You have been working towards it! Maybe you have even been looking forward to it! The time that is all about you is finally here: RETIREMENT
When it comes it is not a surprise to most people. Much preparation has preceded the day and you are ready.
Everything is ready to go except for the speech – the dreaded retirement speech that you so hate and fear, but are expected to deliver.
You, like most people, are not a public speaker.
Is there any way to avoid giving the speech? Will you embarrass yourself?
Well, you do not really have to worry about that, if you know what to say!
So here are a few suggestions – please do not forget to inject humor throughout.
To calm your nerves before you begin speaking stand and pause for five to ten seconds. Smile, look around and remember it is your moment. Focus on one or two individuals and make remarks like “Hi Paul, I bet you thought I would never leave!” or “The person who has my favorite coffee cup, can keep it now.”
The launch into it:
1. Begin by telling a few anecdotes about your start in the company. How you got the job and how you messed up in the beginning. Remember that you are now a respected senior member of the staff about to retire, so you can afford to share a few embarrassing moments.
2. Once the laughter dies down continue by talking about what has changed in the company since you started. How it has developed, the growing pains and mention some of the people who have come and gone.
3. Talk about your life with the company. What did you struggle with! Who was your mentor and what that person meant to you. Recall funny incidents and amusing situations. Most companies have funny rules, habits and rites, which leads to humorous and innocent interactions.
4. Remember key events in the company’s history. Turning points that made a difference. Tell the story about how it affected everybody at the time and how it is influencing the way the company works today.
5. Don’t forget your colleagues, they have been an important part of your working life. Describe some of your long term relationships, the things that you talked about and laughed about. The daily routines and what your colleagues meant to you.
6. This is a good time to thank individuals for what they meant to you. Be specific and explain why you are thanking them. Finish by thanking the entire group in general for their support and for keeping you honest, thereby leaving nobody out.
7. Everybody is dying to know what you are going to do. Tell them about your plans. Even if they may sound mundane to you. Mention how you will be thinking about them every weekday at 9AM – on your way to the Golf course.
8. Thank everyone for the gifts. Thank them for their best wishes and their friendship over the years
9. Make sure you thank the people who organized the party.
10. Promise everyone, that you will not forget them and wish them all the best in the future.
Remember that this is a happy occasion and not a time for criticisms or controversies. If you want to complain about something, do it to yourself in the mirror before you leave.
Story from Hello Boomers Magazine