A Guide to Giving a Great Leaving Speech.

We are now in the season of goodbyes and thank yous. While there are some who are skilled in thinking creatively and writing songs, poems, power points or speeches to make audiences laugh and cry, many of us struggle to write something genuine, memorable and appropriate. 

There are additional complications, such as the staff members who shies away from being the centre of attention and those who are leaving due to less favourable circumstances. These particular speeches can be complicated to navigate, and yet everyone deserves to have their contribution recognised and to have a positive send off. In this situation you have to remember that this speech is not about you but about the person leaving and so you need to be sensitive to their needs and values and to give them the speech that they want. 

This simple guide intends to take the stress away from the process and provide you with a simple but proven effective method of researching, writing and telling meaningful and memorable speeches:

Step 1: Involve others

Take some time to talk with those who are close to the person to ask about their values and priorities. Are they dotty about displays, crazy about coffee or mad about maths? What is important to them? Ask them to share anecdotes or memories to build up your bank to choose from. 

Step 2: Story driven

Short stories and images capture the imagination and the heart. Choose one story that encapsulates the character of the person. Maybe they like things just the way they are and always sit in the same seat in the staffroom, or sing while they are working, or wear silly socks. Start and end with this. Begin with an anecdote demonstrating how this person is special and unique. 

Step 3: The Power of Three

Choose their 3 main strengths or passions and tell the audience about these. It may be that they got the best out of a challenging and struggling pupil, that they support their colleagues and that they run a cricket club at lunchtimes. Share a short story about each of these, concluding each one by highlighting their values. In this example you might say that this shows what a team player they are and how they are wonderful at developing relationships and passions in others. 

Step 4: Loop Back 

Finish by connecting to the original story. Thank them for all they have contributed, tell them that they will always be remembered and link this with your opening anecdote. (for example - how you’ll always think of them when you sit in that chair, when you hear a particular song or on crazy sock day)

People want to be appreciated and remembered, so thank them for what they feel they have contributed and let them know that they will not be forgotten. The most meaningful and memorable speeches are those which are genuine, heartfelt and seek to serve the receiver.