What to Say at a Retirement Party

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Retirement party speech.
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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.

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Presentation

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Make a toast.
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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.

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Brevity

Don't ramble.
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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.

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Toasts

Make the toast memorable.
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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.

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