how to write a speech for someone who is retiring

• Relationships

How to Write a Memorable Retirement Speech + Examples

Updated 12/28/2023

Published 03/2/2020

Belinda McLeod, BA in Secondary Education

Contributing writer

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Stepping up to the podium for your own retirement speech or perhaps for a colleague’s grand exit? Bravo! Whether you’re bidding farewell to your own illustrious career or celebrating a coworker’s legacy, it’s a momentous occasion. And guess what? The spotlight’s on you, and people are eager to be moved, amused, and maybe shed a tear or two.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• Who Gives a Retirement Speech?

Retirement Speech Etiquette

Tips for writing a retirement speech, short retirement speech examples.

If this is your debut into the world of retirement speeches, you don’t have to fret too much. Think of it as giving a wedding toast but with fewer embarrassing stories and more career highlights. 

Even if you’ve mastered the art of public speaking, a retirement speech is a unique beast. After all, you want your words to capture the essence of decades of dedication and hard work. 

This article will help you do just that. Keep reading to learn how to write a retirement speech that resonates and leaves an indelible mark.

Tip: Growing older and entering retirement also means watching your friends and family members grow older, too. And that often means coping with loss and grief. If you know a retiree who's facing a loss, our post-loss checklist  may be able to help.

Who Gives a Retirement Speech? 

Retirement speeches are a rite of passage and a moment to reflect on years of service, shared memories, and the legacy left behind. But who steps up to the mic to deliver these poignant words during an office farewell or retirement party ?

While the retiree is an obvious choice, there are others who’ve shared in the journey and can offer unique perspectives. Each speaker brings something unique to the table, painting a comprehensive picture of the retiree’s impact. Let’s take a look at the roles of these speakers and the insights they can bring to the celebration.

The retiree

If you’re the retiree taking center stage, this is your chance for personal reflection. You can share:

• Anecdotes from your journey
• The challenges you overcame
• Milestones you celebrated
• Gratitude for colleagues, mentors, and the organization

A retiree’s speech often carries pride in their achievements, nostalgia for the memories, and excitement for the future. You might also sprinkle in some humor like a light-hearted mistake or a memorable office prank. This speech is your curtain call, so make sure to leave a lasting impression and maybe impart some wisdom to those still in the midst of their careers.

A coworker’s perspective is invaluable because they’ve been in the trenches together, weathered the same storms, and celebrated mutual successes. If you’re giving a retirement speech for a close coworker, you can highlight:

• The retiree’s professional attributes and teamwork
• The camaraderie you shared
• Recollections of shared projects, inside jokes, and day-to-day interactions
• Your personal bond and the times you spent together

Your words have the power to connect with many in the room, echoing shared sentiments and reinforcing the retiree’s impact on the team.

A boss or manager

When a boss or manager speaks, it’s a testament to the retiree’s professional impact. Your perspective offers a birds-eye view of the retiree’s contributions, leadership, and the legacy they leave behind.

You can also touch on the personal qualities that made the retiree stand out, such as their resilience, dedication, or mentorship to younger colleagues. The retirement speech is a chance to express gratitude on behalf of the organization, pride in their accomplishments , and to assure the retiree that their shoes were hard to fill.

Retirement speeches are a tribute, a celebration, and a farewell all wrapped into one. As with any significant occasion, there’s etiquette to follow to make the event memorable for all the right reasons. Understanding these nuances can make the difference between a speech that’s cherished and one that’s merely endured.

Consider some retirement speech etiquette to ensure your words resonate with grace, respect, and warmth.

Dress appropriately

The way you dress not only reflects your respect for the occasion but also sets the tone for your speech. Dressing appropriately signifies that you value the event and the person being honored. It's not just about looking good; it's about showing that you've put thought into your appearance as a mark of respect. 

Whether it's a formal event or a casual gathering, ensure your attire matches the occasion. Remember, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.

Use humor wisely

Humor can be a fantastic tool to lighten the mood and engage the audience. However, it's a double-edged sword. What's funny to one person might be offensive to another. 

When incorporating humor, make sure it's in good taste and won't alienate or upset anyone. Steer clear of inside jokes that only a few might understand or controversial topics that could divide the room. The goal is to evoke smiles and laughter, not raised eyebrows.

A retirement speech is a heartfelt tribute, and sincerity is its cornerstone. While it's okay to refer to notes or an outline, ensure your words come from the heart.

Authenticity resonates. People can tell when sentiments are genuine versus when they're merely rehearsed lines. Speak with conviction, share genuine anecdotes, and let your true feelings shine through.

Be positive

Retirement is a celebration of a significant milestone. While it's tempting to bring up past challenges or conflicts, focus on the positive. Highlight achievements, growth, and the good times. 

Even if there were hurdles, frame them as learning experiences or stepping stones that led to greater successes. A positive tone uplifts the atmosphere and leaves the retiree with fond memories.

Time the speech correctly

While you want to cover all your points, you don’t want to bore anyone to sleep. A speech that's too long can lose the audience's attention, while one that's too short might seem insincere.

Aim for a sweet spot, typically between 5 to 10 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to convey your message without overstaying your welcome. Practice beforehand and, if possible, time yourself to keep on track.

Be grateful

Whether you're the retiree thanking your colleagues or a manager expressing appreciation for years of service, always express gratitude. Recognize the contributions, the memories, and the shared journey. A simple 'thank you' can resonate deeply, leaving a lasting impression on the retiree and the audience alike.

Crafting a retirement speech is an art that can seem daunting. After all, you have to encapsulate decades of memories, achievements, and emotions into a few minutes. 

Thankfully, with the right approach and a sprinkle of creativity, you can pen a speech that’s both memorable and moving.

General tips

Whether you’re a retiree or a colleague, retirement speeches should be given with utmost care and respect. Add a touch of creativity, and you’ve got a well-prepared speech that will move hearts and honor the star of the show.

Here are some general tips for crafting a memorable retirement speech.

Choose a speaker who knows the person well

Selecting the right speaker is the foundation of a memorable retirement speech. The speaker's connection with the retiree can make all the difference. Here are some qualities the ideal speaker should have:

• Personal connection:  The speaker should have a personal rapport with the retiree so they can give genuine anecdotes and heartfelt sentiments.
• Knowledge of career journey:  Choose someone familiar with the retiree's professional journey, milestones, and achievements.
• Eloquence:  While personal connection is vital, the speaker should also be comfortable speaking in public and conveying emotions effectively.
• Representative of the team:  Ideally, the speaker should represent the sentiments of the larger group, ensuring the speech resonates with everyone present.
• Avoid last-minute choices:  Plan ahead so the speaker has ample time to prepare. Don't leave the selection of the speaker to the last moment.

Focus on the honoree

The retiree is the star of the show, and the speech should reflect that. Here's how to keep the spotlight on them:

• Highlight achievements:  Discuss significant milestones, projects, and contributions made by the retiree.
• Share personal anecdotes:  Personal stories add warmth and depth. Share moments that capture the retiree's essence.
• Avoid generic praises:  Be specific in your compliments. Instead of saying "You're great," mention what makes them so.
• Incorporate feedback: Talk to colleagues and gather shared memories or sentiments to include.
• Acknowledge growth:  Discuss how the retiree evolved over the years, both professionally and personally.

Keep it short — but not too short

Timing is everything when you’re giving a retirement speech. You’ve got to strike the perfect balance. Here's how to ensure your speech is just right:

• Set a time limit:  Aim for 5-10 minutes. It's long enough to cover key points but short enough to retain attention.
• Practice out loud:  This helps in gauging the length and making necessary edits.
• Prioritize content:  Focus on the most impactful memories and achievements.
• Engage the audience:  A well-timed speech ensures the audience remains engaged throughout.
• Leave room for applause:  Factor in moments of applause or reactions, ensuring the speech doesn't feel rushed.

Carefully use humor

Humor can elevate a speech, but you’ve got to tread carefully. Here's how to infuse humor without overstepping:

• Know your audience:  Choose jokes that are appropriate for the audience's sensibilities.
• Avoid sensitive topics:  Steer clear of controversial or potentially hurtful subjects.
• Test your joke:  Share them with a trusted colleague to gauge their reaction.
• Use light self-deprecation:  It's a safe way to add humor without offending anyone.
• Stay authentic:  Forced humor can fall flat. If humor isn't your strength, focus on warmth and sincerity.

Preparation is key to delivering a confident and heartfelt speech. You can thoroughly prepare in several ways:

• Write an outline:  Organize your thoughts and structure your speech with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
• Rehearse: Practice multiple times to get the flow right and make necessary tweaks.
• Seek feedback:  Share your speech with a trusted colleague or friend for feedback.
• Visualize the day:  Imagine yourself giving the speech. This mental rehearsal can boost confidence.
• Stay calm and composed:  Remember, it's a celebration. Take deep breaths, stay relaxed, and speak from the heart.

As the retiree

If you’re a retiree, there are several ways to create a great speech:

• Reflect on your journey: Talk about where you started, the highs and lows along the way, and where you feel like you've "landed" at the end of your career.
• Acknowledge and appreciate: There are a lot of people who have helped you on your way. Take the time to acknowledge and thank them for their role in your life and career.
• Share life lessons: What lessons have you learned that you want to pass along? Share these during your speech.

As a trusted coworker or superior

What about if you’re a coworker or superior? Focus on highlighting the retiree’s impact, sharing personal anecdotes, and offering well wishes for the future.

You might know the person pretty well, but it's always important to make sure you've got the right information on hand. Make sure to gather information and fact check for items like:

• How long the retiree has been in the industry.
• How long the retiree has worked for the company.
• The previous positions the person held within the company.
• The contributions they made while working.
• Awards the person who is retiring may have received in the course of their career.
• Pertinent information about the retiree's work history.

Here are some snippets of retirement speeches that you can amend for your situation. Remember, it is important to speak from the heart. Your audience will appreciate a more authentic speech rather than a stoic message.

For a friend

When Max began work at our firm, gas was $1.19 a gallon, and Ronald Reagan had just been elected president. Kramer vs. Kramer won Best Picture, and “Call Me” by Blondie was playing on the radio. All that to say, she’s been a fixture here for quite a while. To say that Max knows every aspect of this business like the back of her hand is not an understatement.

I remember the first time I walked into this office. Maxine was the first person to greet me. She gave me advice on where to park, showed me how to fill out a PTO request, and answered all my questions during lunch. She introduced me to everyone on staff.  And she made sure I knew all the ins and outs of working for Brighton Industries. This wasn’t part of her job, but she did it anyway. She made every new person in the office feel welcome.

Every office has a “go-to” person. The person who knows how to handle the difficult client. The person who knows how to hire the right person for the job. The person who knows how to load new toner in the printer. Max has been our go-to person for 25 years, and she leaves big shoes to fill.

One of Max’s best qualities is her ability to stay calm in the middle of the storm. Do you remember the great Jones Company fiasco in 2004? While the rest of us panicked about the loss of our biggest client, she went out and found us a new client. And that client brought in twice as much revenue as the client we lost!

We know that Maxine is looking forward to retirement. She told me she is planning to spend more time quilting. And she’ll be hanging out with her daughter and three adorable grandbabies. You’ve all seen pictures of her grandkids, right? Of course, you have! We are all so excited to wish Maxine well as she starts checking off items from her retirement bucket list . 

For your retirement

Thank you so much for all the kind words. I have loved working at Brighton Industries. I have had some of the best times in my life at this office. I have made lifelong friends who I treasure. Thank you for being the best coworkers and friends a woman could ask for.

There are a few things that I won’t miss about working for Brighton. I won’t miss filling out the TPS reports. I won’t miss the late nights that came with tax season. I won’t miss how cold the office is in the summer, or how hot the office is during the winter. But I will miss all of you. You have made this office feel like a second home to me. Thank you.

I discovered what amazing coworkers I had when I lost my mom to cancer three years ago. You all stepped in so willingly to pick up the slack when I couldn’t perform my regular duties. Not only did you take on more responsibilities in the office, but many of you also provided meals to my family. It meant the world to me, knowing that I could depend upon you all for help.

For a coworker

I have witnessed many people come and go throughout my years here at Smith and Smith. However, I am sadder today than ever, knowing Michelle won’t be stepping out of our elevator Monday morning. 

Even though Michelle has only worked at Smith and Smith for the last eight years, she has contributed much to our organization. For example, she made our network more secure by spearheading our cybersecurity efforts. But she also had a knack for streamlining processes, allowing us to work more efficiently. Before Michelle began working here, we worked a great deal of overtime. The reason we are now able to leave at 5 p.m. is because of the processes she began.

On a personal level, Michelle was always a delight to be around. She’s not one to complain – even when we had to put in extra hours last winter. Michelle was always the first to jump in to help when someone was sick or had a personal emergency. We all have stories of how Michelle helped us during a pinch. 

Michele – I will remember you with fondness. I am excited that you will have more time to spend with your beautiful grandchildren, and I wish you every happiness in the future. 

I was honored to be asked to speak about Samuel this afternoon. After working for Samuel for over 20 years, I have a lot to say. Don’t worry, Sam. Most of it is good.

First, I would like to tell you some things about Sam’s background that you might not have been aware of. Sam has a degree in Chemistry from Perdue. Even though he was prepared to spend his life in a lab setting, he sat next to a stranger on the subway one day while going to a job interview. He spoke with this person and learned he was starting a new shoe company and looking for someone to oversee the distribution. Of course, that stranger was Frank Jones, our illustrious founder. And that was why Sam never used his chemistry degree.

The second thing you may not know about Sam is that he is a violin virtuoso. I didn’t know this about him until a few years ago when Sam and his wife had me over for dinner. I saw a music stand in the corner of his living room and asked about it. Sam’s wife encouraged him to play for me. Needless to say, I was dumbfounded by his talent. 

For a subordinate

I know I have the reputation of being a bit of a perfectionist. In fact, before Lucy was hired four years ago, I had been through twelve assistants in thirteen years. That’s one reason why today is such a sad day for me. While I am ecstatic that Lucy will have more time to devote to her novel, I am sorry that I have to find someone to replace her. It’s not going to be easy.

Lucy is amazingly gifted at reading my mind. In fact, it’s a little scary how she seems to know what I want before I ask for it. This ESP, or whatever gift she has been blessed with, has saved me on more than one occasion. I’ll never forget how she interrupted me during a meeting with Mrs. Franklin to remind me of something that saved that account. She also kept me out of the doghouse at home by purchasing perfect Mother’s Day and anniversary gifts for Louise.

While I certainly will miss Lucy’s contributions to our workplace, I am most sad for our clients. Everyone loves Lucy, and they are as heartbroken as I am that she is retiring.  

For a teacher

Throughout Mrs. Anderson’s career, she has taught approximately 2,300 students. That means she has graded more than 18,000 essays, 2,300 research papers, and more book reports than you can imagine. Incredibly, her purple flair ink pen isn’t attached permanently to her hand with all of the grading she has done over the years.

But more important than the essays and book reports are the relationships she has formed with her students over the last three decades. She has comforted students who have lost family members and helped kids find jobs. She has written letters of recommendation for scholarships and advised many in their careers. 

On top of her work as an English teacher, she has overseen the publication of the yearbook and newspaper, traveled with students to Europe, ran the concession stand at football games, coached the cheerleaders, and sat through negotiations each year on behalf of the teachers’ union. 

Mrs. Anderson – you deserve a break. We hope you can sleep in each morning, stay up late reading novels each night, and travel the globe without the fear of losing a kid. Congratulations on your retirement!

For a family member

It’s hard to imagine our Dad without a job. This place has been a part of his routine for so long that he may show up on Monday simply out of habit. In fact, we may have to put a sign on the back of his front door reminding him to stay at home. 

And Dad loved every minute of it. Unlike most people, Dad never complained about his job. In fact, when we prayed as a family before each meal, Dad often expressed thanks for this company and his job. 

But, we are thankful that he can now stay home. He’s worked hard for a long time and deserves a break. But don’t worry – he won’t be sitting around for long. My siblings and I all have lists of home repairs that only Dad can do. We’ve also scheduled a few fishing trips over the next several months.

Thank you for inviting my siblings and me to this retirement party. It’s been a lovely day. I only wish Mom could have survived long enough to see Dad retire. She was always so proud of Dad for everything he accomplished. I’m sure she is smiling down on us right now. 

Funny retirement speech

Christopher has many gifts and talents. And he has contributed a lot to our company over the years. He’s been the top salesperson for twenty-three out of the twenty-five years he has worked here. He has worked hard to streamline our processes to work smarter, not harder. He has also been a leader in our industry by representing us in front of the state legislature. 

Even though I can easily provide you with a long list of awards and accolades, he will forever be known in this office as the person who was always misplacing his stuff. We found his keys by the copier, his wallet next to the giant fern in the back room, his raincoat on Mitch’s desk, and his water bottles – everywhere. It’s always been a mystery to everyone how someone absentminded can perform in a high-pressure job so well. 

So, we have purchased a tile tracker system to help you keep track of all your stuff on behalf of your retirement. Now that you won’t have an entire staff of people keeping track of your personal belongings, we think this might help. It may also keep Louise from killing you during your first week at home.

Retirement: The Next Stage in Life

As we stand on the precipice of one chapter ending and another beginning, we must recognize and celebrate the journey that brought us here. Whether you’re the one stepping into the golden years of retirement or honoring a colleague making that leap, words are powerful. A heartfelt speech can encapsulate years of dedication, camaraderie, and growth.

Retirement isn’t just about saying goodbye to a job. It’s about acknowledging the passion, identity, and pride that one has in their career. For many, their career is a significant part of their life’s narrative. 

As you craft your speech or pen down your thoughts, remember to celebrate this dedication. It might take a bit more effort, but the impact of genuine appreciation will resonate deeply, marking a memorable transition into the next exciting phase of life.

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Hrideep barot.

• Speech Writing

Do you want to deliver a heartfelt speech for a colleague who’s leaving work but are unsure how to do it? 

Don’t worry. You’re not alone. 

For many people, retirement from a place of work can be a very emotional experience. Especially if they’ve been at a place of work for a long time, leaving it–and the people they’ve worked with–can be quite tough. After all, with retirement,  an employee is going to be leaving his or her employment permanently.

And this emotional roller-coaster is not exclusive to a the person retiring. 

Their co-workers, too, can land a seat at it. Especially if they were close to the person retiring or are quite close to retiring themselves. 

But even if you’re not at the front seat of the rollercoaster and simply wish to deliver a nice speech to a friendly co-worker finally leaving the company, finding the right words for the speech can be a confusing task. 

Writing and delivering a speech is a tough job.

A good retirement speech needs to factor in many elements. Farewell speeches are important as they express to the person leaving the place of work gratitude for the effort, time, and experiences they’ve provided to the company. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, services, etc. And are an essential element of a good place of work.

Don’t worry. 

We’re there to help you. 

What Is A Retirement Speech? 

A retirement or farewell address is a speech that is delivered by or for an individual leaving a work position or workplace. They are often used by public figures like politicians, actors, etc. as a capstone to their career, or as statements from persons giving reasons for their leaving. 

In a workplace, a farewell speech is often given by a junior member of the organization. A friend, colleague, or junior member are a few common choices for delivering a farewell speech. Sometimes, if a person has done remarkable work or has left an imprint on the organization, the speech might be given by a senior member of the company. 

As mentioned above, retirement speeches are delivered to thank an employee leaving a workplace for all the time, effort, and experience that was offered by them to the company throughout their tenure, and is a necessary element of a good and progressive place of work that values its employees.

What Do I Need To Include In A Retirement Speech? 

1. Talk About Their Achievements

Who doesn’t like reminded about the good stuff they’ve achieved in life, right? This can be especially important during a farewell speech, as a way of thanking the collegue for the positive elements that they’ve added to the company over the years. 

While it’s a good idea to add big achievements, you can also make it more special for the collegue by mentioning something small that they might have done that got overshadowed by all the other big stuff. The leaving person might not even be aware of doing it! 

For example, if the collegue was someone who could always make people’s Mondays feel like Fridays, then that’s a pretty big achievement too, right? Make sure to include it in your speech!

2. Narrate Anecdotes and Stories 

What’s an emotional speech without a story or two, eh? 

Anecdotes and stories are not just a great way of making a speech lively and interesting, but they can also make the speech more personal both; for the person leaving and the ones staying behind. 

So, try to include at least 2-3 anecdotes in your speech. 

If you don’t know the co-worker that well or are simply unsure of what to include, you can reach out to someone who was close to the person retiring and ask for their input. 

Regardless, stories have the power to really captivate an audience as long as we use the 3 core elements of

• Characterisation
• Final Takeaway

We’ve elaborated on these storytelling tactics in great detail in this video which I HIGHLY recommend you check out if you have a retirement speech coming up:

3. Don’t Forget The Jokes 

Humor is a great way to level up any speech, and a retirement speech is no exception to it’s charm. Humor works to lighten the overall mood, which can be quite heavy for a day like this. 

So, try to sprinkle a couple of jokes throughout your speech. You can even combine jokes and anecdotes and tell a funny story –maybe a memorable incident that happened with the retiring co-worker in the past!

For more information on how to make your speech funny, check out our article on A Guide To Using Humor In Your Speech.

 4. Add A Personal Touch 

Don’t just copy paste a random speech from Google. Instead, take your time with the speech. Remember that retirement is a cornerstone in most people’s life, and treat it as such. 

Adding little personal details here and there–little quirks that your colleague had, or memorable moments they had at the workplace–goes a great way to make the person in question feel important, liked, and most importantly: appreciated for their efforts. 

5. Talk About Their Personality 

What was the colleague like? What made them different from other people in the workplace? If there was one word that you could describe their personality, what would it be? 

Talking about their personal qualities makes the person retiring more real. It reminds them–and the people listening–that they were not just another part in a corporate machine, but a human being. That is someone with feelings, memories, good days, and bad days–just like you. 

6. Don’t Neglect Speaking About The Future 

While it’s important to give due importance to the past while delivering a retirement speech, it’s also imperative to not neglect talking about what’s ahead i.e the future. Often, people can get so fixated on the good stuff in the past that they don’t notice the amazing stuff coming up ahead. 

Is there something the person leaving always wanted to do, but couldn’t because they were so busy with work? 

Say, did they always want to go to a nature retreat, spend more time with their spouse, or work at that bar at the end of the street? 

Well, now would be the time to bring that up! 

Don’t just ramble on about stuff that’s already done. Talk about the opportunities coming upz too! 

7. Include mementos and gifts 

If a colleague is leaving work–especially if they’re someone who’s contributed a lot to a place–chances are, they’re going to be given a small memento for their work all these years. This can be given by anyone–another co-worker, you, or even higher-ups. 

So, make sure to check in with your co-workers about the status of a memento. If it’s going to be included, you can include a small introduction leading up to the handing of the gift right into your speech end. 

8. When In Doubt, Ask 

This piece of advice can come especially in handy if you didn’t know the former co-worker that well. If you’re unsure whether to include a personal detail or not–or are simply in a dearth of personal information–go ahead and ask someone else for their input. This someone else can be anyone: a close friend of the colleague, a family member, your boss, or even the colleague themself! 

Don’t be shy to ask questions. 

Sample Retirement Speech 

Dear Hannah,

Today is the day you retire from St.Mary’s Public School after over twenty years of teaching English to high-schoolers—most of whom had no interest in learning anything in the first place!

In spite of this hindrance, you never ceased delivering the best you possibly could. When you first started working with us, you were simply a substitute teacher that the students saw occasionally. Remember your first day and the prank that the students played on you?

The entire class banded together and attacked you with a string of questions—none of which had anything to do with English, by the way. But instead of waiting for you to answer, the moment you opened your mouth, the student pretended to fall asleep!

Once you got the hang of it, you turned into a prankster yourself! You played along with the class by listening to a student begin a question but then acted like you’d fallen asleep—just like they had when you were trying to answer—before they finished it.

It was the first time a teacher had chosen to not only indulge their silly pranks but also pranked them right back! Instead of punishing them, you tried to understand them, to relate to them. And you continued trying to do so for the rest of the week.

The students fell in love with you that day, and their admiration for you only grew over the next week. I know this because a few days later when I showed up for class, nobody wanted to learn anything about Shakespeare!

And yet, you not only managed to befriend the students, but you also became friends with the teachers!

You were the only topic of discussion—both, in the classroom and later, in the staff room. In fact, your little stunt with the students had made most of the other teachers realize that they needed to step up their game, too! We had a friendly little competition going after you joined us permanently!

And this was not an isolated incident. Over the years, you have inspired and connected with multiple generations of students and classrooms. So many children have fallen in love with the English language because you taught them to love it.

Just look around the room and you will know that I’m telling the truth—although the crowd could also be because this is probably the last time many of us will get to gobble down your famous baking concoctions!  

Truly, we will miss your cookies almost as much as we will miss you!

You have spent almost your whole shaping the lives of people who would later go on to shape the world. You have given your one hundred percent to the classroom—now it’s time you give your one hundred percent to yourself!

During one of our many, many heartfelt conversations, you told me that when you finally retired, you would love to travel the world with your husband and to get to spend more time with your grandchildren.

 Well, now you can!

And we can’t wait for our Facebook Feed to be spammed by all the pictures you’re certainly going to upload!

Now, we’d love you to have this little token of appreciation for all the work you’ve done for our school.

5 Ways To Make A Retirement Speech (More) Special 

Now that you know all the stuff you need to include in a retirement speech and have an example of how to phrase it in hand, let’s move onto the next step: how to add that touch of uniqueness to your speech and make it truly memorable. 

1. Prepare A Skit

Adding a skit is an excellent way of making a retirement speech memorable. The theme for the skit can be anything. However, make sure it’s relevant to the retiring person’s life. A good idea is to structure the skit around some memorable incident from the person’s time at the workplace. 

It can be a funny incident, or an emotional one, or even an instance when they inspired you! 

If you’re not sure about which incident to pick, try asking someone who’s close friends with the person. The skit doesn’t need to be over-the-top or elaborate. You don’t need to get costumes or spend hours preparing it. Everyone has work to do and deadlines to meet. 

To save time, you can stick to a simple 3-5 minute skit with simple dialogues and few characters. You don’t need to dress up, either. 

It’s the thought that counts, after all. 

2. Make A Video! 

A video is another great way of making a retirement speech memorable. 

To do this, collect videos and photographs or any other material relevant to the departing employee and organize the contents into a small video that you can show either before or after your speech! Make sure the video isn’t too long, and that it has a positive note. 

3. Give Them A Personalized Souvenir 

While a token of appreciation is something they’re going to get from the company’s side, if a co-worker has truly touched your life, then giving them a personalized souvenir from the employee’s side is another great idea to make a retirement day unforgettable. 

The souvenir doesn’t have to be something expensive or over-the-top either. Rather, something handmade or something personalized might be a better idea. 

For example, you can give the employee a jar filled with little note cards that the other employees have written for them. 

4. Switch Up The Format 

Another way to make a retirement speech unique is by switching up the traditional speech format for something more fun! 

Instead, you could write and deliver the speech like a poem–or even a short story! If you want to make things even more interesting, you can turn it into a continuous story by involving a couple of more people with you! However, make sure to check in with the management before you do so, as time constraints or following a standard speech format might be an issue. 

If you want some inspiration on unique storytelling formats and approaches you can use for your retirement speech, we’ve explained a few in simple terms in this video:

5. Coordinate Your Dressing

Is there a particular way your retiring co-worker always dressed? A color or pattern they favored? Or a shirt they couldn’t seem to get rid of? 

Well, now’s the time to use their personality quirks to your advantage!

Try remembering if there’s anything related to dressing sense that set your departing colleague apart, and coordinate with the rest of your colleagues to spruce up as they once did! 

Remember: it’s not necessary to look like carbon copies of your departing friend. You don’t need to stress if your T-shirt is the exact color or pattern as theirs. A close-copy works just as well. 

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Conclusion 

To sum up, writing a retirement speech for a colleague is not as hard as it sounds. Retirement speeches are offered to commemorate a work that an employee has done for a company and are usually delivered by close friends, fellow co-workers, or sometimes even someone higher up. They usually include a person’s past history, achievements, personality quirks, memorable incidents, etc. Add a touch of uniqueness to the mix, and you’re ready to bid adieu to your colleague with a bang! 

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How to Give a Retirement Speech: Making Your Farewell Count

• The Speaker Lab
• February 14, 2024

Table of Contents

Picture this: You’re about to deliver your retirement speech. It’s more than just words; it’s the capstone of your career. But how do you wrap up years of dedication in a few minutes? You’ve got tales to tell and thanks to give—how can they all fit?

Believe it or not, there’s a way to craft that perfect goodbye, one that leaves everyone not just listening but feeling every word. Stay tuned as we unpack how to turn memories into narratives, sprinkle in life lessons, personalize for impact, nail the delivery tone right on target, and even handle emotions that come uninvited.

Crafting the Perfect Retirement Speech

Standing at the podium, you might find your career flashing before your eyes. Crafting a retirement speech that captures years of experiences while engaging colleagues is no small feat. But fear not, we’re going to dissect how to create a memorable address that will resonate.

The Art of Storytelling in Retirement Speeches

Storytelling isn’t just for kids around a campfire. It’s the secret sauce that can turn your retirement speech from a mere summary into an epic tale that captures hearts and minds. By weaving narratives throughout your speech, you not only entertain your audience, but also connect with them on a deeper level.

When crafting these narratives , simplicity reigns supreme. A well-told story beats elaborate vocabulary any day because what sticks with people is how you made them feel, not the words you chose.

Start by selecting anecdotes that showcase challenges overcome, moments of camaraderie, or even light-hearted office blunders. Use memories that involve the listeners, so they can see their role in your journey and feel part of something larger than day-to-day work.

Let’s say there was a project that nearly went off the rails but became a triumph—a classic underdog story. Share that. Or maybe recall those little day-to-day victories with humor because everyone loves a good laugh, especially when they can nod along as they remember your references. These shared experiences forge stronger bonds than any list of achievements could.

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Key Themes to Include in a Retirement Speech

Think of your retirement speech as the capstone to a grand building you’ve been constructing over years of hard work. Let’s dig into some themes that suit such a momentous occasion.

Celebrating Milestones and Achievements

The meat and potatoes of any good retirement speech are the milestones. Reflect on what you’ve accomplished, emphasizing gratitude as you do so. Avoid bragging as you give credit where credit is due, both to yourself and those who helped along the way. Acknowledging shared successes fosters a sense of unity and could boost morale long after you leave.

The Power of Relationships

Your colleagues weren’t just coworkers but comrades-in-arms against every challenge faced together. Highlighting these relationships gives warmth to your farewell and lets others know how much their camaraderie meant. This theme also allows the opportunity for humorous stories, another great way to engage your audience.

Growth and Change over Time

You’re not leaving your job as the same person who walked through those doors however many moons ago. You’ve grown, changed, evolved. Sharing this personal journey helps others see change as positive and inevitable rather than something scary or negative.

“I started here thinking I knew everything about sales,” could be an opening line before detailing lessons learned that shaped both career and character.

Vision for the Future

Inspire confidence in your colleagues by painting vivid images of continued success. Let your words be the legacy that inspires others to climb higher, even when you’re not around. They’ll stand as a testament to the idea that progress isn’t about reaching a final destination—it’s an ongoing journey of evolution and improvement.

Tips for Personalizing Your Retirement Speech

When it’s time to hang up your hat, a retirement speech is in order. This final address should be as unique and as authentically you as possible. But how do you pour decades into minutes? Let’s look at some strategies.

Including Anecdotes in Your Retirement Speech

Your career wasn’t all spreadsheets or sales pitches—it was packed with moments unique to you. So light up your speech with anecdotes only you can tell. Maybe it was the time you turned an office blunder into a win or that company retreat that still gets laughs at reunions. These are nuggets of gold in personalizing your message.

Anecdotes work because they’re windows into who we are beyond our titles. They show vulnerability, humor, and humanity. People remember stories better than facts anyway.

Finding Your Speech’s Signature Style

A great chef has their secret sauce—what’s yours when speaking? Think about phrases or words synonymous with you. Perhaps “unconventional wisdom” rings true for your approach or “straight talk” sums up how colleagues describe those pep talks by the coffee machine?

Carve out your style within this framework, You want folks nodding along thinking “That’s so them.”

The Delicate Dance of Humor

Humor disarms an audience like nothing else but balancing professionalism while cracking jokes takes finesse. Consider working in lighthearted quips related to common experiences everyone shares at work—the never-ending quest for inbox zero or conference call woes.

Pulling off humor requires reading the room correctly—a well-timed joke lands perfectly but always be prepared to pivot if not all faces in the crowd are smiling back.

While leaving behind familiar halls may tug at heartstrings, infusing personality makes sure those listening get one last memorable glimpse of who you were within these walls—and isn’t legacy what we’re really talking about here?

The Importance of Tone and Delivery in Your Retirement Speech

Think about your favorite comedian’s delivery. They could read the phone book, and you’d still crack up, right? That’s because how you say something is often as potent as what you’re saying—especially when it comes to retirement speeches.

A speech can be full of great stories and shout-outs, but if delivered in monotone or without feeling, it might fall flat. It’s not just words that convey your message; it’s the laughter in your voice when recalling a funny moment or the slight quiver during a heartfelt thank-you. These nuances breathe life into your speech.

To truly connect with listeners, let them hear who you are through variations in pitch, strategic pauses for effect, and even appropriate silence—a powerful tool for letting important points sink in. Don’t underestimate body language either. Standing tall with open gestures invites audience engagement more than crossed arms ever will.

Mastering Vocal Variety

Vocal variety isn’t about being loud—it’s about using volume smartly to emphasize key points or to draw people back if their attention has wandered off (admit it: we’ve all been there). The ebb and flow of volume keep ears perked and minds focused on what matters most: your experience coming alive through anecdotes only you can tell.

Sometimes whispering can have more impact than shouting ever could. It has the power to draw everyone closer like they’re part of an inside joke or a secret success story from behind-the-scenes battles won together at work. And don’t forget pace; speeding up through exciting achievements builds momentum while slowing down adds gravity to moments that shaped careers—including yours.

Leveraging Pauses like a Pro

We’ve all seen speakers who never seem to take a breath between sentences, but audiences actually need those breaks just as much as lungs do. Strategic pauses give folks time to digest information before moving onto the next big idea. Whether it’s the brief pause at the end of a sentence or a longer pause given after stating your main point, they’ll appreciate this courtesy (and so will their brains).

In addition, pausing, like after a shout-out to your team, subtly emphasizes thanks in a way that words alone can’t match. It’s powerful.

Visual Aids and Props in Retirement Speeches

Picture this: you’re at a retirement party, the mood is nostalgic, and then out comes a prop that sends everyone into an uproar of laughter. That’s the power visual aids and props can have when used effectively in retirement speeches. But it’s not just about getting laughs; these tools can underscore your message with memorable impact.

Choosing the Right Visuals

Selecting visuals or props for your speech should be like picking the right spice for a meal—it must complement, not overpower. If you’ve worked decades at an architecture firm, why not show off a miniature model of your first project? It connects to your journey personally and professionally.

A wise guideline is to contemplate if it contributes worth or only empty show. Your audience will appreciate something tangible that represents your legacy—like showcasing awards or photos from significant company milestones—but they’ll see through anything that feels gimmicky.

Making Technology Work for You

In today’s digital age, technology offers endless possibilities to enhance presentations with slideshows showcasing career highlights. Imagine projecting images that span across eras while sharing anecdotes—that kind of storytelling sticks with people long after they leave.

But remember, tech snafus happen even to seasoned pros. Always have backups ready and do run-throughs beforehand so you’re comfortable no matter what happens on stage.

The Power of Simplicity

Sometimes less really is more. A single item—a first employee badge or perhaps a classic product prototype—can symbolize growth without overwhelming listeners. The beauty lies in simplicity allowing stories told during one’s farewell moment shine brighter than any elaborate setup could ever hope to achieve.

Tying everything back to heartfelt narratives ensures those memories linger well beyond the confines of the event venue—and isn’t leaving behind enduring impressions what every retiree wishes for?

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Preparing for the Unexpected During Your Speech

Even the most carefully crafted plans can still go wrong, especially when it comes to giving a presentation in public. You’ve rehearsed your retirement speech, you know it by heart, but life loves a curveball. When an unexpected moment arises during your address, stay cool and your audience will follow suit.

Navigating Emotional Surprises

Sometimes emotions catch us off guard. One minute you’re sharing a lighthearted story, the next, you’re choked up reminiscing about good times gone by. If tears or laughter come knocking unexpectedly, breathe deep and pause if needed. Remember that showing genuine emotion can be powerful; it connects you with listeners because they see themselves in your vulnerability.

Tackling Technical Troubles

A slideshow goes blank or a microphone starts giving feedback—it happens. The key here is not just having a backup plan but also being able to transition smoothly into Plan B as though it were part of the show all along.

Ditching dependency on tech means knowing which parts of your speech pack enough punch on their own—the stories and jokes that need no visual aids yet leave lasting impressions are goldmines for such occasions.

The Audience Factor

An interruption from an enthusiastic retiree-to-be? A question thrown from left field? These aren’t disruptions—they’re interactions. They offer unique chances to engage directly with individuals who share this milestone moment with you. Here’s how we suggest weaving those interactions back into the narrative flow:

• Show appreciation: Thank them for contributing,
• Pivot gracefully: Bridge their input back to what you were discussing,
• Leverage humor: Lighten any tension while acknowledging their participation.

Examples of Memorable Retirement Speeches

Taking the stage to give a retirement speech can feel like stepping into the spotlight for one final bow. It’s your opportunity to share reflections, motivate, and leave a lasting impression on those you have worked with. One shining example is Lou Gehrig’s farewell at Yankee Stadium in 1939; his poignant words captured hearts as he called himself “the luckiest man on the face of the Earth.” The power of this statement lies not just in its optimism but also in its vulnerability during what was clearly a personal trial.

A more recent memory brings us to Steve Jobs’ address at Stanford University’s commencement in 2005. He urged graduates to stay hungry and foolish—a simple yet profound message that resonated globally because it came from someone who lived those words every day. By sharing his own story about love, loss, and redemption, Jobs left us with life lessons beyond career success or technological innovation.

The impact of such speeches often lies in their authenticity—how well they capture an individual’s essence while striking universal chords with listeners. To craft something memorable, look beyond mere accomplishments. Instead, tell stories that reveal character, share insights gleaned over years, maybe even sprinkle some humor if it suits you—and always speak straight from the heart because sincerity speaks volumes.

Rehearsing Your Retirement Speech

You know the saying, “practice makes perfect,” right? Well, it couldn’t be more true when it comes to nailing your retirement speech.

Practice your speech to perfect the delivery, just as a musician tunes their instrument before a concert. Imagine yourself as a musician tuning an instrument before a concert; every note matters for the performance of a lifetime. When rehearsing your retirement speech, pay attention not only to what you’re saying but also how you’re saying it—your pacing, pauses, and inflection can change everything.

If you get nervous just thinking about speaking in front of people, take a look at these tips on how to overcome your fears . We’ll give you effective strategies for public speaking success—even if all eyes are on you during one of life’s big moments.

FAQs on How to Give A Retirement Speech

What should a retiree say at a retirement party.

Thank the team, share highlights, and express hope for the future. Keep it heartfelt yet concise.

What do you say in a farewell speech?

Acknowledge good times, give thanks to colleagues, and wish well for everyone’s path ahead.

How do you emotionally transition to retirement?

Create new routines, pursue passions and stay connected with former coworkers to ease into this chapter.

How do you start a retirement speech for someone else?

Kick off with an anecdote or praise that captures their essence and contributions they’ve made.

Stand tall as you craft your retirement speech. Capture hearts with stories and gratitude, maintaining a personal yet professional tone throughout. Perfecting tone and delivery matters just as much as words do.

Consider visuals—they can turn a good speech into an unforgettable one—but be prepared for those unexpected technical difficulties or emotions.

For inspiration, leverage lessons from great speeches past. And practice? It’s non-negotiable for delivering with confidence.

Your farewell marks a new beginning. Let it echo with warmth, wisdom, and wit.

• Last Updated: February 29, 2024

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A Free Guide On How To Craft A Memorable Retirement Speech By A Retiree And For A Retiree

Feeling overwhelmed by crafting a memorable retirement speech? Look no further! This guide provides you with all the essentials: insightful ideas, helpful tips, and inspiring examples.

Whether you’re the retiree taking center stage or someone tasked with honoring a colleague’s achievements, you’ll find everything you need to deliver a heartfelt and impactful speech.

Crafting A Retirement Speech: A Guide For Retirees

Use this guide as a structural template to help you craft a retirement speech that’s both personal and impactful. Let’s dive in!

1. Hook ’em From The Start

Begin with a bang! Use a funny anecdote, a heartfelt reflection, or a powerful quote to grab the audience’s attention and set the tone for the speech. For example: 

Well, well, well, look who’s getting the boot! Seems the company thinks I’m past my prime—a victim of planned obsolescence, you might say. But fret not, my friends! Retirement doesn’t mean rusting away. This ol’ machine is getting upcycled! Get ready, world, because there’s a brand new chore-doing robot about to hit the scene—my house to be precise!

2. Journey Through Your Career

Take your audience on a trip down memory lane. Reflect on your career’s highs and lows, the lessons learned, and the challenges overcome. Briefly mention key achievements you’re proud of and how these experiences shaped you for retirement. For example:

Can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I was a flailing intern, working tirelessly for mere scraps—just enough allowance to do laundry and nibble on a cracker or two. 

Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of challenges conquered, lessons absorbed, and yes, a few late nights powered by coffee. Somehow, those breakfasts morphed into impromptu beer pong parties; don’t ask me how it happened, my memory’s still foggy from our boss’ last invitation for breakfast.

Reflecting on it all, I take pride in my journey with this company, starting as a wide-eyed intern and rising through the ranks to join the industry’s elite. It’s a testament to perseverance and the power of good alcohol tolerance.

And now, as I stand on the brink of retirement, I’ll finally see a return on that initial investment of time and effort—the paycheck I once dreamed of as an intern, now a reality in the form of a retirement pension.

3. Share Your Wisdom Nuggets

Offer your insights and wisdom gleaned from your experience. Briefly touch on what it takes to succeed in your field, leadership lessons learned, and perhaps even a “what I would do differently” piece (avoid dwelling on negatives). You can also share thoughts on work-life balance and the importance of loved ones.

For example:

Let’s get serious for a moment. For all of the new members of our team, remember that retirement is the ultimate goal for us. Building up our savings, advancing to higher positions, or completing significant projects are just bonuses along the way. I might have said things differently at a different party when I was young—I was naive back then.

While work is enjoyable, it takes time away from you, your family, and your personal life. Thankfully, we get to see our friends almost every day, and they can fill in the gaps. So, don’t forget to be friends with your colleagues. It will help you survive until retirement.

I’m not saying that you should stop aiming for ambitious goals. What I’m saying is that you stay strong, keep at it, and reach the milestones of our careers to leave behind our work with a long-lasting legacy we created.

4. Express Sincere Gratitude

Show appreciation for the people who supported you. Thank colleagues, mentors, family, and friends for their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. Mention specific instances where their help made a difference. For example:

Also, I want to express my genuine gratitude to each and every one of you, as well as those who paved the way before me. Your support during both professional and personal challenges has meant the world to me. I hope I’ve been able to pay it forward by offering the same level of assistance and mentorship to my juniors. It’s crucial that we maintain and nurture the kind of supportive company culture we’ve cultivated.

And none of my accomplishments would have been possible without the unwavering support and encouragement of the incredible individuals in this room. To my colleagues, I extend my deepest thanks for your collaboration, innovation, and steadfast commitment to our collective goals. To my boss, your leadership, guidance, and belief in my abilities have been instrumental in my growth. And to my cherished family and friends, your love, patience, and understanding have been my rock throughout this journey.

5. Paint A Picture Of Your Future

Look ahead with excitement! Briefly share your plans, hopes, and dreams for the next chapter. Talk about upcoming adventures, passions you’ll pursue, or contributions you plan to make. For example:

While I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here, I’m incredibly excited to enjoy the next chapter of my life. This will allow me to dedicate more time to my family, explore some cherished hobbies, and discover all the possibilities that retirement holds.

Of course, I won’t be a complete stranger! I look forward to staying connected and checking in with all of you. Feel free to reach out—perhaps we can grab coffee or even plan a future get-together.

6. End On A Heartfelt Note

Conclude by offering a sincere thank you to everyone who played a part in your career and retirement journey. Express your best wishes for your colleagues’ continued success. For example:

So with that, I want to express my deepest gratitude once more. Thank you for being here, thank you for your support, and thank you for making this a night I’ll never forget. Retirement may be the end of one chapter, but it’s also the beginning of a whole new adventure, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. Cheers!

Putting It All Together

Here is a sample retirement speech using all the examples used in this section:

Approximately, reading this speech out loud can take around three to four minutes. With pauses, dramatic flair, and interjections and interruptions from the audience, this speech may take you around five to seven minutes to finish.

Craft A Retirement Speech: Guide For Honoring A Retiree

If you’re not the retiree but wish to deliver a memorable retirement speech for one, here’s a structured outline to help you along:

1. Introduce The Retiree

Begin your speech by introducing the retiree and shining a light on their remarkable career journey. Provide a concise overview of their professional achievements, highlighting how they’ve contributed to the company or organization. For example:

Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the well-deserved retirement of John Smith—a friend, a mentor, and an incredible colleague.

John, as a colleague, you’ve consistently inspired all of us. You have a knack for closing deals that initially seemed impossible. Your talent and dedication have truly set you apart, both here within the company and across the industry.

As a mentor, your impact is undeniable. Look around this room—so many of us have advanced in our careers thanks to your guidance and support. John, you helped me personally discover a drive to push myself and achieve more than I ever thought possible.

And beyond your professional expertise, John, you’ve also been a great friend. You have a way of making even the most challenging days here enjoyable. You might even say things get a little brighter after those legendary breakfast meetings! We’ll all miss those shared experiences.

2. Reflect On Their Career

Take a moment to reflect on the retiree’s career path and its significance. Share compelling stories and anecdotes that illustrate their talents, victories, and impact within the company or organization. Discuss the hurdles they’ve faced and their triumphant resolutions, emphasizing how their work has shaped the company or organization. For example: 

John securing seemingly impossible deals isn’t merely a myth within our company; he’s become a living legend. John’s track record speaks for itself. He’s the pioneer of our first trial with clients abroad, a true feat at a point where our company had no presence outside the country, not even the state! And he didn’t achieve this through mere persistence. He went beyond what was needed.

John walks the talk in every sense of the phrase. It’s truly remarkable to witness someone go to such lengths, mastering a new language in record time just to ensure the success of a single deal. This dedication and adaptability have not only yielded tangible results but have also opened doors to the international market—a legacy that will continue to empower us all. Thanks to John’s vision and determination, we now have the opportunity to thrive on a global scale.

3. Express Gratitude:

Express heartfelt gratitude to the retiree for their unwavering dedication, hard work, and invaluable contributions. Acknowledge their service and commitment, recognizing the profound effect they’ve had on colleagues, the organization, and yourself. For example:

John, your contributions to this company, and more importantly, to the lives of the people here, are truly unforgettable. You haven’t just been a great colleague, you’ve also created an environment that empowers us to be better fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters.

This kind of supportive and positive work culture is something I never expected to find, and it’s a direct result of your kindness and dedication. Thank you for making a positive impact on our lives, both professionally and personally.

To the new team members, while you may not have had the chance to work with John for a long time, his legacy will continue to shape your experience here. The positive and supportive company culture he helped build is still very much alive, and the international business opportunities he opened doors to are yours to explore and expand upon. You’re joining a team with a strong foundation, and I know you’ll all continue to build upon John’s incredible work.

4. Share Personal Memories

Share personal anecdotes and memories that capture the essence of the retiree. Delve into their unique personality traits, work ethic, and core values. Highlight how they’ve left an indelible mark on the lives of those around them, blending both heartfelt and humorous recollections. For example:

Personally, John, I won’t forget you. You’re like a big brother to me. Remember when my wife and I were having trouble and on the verge of divorce? You went above and beyond your role as our kid’s godfather and helped us sort things out. Thank you for extending your care beyond our child to include us. I am very lucky to have you as a coworker, mentor, and friend.

Whenever you need help, even if it’s as small as your back aching, just call me and I will help you out within minutes of your call. And when I retire, you can count on me to be there for you. The wife would be happy to help too, of course. That’s how much we are grateful to you.

5. Extend Well-Wishes For Retirement:

Extend warm wishes to the retiree as they embark on this new chapter of their life. Express your hope that they’ll find joy and fulfillment in their retirement pursuits, encouraging them to stay connected and share their future adventures with you. Offer assurances of continued support and camaraderie. For example:

With that said, I hope that you have a great retirement, John. May life’s karma go full throttle in bestowing upon you as many blessings—or even more—than the number of positive things you have done for all of us.

While we know you’ll stay in touch, don’t forget to spend quality time alone with your family as well. Make the most of your time with them, especially with your grandkids.

And don’t let all the foreign languages you’ve learned go to waste; try to visit those places now that you have more time!

6. Raise A Toast

Conclude your speech by raising a toast to the retiree, inviting everyone to join in celebrating their illustrious career and contributions. Offer a final congratulations and words of encouragement as they embrace the exciting journey ahead. For example:

Now, this speech has reached its end. Let’s raise our glasses and give our very own legendary John his farewell toast. May this not be our last time sharing a good time together with him!

Here is a sample speech you can use as a guide for honoring a retiree you know. Just like before, it incorporates all the examples from the previous sections:

Tonight, we’re here to celebrate the well-deserved retirement of John Smith – a friend, a mentor, and an incredible colleague.

As a mentor, your impact is undeniable. Look around this room – so many of us have advanced in our careers thanks to your guidance and support. John, you helped me personally discover a drive to push myself and achieve more than I ever thought possible.

This speech should take three to four minutes to read aloud. It may extend to six to eight minutes once you incorporate pauses, some dramatic flairs, and interjections and disruptions from the audience.

Retirement Speech Writing Tips

Here are seven tips to help you write a good retirement speech:

1. Make An Outline

Follow the structures discussed above. For each section, include three subsections. For example, when introducing the retiree, add three subsections like introducing the retiree as a colleague, the retiree as a mentor, and the retiree as a friend.

2. Draft Freely

While I mentioned that you only need three subsections under a section in the outline, it doesn’t mean you should stop writing once you have three. Feel free to add more if you can. Doing so can give you options, and then you can choose the best three to use later.

3. Use Humor

Humor can be a universal method to engage with the audience. It also lightens the mood, which can relax both the audience and you. Having a few laughs here and there can boost your confidence in delivering the speech magnificently. Focus on commonly known gags and inside jokes in your office. Share funny anecdotes and stories if you can fit them into your speech to entertain.

4. Know Your Audience

Before you deliver jokes like a stand-up comic, know your audience. Your inside jokes may fall flat if there are outsiders at the retirement party or if members of the higher-ups attend. So, be sure you have an idea of who will be listening to you, and if possible, custom tailor your quips and stories to every member who may attend.

5. Be Authentic

Having to deliver a speech does not mean you need to conform to how great speakers write their speeches. Be authentic and make your writing similar to how you speak with the people in the audience.

6. Be Mindful Of The Word Count

Aim for a speech duration of three to five minutes—roughly 600-900 words, depending on your speech cadence. Factor in potential audience laughter or applause when estimating your speech length; allow one to three minutes of leeway for this.

7. Strike A Balance With Recognition

While the speech honors the retiree, avoid excessive flattery. Consider the retiree’s personality. If they’re shy, focus on acknowledgments and understated praise.

Retirement Speech Delivery Tips

Here are ten quick tips you can follow to make sure you deliver your speech in the best way you can possibly could:

• Be Sincere And Grateful : Express genuine appreciation with warmth and eye contact. Let your emotions shine through while you tell a personal story about how the retiree has impacted you or the team or how the team impacted you.
• Master Your Voice : Vary your pitch and pace to avoid a monotone. Emphasize key points and emotions through intonation. Imagine yourself captivating the audience as if you’re telling them a story. For example, excitement often involves a higher pitch, while sadness may involve a lower pitch.
• Respect The Time : Use a timer and conclude confidently within the allotted timeframe. Aim for a strong closing sentence that summarizes your key message and leaves a lasting impression on your toast.
• Practice Makes Perfect : Rehearse your delivery for polish and confidence. Breathe deeply and visualize success. Record yourself practicing to identify areas for improvement.
• The Power Of Pauses : Use strategic pauses to emphasize points, transition smoothly, invite audience response, or gather your thoughts. A well-timed pause can build anticipation for your next words.
• Embrace Silence : Don’t be afraid of silence. It can build anticipation or refocus the audience after a funny anecdote. Use silence strategically to create a more impactful delivery.
• Emphasize For Impact : Highlight key words for contrast, emotion, and context to deliver your message effectively. Emphasize verbs to convey action and importance.
• Prepare For The Unexpected : Have a few ad-libs ready to handle interruptions or lighten the mood. If a technical issue arises, use humor to acknowledge it and keep the audience engaged.
• Confident Communication : Use strong body language and clear speech with a moderate pace and varied vocal delivery. Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and smile genuinely to connect with the audience.
• Be Yourself : Express genuine emotions while maintaining focus. Leave a lasting impression with heartfelt sentiments. Let your personality shine through and connect with the audience on a personal level.

By practicing these tips, you can confidently deliver a heartfelt tribute to the retiree or yourself.

With these tips, ideas, and examples, you’re well on your way to delivering a retirement speech that will leave a lasting impression. Remember, a heartfelt message combined with genuine emotions is the key to a truly memorable tribute. So take a deep breath, step up to the podium, and celebrate this special occasion with a speech that truly shines.

Aside from this post, we have other articles you might find interesting and helpful. Here are some of the recent ones I posted:

• Send A Retiree Off Smiling: 120 Retirement Wishes For A Friend
• Unique Retirement Poems: Celebrate Their New Chapter
• Retirement Card For Husband: Heartfelt Messages To Celebrate His Journey
• Guide On How To Write A Heartwarming Retirement Card For A Coworker
• Retirement Party Etiquette And Considerations

Happy reading!

In 2021 we sold our house and most of our belongings and hit the road to travel full time and enjoy our retirement. We spent 2 years full time in an RV traveling the United States. Recently we left the US for travel abroad and we can be found on the beaches and cities of SE Asia.

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How To Write A Memorable Retirement Speech: A Complete Guide

Retirement—a remarkable milestone, a time for celebration and heartfelt appreciation. As you prepare to deliver a speech that honors the retiree, it’s essential to make it truly exceptional. This guide is here to help you do just that with a conversational and engaging approach.

In this practical guide, we’ll unlock the secrets to crafting a stand-out retirement speech. From expressing genuine gratitude to sharing light-hearted anecdotes and inspiring words, we’ll cover the essential elements that will make your speech shine.

You’ll find valuable tips, techniques, and relatable examples to guide you every step of the way. With this guidance, you’ll gain the skills to deliver a speech that captivates, uplifts, and creates cherished memories for the retiree and everyone present. Whether you’re a close colleague, a dear friend, or a loving family member, this guide will be your trusted companion as you create a retirement address that resonates deeply.

Are you ready to honor the retiree and craft a speech that leaves a lasting impact? Let’s dive right in and uncover the secrets to preparing a retirement speech that will be remembered and cherished for years.

What Makes a Great Retirement Speech?

A heartfelt and memorable retirement speech is a culmination of several key elements. Let’s explore what separates a great retirement speech and how to incorporate these elements into your tribute.

Expressing gratitude

One of the fundamental aspects of a remarkable retirement speech is expressing sincere gratitude to the retiree. Take the time to reflect on their contributions, impact, and how they have touched the lives of others. Share specific examples and heartfelt appreciation for their dedication, expertise, and the positive influence they have had on colleagues, students, or the community.

Understanding the audience

An excellent retirement speech is tailored to resonate with the audience. Consider who will be present at the retirement gathering and what they value most about the retiree. Adapt your speech to connect with their shared experiences, sentiments, and why they hold the retiree in high regard. Understanding the audience helps you create a speech that truly speaks to their hearts.

Choosing a speaker who knows the retiree well

When selecting the person to deliver the retirement speech, choose someone who deeply understands the retiree’s journey, accomplishments, and personal qualities. This speaker should have an intimate knowledge of the retiree’s impact, allowing them to authentically convey the retiree’s story, achievements, and character traits that deserve recognition.

Keeping it short but meaningful

While it’s tempting to recount every detail of the retiree’s career, it’s essential to strike a balance between brevity and meaningfulness. Keep your speech concise, focusing on the most significant aspects of the retiree’s professional journey. Select anecdotes, achievements, or moments that best represent their impact, and share them in a way that captures the essence of their career and leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

Organizing notes and structuring the speech effectively

Organize your notes and structure the speech effectively to ensure a smooth and coherent delivery. Start with a compelling opening that grabs the audience’s attention and establishes a connection. Arrange your thoughts logically, transitioning smoothly from one point to the next. Consider using storytelling techniques to engage the audience and make your speech more relatable. Conclude with a powerful closing that leaves the audience inspired and grateful for the retiree’s contributions.

By incorporating these elements into your retirement speech, you’ll create a powerful tribute that expresses gratitude, resonates with the audience, and captures the essence of the retiree’s career. So, let’s move forward and explore how to write and deliver a retirement speech that will be remembered for years.

How to Write a Retirement Speech

When it comes to writing a retirement speech, it’s all about capturing the essence of the retiree’s journey, expressing heartfelt gratitude, and creating a memorable experience for the audience. This section explores practical tips and creative strategies to help craft a speech that has a lasting impact. From finding inspiration and injecting humor to tailoring your words to the audience, let’s delve into the art of writing a remarkable retirement speech.

Start with expressing gratitude

Begin your retirement speech by expressing genuine gratitude to the retiree. Thank them for their dedication, hard work, and the positive impact they have had on others. Share specific examples of how their contributions have made a difference, leaving a lasting legacy. Remember, heartfelt appreciation sets the tone for an impactful tribute.

Ideas and inspiration for the speech content

When brainstorming speech content, consider the retiree’s notable achievements, memorable moments, and the unique qualities that define them. Reflect on their professional journey, personal growth, and the challenges they overcame. Incorporate stories, anecdotes, and quotes that highlight their character and contributions. Let their story inspire and resonate with the audience.

Crafting a funny retirement speech

Humor can be an excellent addition to a retirement speech, lightening the atmosphere and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces. Consider incorporating a well-placed joke or lighthearted anecdote if appropriate and in line with the retiree’s personality. Remember, humor should always be respectful and inclusive, ensuring it enhances the overall speech experience.

Keep the audience in mind while writing

As you craft your retirement speech, always keep the audience in mind. Consider their relationship with the retiree, their shared experiences, and what they value most about them. Tailor your words and anecdotes to resonate with the audience, ensuring they can connect with your sentiments and feel a sense of unity in celebrating the retiree’s accomplishments.

Seek a review from a trusted person

Before finalizing your retirement speech, consider seeking the feedback and review of a trusted individual who knows the retiree well. They can provide valuable insights, help refine the content, and ensure that your speech accurately reflects the retiree’s journey and impact. Their input can add depth and authenticity to your tribute.

Skills Required to Deliver a Retirement Speech

Now that you’ve mastered the art of writing a great retirement farewell speech, it’s time to explore the essential skills that will elevate your delivery and leave a lasting impact on your audience. Crafting the perfect speech is just one piece of the puzzle—how you deliver it is equally important.

Confidence and public speaking skills

Confidence is key when delivering a retirement speech. Embrace the fulfilling career and remarkable accomplishments of the person retiring. Stand tall, speak with conviction, and let your confidence shine through. Remember, you are chosen to honor their journey, so own the stage and captivate the audience with your words.

Engaging with the audience

o create a memorable experience, engaging with everyone present at the retirement party is essential. Look into the eyes of family members, colleagues, and friends, making a genuine connection. Use your words to transport them into the retiree’s world, evoking emotions and shared memories. Let your speech be a conversation that embraces and includes everyone in the celebration.

Using appropriate body language and vocal delivery

Your body language and vocal delivery are powerful tools to convey your message. Maintain an open and confident posture, using gestures to emphasize key points. Modulate your voice, allowing it to reflect the emotions and significance of the moment. You’ll capture the audience’s attention and create a captivating atmosphere using your body and voice effectively.

Choosing a go-to focal point for speech delivery

When delivering your retirement speech, select a focal point that symbolizes the retiree’s journey. It could be a cherished memento, a significant photograph, or even the retiree themselves. Let this focal point guide your speech, grounding you in the essence of their accomplishments and their impact on others. This visual representation will enhance your delivery and add depth to your tribute.

Tips for Delivering a Retirement Speech

So, the big retirement celebration is just around the corner, and you’re eager to deliver a speech that honors the retiree’s work and bids farewell with grace. In this section, we’ll share practical tips to help you shine on retirement day. From practicing and rehearsing your speech to expressing genuine gratitude, let’s dive in and discover how to make your delivery truly impactful while navigating the excitement and emotions that lie ahead.

Practice and rehearse the speech

Practice makes perfect, they say, and that holds true for delivering a memorable retirement speech. Review your words, familiarize yourself with the flow and pacing, and ensure you feel comfortable with the content. Practice in front of a mirror, enlist the help of a friend, or even record yourself to gain confidence and fine-tune your delivery.

Delivery tips for an impactful speech

When the retirement celebration arrives, it’s time to put your delivery skills into action. Remember to make eye contact, speak clearly, and project your voice to ensure everyone can hear your heartfelt words. Engage the audience through gestures, smiles, and pauses, allowing your words to resonate and create a genuine connection.

Keeping the speech length appropriate

While you may have a lot to say about the retiree’s accomplishments and their impact, it’s essential to keep the speech length in check. Aim for a balance between heartfelt storytelling and concise delivery. Time yourself during practice sessions and make adjustments as needed to ensure your speech fits within the allotted timeframe, allowing others to share their sentiments.

Expressing gratitude genuinely

As you stand before the audience, express your gratitude from the depths of your heart. Be genuine, sincere, and specific in your appreciation for the retiree’s contributions. Share personal anecdotes and stories that highlight their character and the positive influence they’ve had. Let your words convey the profound impact of their work and express heartfelt thanks for their dedication.

With these tips in mind, you’re well on your way to delivering an impactful retirement speech that celebrates the retiree’s achievements and sets the stage for the exciting chapter ahead in their personal life. So, let’s practice, prepare, and get ready to express your gratitude genuinely, leaving a lasting impression on this special day.

Retirement Speech Examples: Inspiration for your tribute

Looking for inspiration to craft your own remarkable retirement speech? This section presents a collection of retirement speech examples that will ignite your creativity and guide you in expressing heartfelt gratitude.

These examples will help you strike the right tone and create a speech that leaves a lasting impact, allowing you to express gratitude for the retiree’s contributions eloquently. From heartfelt tributes to lighthearted anecdotes, let these speech examples guide you as you navigate the art of honoring a remarkable career and spending quality time with those who matter most. Get ready to embark on your journey of creating unforgettable retirement speeches filled with genuine expressions of gratitude.

Grateful retirement speech example

“Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and honored guests, today we gather together to pay tribute to a remarkable individual who has graced our lives and organization with their presence for many years. As we bid farewell to [Retiree’s Name], we reflect on an extraordinary career. They have exemplified excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference throughout their tenure.

From their early days as a [mention early role] to their rise through the ranks, [Retiree’s Name] has consistently demonstrated a passion for [mention their main contributions]. They have become a true pillar of our team, a guiding force, and an inspiration to us all. Their tireless efforts and innovative thinking have propelled our organization forward, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of [industry/field].

But beyond their professional accomplishments, [Retiree’s Name] has also been a beacon of kindness and compassion. Always ready with a word of encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand, they have touched the lives of countless colleagues on both a personal and professional level. Their mentorship and guidance have shaped careers, fostered growth, and created an environment where everyone felt valued and supported.

Today, as we express our deepest gratitude, let us remember the invaluable lessons we have learned from [Retiree’s Name]. They have taught us the importance of perseverance, the power of collaboration, and the impact that one individual can have on an entire organization. We are forever indebted to their dedication and vision.

So, as we bid farewell to [Retiree’s Name], let us do so not with sadness but with pride and admiration. Let us celebrate their legacy, their impact, and the countless lives they have touched. On behalf of the entire organization, I extend our heartfelt thanks for the privilege of working alongside such an exceptional individual. We wish [Retiree’s Name] a retirement filled with joy, fulfillment, and new adventures. May this be the beginning of an exciting new chapter where they can fully embrace the well-deserved rewards that await them. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for everything you have done.”

Funny retirement speech example

“Hey everyone, can we get a round of applause for the star of the day? That’s right; it’s time to celebrate [Retiree’s Name]’s grand exit from the world of early alarms and office shenanigans! Today, we bid farewell to someone who has been a dedicated colleague and a master of turning the office into a place of laughter and good times.

[Retiree’s Name], where do we even begin? From the moment they walked through those office doors, they brought a breath of fresh air and a truckload of humor. It seemed like they had a secret stash of hilarious one-liners for every occasion, turning even the dullest of meetings into an improv comedy show.

But it wasn’t just their quick wit that made [Retiree’s Name] a comedic genius. No, they had a talent for finding humor in the most unexpected places. Remember that time when [share a funny and memorable anecdote]? [Retiree’s Name] managed to turn what could have been a disaster into a legendary tale that still has us laughing to this day.

Beyond their jokes and pranks, [Retiree’s Name] was a friend, a confidant, and the reason why coming to work felt like a visit to the comedy club. Their contagious infectious laughter brightened our spirits and made the toughest days seem bearable. We all knew that if we needed a pick-me-up or a good laugh, we could count on [Retiree’s Name] to deliver.

So, as we gather here today to bid farewell, let us not shed tears of sadness but tears of laughter, reminiscing about the hilarious moments we shared. [Retiree’s Name], you’ve left an indelible mark on our hearts, and our days at the office won’t be the same without your quick comebacks and infectious sense of humor.

As you step into this new chapter of your life, may the laughter continue to follow you wherever you go. May your days be filled with endless adventures, hilarious escapades, and moments that make you double over with laughter. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for being the office comedian, the laughter catalyst, and a true friend. We wish you a retirement that’s as funny and joyful as you’ve made our time together. Cheers to you!”

So, let’s raise our glasses and toast to [Retiree’s Name], the office prankster extraordinaire, as we bid them farewell and wish them an abundance of laughter in their retirement.

Short retirement speech example

“Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a bittersweet moment as we say goodbye to our esteemed colleague, [Retiree’s Name]. They have dedicated themselves to [mention specific achievements] in their years of service. Their impact on our team is immeasurable, and their presence will be deeply missed. As we bid farewell, let us carry forward their spirit of excellence, commitment, and camaraderie. Thank you, [Retiree’s Name], for inspiring us all and leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.”

Wrapping Up: Crafting Memorable Retirement Speeches with Gratitude and Impact

In summary, this guide has provided valuable insights into crafting memorable retirement speeches. We have emphasized the importance of expressing heartfelt gratitude, connecting with the audience, choosing a speaker who knows the retiree well, keeping the speech concise yet meaningful, and organizing notes effectively.

By incorporating these key points, you can create a retirement speech that resonates with the retiree and the audience. Remember, not everyone is a natural public speaker, but anyone can deliver a meaningful tribute with practice and honest feedback.

So, as you embark on this journey, remember to express gratitude sincerely, connect with the audience, and deliver a speech that leaves a lasting impact. Your words have the power to celebrate a fulfilling career and bid farewell with warmth and sincerity.

Use this guide as your roadmap, embrace the challenge, and create a retirement speech that will truly be remembered. The retiree and the audience await your heartfelt words.

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How to Write a Retirement Speech – Samples & Ideas

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

Like other types of speech, a retirement speech takes preparation. You can dedicate one to a friend or colleague or deliver a message as the retiree. But how do you write a retirement speech?

My guide will help you give sample speeches for a retirement party. Discover the steps you need to follow, mistakes to avoid, and some tips to improve. I even included an example to follow.

What Is a Retirement Speech?

A co-worker can give a retirement speech to a retiree or a retirement speech by a retiree.

Someone who has worked with the honoree for a long time can extend their congratulations for racing this unique milestone at the end of their career. They usually share interesting information while showing respect to the person who contributed significantly to the workplace.

A retirement speech can also be given by the person retiring. They may thank their fellow employees for the beautiful years and for helping them grow in the company.

These occasions are usually informal. That means you can deliver a casually funny retirement speech that’s the opposite of typical, formal speeches. But it is always helpful to plan what you will say in the speech so that everything flows smoothly.

What Makes a Good Retirement Speech?

A speech is a critical medium for presenting information and entertainment to a group of people. Here are some qualities of an excellent retirement speech.

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Focuses on the Honoree

Whether it’s a formal or informal retirement speech, it’s essential to focus on the honoree . Do not focus on yourself but on the accomplishments and values of the retiree.

A speech should be free from ambiguity so everyone can understand it easily. Make sure to break up run-on sentences and reduce wordiness. Using the active voice also improves the clarity of the speech.

Originality

It’s okay to insert famous quotes in your speech. But it’s also important to customize your message to the person you are honoring. Do not give a generic retirement speech you copied from Google or a speech builder.

Conciseness

A person who served in your organization deserves a long speech. But avoid repetitive, cliche , and filler words. Don’t bore your audience with a 30-minute speech.

Interesting

An attention-grabbing story in the introduction is a quick way to make your speech enjoyable. Other methods include using examples, inserting quotations, and citing jokes.

Use of Body Language

An outstanding speech is not only about verbal communication but also comes with necessary body language. Use non-verbal cues with your hands, mouth, and eyes.

How Long Should a Retirement Speech Last?

The length of the retirement speech depends on the time allotted for this part of the event. It usually lasts around 5-10 minutes and comprises 600-1000 words.

Some people do not need to read from their manuscripts at this length. They may prepare and practice using only their outline. But if you’re a beginner, you can bring an entire manuscript when delivering.

Retirement Speech Writing Steps

Follow these six steps to creating a retirement speech.

Step 1: Gather information

The first step to creating a retirement speech is to gather information about the person’s life from different people. Hopefully, you can get extraordinary stories from them and a core idea of what you will put in the speech.

Gathering information will be a breeze if the retiree has been a long-time employee. You’ll find out how multi-faceted the person is. To their fellow employees, the person might be friendly and good-humored. But to their supervisor, the retiree might be intelligent and strategic.

Try gathering as much information about their personality as possible. But remember the key details. Try asking the following questions:

• How long has the retiree been in the industry?
• How long has the retiree worked in the company?
• What were their contributions to the field or company?
• What were the awards they received in the course of their career?
• What were their previous positions?

Step 2: Learn All the Special Qualities of the Person

Your retirement speech should not only highlight the person’s career. It must also involve legendary stories or perhaps funny stories from their personal life.

For example, what are their personal hobbies? If the retiree likes to golf, you might try a golf-related theme for the party. If the retiree is an English teacher, try inserting English puns in your speech.

Here are some questions you can ask during interviews with people to craft a fantastic retirement speech.

• What are their nicknames?
• What is the name of their current spouse and kids?
• What would people say is the best trait of the retiree?
• How has the person made an exceptional contribution to the workplace?
• What lessons did the people learn from the retiree?

However, some people want to keep their private life private. You don’t have to snoop around when gathering information about the retiree.

Step 3: Write an Outline

The entire speech writing process and public speaking stage are much easier if you start with an outline.

You have to decide how the farewell speech will sound. Do you want a heartfelt speech, a humorous speech, or a mix of both? Once you have decided, it’s time to brainstorm what to include in each part.

• Introduction – This part should include an attention-grabbing story. It’s an essential part of memorable retirement speeches.
• Body 1 – Name one or two traits of the person. Are they great listeners? Do they always have the most brilliant ideas in meetings? Are they approachable to everyone?
• Body 2 – Discuss the person’s entire career journey. This should be easy if you’ve worked with them for a long time or gathered enough information. Make it clear what the person has attained and the differences they made to the company.
• Body 3 – Share personal lessons you’ve learned from the person. A short story can be used.
• Thank the person – Wish the person well in their retirement. End the speech with a memorable punchline and a “Happy retirement!”

Step 4: Write Out the Speech (Optional)

Skip this step if you’re already a skilled public speaker. Some practiced orators can even deliver humorous speeches on the spot without stuttering.

But if it’s your first time delivering a retirement speech for a boss, it’s best to write it down. Start with retirement speech starter headlines. It can include interesting daft stories, milestones, or a philosophy.

But overly preparing a speech can make it sound less heartfelt. Make sure you’re writing an authentic speech that feels natural to deliver.

You also don’t want to use the word “I” very often. Otherwise, it will give the impression of a boastful speech.

Step 5: Get Feedback

Seek people’s help before delivering a grateful retirement speech in front of a large crowd. Try asking someone who knows the retiree well to listen to your speech. Ask them about their thoughts on the fun story you shared, and make sure to consider their alternative ideas.

It also helps to ask an editor to fix any spelling or grammar issues. They can help you keep the speech more concise and engaging.

Step 6: Record a Video of Your Speech Before You Give It

The last step before offering a tribute speech to a retiree is to record yourself. Check your appearance when you’re talking. Are you smiling or not? Was your brow creased? This step is essential if you don’t always talk in front of a large audience of people.

Retirement Speech Tips

Now that you know the correct procedure for speech-writing, here are some tips you can follow.

Choose a Speaker Who Knows the Person Well

If you were chosen as the speaker, then you must have enough knowledge about the person’s entire life. One advantage of knowing the person too well is that you instantly have various content ideas for your speech.

This person can be someone other than the head of the organization. It can be their work best friend, business partner, or family member.

Focus on the Honoree

Your priority is to think about how the person will feel. Do you want to focus on their success, positive attributes, or their future success? Brainstorm some characteristics or key points you want to include in the tribute speech.

You may evoke emotion in this speech by highlighting a sense of fondness. But don’t make it too dramatic, especially when your relationship was formed in the workplace.

Mentioning memorable moments improves bonds with the honoree. Let them know what you will miss most about them.

Keep It Short—But Not Too Short

An important person in the company deserves more than three minutes of tribute. But that doesn’t mean you must include every detail of their previous career. Keep it short and sweet at around five to ten minutes to not bore the audience.

Use a Simple Framework

Keep your outline organized and simple to clarify the main message. It should serve as a blueprint to track your entire speech.

You already know the five parts of a retirement speech. However, you can still make it simpler using these parts:

• Greet the audience and thank them for coming to the party.
• Express why everyone is gathered.
• Talk about how this person made a difference in the company and industry.
• Talk about how this person made a difference in your personal life.
• Extend best wishes on the next chapter of their life.

Balance the Past and Future

Refrain from assuming that the best days of the retiree are over. They are likely to be excited about their retirement. So instead of making a eulogy-like speech, deliver one that covers both the past and future.

Carefully Use Humor

You’ve probably heard hundreds of speeches with funny punchlines. But you should always plan your humor around your audience. Avoid jokes that rely on profanity and controversial topics. No one also wants to hear you put the retiree down harshly.

As with any other type of speech or presentation, preparing is always worth it. Try talking with people who have worked closely with the retiree. Look for common themes, then start crafting.

I also don’t recommend spending too much time discussing the career highlight reel. The audience might already know the honoree’s professional development in minute detail. Focus on their impact, values, and the larger lesson they taught you.

Don’t Read Your Speech

It’s okay to bring an outline or manuscript as long as your eyes stay longer on the audience. Tell the speech from the heart, take deep breaths, and know exactly what you will tell next.

Stand Up Straight

Maintain a good posture as you walk across the stage and give the speech. It shows confidence in your discussion, making the audience more interested.

Avoid These Retirement Speech Pitfalls

Overlooking.

Are you talking too much about yourself? Is your anecdote losing focus on the retirement speech’s goal? Make sure your address aims to make the retiree feel appreciated. The conclusion or final part of the speech should be direct gratitude toward the individual.

Joking Too Much

Using humor in speeches can be challenging, especially if your audience is a bunch of serious people. Although sharing a boys’ night out story is tempting, others might not appreciate it. That said, do your research on the audience to avoid awkwardness.

Becoming Out of Touch

No, retirees don’t sit on their porches all day reminiscing about their previous job. Many people continue working or start their own businesses. The correct term for this is “active retirement.” So avoid retirement cliches in your speech that will make you sound tone-deaf.

Joking about old age may have been common in earlier retirement speeches in an attempt to make a funny speech. But today, it’s considered insensitive. Avoid offensive words toward the retiree and the audience.

What Are Some Good Retirement Quotes?

Consider these thirty-five examples if you need some retirement quotes for your speech.

Inspirational Quotes for Retirement

• “Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.”
• “Half of our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” – Will Rogers
• “For many, retirement is a time for personal growth, which becomes the path to greater freedom.” – Robert Delamontague
• “Don’t act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been.” – J. A. West
• “Retirement, a time to enjoy all the things you never had time to do when you worked.” – Catherine Pulsifer
• “Retirement is wonderful if you have two essentials: much to live on and much to live for.” 
• “Retire from your job, but never retire your mind.”
• “Age is just a number, but retirement is one of the greatest gifts to mankind.”
• “The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender.” – Vince Lombardi
• “Choose a job that you love and you won’t have to work another day.” – Confucius
• ​”Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Mark Twain
• “There’s never enough time to do all the nothing you want.”​ – Bill Waterson
• “Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different.” – Patrick Foley

Funny Retirement Quotes

• “He who laughs at the boss’ jokes probably isn’t far from retirement.”
• “Congrats on being so tired that you had to retire.”
• “The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does.”
• “There really are two lives we live. The first life and then the second life when we realize we only have one life.”
• “The best part about being retired is never having to request time off.”
• “My retirement plan is to get thrown into a minimum security prison in Hawaii.” – Julius Sharpe
• “I’m always announcing my retirement. I’m still not retired.” – Dick Van Dyke
• “How do you know it’s time to retire? It’s when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it!”
• “During your work life, you pick up a lot of bad habits… like working.”
• “The world’s longest coffee break is often referred to as retirement.”
• “Now Fridays aren’t the best day of the week anymore… they all are!”
• “I never reveal my age, but I do let people know I’m retired. They can just guess my age from that statement.”

Retirement Wishes

• “Wishing you the best retirement ever! Enjoy the new chapter of your life and enjoy being your own boss.”
• “It is not easy to say goodbye. But, I will hold on to the fond memories of working with you. I hope that this retirement brings you joy and peace.”
• “Enjoy your new weekends which will last 7 days!”
• “We wish you the best retirement possible.”
• “You have been a great boss. I appreciate the effort you put into mentoring me.”
• “You have reached an incredible level of freedom.”
• “I can’t believe I will be working as you nap. Enjoy your retirement!”
• “Cheers to a lifetime of weekends!”
• “Goodbye to the coats and ties.”
• “May your dreams come true as you begin your retirement.”

Retirement Speech Sample

Here’s an example of a short but heartfelt retirement speech you can give to someone you want to pay your respects to.

I have witnessed many friends come and go to this school. But today, we have gathered to show our love and respect for Hartford Elementary School’s English teacher, Bradley McAdams. After working with him for more than 30 years, I don’t think I have the right words to say about his inspiring impact, dedication, and character.

Bradley, or, as many people call him, “Mr. Brad,” has handled over 1,000 students. That includes 10,000 essays checked, 80 English lessons taught, and 60 literary works recommended.

But beyond the schoolwork checked, Bradley has made meaningful relationships with his students over the past few years. He became a good friend to individuals who need comfort and a family to children who want to feel a sense of belonging.

We are also proud of him for publishing his dissertation in 2018 and obtaining a doctorate in 2019.

Mr. Brad, you are one of the most inspiring educators in the teaching profession. You made a lasting impression on the world through your grit. You deserve a break! We hope you get enough rest, travels, and pampering in this new stage of your life. Congratulations on your retirement!

Craft a Well-Written Speech

Hopefully, my guide helped you learn how to write a retirement speech. Whether it’s for a friend or boss, that person deserves appreciation and support on their special milestone.

Another popular category for these speeches is when it comes to friends, family, service professionals, or a college commencement speech. Learn how to create an inspiring speech for different people!

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How to Write a Retirement Speech

Table of Contents

As a soon-to-be retiree, one of the final tasks on my professional to-do list is to craft a retirement speech. This isn’t just any speech; it’s my chance to bid farewell to colleagues, express gratitude for the years of support, and reflect on the journey that has led me to this point. It’s an opportunity to share my experiences, both the triumphs and challenges, and to leave a lasting impression.

Writing this speech might initially seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. The key I have discovered is to approach it as a celebration rather than a goodbye. It’s all about acknowledging the past, embracing the present, and looking forward to the future. 

Essence of a Retirement Speech

The essence of a retirement speech lies in its authenticity and sincerity. It’s a chance to bid farewell, to share stories, and to express gratitude. It’s about acknowledging the relationships built over the years and the impact the organization has had on one’s professional journey. Remember, this speech is not just about me; it’s about the people who have been a part of my journey, too.

Essential Components of a Memorable Retirement Speech

A memorable retirement speech resonates with the audience and leaves a lasting impression. It’s about balancing gratitude and humor, sharing personal anecdotes, and honoring the contributions made over the years. Each component adds a unique flavor to the speech, making it a perfect blend of emotions and memories.

Honoring Achievements and Contributions

One of the essential components of the retirement speech is honoring achievements and contributions. It’s a chance to express retirement wishes to myself and to reflect on my professional journey. From the milestones achieved to overcoming challenges, it’s about looking back at the journey and acknowledging the growth. It’s also an opportunity to thank family members and colleagues who have been instrumental in this journey.

Highlighting Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Personal stories bring life to the retirement speech. They give the audience a glimpse into my experiences, making the speech more relatable. From shared laughs to learning experiences, these stories weave a narrative that celebrates the years spent in the organization. I plan to include a few anecdotes that best represent my journey and the lessons learned.

Adding doses of Suitable Humor: The “Funny Retirement Speech”

As I embark on this exciting new chapter, I realize that a retirement speech is meant to be heartfelt yet uplifting. I’ve also learned that humor can be an effective way to break the ice and lighten the mood. “Remember Christopher, our top salesperson for 23 out of 25 years he worked here? He had a knack for streamlining processes and leading our industry, but he also had an infectious laugh that could brighten the gloomiest days.” It’s that kind of humorous spirit that I aim to bring to my retirement speech.

Establishment of Personal Connection: The Essence of a “Retirement Farewell Speech”

Good morning to everyone! Today, I am not only bidding farewell to this company but also to the incredible colleagues who have become like family over the years. Just like our beloved teacher and mentor, Mr. Shah, who served this institution for 25 incredible years, it’s my turn to say goodbye. But this isn’t the end; instead, it’s the beginning of a new adventure where we’ll build different paths, but our memories and connections will always bind us together.

Future Aspirations and Plans

Although our past holds precious memories, the future has unfulfilled dreams and untapped potential. I’ve always wanted to go on a nature retreat, and now, I finally have the chance to do so. I also plan to spend more quality time with my spouse and explore the opportunity to work at the charming bar down the street. Retirement doesn’t mean the end; it’s the beginning of new opportunities and adventures.

Essential Tips for Writing a Convincing Retirement Speech

As I prepare for my retirement speech, I realize that writing your retirement speech is an art in itself. It’s a daunting task to encapsulate years of memories, accomplishments, and emotions into just a few minutes. But with the right approach and a sprinkle of creativity, I am confident that I can craft a speech that is memorable and emotionally resonant.

Understand Your Audience

One essential aspect of delivering a compelling retirement speech is understanding your audience. We’re all at different stages of our careers, with some just starting and others nearing the end, like me. I aim to resonate with everyone, connecting with their hopes, aspirations, and sentiments, making my farewell speech a universal message of gratitude and anticipation for the future.

Structure Your Speech

When creating my retirement speech, it’s essential to pay attention to its structure. It’s like a story; it needs a strong start, an engaging middle, and a meaningful end. The commencement or tone for your speech should grab the audience’s attention and set the tone. The middle should be filled with shared memories, experiences, and achievements. The conclusion should wrap up the speech, imparting a message of gratitude and hope for the future.

Practice 

Once I have my speech structured, it’s time to practice. Reading the speech out loud for at least 10 minutes every day helps me build confidence and review the flow of thoughts. I don’t have to memorize the speech, as these are my experiences. Practicing my speech a day after writing provides a fresh perspective, and timing the speech helps me adjust its length accordingly. Understanding the pace of my speech is crucial to maintain the audience’s interest.

Get a Trusted Individual’s Review

After practicing, I find it beneficial to have a trusted individual review my speech. Their honest feedback will help refine my writing and presentation. They can gauge if any points seem too sensitive or inappropriate and confirm if the speech invokes the right emotions. This person can also provide insight into my body language during my speech and suggest any necessary adjustments.

Utilize Mementos and Gifts to Make Speech Tangible

If a colleague is leaving, they are often given a small memento for their years of service. Incorporating these tangible elements into my retirement speech can make it more impactful. Holding the memento while sharing the associated memories can evoke strong emotions and make the speech more memorable.

Essential Retirement Speech Etiquette to Consider

Lastly, let’s not forget the essential etiquette of delivering a retirement speech. It’s a tribute, a celebration, and a farewell, all in one. Understanding these nuances can make the difference between a speech that’s cherished and one that’s merely endured. Being positive, timing the speech appropriately, expressing sincerity and gratitude, dressing appropriately, and being able to read and react to the audience’s emotions are some key points to consider . This way, my speech will resonate with grace, respect, and warmth, leaving a lasting impression on my colleagues.

Maintaining Positivity Throughout

As I prepare to bid farewell to my professional life, it’s crucial to maintain a positive tone and good communication skills throughout my retirement speech. It’s a celebration of my career journey and not a goodbye. A positive outlook will set a cheerful tone for the entire retirement celebration, making it an enjoyable experience for everyone present. Sharing my journey with a smile, regardless of the challenges I face, will not only uplift the mood but also inspire my colleagues.

Appropriate Timing of the Speech

To make my speech impactful, I must ensure it is delivered at the right moment. The timing of the speech carries a lot of weight in how the audience receives it. It should be scheduled at a point in the event when everyone’s attention can be fully captured. Moreover, the duration of my speech should be considerate of the audience’s time, ensuring it is neither too short to convey my feelings nor too long to be monotonous.

Being Sincere and Grateful

The cornerstone of my retirement speech is sincerity and gratitude. My speech should reflect my genuine appreciation for every individual and experience that has shaped my career journey. It’s not just about rehearsed lines but heartfelt words from my experiences. Sharing genuine anecdotes will make my speech more relatable, while expressing my gratitude will show my respect and appreciation for my colleagues and the organization.

Dressing Appropriately for the Event

As I stand to deliver my retirement speech, the way I dress will set the tone for the event. My attire should reflect my respect for the occasion and the people present at the event. Whether it’s a formal or casual gathering, my outfit should match the event’s tone. It’s not just about looking good but also about showing that I value this significant moment in my life and career.

Flexibility to read and React to the Audience Emotions

As I share my experiences and insights, I must remain flexible and responsive to the audience’s emotions. My colleagues and friends at the event are at different stages in their careers, some younger and some nearing retirement like me. While delivering my speech, I need to be sensitive to their emotions, adjusting my tone and content to ensure my words resonate with everyone.

Understanding Different Retirement Speech Scenarios

Retirement speeches can vary depending on the scenario. For instance, the retiree may deliver a speech, or a trusted coworker or superior might give a farewell message. It’s important to tailor your speech to fit the situation and the audience.

When crafting your speech, reflect on the years spent at the company. Share your experiences, express your gratitude, and discuss your plans. Remember, a retirement speech is an opportunity to leave a lasting impression, so make it count.

Drafting a Speech as The Retiree

When you’re a person who is retiring, drafting a speech can be daunting. It’s crucial to capture your career’s essence, your journey, and the relationships that have shaped you into the professional you have become. Start with an attention-grabber, an amusing story or joke that sets a positive and receptive mood for your audience. This will ensure that your audience is listening and engaged right from the start.

As you continue to write the speech, remember to maintain a flow of emotions in your narrative, ideally starting and ending on a positive note. Keep the thoughts flowing smoothly, and don’t be afraid to throw in a surprise factor to keep your audience’s attention. This could be a revelation about a project, an unexpected turning point in your career, or a hidden talent you’ve never shared with your colleagues.

Crafting a Farewell Speech as a Trusted Coworker or Superior

If you are a coworker or superior tasked with crafting a farewell speech for a retiree, remember that your primary focus should be highlighting the retiree’s impact. Share personal anecdotes that emphasize their contribution to the team and the organization. Acquire relevant information about the retiree’s work history, such as their tenure, their positions, their noteworthy contributions, and any awards or recognitions they may have received. Use this information to paint a vivid picture of the retiree’s fulfilling career.

As you write the speech, remember to express well wishes for the retiree’s future. This could be wishes for their health, family, or new endeavors. Everyone wants to hear that their coworkers envision them reaching even greater heights in retirement. A sincere, heartfelt farewell speech can make a retiree’s send-off memorable.

Conclusion: Crafting a Speech of a Lifetime

In conclusion, writing a retirement speech can be a rewarding process. It’s about more than just saying a few words before leaving a workplace; it’s about etching a heartfelt speech and a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of your colleagues. Remember, farewell speeches are a celebration of the retiring person’s life and their contributions to the organization. They are a chance to honor their journey, share personal anecdotes, and express future aspirations.

Hi, I’m Chuck, a 57-year-old globetrotter who’s just traded in the executive office for a more adventurous retirement. From living in various countries to soaking up local flavors, I’ve packed my suitcase with experiences. Now, I’m on the hunt for the perfect retirement spot, whether it’s near a golf course or has a stunning view. Join me as I explore this new life, from cruising the Mediterranean to train trips across Europe, sharing insights, laughs, and the quest to find the ultimate place to call home.

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Amazing Retirement Speeches Examples & Writing Tips

Writing memorable retirement speeches: expert tips & examples.

Writing your retirement speech seems daunting? You are not alone. In this post, our professional speechwriters share techniques for writing a truly memorable speech.

People with whom you've worked for years have become an important part of your professional and personal life. You have spent more time with your coworkers than with your family members, and they witnessed your achievements as well as rough times. Thus, you'll want to craft a heartwarming retirement farewell speech to thank everyone for the good times spent together.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to writing a good retirement speech for any situation. The duration of the speech and what to include will depend on your relationships with coworkers, how many years you have spent in the company, and the corporate culture. In this blog, we have summarized the main principles for writing a great retirement speech plus some examples for your inspiration.

If writing isn't your forte and you still want to express your co-worker with a memorable retirement speech, get professional help. On our website, you can order a custom retirement speech at a pocket-friendly price. Share what you'd like to include in your speech, and our expert will find the right words for your important event, keeping your speech professional yet powerful and emotional.

Two memorable retirement speech examples

If you are looking for sample speeches for your retirement party or the final meeting at the office, check out the examples below. You can customize them a little, or use them as an inspiration to write your own speech.

Formal retirement speech

This example of a speech of a person retiring has a formal tone and is focused on their professional achievements. It also expresses sincere gratitude towards colleagues and reiterates important professional highlights.

Funny retirement speech example

This humorous speech won an international speech contest decades ago. If you want to draft an informal speech, pay attention to the structure and tone of voice in this example.

Professional tips on what to say in your retirement speech

As you give a speech for your retirement celebration, things can easily go wrong. Some people get carried away and use unprofessional jokes and personal stories that make others feel uncomfortable. Others prepare thoroughly, but their speech lacks warmth and emotion. Here's how to compose a speech that will sound professional, appropriate, and sincere.

Keep it on a positive note

Not all companies can boast a positive working environment and strong relationships between the co-workers. Even if your boss had anger management issues and some coworkers were toxic, do not bring this up on your retirement day. Focus on the positive side of things - you can think of some good moments during your fulfilling career which are worth mentioning. If coworkers failed to become your second family, compliment them on their work ethic and mention the results you've achieved as a team.

Be grateful

As you spend time creating your speech, devote at least one paragraph to expressing gratitude. Thank your boss, people that worked next to you every day, and mention a few people you had strong relationships with. You may even share a short story about some project or achievement. If at least one family member is present, thank them for supporting you in your career as well. To make a lasting impression also mention what you've achieved with the company, what challenges you faced, and who helped you along the way.

Mind the event and the audience

You will want to adapt the content of your speech depending on where the event will take place and how many people will be present. Obviously, the text of the speech for a company-wide meeting with two hundred people and a small gathering in your office will be different. In the latter case, you can keep your speech less formal as if you were speaking to close friends, but do not forget to keep it professional. If speaking for a larger audience, you might want to leave insider jokes out and focus on things that everyone in a room will understand.

Choose the right tone

If you work for a company that encourages a laid-back environment, casual clothes, and informal team-building events, it is absolutely fine to come up with a funny retirement speech. Your colleagues will appreciate it and see it as a sign of warm, friendly working relations. On the flip side, if you work in a serious organization with a formal professional culture, such as an investment bank, law firm, or a government institution, it is best to keep your speech formal and polite.

Share your ideas for retirement

The public opinion about retirement today is different from that of twenty years ago. Now, not everyone is looking forward to receiving a gold watch and a calm time off work. Your retirement speech will look even better if you share plans for the future. Tell what you'd like to do during your next chapter of life: consult and mentor others, start a new exciting hobby, or maybe travel. Let your friends and family know that you are looking forward to something new and interesting.

Use visual aids

Another good idea for retirement speeches is supporting them with visual aids. You can prepare a presentation with pictures from corporate events or celebrations, or share a video of some memorable moments. If you launch a presentation during your speech, it will evoke a bigger emotional response and help you truly connect with an audience.

Get professional help

After you've written a draft of your speech, ask for honest feedback from a trusted person, such as a family member or a friend. They will look at the text with a fresh eye and recommend what to add and remove. If you truly care about the success of your speech, consult a professional speechwriter. They will review your speech with a professional perspective and recommend improvements that will work better with the auidence.

Just a kind reminder: at SpeechPaths, you can order a customized speech for any special occasion, including a retirement speech. A dedicated expert will work one-on-one with you to craft the text that you'll be satisfied with. Hire an expert to write a retirement speech with a 20% discount today - chat with us to claim your code!

How to give a retirement speech for an employee?

If you aren't the one who is retiring and need to pay tribute to a retiring coworker or subordinate, you'll want to prepare thoroughly. The most important thing about such speeches is to keep them personalized. Find features specific to that person, and focus on these features as you bid farewell to them. You may not only pay homage to a retiree's work, but also mention their personality, complement their sense of humor, the ability to solve unsolvable problems, or a high-achieving spirit. Thank the person for their contribution to the company - after all, they have devoted years of their life to it, and their achievements need to be mentioned.

Preparing to give your retirement speech

Composing your speech is only a half of the journey. You also need to deliver it efficiently to impress the audience. Since public speaking is a challenge to many, take these tips from professional speech writers into account:

Prepare and practice

It is hardly possible to deliver a persuasive speech without proper preparation. Start practicing your speech days in advance: read it aloud, and work on your gestures and body language. You will have plenty of time to hear how your words actually sound, and add/paraphrase something to make the speech better. Moreover, as you practice delivering the speech to your family, you will feel more confident speaking to the audience on your big day.

Dress for success

A polished professional attire will help you feel more confident in everything you do, including public speaking. You don't need to be overdressed, but wearing a new pressed suit and freshening your nails will make you look more considerate during the official retirement day.

Master techniques to stay calm

Many people find speaking to a large crowd intimidating. You may feel anxious, have sweaty palms, and other symptoms of stress. To calm down before the speech, try breathing exercises - the simplest one is counting to four as you breathe in and out. Other methods to beat anxiety include meditation - give yourself a few minutes before getting on stage - and visualization techniques. Imagine the room and the audience, and plan every move in advance. Keep a glass of water at hand in case you have a sore throat - you can also take a sip or two when you need to pause.

Keep it brief

Whether delivering the speech is an exciting perspective for you or you are anxious about it, remember to keep it short. As a rule, you need to keep it between 5 to 10 minutes. No need to pay tribute to every person you worked with and recollect every workplace situation. Mention only the most important milestones and people who played a key role in your professional life. Time yourself as you practice speaking at home to keep your speech at optimal length and not to bore the audience.

Choose a point you will look at

If you don't deliver speeches frequently, your eyes may start to wander as you speak, and you can get distracted or simply feel uncomfortable. Here's the solution: find a point that you will look at as you speak. This can be a clock or a poster on the opposite wall. The audience will think that you are looking at the back row, and you'll be able to concentrate on your speech entirely.

As you write and deliver your retirement speech, do not forget about the main thing: have fun during the process! Speeches may sound stressful, but eventually your retirement party will become a memorable day that will evoke only positive emotions.

Get professional help with your speech, anytime

At SpeechPaths, we deliver insightful and memorable speeches for every professional and personal occasion. If you lack inspiration to draft your retirement speech, let us know and our expert will prepare a speech tailored to your requirements in as little as 12 hours. We offer amazing prices for first-time customers - contact us and make sure!

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How to write a retirement speech

Content ideas for a great retirement speech.

By:  Susan Dugdale  | Last modified: 01-31-2024

The prospect of writing a retirement speech either for yourself or for someone else might seem daunting.

The reality is, fortunately, that it's not as hard as it first appears to be. ☺

Follow the steps outlined below and you'll finish with a speech you'll be happy to give, and listeners will be happy to hear.

What you'll find on this page:

• how to collect up material for the speech - content prompts to use to brainstorm *
• an example of a completed brainstorm
• notes on tone, theme and speech length
• how to write and test the speech
• links to an example retirement speech and a collection of suitable quotations you may like to use

* brainstorm - the name given to an invaluable prewriting technique used to generate lots of potential ideas about a topic

Beginning the process of writing

Before you even attempt to write you need to collect your ideas together.

The most efficient way I know to do this is to do a brainstorm. (Scroll down to see an example.)

First grab yourself a large sheet of paper or open a new document.

Give yourself a time limit

Before you begin set yourself a time limit - say 30 minutes.

Then use the retirement speech starter headlines and the content suggestions *  next to each one to kick start your creative juices.

Put down as much as you can under each heading. Do NOT self edit. Nothing is too trivial! You don't have to spell properly, or write complete sentences. All you have to do is allow your ideas to flow. 

You will rearrange, expand, trim or delete them later but for now it's important you put whatever thought occurs down, to capture it before it disappears.

* You can see these headlines and content suggestions in action in my sample brainstorm. 

Retirement speech starter headlines

I remember ... Suggestions: starting out 'x' years ago, what was most important to the company, what I looked like back then, what the pinnacle of technological sophistication was  ...

Colleagues ... Suggestions: those who've been influential, friends, major campaigns/accounts worked on together ... What special qualities will you miss about these people?

Tributes ... Suggestions: Who have you admired and why? Who has inspired you? Name and thank them. Especially those who contributed majorly in either little or large ways, making your work life easier or more pleasant; from the cook in the canteen who regularly kept back a sandwich just for you, or the lift operator who always held the door for you up.

Milestones ... Suggestions:  significant personal achievements, the firm's major achievements ... 

Anecdotes ... Suggestions: amusing daft stories about either yourself or perhaps the people you worked with. (But mostly featuring you, because people appreciate a person who is self-aware and secure enough to make fun of themselves, one who doesn't need to call out blips in behavior, or lapses in logic in others in order to make themselves look good.)  

The future ... Suggestions: Personal future:  what I'm looking forward to, where I'll be, what I'll be doing ... The firm's future:  where do you see it going? What challenges does it face?

Philosophy ... Suggestions: the values that have been important over the years, still are and why

Getting it together

Now that you have the raw material you're ready to shape it. But before you begin to write the speech you have  three  more important elements to consider.  What you decide will have an impact on the final outcome. 

1. What tone do you want your speech to have?

Because many retirement speeches are delivered over a dinner or at a party, most people strive for a balance of light-hearted self-deprecating humor, sincerity and respect. Put yourself in your colleagues' shoes and ask yourself what you would appreciate and enjoy listening to. 

• Do you want to hear a diatribe about the opportunities the company missed through bureaucratic bungling over the last humpteen years?
• Is a detailed personal brag sheet charting your meteoric rise appropriate?
• What about a breakdown of the company's culture?  
• Or talk of in-group events, or people, that nobody, aside from a small section of the audience, either understands or knows?
• Or worst of all, an embittered harangue citing the numerous instances (large and small) when your contributions were maligned, and your leadership potential was overlooked by varying nincompoops, but principally the halfwits who comprise the senior management team?  

By all means keep the speech real. However make it more about the positive aspects of the business and the people who work there rather than yourself.  

2. Consider using a theme

A theme is useful to tie all the segments of your speech together. It's a core idea uniting them, and giving them cohesion.  

Here are some ideas you could make work well:  team effort (through uniting one achieves more),  friendship, loyalty, the value of ongoing education, that youth is wasted on the young, humor, the importance of believing in one's dreams ...

3. How long are you going to speak for?

How long you are expected to speak for governs how many words you write.

A relatively informal retirement speech to be given at a social gathering is usually 3 - 5 minutes long. That's between 625 - 750 words depending how fast you speak. * Much more and you run the risk of losing people's attention.

In a formal setting you may be expected to speak for 10 minutes, and then some.

If you are unsure of what's being asked of you, find out. Whatever the time limit, its good practice to finish within it. In the words of Franklin D Roosevelt, USA's  32nd  President - March 4, 1933 – April 12, 1945: " Be sincere; be brief; be seated."

* (Most people speak at a rate of between 120 - 150 words per minute. See my page on  speech rate  if you want more information.)

Read an example of a retirement speech

Sometimes it's incredibly helpful to read a sample leaving speech before starting to prepare one of your own. This example is an example  retirement speech for a teacher . It was written using the guidelines on this page. 

And now write

Go back through your notes, select what you want, put it in order and write exactly as if you were talking out loud to a respected friend.

You'll need an opening, middle and conclusion.

Remember the time allowance. You are better to make a few points well rather than try to cram your speech full to fit everything in, and then rush gabbling through in order to meet the time constraints.

If it worries you that you've had to leave out either people or events, say so. Your audience will understand. 

Borrow the words of others - use a quotation

Look through this large selection of  retirement quotations .  You'll find sharply witty, warmly funny, inspiring, as well as some sad thoughts about retiring. Take any that appeal to weave through your own words. Maybe you'll find just the opening or ending you want!

If you're writing about a colleague retiring

If you are writing a farewell or retirement speech about a colleague remember: "Do unto others as you would have done to you".

Your job is make the person feel valued and appreciated for who they are and what they've brought to the workplace. If you're the only speaker remember you're talking on behalf of your workmates too.

Pull one or two of them in on the brainstorming process. If you don't know, find out what they're intending to do once they've left work. Dig around to give yourself a great collection of information to pick and mix the best from.

Test your speech on colleagues

To gauge whether or not what you've written will be well received or has covered all the most important points, firstly put yourself in their shoes and secondly, read the speech through to several colleagues whose judgement you respect.

Be very aware of revealing personal or sensitive information. The person retiring because of ill-health or for special family considerations may not want it made public. Ask before speaking. If you don't feel you can ask, then you probably shouldn't be saying anything about it.

Other useful reference pages:

• h ow to write speeches : step-by-step detailed instructions with examples
• how to rehearse your speech : absolutely necessary if you want to give a polished presentation
• tips on using humor effectively : avoid the traps that trip the unwary

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About To Retire And Need To Give A Speech? 5 Retirement Speech Ideas With Examples

After a lifetime of hard work and dedication, retirement is a big milestone in life. 

It’s a time to reflect on all the amazing moments experienced over the years and celebrate the future ahead. 

As such, it often requires giving a retirement speech to acknowledge the occasion and those with whom you’ve worked for many years.

Knowing what to say when passing the baton and sharing final words of wisdom is challenging.

Should you be funny or serious?

Go into detail or keep it brief?

Look no further if you’re stuck and need some ideas or inspiration. 

We’ve put together a few examples of retirement speeches from the retiree’s perspective (and from an employee’s, as well) to help ignite your creativity.

How to Outline Your Retirement Speech

Tips for writing your retirement speech, 1. farewell type of retirement speech, 2. short retirement speech, 3. funny retirement speech, 4. heartfelt/serious retirement speech, 5. retirement speech for an employee, final thoughts.

Like any other written work, your retirement speech should have a narrative that walks through the main points clearly and concisely.

To ensure your address resonates with your audience, you should outline it properly before delivering it.

When creating an outline for your retirement speech, make sure to consider the following steps:

• Start with a strong opening statement: Begin your speech by introducing yourself and setting the tone for what’s to come. Starting with humor can break the ice.
• Mention and thank everyone present: Take time to thank those who have been a part of your professional journey, such as managers, colleagues, family members, and mentors.
• Share memorable moments: Reflect on your career highlights and share your favorite memories with the audience.
• End with inspiring words: Leave your audience with a few words of wisdom encapsulating everything you’ve said.
• Edit and practice: Once you’ve completed your outline, edit it as many times as needed to make sure there are no errors or unnecessary information.
• Rehearse it out loud: Also, practice delivering your speech aloud, so you know exactly how it will sound when the time comes.

By crafting an effective outline and following these steps, you can ensure that your retirement speech is well-received by everyone in attendance. It may take a few drafts to get it right, but the effort will be worth it.

As you bid farewell to your work life and embark on a new chapter in life, a well-written speech will serve as an inspiring reminder of all that has been accomplished.

• Decide on the tone of speech: Will it be a formal address or light-hearted? Will it start out with one tone and end with another? These decisions can help guide the story you tell.
• Set the context: Choose a theme or story to open your speech so your audience can relate and follow along.
• Establish a timeline: How long have you worked at the organization? What are some of your most memorable moments? Who did you work with in different eras? Answering these questions can help you craft an engaging narrative.
• Offer gratitude: You didn’t make it to retirement on your own, and it’s essential to recognize the people who played a role in your journey. Be sure to thank them accordingly.
• Keep it short: Keep your speech under ten minutes if possible, as this will keep your audience attentive and engaged. If any sentences don’t add value to the story, remove them. It should be easy to read out loud and follow along.
• Identify key takeaways: What is one thing that everyone should leave with? What lessons have you learned in your time there that can help shape the future of the organization?
• Close on an uplifting note: Your retirement speech should close with something inspiring and sincere – perhaps a quote or a personal expression of thanks. Sometimes humor is a great way to end on a high note and return to a more casual tone.

Use these pointers as a checklist that you can refer to when putting together your retirement speech.

With careful consideration, you’ll be able to deliver a heartfelt address that celebrates all the successes and memories of your time at the organization.

5 Retirement Speech Ideas with Examples

If you need help getting started with your goodbyes, here are some examples of retirement speeches by the retiree (and an employee speech) to help you craft the perfect address:

This type of speech is the most common and is often sentimental. It’s about saying goodbye while thanking everyone who helped you along the way.

It should help the audience understand what this change means for you while keeping them curious about where your next chapter will take you.

Example Farewell Retirement Speech:

It’s difficult to put into words just how much this moment means to me. After XX years of dedicated service, I’m finally ready to take on my next journey.

When I first started my career, I never imagined all the wonderful memories and relationships that would come with it. Every day has been rewarding in its own way, but today is an especially bittersweet occasion as I bid farewell to all my colleagues and look ahead to the future.

I think about all the fantastic people I’ve met who have helped me along the way – from supervisors who encouraged me through challenging times to mentors who gave wise advice when the going got tough. These relationships made coming to work each day a pleasure rather than a chore.

The biggest blessing must be my meaningful collaborations with some of my favorite coworkers over the years. We spent countless hours brainstorming ideas and building projects together, often coming up with solutions for problems we thought would never be solved. The sense of satisfaction and accomplishment was always worth it in the end!

Although I won’t be in this office anymore, there are still plenty of contributions yet to come from me and those like me who will carry this legacy forward into our respective futures. With every challenge you face, there will always be someone new at your side willing to help you move mountains if you need it.

So allow me to leave you with a few pieces of advice: Believe in yourself but never be afraid of asking questions and learning more; cherish every relationship you come across; and remember that hard work pays off even when you don’t see it right away! With that said, I will miss all of you and wish you and (name of company) continued success. 

Many retirement speeches happen in spaces where we need to be brief, such as a Zoom meeting or other virtual space.

A short retirement speech will allow you to be concise and still convey your message. It can also make for an excellent written piece for a retirement card or email greeting.

Example Short Retirement Speech:

Today, I have many mixed emotions. I bid farewell to this great organization that’s played such a meaningful role in my life. And I’m saying goodbye to the most supportive and incredible colleagues.

I am thankful for the opportunities I’ve enjoyed here to make a difference by working diligently on staff development initiatives, fundraising efforts, and day-to-day operations. Our amazing team accomplished so much in the years I’ve been here, and I’m proud to have played a part in our success.

My gratitude extends beyond words as I am leaving behind something that’s defined me for over XX years. But I also look forward to embracing new challenges and experiences on my new journey ahead.

I will miss all of you tremendously and hope to stay in touch to see how everyone is doing. Thank you all for your encouragement and friendship – I will never forget it.

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Being light-hearted at the end of one’s career is a graceful but uplifting way to bid farewell. If you choose to make a funny retirement speech, be sure it is not offensive and still conveys your genuine appreciation for your colleagues.

Funny Retirement Speech Example:

I’m sure you’re as excited as I am to see me take that final walk down the corridor, knowing it’s the last time you’ll have to hear one of my speeches. But please don’t envy my new freedom. I may be saying goodbye to my boss here, but it seems I’m now a full-time employee of my spouse, and I’ve heard he/she runs a tight ship.

Projects around the home that I’ve masterfully avoided with “But I’ve gotta work” excuses are already on a list taped to the fridge. It will feel a lot like the first job I had in high school, fixing up old appliances and cleaning bathrooms, but with even less pay!

Oh wait, maybe I’m not retiring.

On a more genuine note, I will certainly miss all of you and our great work here. But also, it will be exciting to transition into a less demanding lifestyle. I’m excited to travel, catch up with old friends, and find a few part-time projects where I can share my hundred years of experience.

It’s been an amazing journey here at this company, and I am grateful for everyone who helped me grow while putting up with my occasional growing pains. Not unlike a “colorful” family, we’ve had our share of laughs and disagreements, but ultimately we have always come together to get the job done.

Thank you for your camaraderie and support throughout these years.  Cheers!

A heartfelt or serious retirement speech is perfect for those who have put their life and heart into their career.

This type of retirement speech allows for more time as you pour your heart out and express how the people around you have positively impacted your life over the years.

Heartfelt/Serious Retirement Speech Example:

Today I stand here proud, humbled, and emotional – all at once. It’s been an honor and a privilege to have been part of this organization for the last XX years. When I first began here, I started at the bottom, yet I was deeply hopeful that I could use my passion and hard work to make a difference.

Little did I know that while accomplishing the tasks at hand, I was also gaining something much more valuable – friendships with people who have become like family to me. From you, I’ve learned invaluable lessons about life and work; but most importantly, I’ve learned that relationships are what matter in the end. 

They are the life force of who we are as an organization, and without the strong support I’ve received from my colleagues, it would have been impossible for me to stand here today.

But life goes on – and while I’m grateful for the wonderful memories with all of you, I also look forward to new challenges ahead. Retirement offers a whole new set of opportunities to explore, and I am excited to take them all on with the same passion and enthusiasm I had when I started working here.

My next chapter may involve a learning curve, but I am confident that the life skills I’ve learned here will help me in whatever I pursue going forward.

And most importantly, I want to continue providing opportunities to the next generation, so they have the support I was lucky enough to receive. As I enter the legacy phase of my life, I do so humbly and gratefully, taking the invaluable lessons I have learned here and sharing them with others.

Thank you all for everything. It truly has been an incredible journey, and I will miss all of you more than I can express.

If a notable team member is retiring, it’s an excellent opportunity to express gratitude for their contributions and commitment while highlighting hard work and excellence for other employees.

The following sample speech is perfect for any employee who has dedicated years of service to the company.

Retirement Speech for An Employee Example:

Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we celebrate and recognize someone exceptional who has made an invaluable difference in our organization. As you all know, [name] is retiring at the end of the month and moving on to the next, less stressful chapter of life.

[Name] has worked at this company for [number] years and has been an integral part of its success. During their time here, they have gone above and beyond in every task and project they were involved with, delivering results consistently and serving as a role model of integrity and professionalism for all of us. Some notable accomplishments during their tenure here include:

• Accomplishment 1
• Accomplishment 2
• Accomplishment 3

We will sorely miss their hard work, loyalty, and enthusiasm. It’s rare to find an employee so dedicated and engaged, and frankly, I don’t know what we will do without them. 

Most of all, I’ll miss their bright and cheerful demeanor, always lifting the spirits of everyone around them with a smile and kind words. Connecting with others in a relatable way is the key to building relationships and fostering a positive work environment, and [name] was a master at that, among other things.

So please join me in wishing [name] the best as they enter this exciting next phase of life. We are all blessed to have had the privilege of working alongside such an incredible person.

Thank you for everything you have done for us!

Like most people, you may find crafting a retirement speech daunting. But if you follow the above guidelines and model after some of the example speeches, you can deliver a thoughtful talk filled with warmth, humor, and gratitude.

So begin your celebration by expressing your heartfelt appreciation to your team and excitement for the next phase of life. You deserve it!

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What should you say in your retirement speech that will blow everyone’s mind?

Let's discuss what to say in a retirement speech to make your retirement celebration truly memorable..

Retirement is an important milestone in any person’s life, marking the end of a long and fulfilling career. It is a time to reflect on the years of hard work, accomplishments, and growth, as well as a time to look forward to the future and the new opportunities that lie ahead.

For many, retirement is also a time to celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues, often at a retirement party or a smaller gathering at the office. In any case, retiring is an event to remember so a retiree-to-be is often expected to give a retirement speech. In this article, we will discuss what to say in a retirement speech and offer some retirement party speech ideas to make your retirement celebration truly memorable.

1. Express gratitude

The first thing to include in a retirement speech is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to those who have supported you throughout your career. This might include your colleagues, friends, family, mentors, and even your employers. Take the time to acknowledge the ways in which these people have helped you grow and succeed, and thank them for their contributions to your journey. If your family is present you may want to thank them too (your wife and kids might have also supported you in many different ways).

2. Reflect on your accomplishments

Next, take some time to reflect on your accomplishments throughout your entire career. Consider the challenges you faced, the goals you achieved, and the impact you made in your field when giving the speech at the retirement party. Share some of your proudest moments and talk about the lessons you learned along the way. A retirement speech is a great opportunity to inspire yourself and others and celebrate achievements. 

3. Share your vision for retirement

As you move into retirement, you likely have some ideas about what you want to do with your newfound free time. Take some time to share your vision for retirement with your audience in your retirement farewell speech. Whether you plan to travel, volunteer, take up a new hobby, or spend time with family and friends, let your audience know what you’re looking forward to in this new chapter of your life.

4. Offer advice and wisdom

As someone who has spent a long time in your profession, you likely have a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to share with others. Take some time to offer advice to your colleagues and other professionals who may be starting out in their careers. Share some of the lessons you learned and the strategies that helped you succeed .

5. Finish on a high note

Finally, end your farewell speech on a positive note. Thank your audience once again for their support, express your excitement for the future, and perhaps share a quote or a piece of wisdom that has inspired you throughout your career. This is a time to celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and all that you have yet to achieve.

Ideas on what to say in a retirement speech

Here are some ideas to help you deliver a meaningful and memorable retirement speech:

•         Talk about your hobbies, interests, and future plans
•         Share a personal story that illustrates your career journey
•         Include humor, but keep it tasteful
•         Use quotes or sayings that inspire you
•         Use visual aids, such as photos or videos
•         Keep your speech concise and to the point
•         Speak from the heart and be sincere
•         Practice your speech beforehand to feel confident and comfortable

Samples of Retirement Speech

These are some retirement thank you speech examples that you can check out. Perhaps they will help you to write your own:

Retirement speech example 1

Greetings to all. As I stand here today to say goodbye to my coworkers and the company, I find myself experiencing a wide range of emotions. To begin, I would like to express my gratitude to my employer and coworkers for the privilege of working with such a fantastic bunch of individuals.

I started out as an intern here 30 years ago and am now the Chief Operating Officer. It’s been an amazing ride, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the company’s success. I have gained a great deal of knowledge from my coworkers and boss, and I will always value the time spent with them.

During my stay here, I oversaw the launch of a new software system that drastically improved our data management. Additionally, I participated in a number of community outreach projects that ultimately aided in fostering better ties between the company and the local populace. These accomplishments were made possible thanks to the assistance of my team and Jill, the best and most professional CEO I ever had the pleasure to work with.

My future goals include seeing the world and spending more time with my loved ones. I’ll never forget my experience here, and I’m going to miss the company and my coworkers. I have no doubt the company will go on to greater and greater heights, and I eagerly anticipate hearing about its future achievements.

To wrap up, I’d like to thank everyone I worked with and everyone who helped me along the way at this company. We appreciate the chances, the help, and the time spent together. I want to leave you all with a piece of advice that’s served me well throughout my career: always strive for excellence, never give up on your dreams, and cherish every moment of your life. In closing, I want to say that it has been a pleasure to collaborate with you and that I wish you the best of luck in your future undertakings. It’s much appreciated.

Retirement speech example 2 – a heartfelt one

Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to thank you all for being here today to celebrate my retirement. It has been an incredible journey, and I have had the pleasure of working with so many amazing people over the years.

When I first started my career, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to work with such a talented and dedicated team. From the early days of my career to my current role, I have learned so much from my colleagues and mentors.

I would like to take a moment to thank a few people who have had a significant impact on my career. First, I would like to thank my mentor, John. John took me under his wing when I was just starting out. From the sleepless nights to the long hours of working, I will never forget the lessons he taught me.

I would also like to thank my colleagues, who have become like family to me over the years. We have shared so many memories and experiences, and I will miss working with each and every one of you.

As I move on to the next phase of my life, I am excited to explore new opportunities and spend more time with my family. I wish you all the best and look forward to seeing the continued success of the organization.

Thank you all again for your support and friendship over the years. It has been an honor to work alongside you.

Retirement speech example 3 – a short one

Good afternoon, everyone. It is hard to believe that my time at this amazing organization has come to an end. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated and talented individuals, and I am proud of all that we have accomplished together.

As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I am excited about the new opportunities that await me. Retirement is not the end but a new beginning, and I plan to make the most of it.

I want to take a moment to thank my colleagues and mentors for their unwavering support and encouragement. Thank you all for being a part of my journey. Your friendship and support have been a constant source of inspiration, and I will cherish the memories we have made together.

In closing, I want to leave you all with this quote by John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” I hope that, in some small way, I have been able to inspire and lead throughout my career. Thank you all again for everything.

Retirement speech example 4 – a funny one

Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed colleagues, and cherished friends, today I stand before you today with a heart filled with mixed emotions — sadness, joy, excitement, a bit of fear and the sudden urge to break into the Macarena. Yes, my friends, after countless years of battles with the office microwave that seems to have a vendetta against popcorn, the moment has finally arrived—my retirement day!

As I look back on my time in this incredible workspace, I can’t help but chuckle at the memories we’ve created together. From the infamous stapler thief incident (seriously, who steals a stapler?) to the epic battle of wills between the printer and our IT department, we’ve experienced a myriad of unforgettable moments that could easily fuel a sitcom.

Let’s not forget the legendary office parties where we showcased our secret talents, like Terry from accounting who revealed his hidden breakdancing skills, and Linda from HR who surprised us all with her impressive opera singing (we still have the shattered windows to prove it).

But amidst the laughter and hilarity, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you. You’ve been more than just coworkers; you’ve been a second family—a dysfunctional, wonderfully quirky, and occasionally noisy family that I’m proud to be a part of.

As I bid farewell to this place, I leave you with a few pearls of wisdom. Remember, never trust a microwave’s estimation of cooking time, because it will always deceive you. And when it comes to office politics, well, just pretend to be Switzerland—neutral, diplomatic, and occasionally armed with chocolate.

Thank you all for the memories, the laughter, and the friendships that have made this journey worthwhile. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a recliner, a piña colada, and a never-ending playlist of ’80s classics. Cheers to retirement, where the only deadlines we face are deciding which tropical destination to visit next!

In conclusion, delivering a heartfelt retirement speech can be an emotional and challenging experience. However, by following these retirement speech tips, you can create a memorable and meaningful speech that will leave a lasting impression on your colleagues and employees. Remember to keep it personal and sincere, and don’t forget to thank the people who have been part of your career journey.

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How to Write a Retirement Speech: A Step-by-Step Guide

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When it comes to celebrating the end of a career, few things can be more meaningful than delivering a well-constructed retirement speech. This is an opportunity to show appreciation, offer well wishes, and leave a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and family members. However, crafting the perfect speech can be a daunting task. In this guide, we will explore the key steps to writing a unforgettable retirement speech.

Understanding the Purpose of a Retirement Speech

Before diving into the specifics of constructing a retirement speech, it is essential to understand its purpose. Simply put, a retirement speech is a public address given by an individual at the end of their career. The goal of the speech is to express gratitude, reflect on past achievements, recognize colleagues and mentors, and offer well wishes for the future.

Celebrating the Retiree's Career

The first aspect of a retirement speech is to celebrate the career of the retiree. This means highlighting their accomplishments, sharing meaningful moments from their career, and emphasizing how their contributions have made a difference. Mention their notable achievements such as awards, promotions, and successful projects. Give examples of moments where they went above and beyond to help the company or clients. Make sure to paint a thorough and accurate picture of their professional achievements.

Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation

A retirement speech is an opportunity to express gratitude and appreciation. This means taking the time to thank colleagues, mentors, and the organization as a whole. It is important to highlight how these people have made a difference in the retiree’s career and how their support and guidance have had a lasting impact. Thank individuals for their specific contributions and express sincere gratitude.

Offering Well Wishes for the Future

A retirement speech should also look to the future. This means offering well wishes for the retiree's future endeavors and highlighting their plans for retirement. This can include talking about the retiree's passions outside of work, such as travel plans, hobbies, or time with family. Encourage them in their next chapter and make the speech inspirational for them to kick start their new journey.

Knowing Your Audience

Once you have a clear understanding of the purpose of your retirement speech, the next step is to know your audience. This means tailoring your speech for the people who will be present.

Considering the Retiree's Family and Friends

Retirement is a family affair, and many people will bring their loved ones to the event. It is important to include a personal touch in the speech and make it relatable to both the retiree and their loved ones. Tell stories that bring out the retiree's character, hobbies, and family life. Highlight the retiree's achievements outside of work, and emphasize how they have made a difference in the lives of their loved ones.

Addressing Colleagues and Coworkers

The retiree's colleagues and coworkers are the people who have shared in their daily work experience. Make the speech understandable to everyone in the organization by not using too much jargon or technical terms. Make it concise and informal so that everyone can follow along. Address the current and retired colleagues as a team who have had the opportunity to work with and learn from the retiree.

Acknowledging the Retiree's Superiors and Mentors

Throughout their career, the retiree has undoubtedly had influential mentors or managers. Show appreciation for those who have given guidance, support, or mentorship throughout their career journey. Acknowledge the retiree's superiors who have given support through promotions, important assignments, and performance reviews. Make sure these people's contributions are recognized during the speech.

Gathering Information and Stories

The next step to writing a retirement speech is gathering information. This includes researching career highlights, conducting interviews, and collecting personal anecdotes and memories.

Conducting Interviews with Colleagues

To get a more personal feel of the retiree's career, consider conducting interviews with colleagues. Start by asking open-ended questions such as "What did you admire most about the retiree?" or "What story would you share about their time with the company?" Encourage people to recount meaningful moments or stories that speak to the retiree's character both at work and outside of work.

Researching the Retiree's Career Highlights

Researching the retiree's career highlights can provide valuable information to highlight during the speech. Look up relevant milestones, projects, presentations, awards to capture key achievements of the retiree's career. Incorporate industry accolades or recognition that show off the retiree's expertise and what is his/her remarkable contribution to the industry.

Collecting Personal Anecdotes and Memories

Collecting personal anecdotes and memories is another crucial aspect of the speech-making process. Reach out to friends, family members, or colleagues to gather stories that capture moments that were special with the retiree. Use these stories to highlight the retiree's unique character and personality traits.

Organizing Your Speech

With a deep understanding of the purpose of a retirement speech and your audience in mind, you can now start organizing your speech.

Creating an Outline

Start with an intentional outline. The outline should reveal your ideas in an organized manner. It gives the speech effortless flow on a logical sequence. Start with an introduction to set the tone for your speech and include the celebratory aspects of the retiree's career. The body of the outline will include expressing gratitude and well-wishes in an organized manner. You can also mention career highlights. A conclusion is an appropriate way to sign off with some of the most meaningful highlights from the speech.

Balancing Humor and Sincerity

When writing a retirement speech, it is important to strike a balance between humor and sincerity. Balance humor by adding a few funny anecdotes for levity. On the other hand, it should be sincere and heartfelt with genuine feelings communicated by all speakers. Keep the humor lighthearted and avoid using inappropriate stories or comments that can be taken in the wrong way.

Ensuring a Logical Flow of Ideas

Ensuring a logical flow of ideas is an essential part of effectively delivering a retirement speech. Make sure to incorporate personal stories or experiences that help build the story. Make sure to highlight significant achievements but also balance the speech by engaging the audience. Organize the speech ideas chronologically or on the order of importance to help enhance the speech’s cohesion. Take breaks between paragraphs and don't rush the speech.

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Retirement Speech

Use the following prompt in an AI chatbot . Below each prompt, be sure to provide additional details about your situation. These could be scratch notes, what you'd like to say or anything else that guides the AI model to write a certain way.

Compose a well-crafted and thoughtfully written speech that captures the essence of your retirement and expresses your gratitude, reflections, and future aspirations. Ensure that your speech is engaging, memorable, and appropriate for the occasion, and that it effectively conveys your personal experiences and sentiments to your audience.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

Retirement speeches are an excellent way to celebrate a long career journey, express appreciation, and leave a lasting impression on colleagues, friends, and family members. To write an unforgettable retirement speech, you need to have a deep understanding of your audience, the retiree's career journey, and show balance between humor and sincerity. Follow the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, and you'll be well on your way to delivering an unforgettable retirement speech.

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Great & Memorable Farewell: Retirement Speech for Colleague

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Retirement marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. For some, it’s a period of serenity and perhaps a time for new potential opportunities. Others may find retirement a bit more complicated, especially when the time comes to leave their colleagues. A retirement speech for colleague is a great way to say goodbye to your fellow. And express gratitude for the time you’ve both experienced together. It can help the retiree reflect on the past and look forward to the future. 

If your colleague is about to retire, you may be tasked with giving a retirement speech in their honor. But what exactly is a retirement speech, and what should it include? This article discusses how to craft and deliver a sincere and memorable farewell to a colleague.

What is a Retirement Speech for Colleague?

A retirement or farewell speech is a formal or informal address given to honor and celebrate a retiring colleague’s career and achievements. The speech is usually given by a friend, supervisor, or coworker at a retirement party or other gathering to mark the occasion.

Retirement is a big deal, and sometimes it’s tough to say goodbye to one’s career and leave old work behind. A retirement speech for colleague can help provide closure to someone who’s leaving the workplace. The speech is intended to recognize the hard work and dedication of the retiring individual. It is also an opportunity to express well-wishes and to share memories and experiences from the time they’ve worked at the company.

Retirement speeches for colleagues can be humorous or heartfelt, and can include anecdotes, personal reflections, and professional achievements. They are typically delivered in front of an audience, which may include other coworkers, friends, and family members of the retiring individual.

What To Include In A Retirement Speech?

1. congratulations to the retiree.

Start by congratulating your colleague on their retirement and wishing them success in their future endeavors. Tell them that you are confident they will succeed, and that you have enjoyed working with them.

2. Highlight Achievements

Celebrate the achievements of your retiring colleague throughout their career. Point out any projects or successes that stand out as especially noteworthy and explain what made those accomplishments so remarkable. Provide examples of your colleague’s work ethic, commitment to excellence, or specific skills if applicable.

3. Express Appreciation

Show your appreciation for all the hard work and dedication your colleague has given over the years. Remind them that each team member was vital to the overall success, and thank them for being an integral part of it.

4. Give Well-Wishes

Lastly, offer good wishes for the retiree’s health, happiness, peace, and prosperity in this new stage of life. Let them know that although you will miss them dearly, they can count on continued friendship and support even after they leave.

Retirement Speech for Colleague Examples

Here are a few examples of retirement speeches for colleagues:

“ Good evening, everyone. I am honored to be here today to celebrate the career and achievements of a truly remarkable colleague – [colleague’s name]. [He/She] has been a valued member of our team for [number] years, and has made a lasting impact on all of us with [his/her] hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

I have had the pleasure of working with [colleague’s name] for the past [number] years, and have seen firsthand the incredible contributions [he/she] has made to our company.

[he/she] has always gone above and beyond to ensure success, and has played a key role in our growth and development.

It is a pleasure to have worked alongside such an exceptional individual. I am proud to call him/her a colleague and a friend. We will miss [His/Her] expertise and guidance greatly. However, I have no doubt that [he/she] will continue to excel in whatever [he/she] pursues next.

[Colleague’s name], on behalf of the entire team, I want to thank you for everything you have done for us. We remain grateful for your contributions and the impact you have had on our lives. We wish you all the best in your retirement and look forward to seeing how you will proceed. Congratulations and farewell.”

I stand before you today to bid farewell to my esteemed colleague as he embarks on his journey into retirement. It has been an absolute pleasure working with him for so many years. I must admit that it will be difficult to imagine our workplace without him. He brought a level of expertise, knowledge, and enthusiasm unparalleled by anyone else.

His commitment and dedication have helped shape this company into the thriving business we know today. Not only did he bring intelligence to every endeavor, but also resilience and resourcefulness. He always found ways to innovate, leading us down uncharted paths of success and prosperity. Even during times of difficulty, he stayed steadfast in maintaining high-quality standards, inspiring those around him to strive for excellence in all they do.

It’s difficult not to feel nostalgia when someone who has become such an integral part of our team moves on to the next chapter. On behalf of everyone here, I’d like to thank my friend and colleague for his hard work, unwavering support, and congeniality over the years. We are eternally grateful! Wishing him a life full of joy and fulfillment.

Touching Lines To Add on Goodbye Speech to Colleagues

Here are some lines that you could use in a farewell speech to colleagues:

• “It has been an absolute pleasure working with you over the years [colleague’s name]. It was an experience we all have learned so much from, and we are grateful for it.”
• “In my memories of our time together at this company, I will always remember and appreciate your personal touch to team projects.”
• “I am truly grateful for the fatherly support and guidance I received from you [colleague’s name]. I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned.”
• “I will always remember the laughter, the long hours, and the late nights spent working together to achieve our goals. These memories will stay with me and every team member forever.”
• “I’m sorry that you leave at such a difficult time, but I’m excited for the future opportunities and adventures that lie ahead.” Thank you all for everything.”
• When we split up, I know we’ll continue to remain friends, even when we’re apart.”
• “I will always look back on your time here with gratitude and appreciation for the privilege of working with you. Thank you [colleague’s name] for everything.”

How to deliver a Sincere Farewell Speech for your Colleague

1. establish the tone and acknowledge milestones.

It’s important to start off your speech with an appropriate tone. Start by thanking everyone who came and taking some time to acknowledge that your colleague has reached a significant milestone in their life. Express gratitude for having been able to work alongside them over the years.

2. Express Gratitude

Focus on how much you have valued working together, while also expressing appreciation for the impact they have had on your own professional growth. Give genuine compliments and be specific about ways they may have helped you or what you have admired most about them.

3. Share Fun Memories

Even if it’s brief, take a few minutes to reminisce about shared experiences during their tenure. You will bring out emotion and memories for others who had been involved.

4. Offer Words of Encouragement & Support

Retirements are often accompanied by feelings of both excitement and uncertainty as people navigate this new stage of life. Offering words of encouragement and support can make a great difference as someone embarks on this next chapter in their lives.

5. Speak from the Heart

Make sure to speak candidly and openly about how much your retiring colleague meant to the company. Talk about the joys of working with them and share anecdotes or funny stories that may bring laughter to the occasion. Embrace the emotional aspect of saying goodbye while expressing sincere gratitude.

5. Conclude Appropriately

Before concluding remarks, make sure to end on a positive note. Leave everyone feeling optimistic about the future and eager to find out what your colleague has in store!

A retirement speech for colleague is a great way to celebrate the retiree’s achievements as they move on to a new phase of life . It is an opportunity to express appreciation for their hard work and dedication, share memories and experiences, and offer well-wishes for the future. Congratulate the retiring colleague, reflect on their achievements, appreciate the individual, and offer kind wishes.

It can also be helpful to include anecdotes or funny stories to add a personal touch to the speech.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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6 Examples of Retirement Speeches and How to Deliver Them

Retirement speeches are a significant aspect of a person’s career journey, marking the end of their professional life and the beginning of a new, leisurely phase. They provide an opportunity to reflect, thank colleagues, and share memorable experiences. This post will provide 6 detailed examples of retirement speeches, along with tips on how to deliver them successfully.

The Significance of a Retirement Speech

A retirement speech acts as a bridge between one’s professional life and retirement. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude, share memories, offer advice, and inspire those left behind. Crafting a meaningful and impactful retirement speech can leave a lasting impression on your colleagues and set the tone for your retirement.

Understanding Your Audience

Before you start writing your retirement speech, it’s important to consider who will be in the audience. Are they colleagues , family, friends, or a combination of all three? Knowing your audience can guide the tone and content of your speech.

Examples of Retirement Speeches

Each of the following examples illustrates a different approach to a retirement speech. The context, tone, and message vary, offering a wide range of choices to suit different personalities and situations.

1. The Grateful Goodbye

Legal Resolution: This speech focuses on expressing gratitude towards colleagues and the organization. It’s important to be specific and genuine in your expressions of thanks.

Read it here

2. The Reflective Farewell

Legal Resolution: This speech takes a look back at memorable moments, experiences, and achievements. Ensure to include both personal and professional milestones.

3. The Humorous Send-Off

Legal Resolution: Infusing humor into your speech can keep the atmosphere light and enjoyable. Be mindful to use humor that is appropriate and won’t offend anyone.

4. The Inspirational Departure

Legal Resolution: This speech inspires colleagues and imparts valuable lessons learned over the years. Avoid making it sound like a lecture.

5. The Short and Sweet Sign-Off

Legal Resolution: If you’re not one for long speeches, keeping it brief yet meaningful is perfectly acceptable. Conciseness is key.

6. The Legacy Leaving Speech

Legal Resolution: This speech focuses on the legacy you’re leaving behind. Be sure to align your legacy with the values and mission of the organization.

More Examples of Retirement Speeches are coming soon…

People Also Ask

How long should a retirement speech be.

A retirement speech should ideally be between 5 to 15 minutes. It’s long enough to convey your message but short enough to keep your audience engaged.

What Should You Avoid in a Retirement Speech?

Avoid speaking negatively about your workplace or colleagues, discussing controversial subjects, and going off-topic. Keep it positive, concise, and relevant.

How to Handle Emotions During a Retirement Speech?

It’s okay to be emotional during your retirement speech. If you’re worried about getting overly emotional, practice the speech several times beforehand to familiarize yourself with the content.

Retirement speeches offer an opportunity to reflect on your career journey, express gratitude, and share wisdom with your colleagues. By considering your audience and the message you want to convey, you can craft a meaningful and memorable retirement speech.

• Read also: Retirement age by country

Read the Examples of Retirement Speeches on the next pages…

Giving Your Perfect Retirement Speech

You’re about to retire and your employer just announced your retirement party date. 

It’s official — it’s time to start planning your retirement party — from ideas to invitations — and celebrate!

Except… you feel a pang of anxiety creep in as you realize:

You need to give a retirement speech…

Before you start to panic, we’re here to help – this guide walks you through everything you need to know about giving a retirement speech that will leave your audience laughing, crying, and remembering. 

After all, a retirement speech is more than just a farewell.

It’s a celebration of years of hard work, a reflection of the journey you’ve been through, and an exciting hello to the new adventures that await. 

Not to mention, it’s also your chance to express gratitude , share memories, and maybe even inspire someone else in their career journey.

So, let’s head into the first step on how to give your perfect retirement speech.

#1 Do a Creative Brainstorm Session

As cheesy as it sounds, having a solid brainstorm session before you begin writing your milestone retirement speech is worth the dedicated effort. 

Retirement is a momentous occasion that deserves a proper sendoff — and that means having a speech prepared that really captures the essence of your time with the company. But where do you even begin? 

With so many memories and experiences to draw from, it can be overwhelming to try and encapsulate it all. That’s why brainstorming first is the way to go.

If you’re looking for brainstorming techniques that spark creativity , try some of these ideas (popularized by organizations yet relevant and effective for any topic):

• Starbursting or mind mapping – to give your ideas some structure and central theme
• The idea napkin – to simplify a central theme and build from there
• Figure storming – to put yourself in another’s shoes and ask your version of “what would Abe do?”
• Rapid ideation – to throw in a range of ideas without judgment  

Either way, consider the milestones you’ve achieved, the people who have supported you, and the memories that have shaped you. 

Think about the future, too — what do you hope to accomplish in your retirement? Who do you want to become? 

Take some time to think about what new adventures you want to embark on and what kind of legacy you want to leave behind. 

Once you’ve brainstormed all the wonderful memories you want to share in your retirement speech, the next step is to prepare an outline.

#2 Prepare an Outline

An outline is like a roadmap that helps you stay on track and organized as you share your thoughts. 

After you’ve poured out all of your ideas from the creative brainstorm session, use an outline to break down your thoughts into sections, making it easier to organize and deliver your message cohesively. 

Plus, when you write things down on paper, it’s so much easier to sift through your ideas and memorize them later on.

You can break your retirement speech ideas into sections like:

• The starting point — this is where you share the beginning of your career journey. It’s a chance to reflect on where it all began, maybe even share a funny or inspiring story about your first day or job.
• The milestones — here, you highlight the significant turning points in your career. These could be promotions, challenging projects, or even hardships that shaped your professional growth.
• The relationships — acknowledge the people who made your career meaningful. From mentors to colleagues, clients to friends, share anecdotes that showcase the bonds you’ve formed.
• The lessons learned — share some wisdom you’ve gained over the years. These could be professional lessons or personal growth insights, which could inspire others at their own career crossroads.
• The farewell — this isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a celebration of what’s yet to come. Go over your retirement plans and your dreams for the future.

And this is just an example of an outline that’s based on chronological happenings. There’s no right or wrong way to do this; it’s your story, told your way. Just organize it into a nice outline flow.

#3 Include Personal Anecdotes 

As you prepare to bid farewell to the workforce and embrace retirement, it’s only natural to feel nostalgic and reflect on all the memorable moments you’ve experienced throughout your work life. 

Perhaps there was a project that presented a seemingly insurmountable challenge, but you and your team persisted and eventually conquered it. 

Or maybe there was a hilarious incident that still makes you chuckle to this day, even though it happened years ago. 

And who could forget the nervous excitement that comes with starting a new job? 

Regardless of the topic, your personal storytelling is not just a way to entertain your listeners, but it’s also a way to showcase the good times, the bad times, and everything that came in between. 

Carmine Gallo researched some of the most popular TED Talks and found that personal stories accounted for 65% of their content.

So it’s worth showcasing personal storytelling in your retirement speech. Your stories can have a similar effect on your audience, reminding them of the ups and downs of being in the workforce, and how it all comes full circle in the end. 

#4 Express Gratitude

On top of your personal storytelling, writing a retirement speech is the perfect opportunity to express your gratitude and appreciation for those who have made a difference in your life. 

Whether it’s your team who has stood by you through thick and thin, mentors who have offered guidance and support, family who has provided a listening ear, or even the organization itself that has given you opportunities to grow, take the time to express your heartfelt thanks. 

This is especially important if you want to maintain ties to some of your colleagues and coworkers after retiring from the workforce. In fact, one study about gratitude, reciprocity, and relationships , suggests that gratitude promotes relationship formation and maintenance.

Either way, a retirement speech without gratitude is simply incomplete. So, let your appreciation shine through. 

#5 Inject Humor 

Before you get too sentimental, remember that humor can go a long way in making your farewell speech a memorable one. 

Don’t be afraid to delve into your treasure trove of funny stories or throw in some witty remarks — it’s sure to have the crowd giggling and smiling in no time. 

And don’t worry if you’re not a stand-up comedian, the best jokes are often the simplest ones . Research has shown that people respond well to humor that’s easy to follow and relatable. 

So, keep it light, keep it funny, and channel your inner comedian.

#6 Conclude with Positive Impact 

As the last words of your retirement speech echo through the room, you may find yourself feeling a swirl of emotions. It’s understandable to feel bittersweet as you close a chapter in your life that has shaped much of who you are. 

But this isn’t a time to give in to overwhelming sentimentality. 

Instead, take a deep breath and focus on the positive moments that have defined your career. Remember the joy and fulfillment that you experienced over the years, and let those feelings of hope and satisfaction guide your final message. 

As the University of Minnesota reminds us, a strong conclusion is essential to signal the end of the speech and help the audience remember the main ideas. So, take this chance to really explain the importance of your message and inspire those around you with a positive closing theme.

It’s the perfect ending to a stellar career and the perfect start to your next adventure .

Retirement Speech Ideas & Examples

Crafting a memorable retirement speech is an art form that’s unique to you . It’s about striking the perfect balance between professional reflections and personal anecdotes. 

Here are some examples that can serve as inspiration for your own speech:

#1 Funny Retirement Speech

If you want to add some humor to your speech, then we’ve got you covered with this example:

“I stand before you today with a heart full of mixed emotions. Part of me is saying, “Finally! I can sleep in on Mondays!” while another part is wondering, “What on earth will I do with all this free time?”   You know, they say, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” That’s a quote from A. A. Milne, better known for his creation Winnie-the-Pooh. And it rings true today. Working with all of you was a real pleasure. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, haven’t we? Like the time I accidentally sent that confidential email to the whole department instead of just my boss. Or when I spilled coffee all over the new carpet on its very first day. But hey, who’s counting?   [personal storytelling]   To wrap up, I’m too happy to be profound, too relieved to bestow any life advice upon you, and too old and tired to stand here for long, making a speech. I’ll think of you all every time I roll over and go back to sleep at 7:30 a.m. on a Monday. Thank you for all the memories, and remember, I’ve retired from work, not from life. So, don’t be strangers!”  

#2 Sentimental Retirement Speech

For a more heartfelt version, check out this retirement speech example:

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most extraordinary people I’ve ever met.   Firstly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you. You have not only been my coworkers but also my mentors, my guides, and my pillars of support. You have been my second family, and for that, I am eternally grateful.   Whether it was late nights working on projects or celebrating our successes, each moment has left an indelible mark on me. And each one of you has enriched my life in so many ways, and I hope that in some way, I’ve been able to do the same for you.   [personal storytelling]   As I step into this new chapter, I carry with me the lessons I’ve learned here, the friendships I’ve made, and the memories we’ve created. I want to leave you with this thought: The beauty of life lies not in its length, but in the love and respect we share with those around us.   So, thank you for sharing this journey with me, for your wisdom, your guidance, and your friendship. Remember, this is not goodbye. It’s just a see you later. So, until we meet again, take care of yourselves and each other.”  

#3 Formal Retirement Speech

And if you’re looking for a more formal approach:

“ Thank you for joining me today as I announce my retirement. Over the past three decades, we have achieved milestones that were once distant dreams. It has been an honor to work with such dedicated individuals.   I am filled with gratitude for the countless opportunities I have been given, the invaluable lessons I have learned, and the unforgettable memories I have created. Each one of you has contributed to my journey in your own unique way, and for that, I will always be thankful.   [personal storytelling] I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence have not only made this organization the success that it is today, but also made my journey an incredibly rewarding one.   As I step into the future, I am excited about the opportunities that await me. However, I know that I will always carry a piece of this wonderful journey with me.   Thank you for the privilege of working with you, for the camaraderie, and for making this chapter of my life such a memorable one. I look forward to seeing all the remarkable things you will undoubtedly continue to achieve.”

Leaving on a High Note

Everyone’s retirement speech is going to be unique and special to them. 

But there are some common elements that you should keep in mind when preparing your own:

• #1 Have a creative brainstorm session — let those memories, thoughts, and emotions pour out onto the page – there’s no right or wrong here, just your unique journey
• #2 Prepare an outline — think of it as your roadmap, guiding you from one milestone to the next
• #3 Include personal anecdotes — sprinkle in storytelling of your personal anecdotes, share those behind-the-scenes moments that brought laughter, tears, and everything in between
• #4 Express gratitude — it’s your chance to acknowledge those who’ve walked this journey with you, to let them know how much their support has meant, and to say thank you from the bottom of your heart
• #5 Inject humor — lighten the mood, share that funny story, let your audience laugh with you 
• #6 Conclude with positive impact — leave your listeners with something positive to remember you by

Whether you choose to end your career with a funny toast, an emotional thank you, or a formal goodbye — your words can leave an indelible mark on those who are lucky enough to hear them and remember you by. 

Retirement Speech FAQ

What to say at a retirement speech for someone else.

When delivering a retirement speech for someone else, try to focus on their achievements, dedication, and contributions. Use personal anecdotes that highlight their individual character and work ethic. Keep it positive, motivational, and heartfelt. For example:

“John, your tireless dedication and exceptional leadership have been an inspiration to us all. Your journey has, not just been about milestones, but also about the lives you’ve touched along the way.”

How long should a retirement speech be?

A retirement speech should ideally be between 5-10 minutes long. This duration allows enough time to cover all the important points without dragging on.

How to start a retirement speech?

Starting a retirement speech can be as simple as a warm greeting followed by an introduction. You might even want to begin with a light-hearted joke or an inspiring quote. Either way, make it feel authentic. For example:

“Good evening everyone, I’d like to start by saying, retirement is when you stop living at work and start working at living!”

How to end a retirement speech?

Ending a retirement speech should come with a strong positive close, and include a blend of gratitude, reflection, and anticipation for the future. Here’s an example: 

“As I close this chapter and open a new one, I want to express my deep gratitude for the journey we’ve shared. We’ve laughed together, faced challenges together, and celebrated victories together. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and the impact we’ve made. Thank you for being a part of my journey. Here’s to new beginnings and the exciting adventures that lie ahead!”

What's Your Retirement Purpose?

Retirement Life Coach

As a certified retirement life coach since 2018, Cyn has helped thousands of older adults turn their retirement years into remarkable years full of growth, purpose, and passion. Through her signature program Rewire My Retirement, she helps people achieve their best life across the 5 Rings of Retirement, which covers topics Growth, Community, Health, Giving Back, and Finance.

Cyn combines specific life coaching tools, neuroscience, and her extensive background in marketing (spanning 17 years) to make a powerful impact with Second Wind Movement – an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and coaching for seniors.

With meticulous research, insight, and passion, Cyn’s mission is to usher in a new wave of positive experiences for generations of retirees.

As a certified retirement life coach since 2018, Cyn has helped thousands of older adults turn their retirement years into remarkable years full of growth, purpose, and passion (beyond the stereotypical financial planning side of retirement). 

She combines specific life coaching tools, neuroscience, and her extensive background in marketing (spanning 17 years) to make a powerful impact with Second Wind Movement – an organization dedicated to providing educational resources and coaching for seniors.

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Retirement Speech: 14+ Secret Tips on How To Go Out With A Bang

• Filed under: Featured articles , Speaking tips , Speech preparation

Congratulations you’re about to retire. That’s good news, I hope, for you. And now you have the opportunity to give a farewell speech. This may be the last business speech you ever get. Therefore, it is time to talk about retirement speech. Let’s make it a good one.

So, how to make a good retirement speech? It is a speech where you take time to put a spotlight on the accomplishments of your career. You’re going to tell what you’re proud of and what you think the organization should be proud of. It’s perfectly fine to have a little more emotion than usual but don’t fall apart.

You’re not just being escorted out the door unceremoniously. Your fellow workers and your colleagues are holding a party or some event for you where you’re going to be allowed to speak. That means you’re going to give your retirement speech.

Therefore today we’re going to hop right in with the practical tips to get you prepped and ready and confident about this.

Table of Contents

What is a retirement speech?

First things first: for starters we have to define what a retirement speech is and what it is not, and so we can narrow our focus in preparation.

Retirement speech is not a speech to the board of directors, and it’s not a speech to analysts at the conference. Therefore, you don’t have to go over every single success by quarter and every single jump up and the stock price. That’s not the time for that sort of speech.

The primary goal of retirement speech is to highlight your best moments in this company.

How long should a retirement speech last?

You don’t want to go on all night. But if this is a lunchtime party or evening dinner in your honor, you don’t have to worry about it being just two minutes long.

This is the last time people are ever going to have to hear from you in this particular organization potentially. So they’ve gathered in your honor. They’ll listen to you.

Therefore I wouldn’t worry about the length of your retirement speech. If it’s exciting and heartfelt, then it could be 10 minutes, or it could be 29 minutes. People will listen to you, and they will like it, and they will respect it.

Is there a PowerPoint in your retirement speech?

You certainly don’t need PowerPoint although if you wanted to use pictures in one, there’s nothing wrong with that. But, you don’t need to have a PowerPoint presentation.

How to write a retirement speech / What is the retirement speech structure?

Your retirement speech structure is fairly simple. I want you to write down everything you’re proud of, and it might be something entirely inconsequential to the bottom line. It doesn’t have to be about the bottom line, but there needs to be some human element to it.

#1 Write down three things you’re proud of

I want you to brainstorm right now and let’s come up with three things that have happened during your career that was meaningful to you and where you can start to tell a story about it.

#2 Take a moment of reflection for yourself.

As I said earlier, it’s an opportunity for you to thank people; to make them feel good about themselves and your time. Tell them, what this career meant to you, what this place meant to you and what these people meant to you. Also, this is a chance to make everyone feel good about your tenure there.

#3 Tell a story

What I want you to do now is to tell a story about it, and a story is simply you recounting a real problem.

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I mean, all of us have problems with clients, customers, colleagues, particular challenges, etc. Just state:

• What the problem was?
• What the client (or one of your colleagues said to you)?
• Where were you when this problem happened?
• How did you feel about it? Were you’re feeling depressed or bummed out or worried?
• How was it resolved?
• How did everything work its way through?
• How did you work together as a team?

That’s it. That’s all a story is.

It’s you talking about a problem recounting a real conversation you had with real customers, clients, colleagues or other employees. This is a story of how you felt about it and how you (or your team) solved the problem.

The more your stories relate to things that everyone in the room can understand the better. This way people will be able to re-experience it with you.

#4 Thank the people specifically

You thank the people who meant something to you, and you thank them specifically. You should mention some specific acts or tell stories recounting particular things you and your team did that was meaningful to you and perhaps to others.

Your speech should make people feel good about themselves and you. You should make them realize that you feel good about them and you wish everyone continued success.

What’s going to make it so meaningful is when you thank Sally and accounting or James and I.T.

Don’t sound like a B-level actor who’s won an award

Thank people in precise, meaningful terms of what they did getting you out of a jam or helping you with the crisis. That’s so much more meaningful than sounding like a B-level actor who’s won an award.

“I’d like to thank the following director my accountant my CPA.”

You don’t want to sound like you’re just giving some sort of generic things. You want it to seem heartfelt. You want to be looking directly at people when you’re talking about it and when you’re reliving that situation that was horrible at the time, but we can now laugh at it.

You need to be smiling and laughing about it and looking at the person who got caught with mud all over them, or something embarrassing happened.

#5 Make fun of yourself

If you’re going to talk about something embarrassing, make yourself the butt of the jokes . I mean you don’t have to worry about your corporate reputation here or your organizational reputation that much because you’re retiring, therefore you can be a little looser.

I’m not suggesting you get risque and say wildly off-color or politically incorrect things but you can be a little looser in this situation it’s merely not as formal a presentation.

So you want to make fun of yourself because now is the perfect time to do it.

How to outline a retirement speech?

#6 don’t write it all out.

I don’t think you want to write it all out. If you absolutely insist you can, but I want to tempt you against reading it because reading it makes it seem impersonal.

It makes it seem like a quarterly conference call with analysts, and there’s an S.E.C. attorney behind you.

Remember, this is a personal moment. So, I would recommend not reading your speech out loud.

Now, you could spend a half an hour doing that, but it’s not a typical business speech where you have to get the wording just right because, let’s face it – no one is recording every minute of this and going to be picking it apart and criticizing in the newspaper tomorrow.

So here’s what I want you to do with your speech rather than write it all up.

Useful reading:

• How to write a speech: 20 good and effective tips

#7 Have a simple one-page outline

I’d like you to have a simple one-page outline, and I’d like you to have the names of the people you want to thank on it. I’d like it to have bullet points that remind you of particular stories and things that happen.

This should be a clear outline where once you see those three words you know exactly what you want to say for the next three-four minutes.

You’re recounting that story. You’re thanking the people who are you talking about, and you know what you learn from it why it was so meaningful to you.

And that is the bulk of your speech outline right there.

#8 Give Some indication of what you might be doing in the future

If you’ve been a lifelong fan of birdwatching and now you and your spouse are going to travel the world on international bird watching Safari, and no one else knows about it they would love to hear that about you.

They’d love to know that you’re going to continue with an active life and you’re not just sitting home and watching television. They would like to know you’re doing something meaningful with your life and therefore now’s the time to share it with people.

• How to Outline a Presentation: A Complete Guide From a Pro
• 10 great tips on how to give a killer speech without notes?

How to make a good retirement speech?

Now, this is obviously not the time to settle scores to reopen old bitter things that happened with employees that you’re perhaps not as fond of.

#9 Spotlight the good things

You want to leave people with a good taste in their mouth with you because you don’t know what the future holds.

You may need their help if you’re running for mayor or city council. You may want them to hire you back as a consultant in two years when things have gone south, and the company and your expertise is needed.

Therefore this is the time to spotlight:

• the good things you’ve done of this organization
• the people you’ve worked with
• the positive memories

You may be retiring, but it never hurts to leave on positive terms to build goodwill.

I’m not asking you to lie and sugarcoat things if you hated it. But let’s focus on the positive there must’ve been something there at this organization that kept you coming back.

For now, I just want you to start to think and reflect upon. Ask yourself, why did you really enjoy in this organization what meant something to you?

#10 Put a highlight on your time there

I think what you want to do is put a highlight on your time there. Focus on the things you did that really meant something to you . Talk about the people you worked with and what they meant to you personally, what you liked about that or what you enjoyed the most.

This is a chance for you to make the whole organization feel good about themselves and you. It’s not a time to settle scores or to say “Well, I’ll tell you what I really think.”

Again, I’m not asking you to lie or sugarcoat. I’m merely suggesting that like at a funeral that’s not the time to pick on someone’s faults who just died.

It’s just not the time to pick on scabs or old wounds. On the contrary: it’s a time to put a spotlight on accomplishments on your career what you’re proud of and what you think the organization should be proud of.

#11 Avoid long history lessons

The good news is you don’t have to educate people on everything if you’ve been there for 40 years. You don’t have to tell them about everything you did.

You just want to put a spotlight on two or three things that really meant something to you. So, please avoid long history lessons during your speech.

#12 Keep your emotions in check

You want to be able to keep your emotions in check. This is a retirement event, and it’s your retirement speech. It’s not a stuffy formal business affair, and it’s perfectly fine to have a little more emotion than usual but don’t fall apart.

I’ve seen it you’ve seen it. People can sometimes fall apart in their retirement speech, and they’re crying their blubber.

I mean “I miss everyone” and  “I don’t know what to do with my life.”

That’s just not the time for it now. Look, I’m not asking you to be Spock. I’m not asking you to be a robot. There’s nothing wrong with being sad but you don’t want it to stop the actual presentation. You don’t want to have to like stop and sit down and not be able to give your presentation.

• How to Give a Speech Without Crying? 10 great tips

#13 Rehearse on video

Before your actual speech, you should rehearse it in front of the video camera. This way you become so comfortable with the speech and how you’re going to deliver it that it’s much easier to keep your emotions in check.

So you want to be able to keep your emotions in check. That’s another benefit of practicing in front of the video camera can be a lot easier to do that.

• How to be comfortable in front of a video camera? 14 great tips

How to end a retirement speech?

That’s a night for positive emotions. I realize you may have mixed feelings and it may be bittersweet, but it is time to accentuate the positive.

#14 End on a positive note

So, I want you to come up with a simple one-page outline. List the names of the people you want to thank in particular three stories that really dramatize for you the key moments of your career here.

Write down the events that meant something to you. Where there was a problem, and you can tell a real story.

• 13 Powerful Ways How to End a Presentation

Bonus tip: Don’t drink alcohol until your retirement speech is over

One final thing. I mean it’s probably an evening event dinner. There may be champagne flowing or other adult beverages of choice. I don’t want to sound like an old fuddy-duddy, and I certainly enjoy a glass of wine here and there.

BUT: I’m recommending that you don’t drink any alcohol until your retirement speech is over. The reason for that is alcohol.

Alcohol slows you down

Even one glass can slow down recall. If you’re giving a speech and it’s an emotional evening anyway that extra drag on your memory can sometimes slow you down and cause awkwardness.

“What was I going to say? I forgot! Eeemmm… very senior moment.”

You don’t want to do that.

Alcohol can also make you more emotional.

We don’t need more emotion at this moment. It can also make you sweat a little. If you want that to be the last impression people have of you, then go ahead.

So, for that reason, I recommend this to wait until after your presentation and then let the toasts fly.

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How to Write a Retirement Letter in 2024

A retirement letter serves as an official declaration of your departure from a job, giving your employer ample time to find a replacement or allocate your duties elsewhere. This strategy ensures a smooth transition and minimum disruptions in the workflow. But what are the key components of a retirement letter? Let’s explore together how to craft an effective retirement letter that not only paves the way for a smooth transition but may also help create potential opportunities for post-retirement consulting.

If you need help planning for retirement, consider working with a financial advisor .

Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now .

What Is a Retirement Letter?

A retirement resignation letter is a vital piece of the retirement process, establishing formal communication between the retiring employee and the employer. Essentially, it’s an official notice from an employee, communicating their decision to retire from their current role within the organization.

The letter is a professional and respectful way of notifying the employer about the employee’s impending departure, enabling them to plan appropriately. As with any form of professional communication, it’s critical to ensure that the retirement letter is clear, concise, and adheres to the standard business letter format.

A retirement letter performs numerous functions. Primarily, it acts as a vital instrument for companies to plan and strategize for the future. With prior knowledge of an employee’s retirement, the company can commence the process of recruiting a new employee or reallocating tasks among its existing workforce.

The retirement letter also serves as a sign of respect toward the employer. Sending a formal retirement notice exhibits professionalism and courtesy, allowing the employer adequate time to transition.

A retirement letter can also present an opportunity for future consulting opportunities. The retiring employee can express their interest in contributing their expertise on a part-time or consulting basis post-retirement. It’s crucial to phrase such an offer tactfully, for instance, “I would be open to providing my expertise in a consulting role, should the need arise.” This may provide an avenue for continued professional engagement with the company even after retirement.

However, while drafting a retirement letter, it’s important to avoid certain common pitfalls. Ensure your letter is free from negative sentiments or criticisms about the company or colleagues. Also, avoid being overly casual or informal in your tone. Remember, even though it’s a letter of retirement, it’s still a formal piece of communication.

Why You Need a Retirement Letter

From both the employee’s and the employer’s perspectives, retirement letters play a significant role in workplace transitions, as they provide a tangible timeline for both parties to make necessary adjustments and plans. It’s a professional courtesy that benefits both the employee and the organization.

Here’s why you should submit a retirement letter to your employer when the time comes to call it a career:

• It’s your formal notice. A retirement letter serves as the official communication that you’ll be leaving your position due to retirement. Submitting a retirement letter well in advance also allows your company to manage this transition smoothly, ensuring that your responsibilities will be adequately covered and that the remaining staff are prepared for any changes.
• Gives your company enough time to plan. Without sufficient notice, a company may struggle to fill a sudden vacancy, which can lead to missed deadlines, increased workload for remaining staff and potential loss of business knowledge. A timely retirement letter helps the company plan for these changes, ensuring that the transition does not negatively impact the company’s operations or employee morale.
• Shows respect and professional courtesy. A well-written retirement letter can serve as a testament to your professional respect toward your employer. It is an expression of appreciation for the opportunities provided by the employer and a recognition of the positive impact the company has had on your career. Maintaining professionalism in your retirement letter can help keep doors open for future opportunities, such as consulting or part-time work.

How to Write a Retirement Letter

Before beginning your letter, take a moment to reflect on your career. What key experiences stand out? What have you learned? How have you grown professionally? Use this reflection to shape the content of your retirement letter.

Your letter should be seen as a valuable tool to communicate your intentions and set the stage for your departure. Therefore, it should include several key elements:

Provide the Date of Retirement

In the opening paragraph, make it clear that you are retiring. Use straightforward language to avoid any ambiguity and provide your intended retirement date. While you’ll typically want to give at least two weeks’ notice before leaving a job, the more time you can give your employer to prepare for your eventual retirement, the better.

Express Your Appreciation for Your Time at the Company

Before diving into the how-to, it’s important to note why expressing appreciation in your retirement letter is crucial. It not only shows your gratitude for the opportunities the company provided but also leaves a positive impression. To effectively articulate this, consider mentioning specific experiences that contributed to your professional growth. For example, you might say, “I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been given and for the professional growth I have experienced during my tenure.”

Recap Your History on the Job

Providing a recap of your job history can serve as a reminder of your contributions to the company, thereby leaving a lasting legacy. Consider mentioning key projects you’ve worked on, roles you’ve held, or milestones you’ve achieved. This will not only highlight your achievements but also provide a sense of closure as you recap your journey at the company.

Offer to Assist in the Transition

Following the recap of your job history, it’s also important to help during the transition period. This respectful and professional gesture reflects positively on you. It shows your commitment to the company’s continuity and your willingness to ensure a smooth transition. You may offer to train your successor or to remain available for questions even after your official retirement date. This can go a long way towards maintaining good relationships with your employer and colleagues.

Explore Consulting Opportunities if You’re Interested

To maintain a connection with the company post-retirement, expressing your interest in possible consulting roles within your retirement letter can be beneficial. This could involve mentioning your openness to consulting opportunities or other ways you can continue to contribute to the team. For example, you could write, “I would be open to discussing potential consulting opportunities or other ways I can continue to contribute to the team after my retirement.”

Communicate Your Needs Before Retiring

Lastly, it’s crucial to communicate any pre-retirement needs in your retirement letter. This may include discussions about pension or retirement benefits, final paycheck or the return of company property. Providing examples of these needs and detailing how to communicate them professionally in your retirement letter ensures that there are no unresolved issues or misunderstandings, paving the way for a smooth transition into retirement.

Provide Your Contact Information

It’s important to ensure that your employer has your current contact information, as well as a way to get in touch with you if you plan to move in retirement.

Example of a Retirement Letter

Let’s put this into practice with a real-world example. Here’s a well-written example of a retirement letter that includes all the necessary elements discussed in the previous sections. The following retirement letter is professionally formatted, cordial, direct and expresses gratitude toward the employer:

123 Main Street

Los Angeles, CA 90001

[email protected]

123-456-7890

XYZ Marketing

456 Main Street

After careful consideration and reflection on my career, I have decided that it is time for me to retire from my position at XYZ Marketing. With this letter, I am providing my formal notice of retirement, with my last day of work proposed to be March 1, 2024.

This decision has not been an easy one, as my time at XYZ Marketing has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling chapter in my life. I want to take this opportunity to express my deep appreciation for the support, mentorship and guidance I have received throughout my tenure here. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside dedicated colleagues, and I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and opportunities this organization has provided me.

As I prepare for retirement, I want to assure you that I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition. I am more than willing to assist in any way possible during this period to ensure the continuity of projects and responsibilities. Whether it involves training a successor or providing insights from my experience, I am here to help make this transition as seamless as possible. I am also open to potentially consulting for the company in retirement.

For any matters that may require my attention after my retirement date, please feel free to contact me via email at [email protected] or by phone at 123-456-7890.

I want to thank you once again for the incredible journey I’ve had at XYZ Marketing and for the unwavering support of the entire team. I am proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved together, and I have every confidence that this organization will continue to thrive in the future.

I look forward to staying in touch and witnessing the continued success of XYZ Marketing from the sidelines.

Bottom Line

A retirement letter is a crucial part of a smooth and professional career transition. It not only serves as an official notice of departure, giving the company time to find a suitable replacement, but also lays the foundation for maintaining a positive relationship with your former employer.

Retirement Planning Tips

• Retiring with confidence requires knowing that you’ll be able to generate enough income to cover your living expenses and support your lifestyle. SmartAsset’s retirement calculator can help you determine how much you’ll need to save before you’re able to retire and whether you’re on track to hit that savings target.  
• A financial advisor can help you save and plan for retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now .

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The post How to Write a Retirement Letter appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset .

Top Democrats won't join calls for Justice Sotomayor to retire, but they still fear a Ruth Bader Ginsburg repeat

WASHINGTON — Democratic senators are not joining calls on the left for liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor to retire . But for the first time, they’re publicly expressing an unease that history could repeat itself after Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s refusal to step down in 2014 ended in the Supreme Court lurching sharply to the right.

Ginsburg, then 81 and a cancer survivor, could have retired and been replaced by a Democratic appointee when President Barack Obama was in office and his party controlled 55 Senate seats. She rejected the calls — and died in September 2020, allowing then-President Donald Trump to replace her.

It was a history-making moment: Ginsburg’s successor, Justice Amy Coney Barrett, gave rise to a 6-3 conservative majority . Barrett went on to cast a deciding vote to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion rights ruling less than two years later.

With that humbling history in mind, some liberal commentators say Sotomayor — who is 69, a lifelong diabetic and the oldest member of the court’s liberal wing — should retire while Joe Biden is president and Democrats control the Senate, echoing similar calls directed at Ginsburg a decade ago that went unheeded.

Democratic senators who serve on the Judiciary Committee remain haunted by the Ginsburg precedent. None are publicly calling on Sotomayor to step down, but they say they hope it doesn’t happen again and create a 7-2 conservative majority.

“I’m very respectful of Justice Sotomayor. I have great admiration for her. But I think she really has to weigh the competing factors,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “We should learn a lesson. And it’s not like there’s any mystery here about what the lesson should be. The old saying — graveyards are full of indispensable people, ourselves in this body included.”

Blumenthal emphasized that Sotomayor is “a highly accomplished and, obviously, fully functioning justice right now.” He added that “justices have to make their personal decisions about their health, and their level of energy, but also to keep in mind the larger national and public interest in making sure that the court looks and thinks like America.”

Senator: Ginsburg 'might have rethought' it

Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, of Rhode Island, the No. 2 Democrat on the committee, said he hasn’t given much thought to Sotomayor’s future and is “not joining any calls” for her to leave the court.

But he warned that if the six-member Republican majority were to grow, it would further empower the court's “extremist wing.” Occasionally, he said, a couple of conservative justices “hold themselves back” and contain the scope of the court’s rulings.

“Run it to 7-2 and you go from a captured court to a full MAGA court,” Whitehouse said in an interview. “Certainly I think if Justice Ginsburg had it to do over again, she might have rethought her confidence in her own health.”

But Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, who also sits on the Judiciary Committee, said she’s “not going to be talking about anybody choosing to retire” when asked about Sotomayor.

Others are less shy about pointedly calling on Sotomayor to vacate her seat. There has been a flurry of op-eds on the issue and some law professors and legal advocacy groups have similarly weighed in.

“This isn’t personal. This isn’t about one individual justice," said Molly Coleman, executive director of the progressive People’s Parity Project. "It’s nothing to do with what an incredible legal talent Justice Sotomayor is. It’s about what’s in the best interests of the country moving forward.”

Asked about the liberals calling on Sotomayor to retire, White House spokesman Andrew Bates said: “President Biden believes that decisions to retire from the Supreme Court should be made by the justices themselves and no one else.”

To some liberals, the reluctance of elected officials to call on Sotomayor to step aside is confounding.

“All the people in the liberal legal community are putting hurting Sonia’s feelings ahead of the prospect of a 7-2 court. Insane,” said one Democrat who has worked on judicial nominations and is prohibited from speaking publicly about the justices. “So they don’t say anything about her retiring when they all think she should.”

Sotomayor hasn't signaled any plans to go

The calls involving Sotomayor come at a perilous moment for Democrats, as polls show Biden is far from certain to beat Trump in their rematch. The party currently controls 51 Senate seats, but faces a daunting challenge to keep the majority, defending three seats in the red states of West Virginia, Montana and Ohio and five more in purple states in November's elections. Even if Biden wins re-election, losing the Senate would give Republicans an effective veto over liberal nominees.

There are obvious differences between the Ginsburg and Sotomayor situations. In 2014, Ginsburg was 12 years older than Sotomayor is now. Ginsburg, in 2014, had served on the court for 21 years. Sotomayor will reach her 15-year milestone in August.

There are no signs that Sotomayor has any plans to step down. She remains an active questioner during Supreme Court arguments. Some commentators, however, seized on recent remarks made during an appearance in California , when she said she was “tired” and working harder than ever.

“And to be almost 70 years old, this wasn’t what I expected,” she said, according to Bloomberg Law.

Her health has also been subject to scrutiny, mostly because of her diabetes.  

Sotomayor, via a court spokeswoman, did not respond to a request for comment.

Even some of those who urged Ginsburg to step down a decade ago are holding fire on Sotomayor, including Erwin Chemerinsky, an influential liberal law professor who is the dean of the University of California Berkeley School of Law.

In 2014, Chemerinsky wrote a much-discussed article saying that Ginsburg’s refusal to step down “could end up hurting her legal legacy on the court.”

Now, citing Sotomayor’s age, Chemerinsky sees no such urgency.

“I think that is a significant difference and do not see a basis for calling for Justice Sotomayor to retire at this time,” he said in an email.

While the long-term impact could be huge, Sotomayor's choice is not as immediately pivotal. Even if she leaves this year and is replaced by a Democratic nominee, it would merely shore up a liberal minority that lacks the votes to move the court to the left without the buy-in of at least two conservative colleagues.

'Life is pretty good for a retired justice'

Melissa Murray, a professor at New York University School of Law and a former Sotomayor law clerk, said the justice remains “very robust” and has given no indications of retiring.

“She’s never said anything to me. She’s never said anything publicly,” she added.

That is in stark contrast to Ginsburg, who in 2014 responded to the resignation calls with defiance.

“So tell me who the president could have nominated this spring that you would rather see on the court than me?” she told Reuters .

Blumenthal said that justices shouldn’t fear retirement.

“Life is pretty good for a retired justice,” he said. “They continue to sit on cases, they get paid on par with what they’ve received before. She’s a highly respected intellect and figure with a great record of accomplishments. So she would have a lot of opportunities for continued public service.”

On the other side of the aisle, 90-year-old Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, a former chairman of the Judiciary Committee, said he wouldn’t call on a justice to retire. He will be 95 when his current Senate term ends.

“Everybody’s got to make that personal decision,” Grassley said. “And I wouldn’t comment on it for somebody else, because that’s their decision. Just like it’s my decision to run for re-election.”

Sahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

Lawrence Hurley covers the Supreme Court for NBC News.

What in Netflix's Prince Andrew interview drama 'Scoop' is fact and what's fiction

• Netflix's new movie "Scoop" tells the story of how the BBC got an interview with Prince Andrew in 2019.
• The interview was meant to stop speculation about Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein, but it backfired.
• Here's how the Netflix's portrayal compares to accounts from those who were in the interview room.

Netflix's "Scoop" is a dramatic retelling of Prince Andrew's infamous BBC interview where he defended his friendship with the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The new movie, which stars Gillian Anderson , Rufus Sewell, and Billie Piper, is based on the final chapters of "Scoops," the memoir of Sam McAlister, a former producer of the BBC's flagship current affairs show, "Newsnight."

The story follows McAlister as she pursues an interview with Prince Andrew about the prince's relationship with Epstein, who died by suicide in a jail cell a month after being charged with sex trafficking dozens of minors.

The controversy surrounding the prince and Epstein escalated in August 2019 after an unsealed document from a defamation lawsuit involving Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell , claimed that Prince Andrew had sex with one of the Epstein's alleged victims on three occasions. Virginia Roberts Giuffre, the alleged victim who filed the lawsuit, claimed Maxwell and Epstein sex-trafficked her and forced her to have sex with Prince Andrew.

Prince Andrew denied the claims in a statement released by Buckingham Palace in August 2019, but the scandal did not go away. In November 2019, the prince agreed to appear on "Newsnight," but the interview only sparked fresh criticism. Prince Andrew later resigned from his duties as a royal and was stripped of his titles.

Although there are some fictional moments in the film, "Scoop" is fairly faithful to McAlister's account in her book. That's likely because she was an executive producer for the movie.

Here is what "Scoop" gets right and wrong about the controversial interview.

Princess Beatrice really took part in a meeting with the BBC 'Newsnight' team.

In "Scoop," before Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell) agrees to the interview, he asks for a face-to-face meeting with the BBC. Sam McAlister (Billie Piper), who books "Newsnight" guests, brings along producer Stewart Maclean (Richard Goulding) and anchor Emily Maitlis (Gillian Anderson) to persuade the prince.

But when they get there, they are surprised that Prince Andrew has brought his 17-year-old daughter, Princess Beatrice (Charity Wakefield), to the meeting.

According to McAlister's book, this actually happened. She wrote that it occurred during her third two-hour-long negotiation meeting with Prince Andrew's staff on November 11, 2019.

"To be frank, the only thing worse than speaking to prospective interviewee about allegations of sexual impropriety, paedophilia and sex with a seventeen-year-old girl is having to do so in front of his daughter," McAlister wrote, saying that the princess' arrival shocked Maclean and Maitlis.

McAlister wrote that she had to change her tactics to sway Princess Beatrice since she was close to her father and her grandmother, the Queen, and could get the interview canceled.

While in the film, Princess Beatrice only interjects in the conversation once, McAlister wrote in her book that the princess interrogated her as much as Prince Andrew.

"Princess Beatrice was polite and engaged, carrying a notebook and a pen, but she was evidently anxious about the meeting, unlike her father," McAlister wrote.

McAlister went on that Prince Andrew told the producers his alibi for March 10, 2001, the date when Guiffre claimed she had sex with him, which he later repeated in the live interview. McAlister also wrote that she mentioned the "Air Miles Andy" and "Randy Andy" nicknames, which refer to his luxury air travel habit and alleged promiscuity, directly to his face.

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"As we talked, I gave it to Prince Andrew very bluntly," McAlister wrote. "'Sir, I have lived in this country for over forty years and, until now, I only knew two things about you. It's that you're known as 'Air Miles Andy' and 'Randy Andy' and I can absolutely tell you that the latter really doesn't help you in your current predicament.'"

McAlister wrote that the prince laughed at this. The next day, the interview was confirmed, and the team had two days to plan.

Donal McCabe, the communications secretary for the late Queen did not record the Andrew interview in 'Scoops.'

True to life, the "Newsnight" interview takes place in Buckingham Palace in "Scoop." However, in the film, a man walks in just before the interview starts, places a phone on a table, and records the entire thing.

McAlister tells Maclean (Goulding) that the man is Donal McCabe, a press officer for Queen Elizabeth II who died in 2022. The unexpected arrival makes the "Newsnight" producers worry the royal family will pull the plug on the interview.

In McAlister's book, McCabe, the Queen's head of communications, appears but doesn't leave any recording device. McAlister wrote that McCabe was introduced to her on the day of the interview but just dropped in for a quick greeting before leaving.

"His moment in the room is fleeting but, retrospectively, significant. It means several things. First, that the Queen likely knew about the interview (there has been a lot of speculation on that point). Of course, I can't know for certain either way, but, if she didn't, it would be strange to have her member of staff there to come and say 'hello,'" McAlister wrote.

McAlister also wrote that she thought it strange that he didn't stay, since he may have picked up on how scandalous the interview would be if he did.

McAlister didn't write anything about Amanda Thirsk, Prince Andrew's former secretary, intervening in the interview.

Although the movie doesn't include the entire "Newsnight" interview, Sewell and Anderson's performance is almost an exact retelling of the real conversation between Maitlis and Prince Andrew. But the movie adds the moment where Amanda Thirsk (Keeley Hawes), the prince's private secretary, intervened partway through to get Prince Andrew to emphasize his alibi for where he was on March 10.

McAlister's book does not mention this part, and it may be a fictional element to add drama to the story.

Prince Andrew and his team really did think the interview went well.

In "Scoop," Prince Andrew, Thirsk, and his staff all believe the interview went superbly. It quickly becomes apparent that they are unaware of how bad the interview will look for Prince Andrew.

McAlister wrote that this was the case in real life, and said when she spoke to Thirsk after the interview: "She beamed back at me. 'Wasn't he wonderful!' she said, smiling."

McAlister wrote that Prince Andrew offered a tour of the palace, just like in the movie, but she left because she couldn't face him.

"He actually thought it had gone well. In fact he was in fine spirits," she wrote. " He was in such a good mood that he offered us all a tour of the palace. I couldn't go. I wouldn't be able to speak to him in good faith."

Maitlis (Anderson) goes on the tour and briefly talks to Prince Andrew about the interview.

"You know, I thought that all went very well," Prince Andrew says in the film.

"Like a walk in the park," Maitlis replies, referring to an earlier scene in the movie where Prince Andrew was pictured walking in a park with Epstein before his death.

Mark Harrison, a photographer who participated in the "Newsnight" interview, told The Times of London in April that the real Maitlis said the same thing to Prince Andrew.

"Then, he turns to Maitlis with a smile and says: 'Well, that went well, didn't it?'" Harrison said. "She says icily: "What, sir? Like a walk in the park?" She is referring to the Jeffrey Epstein walk in the park. There is an enormous pause. Suddenly Andrew says: 'Oh, I get it! The park!'"

In 2010, Prince Andrew was photographed in public with Epstein months after he had been released from jail after being convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor. Prince Andrew said in the 2019 "Newsnight" interview that he visited Epstein at that time to end their friendship but stayed at his house for multiple days.

"Scoop" is available to stream on Netflix.

Disclosure: Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Business Insider's parent company, Axel Springer, is a Netflix board member.

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How to prompt friends and influence people —

The fine art of human prompt engineering: how to talk to a person like chatgpt, people are more like ai language models than you might think. here are some prompting tips..

Benj Edwards - Apr 3, 2024 11:30 am UTC

While AI assistants like ChatGPT have taken the world by storm, a growing body of research shows that it's also possible to generate useful outputs from what might be called "human language models," or people. Much like large language models (LLMs) in AI, HLMs have the ability to take information you provide and transform it into meaningful responses—if you know how to craft effective instructions, called "prompts."

Further Reading

Human prompt engineering is an ancient art form dating at least back to Aristotle's time, and it also became widely popular through books published in the modern era before the advent of computers.

Since interacting with humans can be difficult, we've put together a guide to a few key prompting techniques that will help you get the most out of conversations with human language models. But first, let's go over some of what HLMs can do.

Understanding human language models

LLMs like those that power ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot , Google Gemini , and Anthropic Claude all rely on an input called a "prompt," which can be a text string or an image encoded into a series of tokens (fragments of data). The goal of each AI model is to take those tokens and predict the next most-likely tokens that follow, based on data trained into their neural networks. That prediction becomes the output of the model.

Similarly, prompts allow human language models to draw upon their training data to recall information in a more contextually accurate way. For example, if you prompt a person with "Mary had a," you might expect an HLM to complete the sentence with "little lamb" based on frequent instances of the famous nursery rhyme encountered in educational or upbringing datasets. But if you add more context to your prompt, such as "In the hospital, Mary had a," the person instead might draw on training data related to hospitals and childbirth and complete the sentence with "baby."

Humans rely on a type of biological neural network (called "the brain") to process information. Each brain has been trained since birth on a wide variety of both text and audiovisual media, including large copyrighted datasets. (Predictably, some humans are prone to reproducing copyrighted content or other people's output occasionally, which can get them in trouble .)

Despite how often we interact with humans, scientists still have an incomplete grasp on how HLMs process language or interact with the world around them. HLMs are still considered a " black box ," in the sense that we know what goes in and what comes out, but how brain structure gives rise to complex thought processes is largely a mystery. For example, do humans actually "understand" what you're prompting them, or do they simply react based on their training data? Can they truly "reason," or are they just regurgitating novel permutations of facts learned from external sources? How can a biological machine acquire and use language? The ability appears to emerge spontaneously through pre-training from other humans and is then fine-tuned later through education.

Despite the black-box nature of their brains, most experts believe that humans build a world model (an internal representation of the exterior world around them) to help complete prompts and that they possess advanced mathematical capabilities, though that varies dramatically by model, and most still need access to external tools to complete accurate calculations. Still, a human's most useful strength might lie in the verbal-visual user interface, which uses vision and language processing to encode multimodal inputs (speech, text, sound, or images) and then produce coherent outputs based on a prompt.

Humans also showcase impressive few-shot learning capabilities, being able to quickly adapt to new tasks in context (within the prompt) using a few provided examples. Their zero-shot learning abilities are equally remarkable, and many HLMs can tackle novel problems without any prior task-specific training data (or at least attempt to tackle them, to varying degrees of success).

Interestingly, some HLMs (but not all ) demonstrate strong performance on common sense reasoning benchmarks , showcasing their ability to draw upon real-world "knowledge" to answer questions and make inferences. They also tend to excel at open-ended text generation tasks, such as story writing and essay composition, producing coherent and creative outputs.

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