Free Farewell Speech - Say Goodbye With Style! (2024)

Use this sample of a free farewell speech for the person doing the leaving!

A bonus farewell speech by Queen Elizabeth I is provided, illustrating how little the expression of "goodbye" has changed over centuries. The Queen's example includes the three essential parts of a good farewell address.

At one time or another, most of us get to a point where we need to bid others goodbye, but it's not always easy to come up with the right words.

It's especially important to have something meaningful to say if a memorable event has been arranged to mark your departure, such as a farewell party thrown by co-workers, or even friends and family if you're moving away from home.

Whatever the circ*mstances are for your leave-taking, this sample farewell speech can serve as a guide! Customize it to make it a personal, heartfelt expression of your own.

If you prefer to learn the art of writing a farewell speech, visit our comprehensive guide.

Text of the Farewell Speech Example

To summarize how to give a farewell speech:

Farewell Speeches - Not Changed Much in 500 Years

Following is a lightly revised version of the farewell speech of QueenElizabeth I of England1 delivered on November 30, 1601. The Queen spoketo 141 members of the House of Commons.

Notice the structure moves from appreciation, to discussion of oneselfand reflection, to a solemn remembrance. Farewell speeches have notchanged much in 500 years!

Appreciation

Mr. Speaker,

We have heard your declaration and perceived yourcare of our estate. I do assure you no prince loves his subjects better,or whose love can countervail our love. There is no jewel, be it ofnever so rich a price, which I set before this jewel: I mean your love.For I do esteem it more than any treasure or riches; for that, we knowhow to prize, but love and thanks I count invaluable. And, though Godhath raised me high, yet this I count the glory of my Crown, that I havereigned with your loves.

The body of the Queen's farewell speech discusses her reign and reflects on the most important events and lessons.

Of myself, I must say this: I never was any greedy, scraping grasper,nor a strait fast-holding Prince, nor yet a waster. I never set myheart on any worldly goods. What you bestow on me, I will not hoard, butreceive it to give you again. Therefore render unto them I beseech you,Mr. Speaker, such thanks as you imagine my heart yieldeth, but mytongue cannot express. Mr. Speaker, I would wish you and the rest tostand up for I shall otherwise trouble you with a long speech. Mr.Speaker, you give me thanks, but I have greater cause to give youthanks, than you to me. I charge you to thank them of the Lower Housefrom me. For had I not received knowledge from you, I might have falleninto error, only for lack of accurate information.

Since I wasQueen, I never put my pen to any grant, but that upon pretext andsemblance made unto me that the ordinance was both good and beneficialto the subject in general. My ancient servants deserved profit andwellness at my hands. If found to the contrary by experience, I amexceedingly beholden to such persons and moved by them. And I am not sosimple to suppose but that there be some of the Lower House whom thesegrievances never touched. I think they spake out of zeal to theircountries and not out of spleen or malevolent affection as being partiesgrieved. That my grants should cause grief to my people or oppression,our kingly dignity shall not suffer it. Yes, when I heard it, I couldgive no rest unto my thoughts until I had reformed it. Shall they, thinkyou, escape unpunished that have oppressed you, disrespected theirduty, or disregarded our honor? No, I assure you, Mr. Speaker, were itnot more for conscience' sake than for any glory or increase of lovethat I desire, these errors, troubles, vexations, and oppressions doneby these rascals and lewd persons not worthy of the name of subjectsshould not escape without fitting punishment. But, I perceive they dealtwith me like physicians who, ministering a drug, make it moreacceptable by giving it an excellent aromatic savor, or when they givepills do gild them all over.

I have ever worked to set the LastJudgement Day before mine eyes and so to rule as I shall be judged toanswer before a higher judge. If I abused kingly bounties or my grantshurt my people contrary to my will and meaning, I hope God will notblame myself for the offenses. If an authority under me perverted what Ihave committed to them, I also pray God will not lay their actions inmy charge. The title of a King is excellent. However, the glory of royalauthority has not dazzled my eyes. We know and remember that we are toyield an account of our actions before the great judge. To be a king andwear a crown is a thing more glorious to them that see it than it ispleasant to them that bear it. For myself, I was never so much enticedwith the distinguished name of a King or royal authority of a Queen asdelighted that God made me his instrument to maintain his truth andglory and to defend his kingdom as I said from peril, dishonor, tyranny,and oppression. A Queen will never sit in my seat with more zeal to mycountry, care to my subjects, and concern for your good and safety. Idesire to live or reign no longer than my life and reign shall be foryour welfare. Though you had, and may have, princes more mighty and wisesitting in this seat, you never had nor shall have, any that will bemore careful and loving.

Request for Remembrance

For I, oh Lord, what am I, whom practices and perils past should not fear? Or what can I do? That I should speak for any glory, God forbid. And I pray to you Mr. Comptroller, Mr. Secretary, and you of my Council, that before these gentlemen go into their countries, you bring them all to kiss my hand.

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