![Mature man giving speech, gesturing with hand](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/203/63/200020990-002.jpg)
Retirement speeches are the centerpieces of a retirement party. Colleagues and friends gather to offer their memories of and support for the retiree. Gratitude, respect and optimism celebrate retirement as a major life event.
Presentation
Video of the Day
![Man speaking at lunch](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/146/175/86503410.jpg)
Describe the retiree's accomplishments and character. As you take the podium, regale celebrants with feats and funnies. A successful retirement speech finds a balance between humor and sincerity. A round of retirement speeches ends with a toast to the retiree.
Video of the Day
Brevity
![Two senior couples having tea outdoors (focus on couple in background)](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/133/250/200427875-001.jpg)
Stick to one subject, focus and your speech will hit the mark. Prepare to take center stage with confidence. Know what you plan to say to stay on-message and to prevent the enemy of a good speech--rambling. Close with strength. Express gratitude for knowing the retiree or certainty for her happy retirement. Keep your speech to several minutes.
Toasts
![Colleagues at business lunch (focus on man and woman in background)](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/150/205/200473768-001.jpg)
Make your toast memorable. The toast brings closure to all speeches. Wish the retiree happiness and health. Affirm what the speeches brought to light: that the guest of honor made a difference and will be missed.