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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).

• Condolences & What To Say

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

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

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.

4 Best Tips on How to Memorize a Speech Quickly

How to Write a Retirement Speech – Samples & Ideas

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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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Farewell Speech Examples For Every Situation

When you move on in life from a job, a neighborhood, or a position, you may be formally honored and need to make a farewell speech on your last day. While most goodbye speeches follow a simple format, you can pattern your address after these farewell speech examples.

Saying goodbye can be emotional and challenging, but delivering a heartfelt farewell speech leaves a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of those present.

This article explores inspiring examples of farewell speeches , showcasing the power of words to express gratitude, share memories, and inspire hope for the future. Whether bidding farewell to colleagues, classmates, or loved ones, these speeches offer a glimpse into the art of saying goodbye with grace and eloquence.

Table of Contents

What Should You Say In A Farewell Speech?

In the  best farewell speeches , people express their gratitude, share memories, and leave a positive lasting impression.  Some common elements include:

• Speakers often  express gratitude  to the individuals or groups they are addressing, acknowledging their support, friendship, or guidance throughout their journey together.
• Farewell speeches often r eflect shared experiences , memorable moments, and accomplishments. Speakers may recount anecdotes, highlight achievements, and reminisce about the time spent together.
• Speakers often  extend their best wishes to the group of people in attendance , expressing hopes for their future endeavors. They may offer encouragement, inspire confidence, and express optimism about what lies ahead.
• Farewell speeches often include  recognizing and appreciating specific individuals  who have had a significant impact. This can involve expressing gratitude to mentors, colleagues, friends, or family members who have supported and influenced the speaker’s journey.
• Speakers may  reflect on personal growth and lessons learned . They might share insights gained, challenges faced, and how those experiences have shaped them as individuals.
• Farewell messages often  create a sense of closure and unity  by emphasizing the importance of the shared journey and the connections formed. Speakers may encourage ongoing relationships, express a desire to stay connected, and leave the audience with a sense of unity and togetherness.

Tailor the content of your speech according to the situation and audience. For example, the mood of your address may be lighter at a farewell party than at a more intimate occasion in an office.

How Do You Start A Farewell Speech?

A good farewell speech captures the audience’s attention and establishes a connection. You can do this by  acknowledging the presence of everyone gathered and going into a heartfelt opening.  Sharing a personal anecdote or a reflective quote sets the tone and establishes an emotional connection with the listeners.

What Should I Do If I’m Too Nervous To Speak?

Many people find the thought of  public speaking terrifying , and it’s quite common to experience feelings of dread and sickness in the days and hours before you speak. The following steps may help you alleviate these symptoms:

• Before stepping up to speak,  take a few deep breaths  to help relax your body and calm your mind. Deep breathing can help reduce anxiety and nervousness by providing a moment of focus and centering.
• Adequate preparation  is key to building confidence. Rehearse your speech until you are entirely familiar with the content and have become comfortable with the flow and structure. Practice in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend or family member to gain feedback and build confidence.
• Begin your speech with a strong and engaging opening line  or anecdote that captures the audience’s attention, maybe about your personal life. This can help you overcome initial nerves and establish a positive connection with the listeners.
• If appropriate, consider using  visual aids or notes  to assist you during the speech. Having key points or reminders written down can help you stay on track and provide a sense of reassurance.
• When speaking, consciously  slow down your pace and remember to incorporate pauses . This lets you gather your thoughts, maintain composure, and engage with the audience. Pauses can also help you manage nerves and project confidence.
• Remember, the audience is there to support you.  Maintain eye contact, smile, and engage with them . Consider focusing on receptive or friendly audience members to help you feel more at ease.
• Feeling nervous is totally natural and even expected in public speaking. In fact, you should experience some trepidation.  Embrace any imperfections and be authentic in your delivery . Share your genuine emotions and tell the audience you value their presence.
• If your nerves persist,  seek support from a trusted friend, family member, or mentor.  They can offer guidance, encouragement, or even accompany you during your speech for added confidence.

You can overcome your nerves with practice, preparation, and a positive mindset and deliver a memorable farewell speech.

What Should I Do After The Speech?

After delivering your farewell address, wrap up the speech effectively and engage with the audience.  Here’s what you can do:

• Take a moment to  thank the audience  for their attention. Let them know how much their support and camaraderie have meant to you. Wish them good luck in their future endeavors.
• Depending on the setting and the nature of the farewell, you can i nvite the audience to ask questions or share their thoughts.  This can create an interactive and engaging atmosphere, allowing for further connection and dialogue.
• After the formal part of your speech, make an effort to  interact with the audience individually . Approach people and engage in conversations.
• Use the opportunity to  network with colleagues, classmates, or other attendees . Exchange contact information with individuals you would like to stay connected with.
• Take some time to r eflect on the experience of delivering the goodbye speech . Consider what went well, what you could improve, and any lessons learned. Reflecting on your performance can help you grow as a speaker and build confidence for future public speaking engagements.
• If possible,  seek feedback from trusted individuals  present during your speech. Ask for their honest opinion, constructive criticism, and suggestions for improvement. Feedback provides valuable insights and helps you refine your speaking skills.
• After the farewell event, consider  sending thank-you notes or messages . This gesture shows appreciation and reinforces the connections you have formed.

What Are Some Good Farewell Speech Examples?

Here are some sample farewell speech excerpts:

Leaving A Job

“Good evening. Looking back, I am reminded of the countless triumphs we achieved together. From overcoming complex challenges to celebrating major milestones, we have consistently demonstrated the power of teamwork and unwavering dedication.”

Transferring To Another Office

“Throughout my time in this office, it has been a privilege to work alongside some of the most talented individuals who have inspired me every day. Together, we have tackled challenges, celebrated successes, and created a vibrant and supportive work environment. The fond memories we have shared will always hold a special place in my heart.”

“Dear friends and neighbors, I stand before you on this special occasion with mixed emotions as I bid farewell to this beloved neighborhood that has been my home for many years. As I prepare to move to a new house, I am reminded of the countless memories and the strong sense of community that has made this place so special.”

Joining The Military

“Joining the military is not merely a career choice; it is a commitment to defend and protect the ideals we hold dear. Standing alongside the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to safeguarding our nation’s freedom is an honor. I find it hard to find the right words, but I am humbled by the opportunity to contribute to this noble cause and be part of a legacy of courage, sacrifice, and selfless service.”

Going Away To College

“Standing here today, I am humbled by the tremendous support and guidance I have received from my parents and teachers. Their unwavering belief in my potential has prepared me for this natural progression from high school to college, where I am eager to embark on a journey of self-discovery, hard work, knowledge, and endless possibilities.”

Leaving Your Post In An Organization

“Good morning. I leave the business today with a mixture of gratitude and a sense of heaviness in my heart. My journey with my manager and colleagues has been transformative, and their unwavering support and guidance have prepared me for this moment. While it has been incredibly difficult to make the decision to move on, I believe it is time for me to embark on a new path, carrying with me the cherished memories and lessons we have shared.”

Adam Howarth

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

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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. Understanding Farewell Speech 
• 2. How to Write a Farewell Speech?
• 3. Farewell Speech Examples 
• 4. Farewell Speech At Work
• 5. Farewell Speeches By Famous People 
• 6. Writing Tips for a Farewell Speech

Understanding Farewell Speech 

A farewell speech is a heartfelt and often emotional address given when someone is leaving a position, organization, or community. 

The main purpose of this type of speech is to reflect on the experiences shared, express gratitude, and offer best wishes for the future. Whether delivered by the person departing or by others in their honor, a farewell speech marks a significant transition and celebrates contributions made during their time together.

Effective speech writing for a farewell speech involves capturing these sentiments in a way that resonates with the audience and honors the occasion.

When to Give a Farewell Speech

Farewell speeches are appropriate for a variety of occasions, including:

• Retirement: Celebrating the culmination of a long and fruitful career.
• Graduation: Marking the end of an educational journey and the beginning of new opportunities.
• Job Transition: Acknowledging a move to a new role or company.
• Relocation: Saying goodbye when moving to a new city or country.
• End of a Term or Tenure: Concluding a term of service in an organization, club, or committee.
• Farewell Parties: Given during social gatherings arranged to bid farewell to someone.
• Departure from a Team: When a member leaves a sports team, project group, or other collaborative effort.
• Military Send-Off: For soldiers being deployed or retiring from service.

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 - Generating Ideas Aligned with Your Audience

Alright! First, think about who will be listening—colleagues, friends, classmates, family, or a mix? Consider what they expect and what tone and message will connect with them. Your speech should feel relatable.

Now, list the main points: memories, achievements, lessons learned, and well-wishes. Brainstorming these ideas will guide your speech direction.

Step 2 - 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 speech format . 

Step 3 - 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 4 - 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 5- 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 6 - 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 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

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 Speeches By Famous People 

Here are five farewell speeches by famous personalities:

• Winston Churchill

"We shall not flag or fail. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be."

• J.K. Rowling (Harvard Commencement Speech)

 "It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all, in which case you have failed by default."

• Michelle Obama (Farewell Address as First Lady)

"Being your First Lady has been the greatest honor of my life, and I hope I’ve made you proud."

• John F. Kennedy (Inaugural Address)

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."

• Meryl Streep (Golden Globe Acceptance Speech)

"When they called my name, I had this feeling I could hear half of America going, 'Oh, no. Oh, come on, why her? Again?' But whatever."

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 your 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What words to say in a farewell speech.

You might say: 

• "I am grateful for the opportunity..."
• "It has been an honor to work with..."
• "I will always cherish the memories we've shared..."
• "I look forward to our paths crossing again..."

How do I start a farewell speech?

Start with a warm greeting and thank the audience for being present.

For example: "Good [morning/afternoon/evening] everyone. I am deeply touched to see so many familiar faces gathered here today..."

How to say goodbye speech to colleagues?

• Express gratitude for the opportunities and experiences.
• Share personal reflections or memories.
• Offer well wishes for their future endeavors.

Example: "To my wonderful colleagues, it's with mixed emotions that I say goodbye today. Working alongside each of you has been an incredible journey..."

What is a good farewell quote?

• "Goodbyes are not forever, are not the end; it simply means I'll miss you until we meet again." - Unknown
• "The hardest part of leaving is saying goodbye to those who you have grown close to." - Unknown
• "Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

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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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. In This Article    Skip to section What Is a Farewell Speech? How to Write a Job Farewell Speech Examples of Farewell Speeches Tips for Delivering a Good Farewell Speech Writing a Farewell Speech for a Colleague Farewell Speech FAQs References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More What Is a Farewell Speech?

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

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

How to Write a Job Farewell Speech

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of Farewell Speeches

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

If You’re Retiring

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

If You’re Leaving For Another Company

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

Tips for Delivering a Good Farewell Speech

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Writing a Farewell Speech for a Colleague

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

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

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

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

Farewell Speech FAQs

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

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

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

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

How should I start my farewell speech?

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

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

What are some good farewell sayings?

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

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

How do I say goodbye to my colleagues?

Same ways to say goodbye include:

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

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

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

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

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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• Farewell Speech At Work

Farewell Speech Writing 101: Tips and Inspiring Examples

• October 26, 2023

Yes, a farewell speech is the best chance for us to put goodbye into words! By presenting a great farewell speech, you express emotions and leave lasting impressions on your workmates, buddies, or graduates. Besides, they’re not just words. They’re a profound way to show respect for the time you’ve spent together and look forward to what’s coming next.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about what a farewell speech is, how to write it with honesty and style, and some examples that will help you do it well. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

What is a farewell speech.

A farewell speech is a special talk you give to say a warm goodbye to someone or even to a particular time or event. It’s a way to say thanks, remember good times, and wish everyone well as you go your separate ways. Whether you’re leaving a job, parting with friends, or finishing school, a farewell speech lets you think back on the journey and recognize what you’ve been through.

A good farewell speech usually has a few important parts: saying thanks, recognizing achievements and how you’ve grown, sharing memorable moments, and giving positive wishes for the future. It’s a chance to leave a nice, long-lasting memory and express your feelings honestly and kindly.

How To Write A Farewell Speech?

Writing a farewell speech can be simple and meaningful with these steps:

1/ Start with a Greeting:

Begin your speech with a warm greeting to the audience. Keep it friendly and welcoming.

2/ Express Gratitude:

Thank the audience for being there and acknowledging the occasion. Show appreciation for their presence and support throughout your journey.

3/ Reflect on the Journey:

Reflect on the experiences and moments you’ve shared together. Discuss the achievements, challenges, and growth you’ve witnessed during your time together.

4/ Share Personal Stories:

Share personal stories or anecdotes that highlight the positive and memorable moments. Keep it light-hearted and engaging.

5/ Acknowledge People:

Acknowledge and appreciate the individuals who have made an impact on your journey. Mention colleagues, friends, mentors, or anyone who has been influential.

6/ Offer Best Wishes:

Extend heartfelt best wishes for the future, both for yourself and for the people you’re parting with. Encourage everyone to chase their dreams and embrace new opportunities.

7/ End with a Positive Note:

Conclude your speech with a positive and optimistic note, emphasizing hope and excitement for the future. Reiterate gratitude and express confidence in the road ahead.

8/ Practice and Rehearse:

Practice delivering your speech to ensure a smooth flow and to manage any nervousness. Rehearse in front of a mirror or with a friend to build confidence.

9/ Keep it Concise:

Aim for a brief and focused speech. Avoid making it too lengthy to maintain interest and impact.

Let your genuine emotions and thoughts guide your speech. Speak sincerely, and your authenticity will resonate with the audience.

Farewell Speech Examples

Here are examples of farewell speeches for different scenarios:

Farewell speech to coworkers

Dear colleagues,

I stand before you today with mixed emotions as I bid farewell to this incredible team. Working with all of you has been a true privilege. The memories we’ve created and the projects we’ve accomplished together will forever hold a special place in my heart.

I’ve learned so much from each one of you, and I appreciate the camaraderie, support, and guidance I’ve received throughout my time here. Your dedication and hard work have made this workplace a remarkable and vibrant environment.

As I move forward to new opportunities, I carry with me the invaluable experiences and lessons I’ve gained during my time here. I’m confident that our paths will cross again, and I look forward to staying connected.

Thank you for being amazing colleagues and friends. I wish all of you continued success and fulfillment in your endeavors. Goodbye, and until we meet again.

Farewell speech about colleague

Dear students,

Today is a bittersweet moment as we bid farewell to this wonderful group of young minds. Your time here has been filled with growth, learning, and countless memories that have enriched us all.

I’ve watched you overcome challenges, achieve remarkable feats, and build lasting friendships. Each one of you holds immense potential, and I’m excited to see the incredible paths you will carve for yourselves.

As you step into the world beyond these walls, remember the lessons you’ve learned and the bonds you’ve formed. Stay true to your dreams and aspirations, and never underestimate the impact you can make.

Farewell, dear students, and may you conquer the world with your brilliance.

Farewell speech for students

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Farewell speech for teacher

Dear [Teacher’s Name],

Today, we gather to express our heartfelt gratitude and bid farewell to an exceptional educator and mentor, [Teacher’s Name]. Your dedication and passion for teaching have left an indelible mark on us.

You have not only imparted knowledge but also instilled values, encouraged critical thinking, and nurtured a love for learning within us. Your guidance and support have shaped our academic and personal lives in profound ways.

As you embark on a new journey, know that your influence will always remain with us. We thank you for being an inspirational teacher and a caring mentor. Farewell, and may your future be filled with continued success and fulfillment.

Final Thoughts

A farewell speech is a heartfelt way to bid adieu, expressing gratitude and fond memories. To make your farewell party even more special, consider using AhaSlides – a tool that can add a touch of fun and engagement to the event. Using this tool in your  event management , you can create interactive and memorable experiences to remember.

More tips and advice about events? Pick an event that you’re concerned with, and we’ll give you a helping hand!

What do you say in a farewell speech?

In a farewell speech, express gratitude for the journey shared, acknowledge the support and friendships, reminisce about memorable moments, and offer well-wishes for the future. Keep it genuine and heartfelt.

What is the best farewell speech?

The best farewell speech is one that’s sincere, appreciative, and personal. It reflects on the positive experiences, growth, and relationships built. It leaves a lasting impact by making everyone feel valued and inspired for the future.

What do you say on your last day of work?

You can say thank you to your colleagues and the organization for the opportunities and experiences. Express your appreciation for the learning and growth, and let them know you’ll cherish the memories. Offer your contact details to stay in touch and wish everyone success and happiness in the future. Keep it friendly and positive.

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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 280,999 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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45 of the Best Farewell Messages to Coworkers

By Priya Jain

Published: January 19, 2024

Workplace Culture & Morale

Writer & Career Coach

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

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

Why Farewell Messages Are Essential

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

Here are some key reasons why farewell messages are important:

Builds Lasting Relationships

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

Improves Employee Well-Being

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

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

Positively Impacts Company Reputation

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

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

How to Write a Farewell Message to a Coworker

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

Here’s how to write a farewell message:

Express Appreciation for the Departing Employee’s Contributions

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

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

Acknowledge Specific Achievements and Milestones

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

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

Communicate Best Wishes for Their Future Endeavors

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

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

Examples of Farewell Messages to Coworkers

Below are various examples of farewell messages to coworkers:

Short Goodbye Messages to Colleagues

Here are short goodbye messages to write to your colleagues:

1. Simple and Direct

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

[Your Name]

2. Warm and Friendly

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

3. Professional and Courteous

Dear [Name],

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

4. Encouraging and Supportive

Hey [Name],

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

5. Appreciative and Grateful

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

6. Casual and Light-Hearted

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

7. Sincere and Thoughtful

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

8. Concise and Heartfelt

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

Touching Farewell Messages to Coworkers

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

Here are some examples:

9. Farewell to a Close Colleague

Dear [Colleague’s Name],

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

Warmest regards, [Your Name]

10.  Farewell to a Long-Time Colleague

Hello [Name],

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

Best wishes,

11. Farewell to a Collaborative Partner

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

12. Farewell to a Mentor

Dear [Mentor’s Name],

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

13.  Emotional Farewell to a Departing Team Member

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

Farewell and best wishes,

Funny Farewell Messages for Coworkers

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

14. For the Office Comedian

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

15.  For the Coffee Addict

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

16.  For the Team Foodie

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

Stay Hungry,

17. For the Always-Late Colleague

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

Timely regards,

18. For the Desk Neighbor

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

19. For the Work Bestie

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

20. For the Office Fashionista

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

Stylishly yours,

21. For the Tech Whiz

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

22. For the Happy Hour Enthusiast

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

Farewell Messages to a Promoted Coworker

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

23. For a Promoted Team Member

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

Warm regards,

24.  For a Colleague Moving Up

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

25. For a Promoted Supervisor or Manager

Dear [Manager’s Name],

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

26.  For a Friend and Colleague

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

Warmest regards,

27. For a Well-Deserved Promotion

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

Congratulations and best wishes,

Farewell Messages to a Coworker Moving Away

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

28. For a Close Colleague and Friend

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

29. For a Valued Team Member

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

30.  For a Colleague and Mentor

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

31. For a Friend and Coworker

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

32. For a Respected Team Player

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

Best regards,

33. For a Departing Colleague

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

Farewell Messages to a Retiring Coworker

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

34. For a Respected Colleague

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

35. For a Mentor and Friend

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

36. For a Team Player

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

37. For a Retiring Supervisor

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

Warmest wishes,

38. For a Long-Time Colleague

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

39. For a Friend and Retiring Coworker

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

Related Article: The Perfect Going Away Gifts for Coworkers

Farewell Messages to an Intern Leaving

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

40. For a Valued Intern

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

41. For an Intern Becoming a Colleague

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

42. For an Intern Pursuing Further Studies

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

43. For an Intern Leaving for New Opportunities

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

44. For an Intern Making Career Choices

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

45. For an Intern Moving Onward

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

Dos and Don’ts of Farewell Messages

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

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

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

Do n’ts

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

About the Author

Read more articles by Priya Jain

Farewell Speech

Farewell speech generator.

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

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

What is a Farewell Speech?

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

Download This Farewell Speech Bundel

Farewell Speech Format

Introduction.

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

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

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

10+ Farewell Speech Samples

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

Best Farewell Speech Example

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

Farewell Speech for Students

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

Farewell Speech in Office

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

Presidential Farewell Speeches

President barack obama’s farewell speech.

Washington’s Farewell Address

President Reagan Farewell Speech

Retirement Celebration Farewell Speech

College Farewell Speech

Farewell Address to an Honorable Justice

Ambassador Farewell Speech

Example of Farewell Speech

Sample Farewell Speech

Farewell Speech Sample

Sample Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech to an Honorable Justice

Farewell Reference Speech

Farewell Speech Example

Farewell Speech in PDF

Formal Farewell Speech

How To Write Breathtaking Farewell Speech For Any Occasion?

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

1. Plan and think.

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

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

2. Expound.

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

3. Summarize.

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

4. Think of an introduction.

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

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

How to Strat a Farewell Speech

1. begin with a greeting.

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

2. Express Gratitude

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

3. Set the Tone

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

4. State the Purpose

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

5. Hook Your Audience

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

6. Share a Memorable Moment

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

7. Acknowledge the Emotions

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

Example of a Farewell Speech Start:

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

Tips for Writing a Memorable Farewell Speech

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

1. Humility Speaks Volumes

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

2. Express Sincere Gratitude

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

3. Recall a Story

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

4. K.I.S.S.

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

5. Parting Messages

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

6. Inspire; Do Not Demoralize

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

7. Set a Light Mood

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

8. Express Everything

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

How Do You Say Goodbye on Last Day of Work?

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

How Do You Say Goodbye to a Team Member?

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

What You Should Say on Your Farewell?

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

How Do You Give a Short Farewell Speech?

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

Text prompt

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Speech Writing

Farewell Speech

Last updated on: Jul 11, 2024

Farewell Speech - Saying Goodbye with Style

By: Donna C.

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Jan 3, 2023

There are different types of speeches. A farewell speech is one type of speech. It is a way to say goodbye to people who you have worked with or been friends with.

In a farewell speech, you get to say what is on your mind. You also get to thank the people who have helped you or been there for you.

Farewell speeches can be emotional. They can be funny, touching, or simply inspiring, whatever the situation is.

When writing a farewell speech, it can be difficult to know where to start. The format can be confusing, and you may not know how much time to spend on each point. However, with a little organization and thought, you can create a meaningful and memorable farewell speech.

Do not worry, though. This guide contains all of the answers to questions you may have about writing a great farewell speech.

On this Page

What is a Farewell Speech?

A farewell speech is a way to say goodbye to your friends and classmates when you leave college. When leaving college, it is customary to give a farewell speech to your fellow students.

You may also give a farewell speech when you retire, leave your organization for another opportunity, or leave your department or branch to work in another location.

Farewell speeches are not always necessary. Not everyone needs to give a farewell speech when they leave a job.

Graduating students often give a farewell speech to express their gratitude for having been part of the college. They may also talk about the experiences they have had while attending the school.

Farewell speeches are usually given by people who have had a big impact on a company or have worked there for many years. In the case of college, the graduating students give this speech to express their gratitude for being part of the college and sharing their experiences.

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How to Write a Farewell Speech?

When giving your farewell speech, it is important to have a plan. Not only will this help you feel more confident and calm when speaking, but also make sure that what comes out of your mouth makes sense. Because if there are points where might confusion occurs then people will stop listening or watching altogether!

Here are some steps for giving a memorable speech.

1. Identify the Audience The audience is the most important part of writing a farewell speech. You need to know who will be listening and interested in your words so that their needs can also come across as priorities when you're speaking. So keep a proportion for your audience and address their needs and problems to keep them engaged throughout the speech.

2. Brainstorm the Ideas Make a list of things that you have to address in your speech. Think of ideas. Think of something that you're really passionate about and make it the focal point in your presentation.

Thank people who have influenced or inspired you throughout life to date, mention any accidents/accomplishments which helped shaped your passion. Then share with them how they might do likewise if given half as much consideration by their peers!

3. Draft an Outline Using an outline will help you organize your speech and present all of the information in a clear way. It's especially useful if it is only informal because then there isn't any pressure on what needs to be said or remembered for the next time around!

The hamburger technique makes creating these outlines easy. Just put everything that goes into each section under its appropriate heading so they are easily accessible when needed later during preparation. Also, it helps creates a good flow of our speech.

4. Write an Introduction The introduction is the foundation of your speech. It needs to be interesting and informative so that people will continue listening until it's time for them to leave.

Write an interesting hook and then present your feelings about leaving the place or position. The four most important points that you should mention in your introduction are:

• Greet your audience
• Thank them for listening
• Share your resignation
• Express gratitude

5. Create a Strong Body The body of your speech is where you organize all relevant ideas, stories, and events to share with listeners. You should always keep it personal when giving a farewell address so that they are engaged in what you have to say by connecting emotionally while not repeating yourself or elaborating on other people's contributions too much!

Organization is a key to any good speech and making sure that everyone is equally involved will help keep everything organuzed.

6. Conclusion You may want to summarize your speech by expressing gratitude and wishing everyone good luck. You can also end with an inspirational quote that will stay with the audience in their journey ahead.

7. Editing and Proofreading Make sure your farewell speech sounds great by reading it aloud and looking for areas where you can improve. Ask yourself if the ideas flow better in some places than others, or is there word choice that makes them sound unnatural?

Try trimming down any sections that are too lengthy or off-topic so they only cover relevant information about what's happening now this will help keep people engaged!

Ideally, a person giving such an address shouldn't exceed five minutes because otherwise, attention may wander.

You should take a break after you finish your first draft, and then read your speech. Make sure to thank everyone who deserves thanks. Ask trusted friends for feedback on the speech and rehearse in front of them if possible!

Farewell Speech Examples

The following best farewell speeches will show you how to make your speech really special and unforgettable.

Farewell Speech For Boss

Farewell Speech For Teacher

Farewell Speech For Friends

Farewell Speech For Students

Farewell Speech for Colleagues

Farewell Speech Sample

With a perfect farewell speech, you can make sure that your leaving does not go unnoticed. A well-spoken word will leave behind an unforgettable memory of what made working at this company such fun!

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Giving a speech at your final meeting is an opportunity to say goodbye in style. Not only will it be difficult if you do not prepare, but people may also forget what made working with this company so enjoyable when they hear from someone else instead of themselves!

Looking for a qualified essay writer to help you with your speech? Look no further than SharkPapers.com , the leading provider of top-quality essay writers who are ready and waiting 24/7 to assist people around!

Hire a professional to write your farewell speech and you'll be able to say goodbye in style.

Education, Marketing

Donna writes on a broad range of topics, but she is mostly passionate about social issues, current events, and human-interest stories. She has received high praise for her writing from both colleagues and readers alike. Donna is known in her field for creating content that is not only professional but also captivating.

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Farewell Speech – How to Write and Deliver Farewell Speech

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A fare well speech is a way to say good bye to your colleagues, students, teachers before leaving an organization, school or a college. It is a way to show your respect and gratitude for your colleagues and friends before the final departure. A fare well speech is like a more sophisticated, formal and glorified version of ‘Good Bye’. It is a narration of experiences gained together, moments those were spent together or achievements made.

A fare well speech is usually given by the colleagues to a leaving or retiring employee or to the teachers, students leaving an institution. It may also be given by the colleagues, students to any leaving employee or student. It give the departing employee an opportunity to personally acknowledge and thanks his/her colleagues or the vice versa.

Farewell Speech

By going though this article you will be able to know about What is a Farewell, How to Write an Effective Fare Well speech, How to Start a Farewell Speech, How to be Prepared and have Much Confidence, Characteristics of a Gracious Farewell Speech, Types of Farewell Speeches and How to Start them.

What is a Farewell?

A farewell is an event organized to felicitate and honor a leaving colleague, student or teacher, to show him/her that how much they mattered in the organization and that they will be missed by all. It is an event which is equally important for the departing employee as well as for his/her colleagues who remained.

If you are an employee leaving an organization, or a student changing college or a teacher moving on to new phase of life, I have explained below how to write and effective and touching fare well speech for your colleagues and friends.

How to Write an Effective Farewell speech? (How to Start a Farewell Speech)

A fare well speech might be serving a variety of audiences like- colleagues, family, friends etc. You should be able to understand the need and sentiments of your audiences, which should form the basis of your speech. Either the speech is by a leaving person or for the leaving person; in both the cases it must have a definite structure and should convey a positive message. An effective fare well speech can be broken up in three parts- introduction, main body and conclusion. Below an explanation for how to write an effective farewell speech is given to help you prepare speech for your own fare well or the farewell of a dear friend, colleague, teacher or a co student. After going through the content you will be able to write an effective fare well speech and earn accolades by your colleagues and friends-

I – Introduction

The Introduction of a Fare Well speech can be divided into two parts as described below-

Part 1 (Greeting the Audience)

The introduction part of a farewell speech includes greeting the audiences and informing them about the occasion. The speaker should have knowledge of the audience that he is addressing, and must greet them accordingly. Common greetings include- Dear all, dear friends, respected ladies and gentlemen etc. The dignitaries or distinct individuals present should be greeted individually. Like- Respected Principal, Respected Vice President sir etc. The groups in the audience’s like- students, colleagues, friends and co workers should be greeted collectively, keeping in mind their sentiments. Some of the most common greeting methods of groups are- my dear/loving friends, dear/loving colleagues, dear co workers etc. The above rule remains the same irrespective of whether the speech is made by the leaving person or for the leaving person.

Part 2 (Informing about the occasion)

Post the greetings, the speaker should inform the audience about the purpose of the event i.e. why they have gathered. Informing the audience that Mr. Z (imaginary name) is leaving the organization and moving onto a new chapter of life, for a better future and we are gathered here to say a final good bye to him/her.

If the leaver himself is giving the speech then he must inform the audience about his decision to leave and though the decision is hard, he or she has to take it and should also convey his or her grief or sorrow of having to depart from the audience.

II Main Body of the Speech

This is indeed the most important part of any fare well speech. It is here that you deliver your message to the audience and share experiences. At this point we must decide whether the speech is by a leaver addressing his colleagues, or it is by one of his colleagues addressed to him. Below we will go through how to form an effective and impressive main body of the speech.

If the farewell speech has to be given by a leaver or his colleague, it must include the following in the same sequence-

1) True and Factual

Any speech for that matter is effective only when it sounds true, relevant and based on facts and real experiences.

2) Positivity

This is the most important trait of a farewell speech; it must reflect positivity.

3) How long have you/they been?

If you are the leaver than you must inform the audiences about how long have you been in the organization, and if you are giving speech for the leaver then tell the audience about his/her total tenure in the organization. Like- since 2015 etc.

4) Sharing Admirations and Achievements

An effective farewell speech must include achievements made by the leaver, in case if the speaker is one of his colleagues. In case the leaver himself is giving speech then he must admire his colleagues and the organization and thank them for the achievements he had made under their guidance and supervision.

5) Conveying the experiences

A leaver/colleague must convey to the audiences that his/her experience with the other colleagues/leaver had been wonderful and unforgettable, and he/she is going to cherish those memories for life.

6) Personal Experiences/Acknowledgements

The speaker may take the opportunity to share his/her personal experiences with a colleague or the leaver and how encouraging or supporting, they have been. Sharing such experiences is like publicly acknowledging them and thanking them for what they have done resulting in a more stronger and emotional bonding.

7) Add some humor

If you had some humorous experience of sorts during your office tenure or in college, you can take the opportunity to lighten up the mood. Either the leaver or his colleague could narrate such funny but real experiences, depending on who is giving the speech. A leaver can share his experience with anyone in the organization while a colleague must always share incidents those involve the leaver.

III Conclusion

The conclusion part of the speech should be brief and once again thank everyone present, for taking out their precious time for the occasion. This part must express gratitude to the colleagues those the leaver is going to depart from, or to the leaver who is leaving the organization. In both the cases it must convey that the loss is regretted but the memories will be cherished for life.

How to be Prepared and have Much Confidence?

The following points must be stressed upon in order to prepare oneself for a farewell speech. They include some effective ways to deliver your prepared farewell speech. After going through it you will know how to prepare for an effective Fare well speech as well as how to have much confidence-

• Know the event well in advance.
• Know and understand the audiences.
• Know the purpose of the event.
• Interact with colleagues, seniors to know more about the leaving person.
• Summarize his experiences, achievements and capacities.
• Prepare an effective fare well speech as explained above.
• Make the speech concise and compact by removing unnecessary sentences.
• Rehearse the speech in a loud voice, better if in front of a mirror.
• Rehearse using appropriate gestures as you would do in actual speech.
• Ask your parents or friends to be the audience and rehearse in front of them.
• Ask them to give feedback and improve your weak points.
• Arrive early to the event.
• Make yourself comfortable with the surroundings.
• Socialize and speak your heart out before the speech.
• Put more emphasis on your facial expressions i.e. smile only when it’s required.
• Feel confident or at least pretend to be confident even if you are nervous. Nobody can guess unless you show your nervousness.
• Make direct eye contact with your audience.
• Add some last moment incident or a joke if it fits well.
• Don’t fight your fear, just ignore it. Fighting is a waste of time.

If you are getting nervous then going through the following lines will sure boost up your confidence-

• Even experienced speakers get nervous at some point of time.
• They don’t know it, so don’t show it.
• Audience is listening to you, not judging you.

Nervousness has a habit of revealing itself through the following-

1) Through your eyes

Avoiding direct eye contact with the audiences shows that you are nervous. So, don’t hesitate to make direct eye contact.

2) Through facial gestures

Avoid unnecessary facial gestures, especially smiles. Smiling without reason is an indication of your nervousness. Smile only when necessary.

3) Through Unwanted Hand Gestures

Avoid unnecessary gestures and use only appropriate hand gestures.

Now that we know how to write an effective fare well speech and also how to deliver and develop confidence, below we will go through on how to start a fare well speech for different occasions.

Characteristics of a Gracious Farewell Speech

A gracious fare well speech must have following characteristics.

1) Based on truth

2) Positive and confident

3) Convey regards and thanks

4) Appreciations and achievements

5) A little humor

6) Underestimates no one

7) Rightly timed

8) Appropriate hand and facial gestures

9) Sharing good and happy experiences

10) Narrating qualities and achievements

11) Acknowledging friends and colleagues

12) Thanking the audience present

How to Start a Farewell Speech?

Good farewell speech is started by an introduction of yourself and greets your audience and tells them the objective of the event and the speech. The first greeting words of the speech are delivered showing respect and gratitude for the audiences present followed by an introduction of the event.

Types of Farewell Speeches and How to Start them

There may be various occasions like an employee leaving an organization, student leaving a college or a teacher leaving school, that call for a farewell speech. The format of beginning a fare well speech remains unchanged either the speech is delivered by the leaver or it is delivered for the leaver. In both the cases the fare well speech is basically a thanks giving speech.

1) For a Leaving Employee

By the leaving employee himself

A leaving employee of an organization has to address his colleagues, subordinates, friends and seniors in a fare well speech. Therefore he/she has to greet everyone in the speech’s introductory paragraph. The various ways of greetings that could be made on this occasion are give below-

• My dear colleagues and Respected Seniors, a warm welcome to you all.
• My dear friends, colleagues and respected seniors, you are most welcome to this occasion.
• My dear friends, colleagues, Respected Seniors and all the management team, accept my greetings.
• Good evening ladies and gentlemen.

In a formal fare well speech even the subordinates are referred to as ‘Dear colleagues’ or ‘dear friends’ to show one’s gratitude and respect towards them. Even the person from higher managerial level is supposed to use ‘dear friends’, ‘dear colleagues’ , for his subordinates in a fair well speech.

By the Colleagues

If you are giving a farewell speech for one of your colleagues, seniors of other employees, you can start your fare well speech in the way as described below-

• Respected Seniors, my dear colleagues and friends, we are here to say good bye to dear Mr. X (imaginary name)
• Respected ladies and gentlemen as we all know that we have gathered today, for the farewell of dear Mr. Y, who is leaving us for his new endeavors.

In the same manner there could be another generous formation to begin the speech.

2) For a Student

By the Student himself

Any student leaving a school or moving out of a college has to address his friends, juniors, teachers, principal, dean and the office staff or the management staff. In the introduction of his fare well speech a student must address all those mentioned above and show his gratitude towards them. The various ways in which they could be greeted is given below-

• Respected Principal Sir and teachers, my dear friends, loving juniors and all the office staff, I take the opportunity to thank.
• Respected Dean Sir, Principal Sir, Respected teacher, dear friends, loving juniors and the office staff, accept my hearty greetings on the occasion.

Kindly note in the introduction of a fare well speech given by a leaving student, it’s ok to refer to your juniors as ‘dear juniors’ also they can be referred to as ‘dear friend’ depending on the discretion of the speaker.

By his/her Co-Students or Teachers

Students or teachers giving farewell speech for a leaving departing student may begin the speech as below-

• My dear friends and respected teachers, we all have gathered here to say good bye to my dear friend and an ideal student , Mr. Punit (imaginary name)
• Respected Principal Sir and my dear friends we all gathered here for the farewell of one of my favorite students, Mr. Punit (imaginary name)

3) For a Teacher

By The Leaving Teacher himself

A teacher’s introductory fare well speech must compliment his colleagues, principal students and other staff. The basic starting format for a departing teacher is as given below-

• Respected Principal Sir, my dear colleagues, loving students and all the office staff.
• Respected Dean Sir, Principal Sir, my dear colleagues and all the office staff, I take this opportunity to thank you all.

The greeting should be followed by the phrases like-

• Kindly accept my greetings.
• I welcome you all on this occasion.
• It’s an honor to speak about my experiences.
• I would like to thank you all for your cooperation and encouragement.
• Thank you for providing this opportunity to share my experiences and show my love and respect.

You may choose your own introductory sentences depending on the occasion, using your own discretion.

By his Colleagues and Students

Students or teachers giving farewell speech for a leaving teacher, may begin the speech as below-

• My dear friends and respected teachers, we all have gathered here to say good bye to one of my favorite teachers , Mr. Punit (imaginary name)
• Respected Principal Sir and my dear students, we all gathered here for the farewell of one of my favorite colleagues and a great teacher, Mr. Punit (imaginary name)

At the end of this article you are ready to write an effective farewell speech and deliver it with confidence to earn appreciation from your colleagues, friends, seniors, teachers etc.

A farewell speech has to ignite the sorrow of separation along with the joy of being together. It should share the experiences, the fun and the achievements, made together. A good speech makes the event memorable for the audience, the speaker and also the leaver, for whom the speech is being delivered. I hope that after going through the article you would be able to write, practice and deliver an effective Farewell speech.

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Farewell Messages For Your Coworkers: 55 Heartfelt Goodbye Notes You Can Consider

Team advantageclub.ai.

• August 23, 2024

The Art of Crafting a Digital Farewell Message

Striking the Right Tone When crafting your digital goodbye message, aim for a balance of gratitude, positivity, and professionalism. This will ensure that your message is both sincere and appropriate for the workplace.

The Significance of Personalizing Your Message Tailoring your farewell message to the individual or group you are addressing can make it more meaningful and memorable. Mention specific shared experiences, inside jokes, or unique qualities to demonstrate your appreciation for the time you’ve spent together.

Advice on What to Avoid in Your farewell Message To ensure that your digital farewell message is well-received, steer clear of negativity, gossip, or inappropriate humor. These elements can undermine the sincerity of your message and potentially damage your professional reputation.

Farewell Messages For Coworkers

Leaving for a new job opportunity.

1. Dear [Coworker], your contributions have been invaluable. We’ll miss your expertise and dedication. I am wishing you great success in your new venture.

2. Dear [Coworker], your departure is bittersweet. We’ll miss you, but we’re excited for your new opportunity. Here’s wishing you all the best.

3. [Coworker], your professionalism and commitment have been inspiring. We’ll miss you greatly. I wish you continued success and happiness.

4. Dear [Coworker], your impact on our team has been significant. We’ll miss your insights and positive attitude. I wish you a prosperous future in your new role.

5. Hey [Coworker], it’s been a blast! You’re going to rock your new job. Keep in touch, and let’s grab coffee sometime.

6. [Coworker], it’s so weird to say goodbye! You’ve been amazing to work with. I can’t wait to see you shine in your new role.

7. Hey [Coworker], it’s sad to see you go, but I’m so happy for you! You deserve this new opportunity. Stay in touch, okay?

8. [Coworker], we’re not sure who’ll eat all the donuts or tell super funny jokes now. Good luck with your new job; we’ll miss you!

9. We’re losing our office superhero! [Coworker], we’ll miss you dearly. Knock them dead at your new job!

10. [Coworker], we tried to convince the boss to let you stay, but no luck—a good thing at your new job. We’ll be here, missing you.

Retiring From The Workplace

1.Dear [Coworker], your years of service have been invaluable. We’ll miss your wisdom and dedication. I hope you have a retirement filled with happiness, good health, and fulfillment.

2. Dear [Coworker], your retirement is well-deserved. We’ll miss your guidance and expertise. I wish you all the best in this new chapter of your life.

3. [Coworker], your contributions to our team have been immeasurable. We’ll miss you dearly. I hope you have a joyous and relaxing retirement.

4. Dear [Coworker], your impact on our team and organization has been profound. We’ll miss your presence and professionalism. Here’s wishing you a wonderful and fulfilling retirement.

5. Hey [Coworker], it’s time to say goodbye. We’ll miss you so much! Enjoy your retirement – you’ve earned it.

6. [Coworker], it’s so weird to say goodbye after all these years. You’ve been an amazing coworker and friend. Enjoy your retirement to the fullest!

7. Hey [Coworker], it’s sad to see you go, but I’m so happy for you! You deserve this retirement. Stay in touch, and let’s catch up soon.

8. [Coworker], we’re not sure who’ll tell us stories about “the good old days” now. Have a fantastic retirement, and try not to miss us too much!

9. We’re losing our office [grandparent/historian/walking encyclopedia]! [Coworker], have a great retirement, and don’t forget to visit us.

10. [Coworker], we tried to convince the boss to let you stay, but no luck. I guess it’s time for endless vacations and hobbies. Have a blast in retirement!

Relocating to a New City or Country

1. Dear [Coworker], it’s been a pleasure working with you. We’ll miss your contributions and dedication. Wishing you a seamless transition and continued success as you settle into your new city.

2. Dear [Coworker], your presence will be greatly missed. We’re confident you’ll succeed in your new surroundings. I wish you happiness and prosperity.

3. [Coworker], your professionalism and commitment have been inspiring. We’ll miss you greatly. I hope you have a successful and enriching experience in your new home.

4. Dear [Coworker], your impact on our team has been significant. We’ll miss your insights and positive attitude. Wishing you a wonderful journey and a bright future in your new city.

5. Hey [Coworker], we’re sad to see you go but so excited for your new experience! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Keep in touch!

6. [Coworker], it’s so weird to say goodbye! You’ve been a fantastic coworker and friend. I can’t wait to visit you in your new city!

7. Hey [Coworker], it’s sad to see you go, but I’m so happy for you! You deserve this new adventure. Stay in touch and send pics!

8. [Coworker], we’re not sure who our local food expert and resident weather forecaster will be now. Good luck in your new city – don’t forget us!

9. We’re losing our [office translator/cultural ambassador/global expert]! [Coworker], we’ll miss you dearly. Have an amazing time in your new country!

10. [Coworker], we tried to convince the boss to let you stay, but no luck. I guess we’ll have to plan a trip to your new city. Good luck, and see you soon!

Taking a Career Break or Sabbatical

1. Dear [Coworker], we’ll miss your valuable contributions during your sabbatical. We hope this time brings you rejuvenation and growth. I wish you all the best.

2. Dear [Coworker], as you embark on your career break, we wish you a fulfilling and enriching experience. I look forward to your return.

3. [Coworker], your presence will be missed during your absence. We hope this time allows you to pursue your passions and achieve personal growth. Safe travels.

4. Dear [Coworker], we appreciate your dedication and hard work. We hope your sabbatical is filled with relaxation and inspiration. Wishing you a safe and memorable journey.

5. Hey [Coworker], I can’t believe you’re taking a break! Have an amazing time, and come back with incredible stories to share.

6. [Coworker], it’s weird to say goodbye for now, but I’m so excited for you! Make the most of your time off and take care of yourself.

7. Hey [Coworker], it’s not farewell, it’s see you later! Have a fantastic time on your career break, and we’ll be here when you’re back.

8. [Coworker], we’re jealous you’re escaping the office chaos! Enjoy your sabbatical, and don’t forget us when you’re living your best life.

9. We’re hiring someone to do your job while you’re gone, [Coworker]. We hope they’re half as awesome as you. Enjoy your well-deserved sabbatical!

10. [Coworker], we’ll miss your [terrible coffee/loud laughter/questionable desk decorations]. Enjoy your time off, and we’ll try not to fall apart without you.

Internship Completion

1. Dear [Intern], your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated. We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

2. [Intern], your contributions to our team have been invaluable. We’re confident you’ll excel in your future pursuits. I wish you all the best.

3. Hey [Intern], it’s been awesome having you here! You’ve got a bright future ahead. Keep in touch, and good luck!

4. [Intern], you’ve been an amazing addition to our team! We’ll miss you, but we’re excited to see what’s next for you. Good luck!

5. Hey [Freelancer], it’s been great working with you! Keep up the fantastic work, and let’s stay in touch for future collaborations.

6. [Intern], we’re sad to see you go, but at least now we can stop pretending to know what you’re talking about. Best of luck!

Freelancer Completion

1. [Freelancer], thank you for your exceptional work and dedication. We appreciate your contributions and wish you success in your future endeavors.

2. Dear [Freelancer], your professionalism and expertise have been invaluable. We’re grateful for your hard work and wish you all the best in your future projects.

3. [Freelancer], it’s been a pleasure having you on our team! You’ve made a real impact, and we hope to work together again soon.

4. [Freelancer], we’ll miss your late-night emails and quirky ideas! Good luck with your next project, and don’t forget us when you’re famous!

1. Dear [Superior], it’s been an honor to work under your guidance. Your leadership has been invaluable. I wish you continued success and growth.

2. Dear [Superior], your wisdom and support have been instrumental in my professional development. I’m grateful for your mentorship and wish you all the best.

3. Dear [Superior], your exceptional leadership has been a driving force behind our team’s success. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Wishing you great achievements in your future endeavors.

1. Hey [Superior], it’s been a fantastic journey with you as our captain. You’ve been amazing! Wishing you all the best for the future.

2. [Superior], you’ve been the best boss ever! I’ll miss our chats and your guidance. Keep shining and stay in touch, okay?

The Power of a Virtual Farewell Event

Organizing a Virtual Farewell Event Plan a date and time that works for most attendees, and choose a reliable video conferencing platform. Send out invitations with the necessary details, and encourage everyone to prepare a few words, anecdotes, or well-wishes for the colleague who is leaving.

Making the Event Engaging and Memorable Incorporate elements such as virtual games, group video messages, or themed dress codes to make the event fun and interactive. Encourage attendees to share stories and experiences. Consider producing a digital scrapbook or photo album as a memento for the departing colleague.

Keeping in Touch After the Farewell Maintaining professional connections and friendships with former coworkers can be mutually beneficial and personally fulfilling. To stay in touch digitally, consider the following recommendations.

The Value of Maintaining Connections

We are a team of content and feature writers with an expertise in the subject of employee engagement and Rewards & Recognition strategy within corporate. Our team comprises of creative writers and subject matter experts who love de-constructing various facets of employee engagement and recognition.

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8 Farewell Party Invitation Designs and Tips for a Great Send-off

Saying goodbye is bittersweet, but having a party to send someone off on new adventures can help make the moment more joyful. A farewell party is a great way to show someone how much you’ll miss them and how excited you are for what lies ahead. Plus, it’s the perfect way to get everyone together one last time before they leave. 

Here, we’ll show you how to create farewell party invitations . You’ll learn about important information to include and find design and wording examples to make writing them easier. Plus, we’ll give you tips to make the invitations memorable and offer ways to incorporate the guest of honor’s personality and the event’s theme.

How to Write a Farewell Party Invitation

Whether you’re planning a farewell party for a close friend or a coworker, there are a few things you need to include. First and foremost, you’ll want to add the honoree’s name. If this is a formal farewell celebration , you should use the full name and title of the honoree. This is especially important if you’re planning a send-off for an executive colleague or someone who’s retiring after a long and storied career.

If you’re planning a more casual event, you can use first names or a nickname if you’d like. Just keep in mind that some people on the guest list may not know the nickname you’ve chosen. Before writing the invite, consider how your colleague or friend is addressed, and use that name in your more casual invitation.

You’ll also want to include a mention of the purpose of the event. Farewell parties are common for celebrating graduates, people retiring, and those who are moving away . A quick mention of the reason for the special event lets guests know what’s happening and gives them time to browse farewell gift ideas as well.

Be sure to include key event details like the day, time, and location of the event in your farewell party invitation card . Let guests know if they’re expected to bring anything with them (like a gift or a dish to share if it’s a potluck party ).

Tips for Making Your Farewell Invite Memorable

Want to make your invitation stand out? Think about the honoree and what makes them special. Maybe they have a great sense of humor or perhaps they love a particular thing that can serve as the event theme. 

For example, if you’re planning a graduation party, you could create a sports-themed farewell party if the honoree is going off to college to play a sport. Alternatively, if the honoree is heading out on a big trip, you can lean into a world- or travel-themed party and invite.

When choosing a farewell party invitation template look for elements that reflect the person’s unique story and why they’re leaving — or where they’re going. Design icons like paper planes and hot air balloons are the perfect whimsical elements for celebrating someone who’s taking a big trip, like studying abroad or moving to a new country.

Confetti , polka dots, and balloons reflect the joyful nature of the new adventure. Other elements like graduation caps and ties pay homage to the achievements the honoree has accrued. Glitter and champagne glasses are other great designs that help elevate your farewell invite and add joyful tones.

Farewell Party Invitation Inspiration

Ready to pick out the perfect farewell party invitation ? We’ve put together this list of some of our favorite farewell invitations that you can use for retiring colleagues, grads , and people who are moving on to the next adventure.

1. Final Farewell Invitation

Design: Shari Margolin Design

This minimalist invitation card is perfect for a formal farewell party to say goodbye to an esteemed colleague. It features a simple background with gold foil font and a matching gold foil envelope. A geometric pattern adds a hint of color but keeps the overall refined look.

2. Farewell Amigo Invitation

Design: PrettyMeJoy

For something more casual and laid back, this joyful invite features a watercolor frame and festive font to say farewell. The large white text space leaves room for the event details, including RSVP information. Use it as a going away party invitation for high school graduates or a party for a friend who’s moving to another city.

3. Friendly Send Off Invitation

Make your farewell invite memorable with this customizable design . It comes in three color schemes, and you can personalize the elements to show where the person is moving from and to. Modern typography completes the look and makes it perfect as a surprise party invitation or graduation party invitation .

4. Bonne Journée Invitation

Design: Claudia Owen

Use this travel-themed invite to bid adieu to a friend or family member who’s setting out on a new adventure. Featuring a frame that pays tribute to airmail envelopes, it’s a great way to say congrats and bon voyage to a special someone. Pair it with party decorations that match the location where the honoree is moving for a cohesive party theme.

5. Farewell Friend Invitation

Plan a formal farewell party with this simple design . Choose from three artist-curated color schemes or DIY your own with the easy-to-use color wheel. A glitter-accented envelope adds a hint of sophistication, while the bold font makes this invite suitable for fancy and laid-back celebrations.

6. Say Goodbye to the Tie

Design: Patrice Horvath Design

If you have a colleague who’s saying farewell to work life, use this retirement party invitation to ask guests to attend a special celebration. It’s fun and festive, making it ideal for a dinner invitation or a BBQ gathering for the honoree.

7. Champagne and Confetti Invitation

Design: Elizabeth Silver

Time stops for no one, but it brings many new adventures along the way! Celebrate a storied career with and the start of a new chapter with this fabulous invitation . Glittering confetti rains down on a champagne glass filled with a gold, sparkling liquid. It’s ideal for a colleague who’s fab and fun and can’t wait to celebrate at his or her retirement party .

8. Modern Cheer Invitation

Design: Signature Greenvelope

Want a design that does it all? This modern invite features a minimalist design with festive elements that make it suitable for any type of farewell party. It’s adorned with the word “Cheers” in gold foil font and has a watercolor header in four different design hues. The glitter envelope adds a hint of pizzazz, and the invite can be used for retirements, graduations, and other send-offs .

Find the Perfect Farewell Party Invitation  

With these tips, you’re sure to create a memorable farewell party invitation and celebration that honors the special someone. From choosing the perfect design to including the right details and personalizing it, you’ll put together a farewell party invite that has guests saying yes on the RSVP .

Ready to pick out your farewell invite? Greenvelope offers a large selection of digital invitations , including designs for farewell parties. Whether you’re looking for one to honor a graduate, a retiring colleague, or a friend moving to a new spot there’s a design for you. Plus, each one is customizable, so you can make it as unique as the honoree.

Be sure to browse our Stationers blog for more ideas on how to pull off the perfect farewell party. You’ll find farewell party ideas, tips for planning retirement celebrations, and wording advice for sending the honoree off in style.

Democratic convention as it happened: 'Let's write the next great chapter' - Harris attacks Trump as she sells her vision of America

Kamala Harris delivered a keynote speech to the Democratic National Convention as she formally accepted her party's nomination, trying to put clear water between herself and Donald Trump. Follow below to see how the night unfolded.

Friday 23 August 2024 09:45, UK

• Kamala Harris

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• What happened at the Democratic National Convention finale
• Harris sells 'next great chapter' - and warns against Trump 'without guardrails '
• Martha Kelner analysis:  Five key takeaways from Harris's historic speech
• Trump takes aim at 'Comrade Kamala' as she delivers keynote speech
• 'Kamala has been black a lot longer than Trump's been a Republican'
• Trump 'too busy sucking up to dictators', says senator 
• Reporting by  Jess Sharp  

Over the last four days, we've heard Democrats, celebrities and Republicans take the DNC stage to urge voters to pick Kamala Harris as their next president - and warn of the consequences a second Donald Trump term could have. 

On the final night of the convention, we've been bringing you all the latest updates, which you can read by scrolling through this blog.

If you'd prefer a quick recap, here are the key moments you might have missed...

'Let's write the next great chapter' - Harris attacks Trump as she sells vision of future America

Crowds filled the United Center in Chicago to hear from Kamala Harris as she formally accepted her party's nomination and set out her plans for America's future. 

She used to her speech to tell American's that they have a chance to chart a "new way forward" in November. 

"With this election, our nation has a precious, fleeting opportunity to move past the bitterness, cynicism, and divisive battles of the past," she said in a 40-minute speech.

She closed the convention by summoning voters to reject political divisions and warning of consequences posed by a win for Mr Trump. 

"I know there are people of various political views watching tonight and I want you to know I promise to be a president for all Americans," she said.

"I promise to be a president for all Americans to hold sacred America's constitutional principles, fundamental principles, from the rule of law and fair elections to the peaceful transfer of power."

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She attacked Mr Trump, calling him an "unserious man".

"The consequences of putting Donald Trump back in the White House are extremely serious," she warned. 

"This election is not only the most important of our lives. It is one of the most important in the life of our nation.

Describing America as "the greatest democracy in the history of the world", Ms Harris rounded off her speech by calling on voters to "fight for the ideals we cherish".

"It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done," she said. "Guided by optimism and faith, to fight for this country we love.

"Let's get out there, let's fight for it, let's get out there, let's vote for it, and together let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told."

You can read the five key takeaways from her speech in the post below... 

Trump is 'too weak to accept defeat'

She wasn't the only one to speak, though. We also heard from Senator Elizabeth Warren, former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. 

Ms Warren used her speech to call Mr Trump a "felon" and warn voters that he couldn't be trusted. 

"Trust Donald Trump and JD Vance to look out for your family? I wouldn't trust them to move my couch," she said. 

In a similar feeling, Mr Kinzinger called Mr Trump "too weak to accept defeat". 

He said he was speaking at the Democratic convention because "we must put country first" and called on other Republicans to vote for Ms Harris.

"Harris shares my allegiance to the rule of law, the Constitution, and democracy," he said.

As Ms Whitmer took the stage, she introduced as "Big Gretch" before urging people to back "badass" Harris. 

She also took aim at Mr Trump, saying: "You think he's ever had to take items out of the cart before checking out? Hell, you think he's ever been to a grocery store?"

Speculation about an appearance by Beyonce or Taylor Swift proved unfounded, but celebrity performances came from Pink and The Chicks, while actress Eva Longoria kicked off the final part of the evening.

By Martha Kelner , US correspondent

Well, the 2024 Democratic National Convention has come to an end, with Kamala Harris shutting down the show with a keynote speech that set out her vision for America. 

Here are five key takeaways from her address:

1) History maker 

This was the night that Kamala Harris made history as the first woman of colour from either party to become a presidential nominee.

Many of the delegates wore white in honour of the suffragette movement on the night the woman who could become America's first female president spoke.

But Ms Harris didn't wear white, perhaps because she doesn't want to dwell on the history-making nature of her candidacy.

But it is worth pausing to recall that three of the key speeches of the convention came from black women - Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama and now Ms Harris. 

"Kamala Harris for the People" was the campaign slogan for her ultimately unsuccessful 2020 presidential bid, and she repeated it again tonight.

Ms Harris says she is the candidate of unity, focusing on the idea that she is fighting for the ordinary person - talking about her working class roots and working at McDonald's - while framing Donald Trump as an elite whose economic policy is designed to look after his billionaire mates. 

3) Personal story

Even though she has been in the White House for four years, in vast parts of the United States people are not intimately familiar with her story.

Her speech began by recapping the journey her mother Shyamala took from India to California aged 19, before meeting her Jamaican father. 

She spoke about their struggles to afford a house in the San Francisco Bay Area, and how her passion to become a prosecutor was fired up by witnessing injustice in her own life. 

4) How she plans to bring the fight to Trump

The campaign theme of belittling Mr Trump continued.

Ms Harris's running mate Tim Walz coined the phrase "weird" to describe the former president and his running mate JD Vance. 

In her speech, Ms Harris described Mr Trump as an "unserious" man, although she did go on to give grave warnings about what a second Trump presidency would mean.

"Consider his explicit intent to set free violent extremists," she said. 

"His explicit intent to jail journalists, political opponents, and anyone he sees as the enemy."

5) Policy 

The Harris campaign has been derided for being heavy on the vibes and light on the policy detail.

While we didn't hear a lot new in terms of explicit policy detail in this speech, she gave a window into what a Harris presidency would look like.

There were sections in her speech on housing, reproductive rights and on Israel and Gaza.

Wavering voters now have more of an idea of what kind of president she would be.

Kamala Harris has said she is feeling "great" after delivering one of the biggest speeches of her life at the Democratic convention. 

Speaking to our US partner network NBC News, she said she was now looking ahead to the next stage of her campaign.

"I feel good," she said. "Now on to tomorrow."

Asked about the speech, she said: "It felt great. It felt good."

"We've got 75 days to go, so maybe for better and for worse, that's the way I am. Like, that was good, now we gotta move on," she added. 

To end the Democratic National Convention and celebrate Kamala Harris, 100,000 balloons were dropped inside the United Centre. 

All the balloons were blown up by 75 dedicated volunteers, 30 skilled staff members and a dozen or so stagehands.

A convention official noted that a special process developed to inflate so many balloons in 1988 and that all the balloons are inflated at the convention centre.

Here are some photos of the moment they filled the DNC...

While Kamala Harris was delivering her keynote speech and setting out her vision for America, Donald Trump was posting on Truth Social. 

The former president had vowed to give a "live play-by-play" of his rival's address, and has hurled out several insults in the process. 

He claims Ms Harris has spent her time as vice president to Joe Biden doing "nothing but harm" as she told the DNC that it was time to "chart a new way forward". 

As she started talking about the plans for the border, Mr Trump said: "The border bill is one of the worst ever written, would have allowed millions of people into our country, and it's only a political ploy by her.

"It legalises illegal immigration and is a total disaster, weak and ineffective." 

Ms Harris said she would bring back the bipartisan border security bill that was "killed" by Mr Trump and she would sign it into law.

"I know we can live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system," she added.

Mr Trump told his followers she did not mention China, fracking, the war in Ukraine or energy in her speech - but this isn't entirely true. 

"She didn't mention the big subjects of the day, that are destroying our country," he said. 

"There will be no future under Comrade Kamala Harris, because she will take us into a nuclear World War Three. She will never be respected by the tyrants of the world," he added. 

Ms Harris did mention China, in passing, saying: "I will make sure that we lead the world into the future on space and artificial intelligence, that America, not China, wins the competition for the 21st century." 

She also spoke about the war in Ukraine, saying she would "stand strong with Ukraine" and the NATO military alliance. 

Fracking or any specific ideas on energy were not mentioned. 

After finishing her speech to the Democratic National Convention, Kamala Harris is joined on stage by her husband, Doug Emhoff. 

He is closely followed by vice presidential nominee, Minnesota governor Tim Walz and his wife Gwen. 

All four of them held hands and raised their arms in the air. 

Kamala Harris has arrived on the Democratic National Convention stage to formally accept her party's nomination. 

The Democrats' presidential candidate walks out to her campaign track, Freedom by Beyonce, as the crowd gives her a standing ovation. 

She attempts to quieten the crowds. "We've got to get to some business," she says, but the cheers continue. 

Biden's 'character is inspiring'

Ms Harris, who currently serves as the vice president, starts by thanking Joe Biden, saying he has an "extraordinary" history. 

"Your character is inspiring," she adds. "When I think about the path that we have travelled together, Joe, I am filled with gratitude." 

She also mentions her running mate Tim Walz, saying he is going to be an "incredible vice president". 

'My mother taught me never to complain about injustice - but to do something about it'

Reflecting on her background, she says her mother was 19 years old when she travelled from India to California with a dream of curing breast cancer.

"My early memories of our parents together are very joyful ones," she says. 

"At the park, my mother would say 'stay close' but my father would say as he smiled 'run Kamala run, don't be afraid, don't let anything stop you'," she adds. 

Talking about her parents' eventual divorce, she says her mother worked long hours and "leaned on a trusted circle" to help raise her and her sister Maya.

She says it was her family who instilled in her the values of community, faith and treating others how she would like to be treated.

She says her mother taught her to "never complain about injustice, but to do something about it". 

"She also taught us never to do anything half-assed," she adds, laughing as she tells the crowd: "That's an exact quote". 

'I became a prosecutor to protect people like Wanda'

She moves on to her career next, explaining she was inspired to become a prosecutor after her friend, Wanda, confided in her that she was being sexually abused.

"This is one of the reasons I became a prosecutor. To protect people like Wanda," Ms Harris says. 

"I believe everyone has the right to safety, to dignity and to justice." 

She adds that throughout her career she has "only had one client - the people". 

Harris vows to be a 'president for all Americans'

"On behalf of everyone whose story could only be written in the greatest nation on Earth, I accept your nomination to be president of the United States of America," she says, sending the crowd into a frenzy of chanting and cheering. 

Ms Harris tells the audience the US has a "precious, fleeting opportunity" to "chart a new way forward". 

"I promise to be a president for all Americans. You can always trust me to put country above party and self," she declares. 

"I will be a president who unites us around our highest aspirations. A president who leads and listens, who is realistic, practical and has common sense and always fights for the American people.

"From the courthouse, to the White House, that has been my life's work." 

'A fight for America's future'

As she continues to set out her vision for the US, she says the country is in a fight for its future right now.

"We were underestimated at every turn, but we never gave up because the future is always worth fighting for," Ms Harris says. 

"And that's the fight we are in right now. A fight for America's future." 

She adds that the November election is "one of the most important in the life of our nation". 

Trump is an 'unserious man' - but his return could have 'extremely serious' consequences 

Taking aim at Donald Trump, she warns that despite him being an "unserious man", his return to the White House would lead to "extremely serious" consequences. 

Ms Harris asks the crowd to recall his last presidential term, telling them to "consider not only the chaos and calamity when he was in office, but also the gravity of what has happened since he lost the last election".

"Donald Trump tried to throw away your votes," she adds. 

"When he failed, he sent an armed mob to the United States Capitol, where they assaulted law enforcement officers." 

She mentions his recent fraud charges, which saw him become the first former US president to be criminally convicted, and says he has plans to "set free the violent extremists" involved in the January 6 attacks. 

"Consider the power he will have, especially after the United States Supreme Court just ruled he would be immune from criminal prosecution," Ms Harris says. 

"Just imagine Donald Trump with no guardrails." 

'America, we are not going back'

She adds that he will use his power to "serve the only client he has ever had - himself". 

She points to Project 2025 as an example of what a second Trump term will look like. 

The project has been billed as a policy "wish list" for the next Republican administration, and features plans to expand presidential powers and create an ultra-conservative US. 

"Written by his closest advisors, and its sum total is to pull our country back into the past. But America, we are not going back," she adds. 

What about her policies? 

So far, we haven't heard many policy ideas from Ms Harris, but she turns now to set out her plans to build a "strong middle class". 

She says she will create an "opportunity economy" where everyone has the "chance to compete and to succeed". 

"Building that middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency. This is personal for me. The middle class is where I come from," she says. 

She adds that she will create jobs , grow the economy , and lower the costs of "everyday needs" . 

She will also end America's housing shortage, protect affordable health care, and provide access to capital for small business owners . 

In comparison, Ms Harris says Mr Trump will fight "for himself and his billionaire friends". 

On reproductive rights , which has been a hot issue at this election, she says she will sign a bill into law to "restore reproductive freedom". 

On border controls , she says she will bring back the bipartisan border security bill that was "killed" by Mr Trump and she will sign it into law.

"I know we can live up to our proud heritage as a nation of immigrants and reform our broken immigration system," Ms Harris adds. 

Speaking about the war in Ukraine , she says Mr Trump "encouraged Putin to invade our allies" and "threatened to abandon NATO". 

She says she will "stand strong with Ukraine" and the military alliance. 

Keeping on the topic of conflict, Ms Harris also says she is "working around the clock" to get a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza . 

"I will always stand up for Israel's right to defend itself and I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself," she says. 

"At the same time, what has happened in Gaza over the past 10 months is devastating.

"So many innocent lives lost. Desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, over and over again. The scale of suffering is heart-breaking." 

'Let's write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told'

As she starts wrapping up her remarks, Ms Harris says she loves America with all her heart. 

"Everywhere I go, in everyone I meet, I see a nation ready to move forward," she tells the crowd.

"We are the heirs of the greatest democracy in the history of the world. 

"It is now our turn to do what generations before us have done."

She says people need to fight for the country they love, and uphold the "awesome responsibility" that comes with the "privilege and pride of being an American". 

"Let's get out there and let's vote for it, and together, let us write the next great chapter in the most extraordinary story ever told." 

It's not long now until we'll hear from Kamala Harris - but before we do, her sister comes to the DNC stage. 

Maya Harris says Americans are living in a time when "some are trying to divide us". 

"My sister rejects that view," she says. 

She says the presidential candidate knows "what it's like to be an underdog" and she has created "so much electricity, so much optimism and so much joy" across the nation. 

"Where others push darkness, Kamala sees promise. Where others feel detachment, Kamala fosters connection," she adds. 

"Where others want to drag us back to the past, my sister says, 'Hold up now. We are not going back.'"

Former Republican Representative Adam Kinzinger is addressing the DNC. 

He has chosen to endorse Kamala Harris and tells the convention he is "proud to be in the trenches" with them. 

"I want to let my fellow Republicans in on a secret - the Democrats are just as patriotic as us," he says. 

Taking a dig at Donald Trump, he describes him as a "weak man who is pretending to be strong". 

"He's a small man pretending to be big. He's a faithless man pretending to be righteous. He's a perpetrator who can't stop playing the victim," he adds. 

He says Mr Trump has "suffocated the soul" of the Republican Party. 

Mr Kinzinger was one of two Republicans who served on the select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots. 

He also voted for Mr Trump's impeachment over his role in the attack. 

Talking about the attack, he says Mr Trump's "deceit and dishonour" was the cause. 

"How can a party claim to be patriotic if it idolises a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election?" he asks.

Another person who was being considered as Kamala Harris's running mate was Gretchen Whitmer, and now the Michigan governor is delivering her DNC speech. 

She introduces herself, saying she is known as "Big Gretch" in Detroit and referred to as "that woman from Michigan" by Donald Trump. 

'Has Trump ever been to a grocery store?'

She explains how she was part of the "sandwich generation", working, caring for her newborn and looking after her mum who had been diagnosed with brain cancer.

"It was hard but it was not extraordinary. It's life," she says, adding that Kamala Harris also cared for her sick mother. 

"As president, she'll fight to lower the cost of health care and elder care for every family. She's lived a life like ours. She knows us."

Taking aim at Donald Trump, she tells the crowd that he doesn't know them at all. 

"You think he's ever had to take items out of the cart before checking out? Hell, you think he's ever been to a grocery store?" she asks.

Harris is a 'badass'

She says Ms Harris "sees us" and "gets us". 

"We don't know what the next four years will bring but what we do know is that through it all your life won't stop," she adds. 

"One day... something's hit the fan and you'll ask, is my family okay? And then you'll ask who the hell is in charge?

"What if it is him? What if it's that man from Mar-a-Lago?" she asks, referring to Mr Trump. 

Ms Whitmer then urges the crowd to vote for Ms Harris, saying she is "tough" and a "badass". 

"America, let's choose Kamala Harris," she concludes. 

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by President   Biden During Keynote Address at the Democratic National Committee Convention | Chicago,   IL

10:27 P.M. CDT

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.) 

Thank you.  (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)  Thank you.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  We love Joe!  We love Joe!  We love Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  We love Joe!  We love Joe!  We love Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) Thank you.  (Applause.) Thank you.  (Applause.) AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.  (Applause.)  And I love you!  (Applause.)  Thank you. AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  That was my daughter!  (Applause.) AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Well, thank you. AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, thank you, thank you.  (Applause.) Thank you.  Thank you for — (applause) — I tell you what — (applause) — To my dearest daughter, Ashley, God love you.  You’re incredible.  Thank you for that introduction and for being my courageous heart, along with Hunter and our entire family, and especially our rock, Jill — (applause) — who — as those of you who know us, she still leaves me both breathless and speechless.  (Laughter.)  Everybody knows her — I love her more than she loves me.  (Laughter.)  She walks down the stairs and I still get that going “boom, boom, boom.”  (Laughter.)  You all who know me know I’m not kidding. 

Let’s give a special round of applause to our first lady, Jill Biden.  (Applause.) My dad — my dad used to have an expression, for real.  He’d say, “Joey, family is the beginning, the middle, and the end.”  And I love you all.  (Applause.) Folks — and, America, I love you.  (Applause.)

Folks, let me ask you — AUDIENCE:  We love Joe!  We love Joe!  We love Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Let me ask you: Are you ready to vote for freedom?  (Applause.) Are you ready to vote for democracy and for America?  (Applause.) Let me ask you: Are you ready to elect Kamala Harris and Tim Walz president and vice president of the United States?  (Applause.)

My fellow Democrats, my fellow Americans, nearly four years ago in winter, on the steps of the Capitol on a cold January day, I raised my right hand, and I swore an oath to you and to God to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and to faithfully execute the office of the president of the United States.  (Applause.) 

In front of me — in front of me was a city surrounded by the National Guard.  Behind me, a Capitol that just two weeks before had been overrun by a violent mob.  But I knew then, from the bottom of my heart, as I do now: There is no place in America for political violence.  None.  (Applause.) 

You cannot say you love your country only when you win.  (Applause.) 

In that moment, I wasn’t looking to the past.  I was looking to the future.  I spoke to the work at hand, the moment we had to meet.  It was, as I told you then, a “winter of peril and possibility” — “of peril and possibility.”  We were in the grip of a once-in-a-century pandemic, historic joblessness, a call for racial justice long overdue — (applause) — clear and present threats to our very democracy. AUDIENCE:  We love Joe!  We love Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you. AUDIENCE:  We love Joe!  We love Joe!  We love Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  And yet — and yet I believed then and I believe now that progress was and is possible.  Justice is achievable.  And our best days are not behind us; they’re before us.  (Applause.) Now it’s summer.  The winter has passed.  And with a grateful heart, I stand before you now on this August night to report that democracy has prevailed.  (Applause.)  Democracy — democracy has delivered.  (Applause.)  And now democracy must be preserved.  (Applause.)

You’ve heard me say it before.  We’re facing an inflection point, one of those rare moments in history when the decisions we make now will determine the fate of our nation and the world for decades to come.  That’s not hyperbole.  I mean it literally.  We’re in a battle for the very soul of America. 

I ran for president in 2020 because of what I saw in Charlottesville in August of 2017: extremists coming out of the woods carrying torches, their veins bulging from their necks, carrying Nazi swastikas, and chanting the same exact antisemitic bile that was heard in Germany in the early ‘30s.  Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and the Kl Klux Klan so emboldened by a president then in the White House that they saw as an ally, they didn’t even bother to wear their hoods. 

Hate was on the march in America — old ghosts in new garments stirring up the oldest divisions, stoking the oldest fears, giving oxygen to the oldest forces that they long sought to tear apart America. 

In the process, a young woman was killed.  When I contacted her mother, I asked about what happened.  She told me.  When the president was asked what he thought had happened, Donald Trump said, and I quote, there were “very fine people on both sides.”  My God. AUDIENCE:  Booo — THE PRESIDENT:  That’s what he said.  That is what he said and what he meant.  That’s when I realized — had to listen to the admonition of my dead son — I could not stay on the sidelines.  (Applause.)  So, I ran.

Because I had no intention of running again.  I’d just lost part of my soul.  But I ran with a deep conviction in America I know and believe — in an America where honesty, dignity, decency still matter — (applause); an America where everyone has a fair shot and hate has no safe harbor — (applause); an America where the fundamental creed of this nation that all of us are created equal is still very much alive. 

And a broad coalition of Americans joined with me.  Eighty-one million voters voted for us — (applause) — more than any time in all of history.  Because of all of you in this room and others, we came together in 2020 to save democracy.  (Applause.)  As your president, I’ve been determined to keep America moving forward, not going back; to stand against hate and violence in all its forms; to be a nation where we not only live with the — and — but thrive on diversity; demonizing no one; leaving no one behind; and becoming the nation that we profess to be.  (Applause.)

I also ran to rebuild the backbone of America: the middle class.  (Applause.) 

I made a commitment to you that I’d be a president for all Americans, whether you voted for me or not.  We have done that.  Studies show the major bills we have passed actually delivered more to red states than blue.  (Applause.)  Because the job of the president is to deliver to all of America.  (Applause.) 

And because of you — and I’m not exaggerating — because of you, we’ve had one of the most extraordinary four years of progress ever.  Period.  (Applause.)  When I say “we,” I mean Kamala and me.  (Applause.)

Just think about it.  COVID no longer controls our lives.  (Applause.)  We’ve gone from economic crisis to the strongest economy in the entire world.  (Applause.)  A record 16 million new jobs.  (Applause.)  Record small-business growth.  Record high stock market.  Record high 401(k)s.  Wages up.  And inflation down — way down — and continuing to go down.  (Applause.)  The smallest racial wealth gap in 20 years.  (Applause.) 

And, yes, we both know we have more to do, but we’re moving in the right direction.  More Americans have peace of mind that comes from having health insurance.  More Americans have health insurance today than ever before in American history.  (Applause.)  And after — as a young senator beginning to fight — beginning to fight for 50 years to give Medicare the power to negotiate lower prescription drug prices, we finally beat Big Pharma.  (Applause.)

And guess who cast the tie-breaking vote?  Vice President and soon-to-be President Kamala Harris.  (Applause.)

And now it’s the law of the land.  Instead of paying $400 a month for insulin, seniors with diabetes will pay $35 a month.  (Applause.)  The law we passed already includes, starting in January, every senior’s total prescription costs can be capped at $2,000, no matter how expensive the drugs they have.  (Applause.)  And what we don’t focus on and our Republican friends don’t seem to understand: Our reforms don’t just save seniors money; they save the American taxpayers money.  (Applause.)  You know what we just passed saves?  It saved $160 billion over the next decade.  (Applause.)  That’s not hyperbole.  It’s because Medicare no longer has to pay those exorbitant prices to the Big Pharma. 

AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  But, look — look — AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Kamala, too. AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe! THE PRESIDENT:  Look — folks, how can we have the strongest economy in the world without the best infrastructure in the world?  (Applause.)  Donald Trump promised “infrastructure week” every week for four years, and he never built a damn thing.  (Applause.) 

But now, because of what Kamala and I have done — remember we were told we couldn’t get it done?  Remember when we came into office, we couldn’t get anything passed?  But right now, we’re giving America an infrastructure decade, not week.  (Applause.) We’re modernizing our roads, our bridges, our ports, our airports, our trains, our buses.  We’re removing every lead pipe from schools and homes so every child can drink clean water.  (Applause.)  We’re providing affordable high-speed Internet for every American, no matter where they live, unlike — not unlike what Roosevelt did with electricity — and so much more. 

We are uniting the country.  We’re growing our economy.  We’re improving our quality of life.  And we’re building a better America.  (Applause.)  Because that’s who we are. AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  How can we be the strongest nation in the world without leading the world in science and technology?  (Applause.) After years of importing 90 percent of our semiconductor chips from abroad, which America invented that — those chips, our CHIPS and Science Act meant that private companies from around the world are now investing literally tens of billions of dollars to build new chip factories right here in America.  (Applause.)  And over that period, they’ll create tens of thousands of jobs and many of those jobs in the so-called fabs they’re building to make the chips that are being constructed now.  And guess what?  The average salary in those fabs the size of a football field will be over $100,000 a year, and you don’t need a college degree.  (Applause.) 

Because of you and so many electeds out there, American manufacturing is back.  Where the hell does it say we wouldn’t lead the world in manufacturing?  Eight hundred thousand new manufacturing jobs.  (Applause.)

Our Republican friends and others made sure they’d go abroad to get the cheapest labor.  We used to import products and export jobs.  Now we export American products and create American jobs — (applause) — right here in America, where jobs belong.

With every new job, with every new factory, pride and hope is being brought back to communities throughout the country that were left behind.  You know.  You’re from them, many of you.  You know what it’s like when that factory closed where your mother, your father, your grandmother or grandfather worked.  And now you’re back, providing once again — proving that Wall Street didn’t build America; the middle class-built America, and unions — unions built the middle class.  (Applause.)

It’s been my view since I came to the Senate.  And that’s why I’m proud to have been the first president to walk a picket line — (applause) — and be labeled the most pro-union president in history, and I accept it.  (Applause.)  It’s a fact.  Because when unions do well, we all do well.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Union Joe!  Union Joe!  Union Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  You got it, man.  You got it.

THE PRESIDENT:  I agree.  I’m proud.

Look, remember we were told we couldn’t get anything done because this — the — we couldn’t get anything done in the Congress?  Well, with your support, we passed the most significant climate law in the history of mankind — (applause) — over $370 billion.  Cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030.  Launching a Climate Corps similar to AmeriCorps and Peace Corps, creating tens of thousands of jobs for young people of the future who are going to make sure this continues.  (Applause.)  Creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in clean energy for American workers, including the IBEW installing 500,000 — 500,000 charging stations all across America — (applause) — and, in the process, reducing carbon emissions. 

And we’re seeing it — we’re seeing to it that the first beneficiaries of environmental initiatives are those fence-line communities that have been smothered by the legacy of pollution — in Louisiana and Delaware, Route 9 — all the factories — all those chemical factories are right next to the poorest neighborhoods.  They’re the ones we’re going to bring back.  (Applause.)

And how — how can we be the greatest nation in the world without the best education system in the world?  (Applause.)

Donald Trump and the Republican friends, they not only can’t think; they can’t read very well.  (Laughter.)  Seriously, think about it.  Look at their Project 2025.

AUDIENCE:  Booo —

THE PRESIDENT:  They want to do away with the Department of Education.

Well, during the pandemic, Kamala and I helped states and cities get back — their schools back open and we gave public school teachers a raise.  (Applause.)  We created apprenticeships with businesses in the communities, putting students on a path to good-paying jobs whether or not they go to college.  (Applause.) 

And, by the way, we’re making college a hell of a lot more affordable — (applause) — increasing Pell Grants by $900; over $15 billion to HBCUs — (applause) — minority-serving insti- — including Hispanic institutions and Tribal colleges.  (Applause.)

We kept our commitment to provide more student relief than ever by lifting the burden of [and] helping millions of families so they could get married, start a family, buy a home, and begin to build family wealth and contribute to the community and grow our economy.  (Applause.)

It’s not costing us.  It’s creating more wealth.

We’ve fundamentally transfored how our — transformed how our economy grows: from the middle out and the bottom up instead of the top down.  (Applause.) 

You know, my dad used to say, “There wasn’t a whole hell of a lot that dropped down on my kitchen table at the end of the month.”  I come from a basic middle-class family — three-bedroom house, four kids, a grandpop living with us; decent neighborhood, but never a penny to spare.

And, look, that top-down notion never worked.  A lot of Democrats didn’t think it worked — thought — thought it worked, but it doesn’t.

And when we did all that, what we’ve done, everybody can do well — everybody.  (Applause.)

Donald Trump calls America a failing nation. 

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I’m seri- — thi- — but think about this.  Think about this.

He publicly says to the whole world — I’m going to say something outrageous.  I know more foreign leaders by their first names and know them well than anybody alive, just because I’m so damn old.  (Laughter and applause.)  But I’m not joking.

Think of the message he sends around the world when he talks about America being a failing nation.  He says we’re losing. 

He’s the loser.  He’s dead wrong.  (Applause.) 

Many of you are very successful people who travel the world.  Name me a country in the world that doesn’t think we’re the leading nation in the world.  Without America — not a joke.  Think about it.  I’m being literal.  Who could lead the world other than the United States of America?  (Applause.)

Well, guess what?  America is winning, and the world is better off for it.  (Applause.)  America is more prosperous. 

In America, they’re safer today than when we were under Donald Trump.  Trump continues to lie about crime in America, like everything else.

Guess what?  On his watch, the murder rate went up 30 percent — the biggest increase in history.

Meanwhile, we made the largest investment — Kamala and I — in public safety ever.  (Applause.)  Now the murder rate is falling faster than any time in history.  Violent crime has dropped to the lowest level in more than 50 years, and crime will keep coming down when we put a prosecutor in the Oval Office instead of a convicted felon.  (Applause.)

And, folks, the distinguished senator from — deceased senator from California and I passed the first ban on assault weapons.  (Applause.)  And guess what?  It worked.

If we care about public safety, we need to prevent gun violence.  (Applause.) 

And what makes me ashamed when I travel the world, which I do: More children in America are killed by a gunshot than any other cause in the United States.  More die from a bullet than cancer, accidents, or anything else in the United States of America.  My God. 

That’s why Kamala and I are proud.  We beat the NRA when we passed the first major bipartisan gun safety law in 30 years.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE:  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!  Thank you, Joe!

THE PRESIDENT:  I’m serious.  (Touches hand over his heart.)  And that comes from here.

And now it’s time to ban assault weapons again — (applause) — and demand universal background checks.  (Applause.)

It’s hard.  I never thought I’d stand before a crowd of Democrats and refer to a president as a liar so many times.  (Laughter.)  No, I’m not trying to be funny.  It’s sad.

Trump continues to lie about the border.  Here’s what he won’t tell you: Trump killed the strongest bipartisan border deal in the history of the United States —

THE PRESIDENT:  — that we negotiated with the Senate Republicans.  It took four mon- — four weeks. 

Once it passed and everybody acknowledged it was the most expansive border change in American history, he called senators to say, “Don’t support the bipartisan bill,” because he said it would help me politically and hurt him politically. 

My God.  No, I’m serious.  Think about it.  Not a joke.  Ask even the press who doesn’t like me; they’ll tell you that’s true.  (Laughter.)

Typically Trump — once again putting himself first and America last. 

Then I had to take executive action.  The result of the executive action I took: Border encounters have dropped over 50 percent.  In fact, there are fewer border crossings today than when Donald Trump left office.  (Applause.)

And unlike Trump, we will not demonize immigrants, saying they’re the — “poison the blood of America” — (applause) — “poison the blood of our country.” 

Kamala and I are committed to strengthening legal immigration, including protecting DREAMers and more.  (Applause.)

And here’s what else I believe in: protecting your freedom. 

Your freedom to vote.  (Applause.)

Your freedom to love who you love.  (Applause.)

And your freedom to choose.  (Applause.)

In its d- — in its decision overturning Roe v. Wade, as you heard earlier tonight, the United States Supreme Court majority wrote the following.  Quote, “Women are now without electrical — with no- — not allowed” — (inaudible) — “not without electoral — electoral” — (laughter) — “or political power.”  (Applause.)  No kidding. 

MAGA Republicans found out the power of women in 2022.  (Applause.)  And Donald Trump is going to find out the power of women in 2024.  Watch.  (Applause.) 

And where Trump and his MAGA Republican right-wingers seek to erase history, we Democrats continue to write history and make more history.  (Applause.)

I’m proud — I’m proud to have kept my commitment to appoint the first Black woman to the United States Supreme Court — (applause) — Ketanji Brown Jackson — (applause) — the symbol for every young woman in America that you can do anything.

I’m proud that I’ve kept my commitment to have an administration that looks like America — (applause) — and that taps in to the full talent of our nation; the most diverse Cabinet in history, including the first Black woman of South Asian descent to serve as vice president — (applause) — and who will soon serve as the 47th president of the United States.  (Applause.)

She is good.

Look —

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you, Kamala.

THE PRESIDENT:  Folks, I’ve long said we have many obligations as a nation.  But I got in trouble years ago for saying — and I make no apologies — we have only one truly sacred obligation: to prepare and equip those we send to war and care for them and their families when they come home and when they don’t.  (Applause.)

That’s why I’m so proud to have written and signed the PACT Act — (applause) — one of the most significant laws ever helping veterans and their families exposed to toxic materials, like burn pits and Agent Orange. 

I was around during the Vietnam war.  It’s hard when no one was able to prove that their illness was a consequence of Agent Orange.  And no one was able to prove initially that because they lived in burn pits, like my son n- — lived next to in Iraq for a year, that it was the cause of their illness.

But because of the PACT Act, a surviving spouse with two children is now eligible for a stipend of about $3,000 a month. (Applause.)  And those children who lost their — a parent are eligible for tuition benefits to go to college and to get job training.  (Applause.)

It’s already helping over 1 million veterans and their families just so far.  (Applause.)

AUDIENCE MEMBER:  (Inaudible.)

THE PRESIDENT:  Well, I love them.  And I’m — I’m so proud of my son’s service.  (Applause.)

We get it.  But guess who doesn’t get it and doesn’t respect our veterans? 

We know from his own chief of staff, a four-star general, John Kelley, that Trump, when in Europe, would not go to the gravesites — one of the — in France — the brave servicemembers who gave their lives to this country.  He called them “suckers” and “losers.” 

THE PRESIDENT:  Who in the hell does he think he is?  Who does he think he is? 

THE PRESIDENT:  There’s no words for a person — they are not the words of a person not worthy of being commander in chief, period.  Not then, not now, and not ever.  (Applause.) 

I mean that.  I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

Just as no commander in chief should ever bow down to a bic- — a dictator the way Trump bows down to Putin.  I never have, and, I promise you, Kamala Harris will never do it — will never bow down.  (Applause.)

When Trump left office, Europe and NATO was in tatters.  Not a joke.  “America First” doctrine changed our whole image in the world.

Well, I’ve spent — they gave the hours — about 190 hours sum total meeting with my counterparts or heads of state in Europe to strengthen NATO.  We did.  We united Europe like it hasn’t been united for years, adding Finland and Sweden to NATO.  (Applause.)

Ten days before he died, Henry Kissinger called and said not since — not since Napoleon has Europe not looked over their should at Russia with dread until now — until now.  (Applause.)

Well, guess what?  Putin thought he’d take Kyiv in three days.  Three years later, Ukraine is still free.  (Applause.)

When I came to office, the conventional wisdom was that China would inevitably surpass the United States.  If you haven’t noticed, no one is saying that now.  (Applause.)

And we’ll keep working to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza and bring peace and security to the Middle East. (Applause.) 

As you know, I wrote a peace treaty for Gaza.  A few days ago, I put forward a proposal that has brought us closer to doing that than we’ve done since October 7th.  We’re working around the clock — my secretary of state — to prevent a wider war and reunite hostages with their families and surge humanitarian health and food assistance into Gaza now — (applause) — to end the civilian suffering of the Palestinian people and finally, finally, finally deliver a ceasefire and end this war.  (Applause.)

Those pro- — those protesters out in the street, they have a point.  A lot of innocent people are being killed on both sides.  (Applause.)

Just as we worked around the clock to bring home wrongfully detained Americans and others from Russia in one of the most complicated swaps in history — but they’re home — (applause) — Kamala and I are going to keep working to bring all Americans wrongfully detained around the world home.  (Applause.)  I mean it.

Folks, I’ve got five months left in my presidency, and I’ve got a lot to do.  (Applause.)  I intend to get it done.  (Applause.)

It’s the — it’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your president.  I love the job, but I love my country more.  (Applause.)  I love my country more.

And all this talk about how I’m angry at all those people who said I should step down, it’s not true.

THE PRESIDENT:  Thank you.

THE PRESIDENT:  I love my country more, and we need to preserve our democracy.  In 2024, we need you to vote.  (Applause.)  We need you to keep the Senate.  (Applause.)  We need you to win back the House of Representatives.  (Applause.) 

And above all, we need you to beat Donald Trump — (applause) — and elect Kamala and Tim president and vice president of the United States of America.  (Applause.) 

Look, they’ll continue to lead America forward, creating more jobs, standing up for workers, growing the economy, lowering the costs for American families so they just have a little more breathing room. 

We’ve made incredible process — progress, but we have more work to do.  And Kamala and Tim will continue to take on corporate greed and bring down the cost of food.  (Applause.) 

They’ll keep taking on Big Pharma, making insulin $35 a month not just for seniors but for everyone in America — (applause) — and capping prescription drug costs at a total of $2,000 not just for seniors but for everyone.  (Applause.)  And, folks, that’s going to save America, again, tens of billions of dollars.  (Applause.) 

Folks, they’ll make housing more affordable, building 3 million new homes, providing $25,000 down payment assistance for the first-time homebuyer.  (Applause.)  More than the 10 we approved.

Donald Trump wants a new tax on imported goods — food, gas, clothing, and more.  You know what that will cost the average family, according to the experts?  Three thousand nine hundred dollars a year in a tax.

THE PRESIDENT:  No, I — it’s a fact.

Kamala and Tim will make the Childcare Tax Credit permanent — (applause) — lifting millions of children out of poverty and helping millions of families get ahead. 

But you know what Trump has?  He put the cu- — he created the largest debt any president had in four years with his $2 trillion dollar tax cut for the wealthy.

Well, Trump has a new plan.  He wants to provide a $5 billion tax cut for corporations and the very wealthy to put u- —

THE PRESIDENT:  — read it — to put us further in debt. 

And, folks, you know we have a thousand trillion — bil- — we have a thousand billionaires in America.  You know what their average tax rate they pay?  8.2 percent.

THE PRESIDENT:  If we just increase their taxes we proposed to 25 percent, which isn’t the highest tax rate even, it would raise $500 billion new dollars over 10 years — (applause) — and they’d still be very wealthy.

Look, Kamala and Tim are going to make them pay their fair share.  (Applause.) 

They’ll protect Social Security and Medicare.  (Applause.)  Trump wants to cut Social Security and Medicare. 

Kamala and Tim will protect your freedom.  They’ll protect your vote to right — your right to vote.  They’ll protect your civil rights.  (Applause.)

And you know Trump will do everything to ban abortion nationwide.

THE PRESIDENT:  Oh, he will.

You know Kamala and Tim will do everything they possibly can — that’s why you have to elect the Senate and the House — to restore Roe v. Wade.  (Applause.)

The ancient Greeks taught us that character is destiny.  Character is destiny.  For me and Jill, we know Kamala and Doug are people of character.  It’s been our honor to serve alongside them.  And we know Tim and Gwen Walz are also people of great character.  (Applause.)

Selecting Kamala was the very first decision I made before I became — when I became our nominee.  And it was the best decision I made my whole career.  (Applause.)

We’ve not only gotten to know each other, we’ve become close friends.  She’s tough, she’s experienced, and she has enormous integrity — enormous integrity.  (Applause.)

Her story represents the best American story.  And like many of our best presidents, she was also vice president.  That’s a joke.  (Laughter and applause.) 

But she’ll be a president our children could look up to.  She’ll be a president respected by world leaders, because she already is.  She’ll be a president we can all be proud of.  And she will be a historic president who puts her stamp on America’s future.  (Applause.)

This will be the first presidential election since January 6th.  On that day, we almost lost everything about who we are as a country.  And that threat — this is not hyperbole — that threat is still very much alive. 

Donald Trump says he will refuse to accept the election result if he loses again. 

THE PRESIDENT:  Think about that.  He means it.  Think about that.

He’s promising a “bloodbath” if he loses, in his words, and that he’ll be a dictator on “day one,” in his own words. 

THE PRESIDENT:  By the way, this sucker means it.  (Laughter.)  No, I’m not joking.  Think about it.

If anybody else said that in the past, you’d think he was cra- — he is crazy, but you’d think it was an exaggeration.  But he means it.

We can’t let that happen. 

AUDIENCE:  No!

THE PRESIDENT:  Folks, all of us carry a special obligation — independents, Republicans, Democrats.  We saved democracy in 2020, and now we must save it again in 2024.  (Applause.)

The vote each of us casts this year will determine whether democracy and freedom will prevail.  It’s that simple.  It’s that serious.  And the power is literally in your hands.  History is in your hands.  Not hyperbole.  It’s in your hands.  America’s future is in your hands. 

Let me close with this.  Nowhere else in the world could a kid with a stutter and modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, grow up to sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office.  (Applause.)

That — that’s because America is and always has been a nation of possibilities.  Possibilities.  (Applause.)  We must never lose that — never.

Kamala and Tim understand that this nation must continue to be a place of possibilities not just for the few of us but for all of us. 

Join me in promising your whole heart to this effort.  And where my heart will be: I promise I’ll be the best volunteer Harris and Walz, this cam- — have ever seen.  (Applause.)

Each of us has a part in the American story.  For me and my family, there’s a song that means a lot to us that captures the best of who we are as a nation.  The song is called “American Anthem.”  There’s one verse that stands out, and I can’t sing worth a damn, so I’m not going to try.  (Laughter.)  I’ll just quote it. 

“The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day.  What shall our legac- — our legacy be?  What will our children say?  Let me know in my heart when my days are through.  America, America, I gave my best to you.”  (Applause.)

THE PRESIDENT:  I made — I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my career, but I gave my best to you.  For 50 years, like many of you, I’ve given my heart and soul to our nation.  And I have been blessed a million times in return with the support of the American people. 

I’ve either been the — too young to be in the Senate because I wasn’t 30 yet and too old to stay as president.  (Laughter.)  But I hope you know how grateful I am to all of you. 

I can honestly say — and I mean this from the bottom — give you my word as a Biden — I can honestly say I’m more optimistic about the future than I was when I was elected as a 29-year-old United States senator.  I mean it.  (Applause.)

Folks, we just have to remember who we are.  We’re the United States of America.  (Applause.)  And there is nothing we cannot do when we do it together.  (Applause.)

God bless you all.  And may God protect our troops.  Thank you.  (Applause.)

11:19 P.M. CDT

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Letters to the Editor: Contrast between Biden and Trump convention speeches couldn’t be clearer

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To the editor: Anita Chabria nails it in her column, “ So long, Joe. Thanks for keeping democracy great .”

Who couldn’t notice the stark difference between the messages of the former president at the Republican convention and the current president at the Democratic convention?

One was dark, pessimistic and foreboding. The other was bright, optimistic and uplifting.

One, with insincere flag-waving disdain, described an America in ruins, a nation to be feared. The other, with true patriotic devotion, spoke of America as a beacon, a nation to be loved.

One raised his fist in anger. The other extended his hand in welcome.

One insisted all attention be directed to him. The other joyously passed the torch to his successor.

Each made clear his party’s vision for the future of our democracy. Voters will have the chance in November to decide which party’s vision matches their own.

Stephen Gladstone, Shaker Heights, Ohio

To the editor: Chabria wrote her takeaway from Biden’s swan song on Monday was that “for all his flaws ... this is a man of duty and honor.”

I continue to think of the 46th president as a man characterized by his stubbornness, as Chabria initially noted, and hubris.

I completely agree with the second part of the Chabria-Mark Z. Barabak column that the “farewell” can’t come soon enough, seeing how Biden put his party through over three weeks of misery after his debate debacle on June 27 before deciding to “pass the torch.”

Biden should have been the “bridge” to a new generation of leaders that he suggested he would be in March 2020. That’s how I’ll remember him.

Irvin Dawid, Burlingame, Calif.

To the editor: The editor who worked on the exchange between Chabria and Barabak should have struck Barabak’s “every bit his 81 years” line, because it is discriminatory. Whatever is going on with Biden’s cognition or body is going on with Biden’s cognition or body.

Sen. Bernie Sanders is 82, and he was on fire during his speech at the convention. I believe Sanders, Rep. Maxine Waters (86) and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (84) could all have wiped the floor with former President Trump in a debate and could win an election against him.

It is ageist for L.A. Times to print articles that associate Biden’s shortcomings directly with his age. Many of the United States’ 80-something citizens are making meaningful contributions to their families, their cities, their states and this nation. Comments like Barabak’s write off these valuable citizens.

Adreana Langston, Long Beach

To the editor: Forgetting politics, what struck me listening to Biden’s speech was that no matter whether Vice President Kamala Harris wins or not, Biden will go down in history as a man of high integrity, compassion and faith. He has devoted his life to public service.

His 2020 opponent, however, will go down in history as a convicted felon and a self-serving liar who seduced the Republican Party to exchange morality for power and false promises.

Sylvia Martin, Studio City

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