Hearing the stories of someone’s life is one of the most important parts of a funeral. But finding the right words can also be challenging. So here’s some help and advice in our blog, Eulogies made easy.
What’s a eulogy?
Eulogies are important at a funeral because they provide an opportunity for friends and family to express their love, admiration, and respect for the person who has died.
A eulogy can help to celebrate the person’s life and accomplishments and can be a way to remember and honour them. Eulogies can also provide comfort to those who are grieving by highlighting the positive aspects of the person’s life and character. It can be a way to find some meaning in the loss and to help the bereaved find a way to move forward.
How do you write a eulogy?
Gather information about the person who has died. This might include important dates (such as birth and death), details about their career, relationships, and accomplishments, and any special interests or hobbies they had.
Reflect on your relationship with the person and think about what you want to say. What are the things you will remember most about them? How about the qualities you admired in them? What impact did they have on your life?
Consider the audience. Who will be attending the funeral? What are their relationships to the person who has died? What do you think they would want to hear about?
Outline the eulogy. Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person who has died. Then, organize the main points you want to make into a logical structure.
Write the eulogy. Start by telling a story or sharing a memory that captures something special about the person. Then, move on to the main points you want to make. Use anecdotes and specific details to bring the person to life for the audience.
Edit and revise. Read the eulogy out loud to yourself and make any necessary changes to improve the flow and clarity.
Practice. Practice delivering the eulogy so that you feel comfortable and confident when it’s time to deliver it at the funeral.
Keep in mind that a eulogy is a very personal tribute, and there is no right or wrong way to write one. The most important thing is to be sincere and to speak from the heart.
Top tips for public speaking
Here are some tips that may help you overcome a fear of public speaking.
Prepare well
The more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you’ll be. So take the time to research and rehearse your presentation thoroughly.
Practice relaxation techniques
Take a few deep breaths, and try to relax your muscles before you begin speaking. Visualizing yourself giving a successful presentation can also help calm your nerves.
Use positive self-talk
Don’t let negative thoughts ruin your confidence. Instead, remind yourself that you are well-prepared and capable of delivering a great presentation.
Focus on your audience
Instead of getting caught up in your own anxiety, try to connect with your listeners. Imagine that you are having a conversation with a friend, and try to engage with them.
Use humour
If appropriate, try to inject a little bit of humour into your presentation. This can help you relax and engage your audience.
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About the author
Written by Stephen Lee
Owner, CeremonyCast – Professional Funeral Live Streaming
Covering Sydney, Southern Highlands, Wollongong, Central Coast, Newcastle & The Hunter