| Retirement speeches will always be remembered | | | | last thing you should do is create any |
| by the retiree. If you want your speech to be | | | | embarrassment or unease not only to the retiree |
| fondly remembered follow these simple but | | | | but to those present. |
| essential guidelines. | | | | 5. If a roast isn't appropriate consider including a |
| | | | favorite quote, or saying of theirs. However don't |
| 1. Not everyone retires at the official retirement | | | | fill your speech up with other peoples' words, you |
| age, unfortunately some people have to take | | | | need to allow time for your own words. |
| early retirement due to ill health or company | | | | 6. Using your own words and sentiments adds |
| restructuring. Whatever their reasons for retiring | | | | more credibility and sincerity to your speech. A |
| many retirees are often apprehensive about their | | | | retirement speech delivered with sincerity will be |
| future. When composing your speech avoid topics | | | | appreciated by the retiree much more than hollow |
| that might highlight any fears and worries they | | | | praise. Those listening will also respect you for |
| may have. | | | | your honesty. Even if you have difficulty finding |
| 2. Retirement speeches often contain facts, for | | | | positive honest things to say, persevere. You will |
| example, dates of when the retiree started work, | | | | probably find you can add some light humor to |
| events that occurred whilst they were there and | | | | even the most negative of traits. |
| different job positions they held. If you are going | | | | 7. Consider who will be in your audience. Will you |
| to include such topics make sure you have the | | | | be speaking at a retirement dinner or party |
| correct information. The retiree will certainly know | | | | where there may be family attending? Ensure |
| the correct details and you don't want to look a | | | | your content and vocabulary is suited to match |
| fool in front of everyone if they correct you. | | | | your audience. |
| 3. Organize your list of ideas into a logical order. | | | | 8. Are you presenting the retirement gift in your |
| Successful speeches follow a set outline of a | | | | speech? If you are, keep it nearby or arrange for |
| beginning, middle and end. The main content is in | | | | someone to collect it when you give the nod. Find |
| the middle and the toast at the end. Put your | | | | out beforehand what the gift is, so you mean |
| information into the right section. | | | | what you say when you hand it over. |
| 4. Retirement roasts are a great way to spice up | | | | 9. Don't leave your speech preparation till the last |
| a retirement speech BUT only if the retiree would | | | | minute as your lack of preparation will be evident. |
| appreciate them. If you have been asked to give | | | | Advance preparation can save you alot of stress |
| the farewell retirement speech hopefully you | | | | and result in a more professional presentation. |
| would know the employee well enough to decide | | | | 10. And finally finish your speech with a positive |
| whether or not a roast would be suitable. If you | | | | and upbeat toast. |
| have any doubts err on the side of caution. The | | | | |