“First I’d like to thank you, Sir, for doing this. What a great honor it is.
(If religious) – Also I’d like to thank God, through him all things are possible. We wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for him.
I’d like to thank the people I had to work with. What a great team we have, working with you professionals makes it all worth it.
And the people who worked for me, all my success was due to them and they truly made me a better leader.
And most important, my family. They were the ones who really sacrificed. While we get to go everywhere around the world, they are the ones who have to hold it all together at home. Betsy, honey, you are my rock (crack voice here).
And as I take off to X place, I want to thank everyone for the great team work and camaraderie and you Sir, for the great leadership. I will always remember all of you fondly and will take all of the lessons I learned from you with me as I go.
And honestly guys, if there is ever anything you need from me, just reach out. If you ever find yourself in X place, our door is always open!”
The same tired shit, every ceremony. You can waste everyone’s time with this factory speech or be real. If you’re going to say the same stuff as everyone else, why not skip the ceremony?
If you want to thank people, recognize people or connect with people. Be real. Take risk. Say something that everyone else doesn’t say. Say something novel and mean it.
Public affairs officers — be genuine and original and coach your leaders to do the same.
Now go and do likewise.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Betzabeth Galvan
