1 – Get ready
It’s out of the question to improvise on D-Day. Because all was not well with this collaborator, you might be tempted to let go. You’ve held on so far, it would be a shame to go off the rails. Think of your team, they respect you precisely for your coolness. If you don’t want to spoil the atmosphere, it is better to prepare your speech.
Eric Bah
“The farewell speech should pay homage to the person”, insists Éric Bah, coach, speaker and author. If you lack inspiration, talk to his colleagues in order to glean some anecdotes and information on his qualities (which unfortunately escaped you). After all, he probably left only bad memories for everyone.
2 – Keep it short
You are not unhappy to see this collaborator leave the box, so no need to make tons of it. Between 3 and 5 minutes of farewell speech is more than enough.
3 – Think positive
Whatever your antipathy towards the starter, now is not the time to express it.
“Take a positive and caring tone when talking about the good times. Even if it’s tempting, avoid scorpion-mode spades, jealousy or bitterness »recommends Eric Bah.
4 – Set the scene for your speech
This is to remember why you are all gathered together today. You are celebrating the departure of Jean-Claude after 5 years of good and loyal service. “Summarize his personality in a few words by quoting a nice info who does not eat bread. For example “Jean-Claude, our gentleman joke”, or “Sophie, our Friday cookie purveyor”, illustrates Eric Bah. Above all, no harsh jokes. You can also talk about your meeting with this employee, his added value for the team and his development within the company.
5- Thank the person
Even if you couldn’t please this collaborator, you’re not going to be able to escape the acknowledgments. So as not to be thought of as a hypocrite, “Do it on behalf of the company and the team. Ditto for your wishes of happiness and success for his new professional life.says Eric Bah.
6 – Open the discourse on the future
You have just painted a benevolent portrait of Jean-Claude/Sophie, all mixed with harmless anecdotes, that’s perfect. Then address the rest of the congregation. Those who remain and who are probably wondering when Jean-Claude/Sophie will be replaced. Because, casually, the happy starter did not hold a fictitious job.
Christophe Pallee
“If the replacement has not yet been decided, it is nevertheless a question of answering their questions by showing that the company’s strategy is well held. A sentence like “I am well aware of the difficulties in terms of organization looming, but we are working to find a solution.” And continue on the future of the company »suggests Christophe Pallée, educational director and expert in oral strategy at Whistcom, a firm specializing in oral strategy.
7- Conclude with an invitation
At the end of your great speech, start the applause yourself and invite the assembly to share a drink. It’s good, it’s over, you’ve done the job.
Ah, and then last point: if you are present on site the day of his leaving drink, do not even hope to escape this speech a bit forced. It is your duty as a manager. If by chance you were absent that day, do not hesitate to pass the baby on to one of his colleagues who appreciated him so much.