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.
Clarity
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.
Prepare
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.
Ageism
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!