- Sample 1 – Farewell Speech (When You Are Leaving)
- Sample 2 – Farewell Speech for a Colleague
- Sample 3 – Short Farewell Speech for Coworkers
- How to Write a Farewell Speech?
- What to Avoid in Your Farewell Speech?
- Tips to Deliver Your Farewell Speech
How to write a farewell speech is something many people Google just before their last working day. And it makes sense. Saying goodbye to your team or manager can feel awkward if you don’t know what to say. But the right words can make it memorable and meaningful.
Whether you are leaving after five years or five months – a good farewell speech helps you thank your colleagues and leave a lasting connection. In this blog, we will show you how to prepare a memorable farewell speech and share some great examples you can use.
Sample 1 – Farewell Speech When You Are Leaving
Here is an example farewell speech you can use when saying goodbye to your team or office.
“Hi everyone
It is hard to believe my journey at Skylink started back in 2019. That first day, I got lost looking for the conference room and ended up crashing someone else’s meeting. Still can’t believe I stayed after that.
I want to say thank you to each one of you. Emily, thank you for always having my back, especially during that Q3 madness when everything crashed, and we had two hours to fix the deck. You stayed calm – I panicked. But we pulled it off.
Kamlesh, you have been more than a manager. You gave me the freedom to figure things out and the nudge when I needed it. Even when I messed up that client name in the big presentation, you handled it like a pro and made it look like part of the plan. Still can’t believe we laughed about it later.
And Ritu, I will miss your chai breaks and your completely unnecessary 8 a.m. morning motivation quotes in the group chat. Don’t stop sending them. I secretly loved them.
These four years have taught me more than any course or training ever could. I leave with a lot of memories, some great friends, and a WhatsApp group that I hope never goes quiet.
Thank you for everything. Keep doing great work, keep helping each other, and please, someone remember to feed the office fish. I hope we cross paths again soon.”
Read more: How to Write Goodbye Email and Message (+ Samples)
Sample 2 – Farewell Speech for a Colleague
Here is an example farewell speech for a colleague. You can use it when a teammate or close colleague is leaving the company.
“Hello everyone
I didn’t think this day would come so soon but here we are saying goodbye to Arjun – someone who has been more than just a coworker to many of us.
Arjun joined back in 2020 right in the middle of chaos. Some of you may remember his first Zoom call where his mic didn’t work and he kept smiling and nodding for ten minutes. That’s how we met him – calm and patient, even when nothing went as planned.
Since then he has become the go-to person for everything. Client calls, password resets, coffee machine fixes, and more importantly – the best pep talks. I have personally leaned on him many times and not once did he make me feel like I was asking too much.
What I admire most is how he made work feel easier without taking anything lightly. He could find a joke in the worst moments and somehow that helped everyone breathe a little better. And of course, who could forget Arjun’s Excel training session – where he pressed undo and called it advanced formatting. Classic Arjun.
We will all miss you Arjun. Your energy, your calm thinking, and your habit of finishing coffee before it turns cold. I hope your new role brings you new challenges and fewer 5 pm client calls.
Thank you for everything. We will be cheering for you always.”
Read more: How to Write a Farewell Message for the Boss
Sample 3 – Short Farewell Speech for Coworkers
Here is an example of a simple and short farewell speech for coworkers.
“Hey team,
I didn’t plan to get emotional, but it is hard not to when you are leaving a team like this. These past few years have meant a lot. It has been an experience I will always remember.
Here is a little something I wrote for all of you –
We met as strangers and grew as a team
Chased big goals and built a shared dream
Through long shifts and genuine support
You gave this place it's beating heart
Thank you for being more than just coworkers. You made this place feel like a second home. I am proud of what we have done together and even prouder to have known each of you.
Let’s not lose touch – even if it is just for the occasional meme.”
Read more: What Makes Good Retirement Wishes for a coworker?
How to Write a Farewell Speech?
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you write a meaningful and memorable farewell speech –
1. Decide what you want to say
Before you start writing, make a quick list of things you want to include. Don’t worry about perfect lines – just gather your thoughts. You can include –
- How long you have been with the company
- A few memories or highlights from your time there
- People you would like to thank (mention names if possible)
- What the experience meant to you
- A positive message to close with
This small outline will help your speech feel more personal and well-structured.
2. Start with a simple introduction
Your opening should be warm and easy to follow. Keep it natural. A good introduction includes –
- A greeting (Hello everyone or Good afternoon team)
- A mention that you are leaving
- A thank-you for the opportunity to speak
3. Share real stories and memories
This is where your speech becomes personal and unique. You can add real stories and memories about –
- Your first day and how you felt
- A challenging project you worked on
- A funny or meaningful moment with your team
- Something you learned or experienced that stayed with you
Use honest language. A specific story will always be more memorable than a general statement. Mentioning real moments helps your team connect with what you are saying.
4. Acknowledge and thank people who supported you
Thanking specific people shows gratitude and makes your message more heartfelt. You don’t need to list every name – just focus on those who made your journey special.
For example –
“Thank you, Anjali, for helping me through my first week when I had no idea where anything was.”
5. Keep the tone light and positive
Even if your time at the company wasn’t perfect – your farewell speech should focus on the good. Don’t use this moment to complain or bring up old issues. Instead –
- Keep it respectful
- Celebrate the good moments
- Wish your team well
This shows maturity and helps you leave on a good note – both professionally and personally.
6. End with a kind and thoughtful closing line
Wrap up your speech by looking ahead. You can share a hopeful wish or even a short quote or poem – something that feels right to you.
Some simple closing lines for your farewell speed –
“I will carry these memories with me, and I truly wish the best for all of you.”
“I may be moving on, but this place will always be part of my story.”
A good ending helps people remember how you made them feel – and that’s what lasts.
7. Edit and proofread your speech
Once you have written your speech – take a short break and then read it out loud. This helps you spot anything that sounds awkward or too long. Remove anything too repetitive and make sure there is a proper flow.
You can also ask a trusted colleague or friend to review it. And make sure you keep the speech under 5 minutes.
What to Avoid in Your Farewell Speech?
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while writing or delivering your farewell message –
- Do not complain about the company or people
- Never share any confidential or negative stories
- Avoid dragging your speech for more than 5 minutes
- Make sure you do not use common quotes and clichés
- Skin any inside jokes if your other colleagues won’t understand them
- Do not end your speech without thanking your team
- Never make your entire speech all about yourself
- Avoid any last minute preparation or half-hearted speech
Tips to Deliver Your Farewell Speech
Writing your speech is one thing – but delivering it well is just as important. These tips will help you feel confident and connect with your audience.
- Take a deep breath before you begin – It helps you calm your nerves and stay steady.
- Speak slowly and clearly – Don’t rush. Let the audience understand what you are saying.
- Make eye contact – Look at your team, not just your notes. It makes your words feel sincere.
- Smile often – A genuine smile makes you feel relaxed and keeps the tone warm.
- Pause after important points – It gives people time to process and respond emotionally.
- Keep your posture open – Stand straight and don’t fidget.
Read more: Do’s & Don’ts of Serving Notice Period
FAQs
Q. What is a farewell speech?
A farewell speech is a short speech you give when leaving your job or team. It gives you an opportunity to thank your colleagues and say goodbye in a respectful way.
Q. When to give a farewell speech?
Farewell speeches are usually given on your last working day or during a team send-off. You can also give a farewell speech for a colleague during their farewell gathering.
Q. Why should you give a farewell speech?
A farewell speech helps you say goodbye thoughtfully. It shows appreciation, gives closure, and leaves a lasting impression on the people you have worked with. It is a kind way to sign off.
Q. What are the key elements of a farewell speech?
A good farewell speech includes –
- A short introduction
- A few personal memories or stories
- Gratitude toward individuals or teams
- A positive message or wish
- A warm closing line
Q. How to start a farewell speech?
Begin with a friendly greeting like “Hello everyone” or “Good afternoon team.” Then mention that you are leaving and thank everyone for the chance to speak.
Q. What are the best farewell speech closing lines?
Here are a few simple and heartfelt options –
- “I leave with good memories and a grateful heart.”
- “Thank you for being part of my journey. Wishing you all the very best ahead.”
