4 Ways to Write an Ideal Eulogy
Sometimes during the wake, the funeral services itself or a memorial service, a family member, close friend or clergy member will deliver a eulogy. The term "eulogy" simply means "words of praise." Eulogies are unquestionably the most universal type of memorial.
Delivering a eulogy can be a very daunting task. For this reason, the eulogy is sometimes delivered by a person who is a little more removed from the deceased, rather than by a close family member who may be too emotional to speak in front of a crowd. Eulogies are difficult on many levels.
They are delivered during times of great chaos and crisis when you may not have a lot of time to prepare a speech. Eulogies can be very emotional and are often delivered by people who have little or no experience speaking in front of crowds (or who may be afraid to do so).
When delivering a eulogy, one of the most important things to remember is that you must show respect for the deceased; and, for the feelings of those in attendance.
When preparing a eulogy, consider if your loved one would have wanted a public display of great praise or emotion. The more modest might not have wanted such a display. Also consider any religious customs or guidelines that could be a factor. For example, in the Catholic Church, the eulogy is delivered, generally, at the wake and not during the funeral, where, instead the priest gives a homily or sermon.
In other religions, a eulogy is not a part of the funeral service at all, and may be more appropriate afterwards at a private memorial or even simply in telling stories at an after-service gathering.
1. In fact, some of the best and most effective eulogies are conversational rather than formal and consist of recounting special times and qualities that defined the deceased. What's most important is that it is a personal, honest and heartfelt memorial.
2. Note a few special qualities that you admired about the deceased, then give examples via short anecdotes. What did you admire about him or her? What made the deceased a remarkable person?
3. If you don't want to write a whole speech in advance, an outline, or some notes may help you as a way of jogging your memory.
4. Don't feel that you have to adhere to a particular tradition. Approach the eulogy using the same ideals that you've followed all your life. Traditions are wonderful; they remind us of our loves and comfort us. But, traditions are different from family to family. Remember, just because one group does something, doesn't mean it will be right for you and your family
5. A eulogy can be any kind of tribute you want. The most effective eulogies are those that remind you and the others in the room of the person who has passed away.
When someone passes away, the list of responsibilities we must complete is colossal, ranging from making huge, often costly, decisions to trying to figure out the smallest details. We must frequently deal with this at a time when we are not ourselves, at a time when the world seems out of the ordinary and abandoned.
Delivering a eulogy can be a very daunting task. For this reason, the eulogy is sometimes delivered by a person who is a little more removed from the deceased, rather than by a close family member who may be too emotional to speak in front of a crowd. Eulogies are difficult on many levels.
They are delivered during times of great chaos and crisis when you may not have a lot of time to prepare a speech. Eulogies can be very emotional and are often delivered by people who have little or no experience speaking in front of crowds (or who may be afraid to do so).
When delivering a eulogy, one of the most important things to remember is that you must show respect for the deceased; and, for the feelings of those in attendance.
When preparing a eulogy, consider if your loved one would have wanted a public display of great praise or emotion. The more modest might not have wanted such a display. Also consider any religious customs or guidelines that could be a factor. For example, in the Catholic Church, the eulogy is delivered, generally, at the wake and not during the funeral, where, instead the priest gives a homily or sermon.
In other religions, a eulogy is not a part of the funeral service at all, and may be more appropriate afterwards at a private memorial or even simply in telling stories at an after-service gathering.
1. In fact, some of the best and most effective eulogies are conversational rather than formal and consist of recounting special times and qualities that defined the deceased. What's most important is that it is a personal, honest and heartfelt memorial.
2. Note a few special qualities that you admired about the deceased, then give examples via short anecdotes. What did you admire about him or her? What made the deceased a remarkable person?
3. If you don't want to write a whole speech in advance, an outline, or some notes may help you as a way of jogging your memory.
4. Don't feel that you have to adhere to a particular tradition. Approach the eulogy using the same ideals that you've followed all your life. Traditions are wonderful; they remind us of our loves and comfort us. But, traditions are different from family to family. Remember, just because one group does something, doesn't mean it will be right for you and your family
5. A eulogy can be any kind of tribute you want. The most effective eulogies are those that remind you and the others in the room of the person who has passed away.
When someone passes away, the list of responsibilities we must complete is colossal, ranging from making huge, often costly, decisions to trying to figure out the smallest details. We must frequently deal with this at a time when we are not ourselves, at a time when the world seems out of the ordinary and abandoned.
