Getting Ready for a Leaving-Do Speech
Write, cut and rehearse a short speech with a friend's help, from stage fright to the final thank-you.
In French offices a colleague's departure or retirement is marked with a pot de départ: drinks and snacks after work, a collective gift, and a short speech by a manager or close colleague. The speech is expected to be warm, a bit funny and short, five to ten minutes at most. Friends help each other rehearse using tu, and everyone admits to having le trac.
- 1
Je dois faire un discours vendredi.
I've got to give a speech on Friday.
- 2
J'ai le trac.
I've got stage fright.
- 3
Ça doit durer combien de temps ?
How long should it last?
- 4
Dix minutes maximum.
Ten minutes max.
- 5
Qui sera dans le public ?
Who's going to be in the audience?
- 6
Je sais pas comment commencer.
I don't know how to start.
- 7
Commence par une anecdote drôle.
Start with a funny story.
- 8
J'ai écrit un premier jet.
I've written a first draft.
- 9
Tu peux me le relire ?
Can you read it over for me?
- 10
C'est un peu long, il faudrait couper.
It's a bit long, you should cut some.
- 11
Je vais répéter devant la glace.
I'm going to rehearse in front of the mirror.
- 12
Est-ce qu'il me faut des diapos ?
Do I need slides?
- 13
Lis pas tes notes mot à mot.
Don't read your notes word for word.
- 14
Fais court et simple.
Keep it short and simple.
- 15
C'est quoi, le message principal ?
What's the main message?
- 16
Termine par des remerciements.
Finish with a thank-you.
- 17
Je peux faire un essai devant toi ?
Can I try it out on you?
- 18
Parle plus lentement, tu vas trop vite.
Speak more slowly, you're going too fast.
- 19
Regarde les gens, pas tes pieds.
Look at the audience, not at your feet.
- 20
Tu vas assurer !
You'll be brilliant!