How to Make a Speech at a Teacher's Retirement Party

Retire your faculty members with an unforgettable speech that sums up the school's gratitude for their years of service.

You've spent your career asking students to prepare and deliver speeches. Now, you're charged with responsibility for honoring a colleague. First step: you confront a blank computer monitor and blinking cursor. Where to start. What to say. And how to say it. Fact is, the secret of a great teacher retirement speech is found in your teachings, so remind yourself of the speech making principles you instilled in your students. Not only will you retire your colleague in style, but you may set a benchmark for unforgettable tributes.

Things You'll Need

• Research
• Speech text

Instructions

1. Undertake research to learn about the honoree's history at the school from which he is retiring. Put on your journalist's hat and contact faculty members---past and present---who are close enough to contribute anecdotes that represent meaningful experiences that took place during the guest of honor's tenure.

2. Set speech parameters before you start writing. Establish a consistent tone as you synthesize and organize your notes. Consider the sensibilities of the guest of honor by eschewing remarks that, in ordinary conversation, would lead to the retiree's discomfort or embarrassment. Remind yourself that while the party will be a social occasion, professional demeanor rules.

3. Draft introductory remarks. Acknowledge the reason for the party. Follow up with an appropriate anecdote culled from interviews to conceive a lighthearted introduction that synthesizes the retiree's attitude, kindness and dedication.

4. Move from introductory remarks to a short history of the retiree's experiences during his employment at the school. Include honors, awards and continuing education undertaken by the retiring teacher to bolster an already-distinguished career. Show guests the retiree's human side by balancing foibles with accomplishments.

5. Let the guest of honor and party guests know how the retirement will impact the faculty, students and the school---this "things won't be the same after you leave" is an important, albeit bittersweet part of a retirement speech, therefore, it's a great place to transition into announcements about future plans---fishing with the grandkids, an around-the-world tour or joining the Peace Corps to continue to be of service to the world.

6. Wish the retiree luck and good fortune as he transitions from one lifestyle to another. Remind party attendees that retirement is just that--a new chapter in a well-lived life--which may include future visits to campus if circumstances permit. Propose a toast to the future. Present a gift to the retiree if your speech serves as a precursor to awarding a memento of service or thanks.

7. Adhere to the time limit you've been given by party organizers, but if you've been given carte blanche, limit your remarks to five minutes at most. Keep in mind the social aspects of the get-together and the possibility that other speeches are on the party agenda. Remind yourself of this old show business advice: Always leave your audience wanting more.

References

• Write Out Loud: Sample Teacher Retirement Speech
• Special Speeches: Retirement Speeches
• Presentation Magazine: Give a Retirement Speech