Saying farewell is never easy especially when those you leave behind meant a lot to you. Preparing a speech can be challenging and trying to get the right words that will portray how you feel isn’t the easiest thing to do.

Today I had to say goodbye to my High school as it was our last day and I can honestly say it took me at least a week to get the right words to say.

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What a farewell speech should consist of

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A great farewell speech is one that leaves a legacy for people to remember. It leaves people thinking and talking about it a week after you delivered it. A great farewell speech will make them feel special. You should always start with something of an [anecdote]( http://www.dictionary.com/browse/anecdote) to catch their attention.

Storytelling has been bringing people together since the dawn of time and thus it is a good idea to start by telling them a short story.

Begin by telling a joke relevant to the situation if that’s your thing otherwise you can immediately jump into the story, presumably one about something that happened when you first started at the job. Remember that the story should be interesting in some sense.

After telling a story the humorous tone should take a dip. At this point of the speech you should start thanking everyone starting at the most important people like the boss and go all the way down to the janitor.

Yes even the janitor

Your comments should not be very long but it should mean more than the words used to form them.
Lastly end it by talking about the emotions you are having about having to leave and at this stage the farewell part should be evident..Here you also briefly explain what the future holds in store for you and let everyone know that you are excited with this new phase in your life. The tone should change to humours so the speech ends on a light note.

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What it should not consist of

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Do not blow(toot) your own horn. I repeat do not blow your own horn.

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> Modesty. The quality or state of being unassuming in the elimination of one's abilities.

Credits

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Modesty doesn’t cost anything and it should be applied in your speech. If you do however want to talk about achievements, talk about accomplishments made as a team or with someone else.

Do not talk about how you can’t wait to get out of “this place” and away from your co-workers,. And do not criticise or belittle the company or place just because you are leaving.

YES !

You may have gotten a better Job or opportunity but remember the company was your place of work for a while and it should just be respected as it is seen as good manners.

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The most important part to remember is that a farewell speech should be honest and original. It is your emotions and views being depicted through the speech so try and make it true to yourself without negative or bad mouthing anyone and just by trying to say good things even if you only saw one.

Edit: For some reason my styling with markdown isn't functioning very well. At some stages it works and others it completely refuses. But I will check back later to try and see if it was just a bit buggy!

As always thanks for reading.

Richard