Leaving speech for a colleague: short, warm and easy

By the speechwriters.ai editorial team · Last updated 20 October 2026

How to give a short leaving-do speech for a colleague in the office or the pub: a two-minute structure, a full example and lines you can adapt.

Leaving speeches are usually informal – a few words gathered round the office kitchen, on a video call, or at the pub after work on a Friday. The secret is brevity. Two to three minutes is plenty, which is roughly 260–390 words. Nobody wants to stand holding a lukewarm glass of prosecco while someone reads out a performance review.

A two-minute structure

1. Get attention and say why you're all there.
2. What they did – how long they've been here and one real contribution.
3. What they're like – one affectionate story or trait colleagues will recognise.
4. Where they're going, and genuine good wishes.
5. Card, gift and a toast.

A full example (about 2 minutes)

Lines you can adapt

• "In [x] years, [name] has managed to [achievement], and still found time to [harmless quirk]."
• "If you've ever needed something done properly, you've gone to [name]. If you've ever needed a biscuit, you've also gone to [name]."
• "[New employer] has no idea what they've let themselves in for – and we'll be reminding them."
• "The office won't be the same without you. Mainly quieter, but also worse."
• "Please raise your glasses, or mugs, to [name]."

Gathering material quickly

If you don't know the leaver well, send a quick message to the team a few days before: "What's one thing you'll remember about Jamie?" You'll get stories, nicknames and running jokes. Pick the one that most people will recognise.

Online leaving speeches

With hybrid teams, many leaving dos happen on video calls. Keep it even shorter – 90 seconds – and:

• Ask everyone to unmute for the toast or cheer at the end.
• Share a photo or a slide with messages from colleagues, if you like.
• Arrange for the card and gift to be posted or e-gifted beforehand.

If someone's leaving for a difficult reason

Redundancy, ill health, or a departure that wasn't entirely their choice need extra care. Keep the focus entirely on their contribution and character, avoid any mention of why they're leaving, and keep your good wishes genuine and simple. If in doubt, check with them first what they're comfortable with.

If the person is changing career rather than just changing jobs, replaced-by.ai's career pathway tool is a handy thing to mention, or to share in the card.

Keep it workplace-safe

• No digs at management or the company.
• No references to salaries, the new job's pay, or gossip.
• Nothing you'd not say in front of HR – or the leaver's partner, if they've come along.

Want something with more laughs? See our funny leaving speech ideas. For long-serving colleagues, see retirement speech tips. Check your draft with the room-safety check and the speech timer.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a leaving speech be?

Two to three minutes, or about 260–390 words. On a video call, around 90 seconds.

What do you say in a leaving speech for a colleague?

Say why you're gathered, mention their contribution, share one story or trait, wish them well and finish with a toast.

Who gives the leaving speech?

Usually the leaver's manager or a close colleague. The leaver may reply briefly.

Should I mention why they're leaving?

Only if it's a happy reason, like a new job or a move. Otherwise, leave it out.

Related guides

• Funny leaving speech ideas (for colleagues and for your own send-off)
• Retirement speech tips: what to say, whether you're retiring or giving the toast
• Retirement speech for your boss
• Short wedding toasts: examples for every speaker