Struggling with Farewell Speeches? Need Help with Positive Lines for Colleagues

In a company where I am working, sometimes suddenly this question comes up: so how was your experience working here to date? Or say something about your co-worker, what do you think about him/her? For example, in my previous organization, one lady announced that she was resigning, and we were called into the seminar room. I was sitting first in the row. The manager said that we all should say something about our experience with her and say something in honor of her. "Let's start with Risy (i.e., me)," and I started thinking like, oh, what should I say? I wasn't prepared and wasn't expecting this.

I am not a very good communicator. Whenever such situations or questions come up about giving views or saying something positive—at that time—because of my lack of communication skills and lack of ability to construct effective sentences and use creative words, I end up saying simple words like, "He/She is a nice person, and I enjoyed working with him/her, it was nice... I feel good," etc. But even a kid can say this. Actually, we are expected to say a few lines about how our experience was, how we felt, and if we have any suggestions, etc.

Need for Common Positive Lines

I need a few common positive lines that we can use to describe our boss/seniors/co-workers and also some lines about our experience with the company to date or our journey. I know each journey and experience is different, and of course, I need to add my own words, but some common lines or words that I can use... please suggest.

In such situations, I often find myself needing to think about what I will say when my turn comes. I have to prepare the words in my mind. However, most of my colleagues (except for some) speak with ease, as if the words are ready on their lips. In the above case, my turn was first, so I didn't even get the opportunity or time to think. This happens often. Therefore, I want to prepare at least with specific words and lines that I can use in such situations.

I understand that some of you may suggest that I just have to say what I actually feel or my actual experience, so it's not that difficult. But consider this scenario: you have grown up with your sibling, and you know him/her well. However, suddenly, on his/her wedding day, if you are asked to say a few lines and give a speech about him/her, will you be able to do it without preparing? Despite knowing your sibling very well and just needing to mention your experience, delivering that with creative lines in front of everybody and without preparation may be challenging for those who are not used to great communication or lack public speaking skills.

It happens. Anyone who's given a first chance would have to think about what one should do or say. As you said, you face little issues in communication, try to boost your self-confidence by talking to lots of people—try with your colleagues.

Steps to Improve Communication Skills

If you want, you can always do this: Maintain a diary wherein you can keep a note of all good words about your different colleagues on a monthly or quarterly basis and share it with them. Or what you can do is, keep a number of people you'd observe this quarter (this way you wouldn't be burdened by keeping a note for all) and keep their names and notice their positives, their areas of improvement, their success points, something they shared or did that really awed you, etc. At the end of the quarter, on any particular day, just give one-to-one feedback saying you have observed certain qualities in them. That way you can actually prepare what you're going to say, and since it would be just the two of you or just a few people in the group, you wouldn't have the fear of being judged.

Handling Impromptu Situations

And if in case such a situation arises in the future when you know about the person but need some time to frame your thoughts, you can always say, "We have had quality time spent together, but I would really be obliged if you give me a couple of minutes so that I can filter out the effective memories." That way you'd get 2-3 minutes to frame up what you speak, and it would also make people feel nice that you're actually observing people and are spending time to recollect the events you've done together.

Hope it helped 

Completely agree with Ankita's post. Noting good vocabulary and reviewing it often will help you overcome this situation. You can also recall past jokes you shared with your colleague, perhaps the different thoughts or arguments you both had shared, and what you have learned from that. 

Regards.

Yes, many times we come across situations where we have mixed feelings and find it tough to express ourselves. We can overcome this by improving our communication skills. I have personally done this and have overcome it. I suggest speaking spontaneously to your colleagues, friends, or anyone about whatever you feel. We should keep reading daily; even though you may not immediately notice a difference, you will surely find an improvement.

Confidence in Speaking

Confidence while speaking is crucial. Even if you use simple words, speaking with a strong voice will do 80% of the job.

Regards,
Swapna