Telling your manager you’re leaving can feel awkward and high-stakes. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, damaging relationships, or being pushed into a counteroffer conversation you’re not ready for.

Simple wording helps because it reduces uncertainty for both of you, keeps the conversation focused, and signals professionalism. Clear phrases let you communicate your decision without getting sidetracked by emotion or unnecessary detail.

This article gives short, ready-to-use lines you can use when resigning verbally, grouped by purpose, plus things to avoid and practical tips for handling the moment with calm and respect.

Why This Moment Matters

A verbal resignation is often the first formal step in a transition that affects you, your manager, and your team. How you say it shapes the immediate tone: cooperative, defensive, or tense. You’re not just announcing a fact; you’re managing relationships and expectations.

Managers may feel surprised, disappointed, or concerned about workflows. Colleagues may worry about workload and morale. Being concise and thoughtful helps preserve goodwill, protects your professional reputation, and makes the practical follow-up—notice letters, transition plans—easier for everyone.

Useful Things to Say

Simple Responses

• “I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided to resign.”
  A direct opening line that clearly communicates your decision without drama.
• “I’m giving my notice today.”
  Short and factual; it sets the moment and invites the next question about timing.
• “My last day will be [date].”
  Provide the concrete end date to avoid confusion and help planning.
• “I’ll follow up with a written resignation.”
  Signals that you’ll formalize the conversation and helps move things into a documented process.

Supportive Responses

• “I want to help make the transition as smooth as possible.”
  Offers cooperation and eases concerns about disruption without overcommitting.
• “I can document current projects and next steps for the team.”
  A practical, actionable offer that reassures your manager about continuity.
• “I’m available to train a replacement or share handover notes.”
  Shows responsibility and reduces the manager’s immediate burden.
• “I’ll prioritize closing or handing off urgent items before I leave.”
  Clarifies how you’ll contribute to a manageable transition.

Empathetic Responses

• “I understand this may come as a surprise.”
  Acknowledges the other person’s feelings and helps defuse tension.
• “I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here.”
  Validates the relationship and avoids making the conversation solely transactional.
• “I know this affects the team; I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”
  Recognizes the impact on others and shows consideration without apologizing for your decision.
• “I value what I’ve learned working with you.”
  Personal but professional, this phrase keeps the tone appreciative and measured.

Light, Warm Responses

• “I’ve enjoyed working with you and will miss the team.”
  Gentle warmth that’s appropriate when the relationship has been positive and the setting is professional.
• “Thank you for your support while I was here.”
  A brief, sincere expression of gratitude that softens the message.
• “I wish the team continued success.”
  A short, forward-looking line that leaves things on a hopeful note.

What Not to Say

• Avoid venting about specific colleagues or management decisions, since those comments often escalate the conversation.
• Don’t bait a counteroffer by saying you’ll only stay for more money; it can erode trust and complicate relationships.
• Don’t overshare personal details you don’t want widely known, because workplace news spreads quickly.
• Don’t make threats about telling clients or leaving immediately unless you intend to follow through.
• Avoid saying vague timelines like “sometime soon” that leave the manager unsure how to plan.

Helpful Tips for Handling the Moment

• Prepare: rehearse a short script so you can speak clearly and stay on point.
• Choose timing: pick a private moment and a time when your manager can focus, not during a crisis.
• Use a calm tone: keep your voice steady and neutral to reduce defensiveness.
• Be concise: say the essentials—decision, last day, offer to help—and pause for questions.
• Listen: let your manager respond and hear their concerns without interrupting.
• Keep boundaries: you don’t have to explain every personal detail; a brief reason is enough.
• Follow up in writing: send a formal resignation email or letter after the conversation.
• Offer practical next steps: suggest a handover plan or a list of priorities to make transition planning easier.
• Maintain professional body language: make eye contact, sit or stand comfortably, and avoid defensive gestures.
• Don’t get drawn into negotiations you’re not ready for; ask for time to consider any counteroffer.

Final Thought

You don’t need a perfect speech to resign well—clarity, respect, and a willingness to help with the transition matter most. Using simple, direct wording preserves relationships and gives everyone the information they need to move forward.

Let us know in the comments if this has helped or if you’ve got suggestions we can include

About the Author

Helen Bach is a relationship expert and writer who helps people find the right words when it matters most. She studied English and English Literature at the University of Michigan, where she developed a passion for how language shapes love, conflict, and connection.

At whattosaywhen.net, Helen writes clear, down-to-earth advice on what to say in real-life situations—from first dates and tough conversations to breakups and makeups. Her goal is simple: to make talking about feelings less awkward and a lot more honest.