embodiment of the collaborative spirit that defines our office culture.
• Today, we bid farewell to a colleague who has been more than a team member – [Colleague's Name], you've been a source of inspiration and a true friend.
• In [his/her] time here, [Colleague's Name] has not just contributed to projects; [he/she] has enriched our work culture with [his/her] positivity and collaborative spirit.
• As we say goodbye, let's not mourn the departure but celebrate the contributions [Colleague's Name] has made to our team, leaving a legacy that will endure.
• To [Colleague's Name], your dedication and hard work have set a standard for excellence. May your next chapter be as rewarding as the time spent with us.
• As [his/her] journey takes a new turn, let's express our gratitude for the camaraderie, support, and moments of shared success we've experienced together.
• In [Colleague's Name], we don't just lose a team member; we bid farewell to a mentor, a friend, and an invaluable part of our professional family.
• May the next adventure bring as much joy and success as the time spent with us. [Colleague's Name], you'll be missed, but your impact will resonate in our workplace.
• Here's to [Colleague's Name] – the colleague who turned challenges into opportunities, the one who made the workplace more than just a job, and the friend we'll always cherish.
• As you embark on new endeavours, take with you the appreciation and respect of a team that was fortunate to have you. Farewell, [Colleague's Name].
• In saying goodbye, let's not forget the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the bonds forged. [Colleague's Name], you leave behind a legacy that will inspire us all.
• As we bid adieu to [Colleague's Name], let's not mourn the departure but celebrate the contributions that have enriched our collective journey. May [his/her] future endeavours be as rewarding as the time spent with us, and may the legacy of teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie endure.

4. Goodbye Speech for Boss

• Distinguished [morning/afternoon/evening], team members, and colleagues, today we gather to bid farewell to a leader, mentor, and friend. [Boss's Name] has been the driving force behind our achievements, the guiding light in times of uncertainty, and a cornerstone of our professional growth.
• Esteemed [morning/afternoon/evening], team members, and colleagues, today we bid farewell to a leader who has been the guiding force behind our collective success – [Boss's Name].
• Under [his/her] leadership, we've not just achieved milestones; we've cultivated a workplace culture defined by teamwork, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• As [Boss's Name] steps into a new chapter, let's express our gratitude for [his/her] vision, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
• To [Boss's Name], your leadership style – marked by empathy, strategic vision, and a dedication to the growth of each team member – has set a benchmark for us all.
• In saying goodbye, we acknowledge not just a boss but a mentor, a guide, and a friend who has shaped our professional journeys in ways we can't fully express.
• As [his/her] departure creates a void, let's also celebrate the legacy [Boss's Name] leaves behind – a legacy of success, camaraderie, and a commitment to excellence.
• May the next chapter be as fulfilling as [his/her] time with us, and may [he/she] continue to inspire and lead with the same passion and dedication.
• To [Boss's Name], you've been more than a leader – you've been a catalyst for growth, a supporter in challenges, and a beacon of inspiration for us all.
• Farewell, [Boss's Name], and thank you for not just managing us but leading us with grace, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to our collective success.
• As [his/her] journey continues, let's carry forward the values instilled by [Boss's Name] – integrity, collaboration, and the pursuit of excellence.
• Farewell, [Boss's Name], and thank you for not just managing us but leading us with grace, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to our collective success. As you step into new horizons, may the values instilled and the lessons learned continue to guide us in your absence.

5. Short Goodbye Speech for Employee

• Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and friends, today is a brief but significant moment as we say goodbye to [Employee's Name], a valued member of our team. Though succinct, this farewell is filled with genuine appreciation for the time [he/she] has spent with us.
• Ladies and gentlemen, today we bid a heartfelt goodbye to [Employee's Name], a colleague whose contributions have made a lasting impact on our team.
• Though brief, [his/her] time with us has been characterized by hard work, dedication, and a positive spirit that has enriched our workplace.
• In saying goodbye, let's express our gratitude for the teamwork, creativity, and camaraderie [Employee's Name] brought to our projects.
• To [Employee's Name], your presence will be missed, but your contributions will continue to inspire us. Thank you for being a valuable part of our team.
• As [his/her] journey takes [him/her] to new horizons, let's wish [Employee's Name] success, fulfilment, and new adventures on [his/her] professional path.
• Though [his/her] time here was short, [Employee's Name] leaves behind a legacy of hard work, enthusiasm, and a positive impact on our team.
• May [his/her] future endeavours be as bright as the moments shared with us. Farewell, [Employee's Name], and best wishes for the chapters ahead.
• As we say goodbye to [Employee's Name], let's remember the teamwork, laughter, and shared successes that defined [his/her] tenure with us.
• To [Employee's Name], your contributions were far-reaching, and though your physical presence may leave, the impact you've made will endure.
• In expressing our farewell to [Employee's Name], let's also celebrate the collaborative spirit, dedication, and positivity that defined [his/her] time with us.
• In saying goodbye to [Employee's Name], let's remember the teamwork, laughter, and shared successes that defined [his/her] tenure with us. May [his/her] future endeavours be as bright as the moments shared with us, and [he/she] will always be a part of our work family.

6. Farewell Speech for Seniors

• Dear [School/College/University] community, today we gather to bid farewell to a cohort of exceptional individuals – our esteemed seniors. Your impact on our institution has been profound, and as you take your final bow, we reflect on the leadership, talent, and camaraderie that defined your time here.
• As our seniors take their final bow, let's reflect on the leadership, talent, and camaraderie that defined their time here. You've set the bar high, and we're grateful for the legacy you leave behind.
• To our seniors, you've not just been students; you've been architects of positive change, ambassadors of excellence, and role models for those who follow in your footsteps.
• In saying goodbye to our seniors, let's express our gratitude for the friendships, guidance, and moments of shared success that have enriched our academic community.
• May the journey ahead for our seniors be as promising and fulfilling as the years spent with us. You've made a lasting impact, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavours.
• As our seniors transition to new chapters, let's acknowledge the indelible mark they've left on our institution – a mark of leadership, excellence, and a commitment to making a difference.
• To our graduating class, your achievements have been a source of pride for us all. May your future endeavours be met with the same determination, passion, and success.
• As we bid farewell to our seniors, let's not see it as a goodbye but as an 'until we meet again.' Your presence will be missed, but your influence will remain.
• In celebrating our seniors, let's also celebrate the growth, diversity, and sense of community they've brought to our academic family.
• To the seniors who have left an indelible mark on our institution, may your journey ahead be as bright as the memories you've created here. Farewell and best wishes.
• To the seniors who have left an indelible mark on our institution, may your journey ahead be as bright as the memories you've created here. Farewell and best wishes for the chapters ahead. Your achievements have been a source of pride, and your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

7. Retirement Farewell Speech

• Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, family, and friends, today we gather to celebrate a career that has spanned years of dedication, commitment, and unwavering service. As [Retiree's Name] steps into retirement, we reflect on the invaluable contributions that have shaped not just a career but an era.
• Under [his/her] guidance, our organization has witnessed growth, milestones, and a commitment to excellence that has defined [his/her] legacy. Today, we bid farewell to not just a colleague but a mentor, a leader, and a true inspiration.
• Throughout [his/her] tenure, [Retiree's Name] has been the cornerstone of our organization, providing wisdom, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. The impact of [his/her] work extends beyond the professional realm, touching the lives of colleagues, clients, and the community at large.
• As we bid farewell to [Retiree's Name], let's not mourn the departure but celebrate the decades of service, dedication, and the positive influence [he/she] has had on our organization.
• To [Retiree's Name], your retirement is well-deserved, and as you embark on this new chapter, may it be filled with relaxation, joy, and the satisfaction of a career well spent.
• In saying goodbye to [Retiree's Name], let's express our deepest gratitude for the indelible mark [he/she] has left on our organization. May [his/her] legacy continue to inspire generations to come.
• To [Retiree's Name], your impact goes beyond the professional realm. Your kindness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have left an indelible mark on us all.
• As [his/her] colleagues, we've been fortunate to witness the dedication and passion [Retiree's Name] brought to [his/her] work. May retirement bring new adventures and the fulfilment [he/she] deserves.
• Farewell, [Retiree's Name], and thank you for not just a career but for the mentorship, guidance, and positive energy you've shared with us throughout the years.
• Farewell, [Retiree's Name], and thank you for not just a career but for the mentorship, guidance, and positive energy you've shared with us throughout the years. May your retirement be filled with relaxation, joy, and the satisfaction of a career well spent in shaping future generations.

8. Farewell Speech for Teacher by Student

• Respected teachers, fellow students, and honoured guests, today is a poignant moment as we bid farewell to a mentor, guide, and friend. [Teacher's Name] has been more than just an educator; [he/she] has been a beacon of knowledge and inspiration, shaping the minds and hearts of countless students.
• In [his/her] classroom, learning wasn't confined to textbooks; it was an immersive experience that fueled our curiosity and passion for knowledge.
• Through [his/her] guidance, we not only gained academic insights but also learned invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.
• As [Teacher's Name] takes a step into a new chapter, we carry with us the wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration that [he/she] has generously shared.
• In saying farewell, let's express our gratitude for [his/her] tireless dedication to fostering a love for learning and the growth of each student.
• To [Teacher's Name], your impact reaches far beyond the subjects taught; it resonates in the character, aspirations, and achievements of your students.
• May the next phase of [Teacher's Name]'s journey be as fulfilling and inspiring as the countless lessons taught and the positive influence shared with students.
• In saying goodbye to [Teacher's Name], we acknowledge not just an educator but a mentor who has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of countless individuals.
• To [Teacher's Name], your commitment to education has been a guiding light for us all. May retirement bring new adventures and the joy [he/she] deserves.
• As we bid farewell, let's celebrate [Teacher's Name]'s legacy – one of dedication, knowledge, and a profound impact on the lives of students.

9. Short Farewell Speech for Students by Teacher

• Dear students, faculty, and respected guests, today is a brief but significant moment as we say farewell to a group of students who have added vibrancy, enthusiasm, and immense talent to our academic community. As their teacher, it is an honour to share a few words on this occasion.
• In your time here, you've exemplified the qualities of curiosity, resilience, and a thirst for knowledge that make teaching a truly rewarding profession.
• Each one of you has brought a unique perspective to our classrooms, creating an environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and a love for learning.
• Though brief, our time together has been impactful, and I'm confident that you carry with you the tools and insights to succeed in your future endeavours.
• To my students, as you step into the next phase of your academic journey, know that the doors of learning are always open. May you continue to explore, grow, and embrace the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.
• In saying goodbye, let's not forget the laughter shared, the lessons learned, and the unique contributions each student has made to our academic community.
• May the knowledge gained here be the foundation for your future success, and may your passion for learning continue to fuel your aspirations.
• As we bid farewell to these students, let's celebrate the growth, achievements, and collective spirit that has defined their time in our academic family.
• To my students, your presence has been a source of joy and inspiration. Best of luck on your journey ahead, and may success follow you in all your endeavours.
• As we say goodbye, let's express gratitude for the memories created and the shared experiences that have enriched our academic community. Farewell, students!
• As we bid farewell to these students, let's celebrate the growth, achievements, and collective spirit that has defined their time in our academic family. Your presence has been a source of joy and inspiration. Best of luck on your journey ahead, and may success follow you in all your endeavours.

10. Farewell Speech for Friends

• Dear friends, family, and esteemed guests, today is a day of both celebration and melancholy as we gather to bid farewell to a cherished group of friends. The bonds we share go beyond mere friendships; they are the threads that have woven the fabric of our lives together.
• From late-night adventures to shared laughter, our friendship has been a source of joy, support, and countless unforgettable moments.
• In each other, we've found confidantes, partners in crime, and a chosen family that has made every experience richer and more meaningful.
• As we bid farewell, let us not dwell on the goodbyes but instead celebrate the incredible journey we've had together. The memories we've created will forever be etched in our hearts, and the friendships we've forged will withstand the passage of time.
• To my friends, your presence has been a source of strength, laughter, and unwavering support. May the bonds we've built continue to grow, even if miles apart.
• As we say goodbye, let's cherish the shared triumphs, the comforting embraces, and the understanding that comes with true friendship.
• May the paths we take lead to new adventures, but may our friendships remain a constant source of joy and support.
• In celebrating our friends, let's express gratitude for the shared laughter, the moments of vulnerability, and the understanding that has defined our friendships.
• To my friends, though the physical distance may increase, the memories we've created will always keep us close at heart. Farewell and until we meet again.
• As we bid adieu, let's not see it as a goodbye but as a 'see you later,' for the friendships we've forged are timeless and enduring.
• As we say goodbye, let's express gratitude for the memories created and the shared experiences that have enriched our academic community. Farewell, and until we meet again. Let's not see it as a goodbye but as a 'see you later,' for the friendships we've forged are timeless and enduring.

11. Funny Goodbye Speech for Departing Friend

• Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and of course, the star of the hour – [Friend's Name], today is a day tinged with humour, nostalgia, and a touch of bittersweet sentiment. As we say goodbye to our dear friend, we do so with laughter, anecdotes, and a whole lot of fondness.
• Who would have thought that [Friend's Name] would be leaving us to pursue a career as a professional tightrope walker? We always knew you had a flair for balancing the fine line between chaos and hilarity.
• As we bid farewell to [Friend's Name], we also say goodbye to the days of office pranks, spontaneous dance parties, and the questionable fashion choices that only [he/she] could pull off with such finesse.
• Our friend, [Friend's Name], is not just leaving; [he/she] is graduating to a new level of adulthood – one where the fridge is stocked with more than just energy drinks and leftovers from last week.
• In the spirit of bidding adieu, let's remember the times [Friend's Name] convinced us that wearing socks with sandals was the next big fashion trend. You truly are a trendsetter, my friend.
• As we say goodbye to [Friend's Name], let's not forget the epic tales of misadventures, the inside jokes, and the infectious laughter that defined our time together.
• Who else will be the mastermind behind our elaborate office pranks now that [Friend's Name] is leaving? Your legacy of hilarity will be tough to surpass, my friend.
• As we bid farewell to [Friend's Name], let's also thank [him/her] for the laughter therapy sessions, the comic relief during stressful times, and the undeniable talent for turning ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
• To our departing friend, may your new endeavours be as entertaining and unforgettable as the countless moments you've gifted us with. Farewell, and may your comedic genius shine wherever you go.
• In saying goodbye, let's not shed tears but share laughs, for the departure of [Friend's Name] is not an end but a new chapter in the comedy of life. Break a leg, my friend – metaphorically, of course!

12. Farewell Speech for Principal Sir/Mam

• Esteemed faculty, students, parents, and honoured guests, today marks a significant moment in the history of our institution as we bid farewell to a leader, visionary, and the heart and soul of our academic community – our beloved principal, [Principal's Name].
• Under [his/her] leadership, our school has flourished, not just academically but as a nurturing space that fosters growth, values, and a commitment to excellence.
• As [Principal's Name] steps down from the helm, we reflect on the indelible impact [he/she] has had on shaping the minds and characters of countless students.
• To [Principal's Name], your legacy is not just in the bricks and mortar of this institution but in the lives transformed, the aspirations kindled, and the pursuit of knowledge instilled in each student.
• In saying goodbye to [Principal's Name], let's express our deepest gratitude for the unwavering dedication, passion, and love for education that [he/she] has brought to our school.
• May [Principal's Name]'s retirement be filled with the same inspiration, joy, and fulfilment that [he/she] has shared with our academic community.
• As we bid farewell to [Principal's Name], let's not mourn the departure but celebrate the chapters of growth, success, and unity that [he/she] has authored for our institution.
• To our principal, your leadership has been a guiding light, and your impact will continue to resonate in the halls of this school and the hearts of those you've touched.
• Farewell, [Principal's Name], and thank you for not just leading us but inspiring us to reach for the stars. Your influence will endure in the achievements of every student who passes through these corridors.
• As we say goodbye, let's also welcome the new chapter for our principal – one filled with relaxation, exploration, and the satisfaction of a career well spent in shaping future generations. Your influence will endure in the achievements of every student who passes through these corridors.

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Use this sample of a free farewell speech for the person doing the leaving!

A bonus farewell speech by Queen Elizabeth I is provided, illustrating how little the expression of "goodbye" has changed over centuries. The Queen's example includes the three essential parts of a good farewell address.

At one time or another, most of us get to a point where we need to bid others goodbye, but it's not always easy to come up with the right words.

It's especially important to have something meaningful to say if a memorable event has been arranged to mark your departure, such as a farewell party thrown by co-workers, or even friends and family if you're moving away from home.

Whatever the circumstances are for your leave-taking, this sample farewell speech can serve as a guide! Customize it to make it a personal, heartfelt expression of your own.

If you prefer to learn the art of writing a farewell speech, visit our comprehensive guide. 

Text of the Farewell Speech Example

Beginning of sample farewell speech.

I am leaving here today with a wealth of knowledge I will always treasure. Working here has been a fantastic learning experience, and I am thankful for the skills I've acquired. I feel as if being here with you all each day has made me a more complete and well-rounded person.

I've learned how to take direction, criticism, and compliments. These are three things I wasn't so great at taking before, and now I feel as though I can apply that in many different situations.

I've also learned to be open-minded, to value other people's opinions and to consider other ideas along with mine, to end up with a great final result.

Body of Farewell Speech

Being part of a team has taught me skills that I can use in more than just the professional area of my life. My relationships on a personal level are in a better place than they were, thanks to some of the things I've learned from many of you.

I've come to realize that being a part of a community is more than just sharing credit. A team effort takes compromise. When you are on a team you have to at times lead, follow, and more often than not, meet in the middle.

Realizing that my marriage is also a team effort is what is prompting this bittersweet change for me.

When my spouse received the opportunity to relocate, it was up to me to compromise and agree to move our family across the country for her to fulfill her dreams. If I could stay here forever, I would, but this is an opportunity for her that can't be passed up. As her partner and teammate, it would be selfish of me to ask her to turn it down.

My wish for everyone here is that you all continue to experience success, to feel fulfilled in all you do, and to have nothing but pleasant results with each completed project! While that may be an overly optimistic wish, it is sincere.

It's been a pleasure working here, and I will genuinely miss it. I take with me fond memories, valuable skills, and I hope to one day leave an impression on others similar to the one you have left on me.

Ending of a Farewell Speech

Thank you for this farewell party, and I look forward to hearing of your future successes.

To summarize how to give a farewell speech:

When giving a farewell speech try to keep the tone of it positive and sincere. It may be a little difficult to do if you didn't enjoy your job quite as much as you'd have everyone believe, but do your best to find as many positive thing points as you can and leave everyone with fond memories of you!

Saying goodbye is never easy, but with a little planning and practice, you can bid everyone a fond adieu with style.

Farewell Speeches - Not Changed Much in 500 Years

Following is a lightly revised version of the farewell speech of Queen Elizabeth I of England 1 delivered on November 30, 1601. The Queen spoke to 141 members of the House of Commons.

Notice the structure moves from appreciation , to discussion of oneself and reflection , to a solemn remembrance . Farewell speeches have not changed much in 500 years!

Appreciation

Mr. Speaker,

We have heard your declaration and perceived your care of our estate. I do assure you no prince loves his subjects better, or whose love can countervail our love. There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price, which I set before this jewel: I mean your love. For I do esteem it more than any treasure or riches; for that, we know how to prize, but love and thanks I count invaluable. And, though God hath raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my Crown, that I have reigned with your loves.

 Your appreciation makes me that I do not so much rejoice that God hath made me a Queen, as a Queen over so thankful a people. Therefore, I wish nothing more than to content the subject and that is a duty which I owe. Neither do I desire to live longer days than I may see your prosperity and that is my only desire. And, as I am the person God has delivered you, I trust by the mighty power of God that I shall be his instrument to preserve you from every peril, dishonor, shame, tyranny, and oppression. God will preserve you partly using your intended help which we accept because it manifests the largeness of your love and loyalty to your sovereign.

The body of the Queen's farewell speech discusses her reign and reflects on the most important events and lessons.

Of myself, I must say this: I never was any greedy, scraping grasper, nor a strait fast-holding Prince, nor yet a waster. I never set my heart on any worldly goods. What you bestow on me, I will not hoard, but receive it to give you again. Therefore render unto them I beseech you, Mr. Speaker, such thanks as you imagine my heart yieldeth, but my tongue cannot express. Mr. Speaker, I would wish you and the rest to stand up for I shall otherwise trouble you with a long speech. Mr. Speaker, you give me thanks, but I have greater cause to give you thanks, than you to me. I charge you to thank them of the Lower House from me. For had I not received knowledge from you, I might have fallen into error, only for lack of accurate information.

Since I was Queen, I never put my pen to any grant, but that upon pretext and semblance made unto me that the ordinance was both good and beneficial to the subject in general. My ancient servants deserved profit and wellness at my hands. If found to the contrary by experience, I am exceedingly beholden to such persons and moved by them. And I am not so simple to suppose but that there be some of the Lower House whom these grievances never touched. I think they spake out of zeal to their countries and not out of spleen or malevolent affection as being parties grieved. That my grants should cause grief to my people or oppression, our kingly dignity shall not suffer it. Yes, when I heard it, I could give no rest unto my thoughts until I had reformed it. Shall they, think you, escape unpunished that have oppressed you, disrespected their duty, or disregarded our honor? No, I assure you, Mr. Speaker, were it not more for conscience' sake than for any glory or increase of love that I desire, these errors, troubles, vexations, and oppressions done by these rascals and lewd persons not worthy of the name of subjects should not escape without fitting punishment. But, I perceive they dealt with me like physicians who, ministering a drug, make it more acceptable by giving it an excellent aromatic savor, or when they give pills do gild them all over.

I have ever worked to set the Last Judgement Day before mine eyes and so to rule as I shall be judged to answer before a higher judge. If I abused kingly bounties or my grants hurt my people contrary to my will and meaning, I hope God will not blame myself for the offenses. If an authority under me perverted what I have committed to them, I also pray God will not lay their actions in my charge. The title of a King is excellent. However, the glory of royal authority has not dazzled my eyes. We know and remember that we are to yield an account of our actions before the great judge. To be a king and wear a crown is a thing more glorious to them that see it than it is pleasant to them that bear it. For myself, I was never so much enticed with the distinguished name of a King or royal authority of a Queen as delighted that God made me his instrument to maintain his truth and glory and to defend his kingdom as I said from peril, dishonor, tyranny, and oppression. A Queen will never sit in my seat with more zeal to my country, care to my subjects, and concern for your good and safety. I desire to live or reign no longer than my life and reign shall be for your welfare. Though you had, and may have, princes more mighty and wise sitting in this seat, you never had nor shall have, any that will be more careful and loving.

Request for Remembrance

For I, oh Lord, what am I, whom practices and perils past should not fear? Or what can I do? That I should speak for any glory, God forbid. And I pray to you Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Secretary, and you of my Council, that before these gentlemen go into their countries, you bring them all to kiss my hand.

Elizabeth I's Farewell Speech. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikisource .

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White House plans to limit Biden's graduation speeches as campuses erupt in protests

WASHINGTON — Amid growing protests on college campuses by pro-Palestinian demonstrators, the White House is planning for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to have a minimal presence for a traditional rite of spring: delivering commencement addresses.

Biden is scheduled to speak at Morehouse College and the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in May, while Harris is only slated to give a graduation speech at the Air Force Academy. First lady Jill Biden, who teaches at a community college, is expected to deliver a commencement address, though no school has been named.

Two White House officials noted that the number of speeches for Biden and Harris is similar to the two previous years. By comparison, when then-President Barack Obama was seeking re-election in 2012, he delivered addresses at the Air Force Academy, Barnard College and Joplin High School. That same year, then-Vice President Biden spoke at West Point and high schools in the battleground states of Virginia and Florida.

Another White House official declined to preview how Biden might address the campus unrest. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters this week that Biden always views these addresses “as a special time to deliver a message — an encouraging message, a message that’s hopefully uplifting to the graduates and their families.”

“He is going to do his best to meet that moment as it relates to what’s going on, the pain that communities are feeling,” she said.

Biden campaign officials say that despite the media focus on campus protests, public polling and their own research show that young voters are more concerned with other issues. A new Harvard University poll found that inflation and health care topped the list of issues most important to voters ages 18-29. Gun violence, protecting democracy, climate change and women’s reproductive rights also were higher than the war in Gaza.

But John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy School Institute of Politics, said polls and other research he’s conducted underscore the challenges Biden faces in this environment, as well as potential opportunity for him to shore up support by addressing concerns about Gaza head-on in a setting like a commencement ceremony, where students but also their parents, faculty and administrators are gathered together.

“That’s an important opportunity to try to bridge these divides, perhaps like only Biden can do. Because there are divides on this issue,” he said.

While the situation in Gaza may not be high on the list of topics identified by young voters as priorities, Della Volpe compared it to an issue like climate change where if a candidate doesn’t share their view, voters won’t engage with them on other issues.

“One of the first things that a young person tells me is that they don’t feel understood,” Della Volpe said. “There needs to be a recognition that we’re working seriously toward a permanent cease-fire. There needs to be recognition that we’re moving toward a two-state solution. There needs to be recognition that we do everything humanly possible to free the hostages and give people dignity.”

For months, the Biden campaign has been “obsessed” with finding new and innovative ways to motivate younger voters, according to a senior official. The campaign notes that it launched a young voter program earlier than past presidential campaigns and has already begun deploying staff to start organizing a presence at colleges in targeted states.

Eve Levenson, the Biden campaign’s national youth engagement coordinator, said the physical outreach on campuses is just one part of the strategy for reaching young voters. The campaign is putting a heavy emphasis on targeting college students online through its digital program and paid advertising on major social media apps. She also said there is a major emphasis on reaching young voters who aren’t enrolled in college, both through an organizing program and by having a presence at major public gatherings like music festivals and sporting events.

The campaign next week will launch a major effort targeting young voters on abortion rights timed to the end of the school year, Levenson said.

“We know from the conversations we have that young voters are planning to vote, and voters are planning to vote for us,” she said. “I think that there are always going to be things that not all people agree with us on. And it’s our job to make it clear what the contrast is, what the stakes of this election are. And to remind people of that.”

Last fall, Harris conducted what the White House called a “Fight for Our Freedoms” tour of colleges, where she visited nine different campuses and spoke to a combined 15,000 students. Biden has held some recent events at smaller colleges, with small and carefully vetted audiences. Large-scale campaign-style rallies on or near campuses have been a staple of general election campaigns, especially for Democratic candidates, but the Biden campaign has been focusing on more intimate gatherings that can be filmed and distributed by its digital team.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., visited multiple Wisconsin college campuses this week as a member of the Biden campaign’s national advisory board. He said he found, as the Harvard poll showed, that inflation and health care were top concerns among students, but that the situation in Gaza was often a subject of respectful debate.

“Gaza is a challenging issue. And we can’t just wish it away,” he said in an interview. “It would be wrong to think that’s not impacting organizers and activists who are engaged in helping get support for the president.”

He also said Biden should not be reluctant to address the issue directly with young voters.

“It’s not the only issue by any means. It’s not even the No. 1 issue. But it’s in the conversation,” he said. “That kind of engagement shows students that they matter, that their voices are being heard.”

Mike Memoli is an NBC News correspondent. 

Did Biden Say of the Bible, 'I Almost Wanted to Buy One Just to See What the Hell's in It'?

In the run-up to u.s. elections, quotes from political candidates are sometimes not presented in the most journalistically responsible manner., jordan liles, published april 26, 2024.

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As shown below, this genuine quote from Biden was stripped of its context by some online users. When Biden said these words in April 2024, he was specifically referring to the Bible his political rival, former President Donald Trump, had become involved with for monetary gain — the "God Bless the USA" Bible.

On April 23, 2024, U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks about abortion rights during a campaign stop at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. During his speech, he spoke about the state of Florida's legislation proposing a six-week abortion ban . He also criticized his political rival former President Donald Trump for bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade .

The next day, the conservative blog The Daily Wire posted  video from Biden's speech on X (formerly Twitter). The text in the post included a quote from Biden and six words written as commentary by The Daily Wire.

The Biden quote read, "I almost wanted to buy one just to see what the hell's in it." The added commentary from The Daily Wire said, "Joe Biden, talking about the Bible."

While the video included more of Biden's remarks, the text of this post was misleading. The apparent assertion by The Daily Wire's text commentary was Biden — who is Catholic — was broadly criticizing the teachings of the Bible.

Snopes contacted The Daily Wire by email to ask about the post but did not receive a response after about three hours.

The video in The Daily Wire's post was originally uploaded by X user Acyn Torabi (@Acyn) — a researcher and senior digital editor for the progressive network Meidas Touch. This fact was noted under The Daily Wire's post with the clickable words, "From Acyn."

Torabi's post  included the context of Biden's remark. It read, "Biden: Trump described the Dobbs decision as a miracle. Maybe it's coming from that Bible he's trying to sell. Woah, I almost wanted to buy one to see what the hell is in it." This text was visible to The Daily Wire when they were deciding on the commentary they would add to their own post.

As the video and Torabi's caption show, Biden's remark about wanting to see "what the hell's in it" was a very specific reference to the "God Bless the USA" Bible, which Trump has promoted for monetary gain. The special Bible includes copies of the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Pledge of Allegiance and handwritten chorus to Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."

Snopes found   some   other   posts  from users who apparently believed Biden was chastising the Bible in a general sense.

For further reading, we previously reported the facts about Trump's licensing deal that allows him to profit from the "God Bless the USA" Bible.

Contorno, Steve. "Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs 6-Week Abortion Ban | CNN Politics." CNN , 13 Apr. 2023, https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/13/politics/florida-abortion-ban/index.html.

Edelman, Adam. "Florida Supreme Court Allows 6-Week Abortion Ban to Take Effect, but Voters Will Have the Final Say." NBC News , 2 Apr. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/florida-supreme-court-abortion-rights-ballot-measure-rcna142568.

Gibson, Ginger. "Biden Is America's Most Prominent Catholic. The Church's Most Conservative Wish He Wasn't." NBC News , 30 Oct. 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/biden-america-s-most-prominent-catholic-church-s-most-conservative-n1282753.

Keith, Tamara. "Biden Is Campaigning in Florida a Week before a New Abortion Ban Takes Effect." NPR , 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.npr.org/2024/04/23/1246524598/biden-abortion-florida.

Kim, Seung Min. "Biden Blames Trump for Florida's 6-Week Abortion Ban, Says Women Nationwide Face Health Crisis." The Associated Press , 23 Apr. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/president-joe-biden-florida-donald-trump-abortion-6b069fd8c14c4c65236d708b347697f0.

Liles, Jordan. "Trump Profited from God Bless the USA Bible Company That Sells Bibles for $59.99?"  Snopes , 28 Mar. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-god-bless-usa-bible/.

"Remarks by President Biden at a Campaign Event | Tampa, FL." The White House , 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/04/23/remarks-by-president-biden-at-a-campaign-event-tampa-fl-2/.

Roe v. Wade | Summary, Origins, Right to Privacy, & Overturning | Britannica . https://www.britannica.com/event/Roe-v-Wade.

"WATCH LIVE: Biden Delivers Remarks on Abortion Rights during Campaign Event in Tampa, FL." YouTube , PBS NewsHour, 23 Apr. 2024, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAy_A9eW4nI.

By Jordan Liles

Jordan Liles is a Senior Reporter who has been with Snopes since 2016.

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College protesters vow to keep demonstrations as schools shut down encampments amid reports of antisemitism

Updated on: April 27, 2024 / 8:44 PM EDT / CBS/AP

Hundreds of students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at college campuses across the nation vowed to keep their demonstrations going despite some universities moving to shut down the encampments after reports of antisemitic activity among the protestors.

As the death toll mounts in the war in Gaza, protesters nationwide are demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies they say are enabling the conflict. 

Meanwhile, some Jewish students say the protests have veered into antisemitism and made them afraid to set foot on campus.

Over 100 arrested in Northeastern University protest

Early Saturday, police in riot gear cleared out a student encampment on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston . The school said the demonstration, which began two days ago, had become "infiltrated by professional organizers" with no affiliation to the school.

The school said in a statement that antisemitic slurs, including "Kill the Jews," were used.

"We cannot tolerate this kind of hate on our campus," said the statement, which was posted on the social media platform X.

As workers pulled down tents and bagged up the debris from the encampment, several dozen people across from the encampment chanted, "Let the Kids Go," and slogans against the war in Gaza. They also booed as police cars passed and taunted the officers who stood guard over the encampment.

The Huskies for a Free Palestine student group disputed the university's account, saying in a statement that counterprotesters were to blame for the slurs and no student protesters "repeated the disgusting hate speech."

Students at the protest said a counterprotester attempted to instigate hate speech but insisted their event was peaceful and, like many across the country, was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as the "genocide" in Gaza and their university's complicity in the war.

Massachusetts State Police said about 102 protesters were arrested and will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.

University of Pennsylvania seeks to disband encampment 

The University of Pennsylvania took similar action to Northeastern on Friday, when interim President J. Larry Jameson called for an encampment of protesters on the west Philadelphia campus to be disbanded, saying it violates the university's facilities policies, though about 40 tents remained in place Saturday morning.

The "harassing and intimidating comments and actions" by some protesters violate the school's open expression guidelines as well as state and federal law, Jameson said, and vandalism of a statue with antisemitic graffiti was "especially reprehensible and will be investigated as a hate crime."

A faculty group said Saturday that it was "deeply disturbed" by the university president's email, saying it included "unsubstantiated allegations" that "have been disputed to us by faculty and students who have attended and observed the demonstration."

The university's chapter of the American Association of University Professors said Jameson's statement "mischaracterizes the overall nature of an antiwar protest that necessarily involves strong emotions on both sides but has not, to our knowledge, involved any actual violence or threats of violence to individuals on our campus."

What sparked the college protests?

Student protesters say they are drawing attention to the war in Gaza, where an Israeli offensive has killed over 34,000 Palestinians, displaced about 80% of the population and pushed hundreds of thousands of people to the brink of famine. The war was triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7 attack into Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 250 people hostage.

Israel and its supporters have branded the protests as antisemitic, while critics of Israel say it uses such allegations to silence opponents. Although some protesters have been caught on camera making antisemitic remarks or violent threats, organizers of the protests, some of whom are Jewish, say it is a peaceful movement aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war.

Columbia University protest enters 11th day

At Columbia University, whose encampment — now in its 11th day on the school's main lawn — inspired the wave of protests across the country, there have been reports of "outside agitators" who have infiltrated the protest "to spew hate and antisemitism," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry said in a post to social media .

"What may have started as a group of Columbia students wanting to express their constitutional right to protest has drawn crowds of outside agitators who are trying to hijack a peaceful protest and turn it something far more sinister," he said.

In a statement on the university's website  Friday, school officials condemned the reports of antisemitism, calling them "intolerable."

"And the safety situation has become concerning, particularly with the involvement of individuals not associated with Columbia," said the letter, attributed to President Minouche Shafik, Provost Angela Olinto, and David Greenwald and Claire Shipman, co-chairs of the board of trustees.

"Chants, signs, taunts, and social media posts from our own students that mock and threaten to 'kill' Jewish people are totally unacceptable, and Columbia students who are involved in such incidents will be held accountable. We can report that one individual whose vile videos have surfaced in recent days is now banned from campus," the letter said.

In a statement Saturday evening on Columbia University's website, Ben Chang, a school spokesperson, said there was "no truth to claims of an impending lockdown or evictions on campus." The university canceled a planned press briefing Saturday, saying it was "a quiet day on campus."

Students representing the Columbia University encampment said Friday that they reached an impasse with administrators and intended to continue their protest.

The university's senate passed a resolution Friday that created a task force to examine the administration's leadership, which last week called in police in an attempt to clear the protest, resulting in scuffles and more than 100 arrests.

Though the university has repeatedly set and then pushed back deadlines for the removal of the encampment, the school sent an email to students Friday night saying that bringing back police "at this time" would be counterproductive.

Also Friday, Columbia student protester Khymani James walked back comments made in an online video in January that recently received new attention. James said in the video that "Zionists don't deserve to live" and people should be grateful James wasn't killing them.

"What I said was wrong," James said in a statement. "Every member of our community deserves to feel safe without qualification."

James, who served as a spokesperson for the pro-Palestinian encampment as a member of Columbia University Apartheid Divest, was banned from campus Friday, according to a Columbia spokesperson.

Protest organizers said James' comments didn't reflect their values. They declined to describe James' level of involvement with the demonstration.

The decisions to call in law enforcement, leading to hundreds of arrests nationwide, have prompted school faculty members at universities in California, Georgia and Texas to initiate or pass votes of no confidence in their leadership. They are largely symbolic rebukes, without the power to remove their presidents.

But the tensions pile pressure on school officials, who are already scrambling to resolve the protests as May graduation ceremonies near. The University of Southern California, which had already canceled its valedictorian's speech , said it would not hold a graduation ceremony, citing safety concerns.  

Cal Poly Humboldt announces "hard closure" of campus

California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt, had given protestors who had barricaded themselves inside a building since Monday until 5 p.m. Friday to leave and "not be immediately arrested." The deadline came and went. Only some of the protesters left, others doubled down. After protesters rebuffed police earlier in the week, the campus was closed for the rest of the semester .

On Saturday afternoon, Cal Poly Humboldt announced in a statement that a "hard closure" of the campus was in place," and "anyone on campus without permission is subject to citation or arrest."

Students who live in campus residence halls "have permission to remain in the limited area of the hall they live in and dining facilities," the school said, but cannot be on other parts of campus. 

Dozens arrested in Denver

In Colorado, police swept through an encampment Friday at Denver's Auraria Campus, which hosts three universities and colleges, arresting around 40 protesters on trespassing charges.

Denver mayor Mike Johnston visited the campus on Friday night for a brief conversation with pro-Palestinian protestors who have occupied the lawn in front of the Tivoli Student Union. He was peppered with questions and taunts as he called for an end to the encampment. 

"We are here to try to make sure we can help you all exercise to protest peacefully. We want this to be a campus where you can exercise your First Amendment rights and be respected to do that," said Johnston. "We also have to have a campus that can continue to operate here so our ask is we need to you all to be able to pull down the tents. That is against campus policy. You can continue to protest peacefully once the tents come down."

The protests have inspired students around the world.

In France, students at the Paris Institute of Political Studies, which counts President Emmanuel Macron among its many famous alumni, students blocked access to a campus building and classes went online as the wave of protests reached overseas.

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Modi Calls Muslims ‘Infiltrators’ Who Would Take India’s Wealth

The direct language used against the country’s largest minority was a contrast to the image Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents on the world stage.

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By Alex Travelli and Suhasini Raj

Reporting from New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday called Muslims “infiltrators” who would take India’s wealth if his opponents gained power — unusually direct and divisive language from a leader who normally lets others do the dirtiest work of polarizing Hindus against Muslims.

Mr. Modi, addressing voters in the state of Rajasthan, referred to a remark once made by Manmohan Singh, his predecessor from the opposition Indian National Congress Party. Mr. Singh, Mr. Modi claimed, had “said that Muslims have the first right to the wealth of the nation. This means they will distribute this wealth to those who have more children, to infiltrators.”

Mr. Modi aimed his emotional appeal at women, addressing “my mothers and sisters” to say that his Congress opponents would take their gold and give it to Muslims.

Modi Calls Muslims ‘Infiltrators’ in Speech During India Elections

Prime minister narendra modi of india was criticized by the opposition for remarks he made during a speech to voters in rajasthan state..

I’m sorry, this is a very disgraceful speech made by the prime minister. But, you know, the fact is that people realize that when he says the Congress Party is going to take all your wealth and give it to the Muslims, that this is just a nakedly communal appeal which normally any civilized election commission would disallow and warn the candidate for speaking like this.

Implications like these — that Muslims have too many babies, that they are coming for Hindus’ wives and daughters, that their nationality as Indian is itself in doubt — are often made by representatives of Mr. Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, or B.J.P.

Mr. Modi’s use of such language himself, as he campaigns for a third term in office, raised alarm that it could inflame right-wing vigilantes who target Muslims , and brought up questions about what had prompted his shift in communication style. Usually, Mr. Modi avoids even using the word “Muslims,” coyly finding ways to refer indirectly to India’s largest minority group, of 200 million people.

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of the Congress party, called Mr. Modi’s remarks “hate speech.” Asaduddin Owaisi, who represents the only national party for Muslims, lamented how “common Hindus are made to fear Muslims while their wealth is being used to enrich others.”

Tom Vadakkan, a spokesman for the B.J.P., said that Mr. Modi’s speech was being misinterpreted. “This is not about our compatriots, the Muslims,” he said. Mr. Modi was talking only about “infiltrators,” according to Mr. Vadakkan.

The prime minister’s fiery oration, delivered in 100-degree heat in the town of Banswara in arid Rajasthan, marked a contrast to the image he presents in international contexts.

During a visit to the White House in June, Mr. Modi said there was “no question of discrimination” in India. When he played host to the Group of 20 summit in New Delhi three months later, he chose the theme “the world is one family”(in Sanskrit, the primary liturgical language of orthodox Hinduism).

He put his own face on soft-power outreach programs like World Yoga Day, broadcast to Times Square, using it to present a Hindu-centric India as a benign “teacher to the world.”

Campaigns that divide Hindus and Muslims can be useful in animating the hard-right Hindu base of Mr. Modi’s otherwise broad-based electorate, especially in places like Banswara, where Hindus outnumber Muslims by three to one.

With his remarks, Mr. Modi may have been trying to close a divide that has opened among Hindus in Rajasthan over whether to support the B.J.P., with one prominent group holding protests over comments made by a party official.

But the prime minister’s speech was also clearly intended for a wider audience; he shared a clip on his official social media channels.

The B.J.P. remains the favorite to win another parliamentary majority when six weeks of voting concludes on June 1 and ballots are counted three days later. Mr. Kharge, the Congress party president, called Mr. Modi’s speech — perhaps hopefully — a sign of desperation, adding that opposition candidates must be faring well in the early stages of balloting.

Neerja Chowdhury, a columnist and the author of “How Prime Ministers Decide,” echoed Mr. Kharge, saying that, in her view, “voters are expressing their dissatisfaction much more openly this time.” The B.J.P. is capable of a swift course correction, she added, because “they get feedback very quickly.”

Rahul Gandhi, the public face of the Congress party , said that Mr. Modi’s comments had been intended as a diversion from subjects that trouble ordinary voters, like joblessness and inflation.

That the prime minister alluded to religion at all in his speech drew complaints that he may have violated India’s election rules.

Candidates are supposed to be barred from asking for votes in the name of religion or caste. But B.J.P. leaders regularly invoke Hindu deities during campaign rallies. The country’s Election Commission, which enforces the rules, has taken little action against the party, even as it has moved against members of other parties in similar cases.

Uddhav Thackeray, a former ally of Mr. Modi’s who is now running against the B.J.P., declared that he would now ignore an Election Commission order to remove the word “Hindu” from his own party’s campaign song.

The basis for Mr. Modi’s attack was a 22-second excerpt from a statement that Mr. Singh, a Sikh economist who was the prime minister before Mr. Modi, made in 2006. Mr. Singh had been listing many of the traditionally disadvantaged groups in India, including lower-caste Hindus and tribal populations, and “in particular the Muslim community,” and said that all should share equitably in the nation’s wealth.

Since Mr. Modi took office in 2014, Muslims haven’t had a proportional share of India’s steady economic and social development . Just one of the 430 candidates the B.J.P. is fielding in the current election is Muslim.

Mr. Singh’s speech from 2006 seems old now, but it was made just four years after riots in the state of Gujarat under the watch of Mr. Modi. Hindus and Muslims hacked and burned one another and at least 1,000 died, most of them Muslims.

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of Muslim candidates that the B.J.P. is fielding in India’s current election. It is one, not zero.

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Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist. More about Alex Travelli

Suhasini Raj is a reporter based in New Delhi who has covered India for The Times since 2014. More about Suhasini Raj