Eulogies, Information To Include & Using Examples Of Eulogies
by: RayMengall |
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A eulogy is not an easy thing to deliver, and examples of eulogies might make your task a little easier. It involves speaking before a group of people about the person who has died. This can be quite a daunting task, since if you are the person presenting the eulogy, chances are you're emotionally affected by the death of the person, as well as having to cope with writing and presenting the eulogy. Examples of eulogies may be just the helping hand you need.
Step one here right now is DONT PANIC. Yes it's easy for someone else to sit back and say that, but since you have to do this anyway - the best thing for you to do (since you may not be thinking clearly at this point) is to take a deep breath, and follow guidelines which will show you step by step how to write a great eulogy you will be proud of. So lets get started.
Such responsibility doesn't come easy. It probably feels like the most difficult job in the world at the moment - and one you don't want to do. But since the job is yours, and there will be others listening intently to every word you say, you don't just want to rewrite something you have found from examples of eulogies - you want it to be personal.
The amount of time you will need to set aside for preparation of your eulogy will vary amongst individuals. It could take you many hours if you have the need to get additional information, stories etc from other people. Some extra things you might be looking for are as follows:
1. Stories from other family members
2. Memories and stories from friends
3. Memories and stories from employers and co-workers
4. Memories and stories from neighbours
5. Stories from other associates
Don't be surprised if this part of the process provides some comfort - finding out things about your loved one that until now you had no idea about.
While it's easy to get examples of eulogies and just reword them for your own use, would it not feel better to have the skill to write and deliver a very personal eulogy - both as a sign of respect for the deceased and for your listeners who are relying on you?
Aquiring such skill is not as hard as you think. It's amazing what we can do when we put our heart and soul into it. So lets see how easy it can be once you actually get started.
Once you have done any research you feel is necessary - if any - get yourself a pen and paper, or a computer, and lets start. The first thing to do is to make brief notes or general comments about what you want to talk about. This should be just simple terms such as a persons name, a place of employment, a town or suburb, periods of life eg childhood, teen years etc, social events, memberships, accomplishments, and other life events or memories. Just note form at this point is fine.
Now go back to your list, and change the order of your points to the way you think they should run. For example childhood experiences should be before the charity work dones as a senior citizen etc. Not exact, just whatever you think. Keep in mind now that you have already accomplished a lot just to be at this point. And you know you are doing this the right way - not simply cheating by changing examples of eulogies.
Nearly there - keep going. The next thing to do is to expand on the points you have made. It does not have to be spectacular writing, just in your own words, and just what you need to say to explain the point or the story. You should read the sentences out loud as you write - pretend your cupboard is a person, and read it out loud to your cupboard. If it just didn't sound right, say it again the right sounding way, and rewrite your sentence.
After you have done this with a couple of sentences you will get the hang of it, and it will get easier with each sentence. After writing all the sentences, go back, and ignoring the fact that you probably haven't written an introduction or conclusion yet, read it through out loud again. You may find you want to make some further changes as you go. This will come quite naturally as you read along.
An introduction isn't always easy. An example of how to begin is maybe with a short comment, statement or very short story using the persons name. You could also state the main reasons you will miss him/her.
Then you are only left with the conclusion. This usually consists of any other thoughts you have, Sometimes a poem can be used here, or a personal prayer or blessing.
One final check now is to read the whole eulogy back, just to ensure it sounds as you want it. You could read it to another person, a neighbour or friend who you trust to give you an honest opinion. You could also find a tape recorder and make a recording of you reading it. Then play it back. You can pick up for yourself anything that doesn't sound right. All that is left to say at this point is congratulations on the great job you have done. It does not matter have said, because you have not dragged something out of examples of eulogies, it is personal and what is in your heart and thoughts, and that is the only thing that counts.
You only get one shot at this, so some final points to remember are that a personalized message is more important than getting grammer, etc correct, and that you are doing this for your loved one, so do not be afraid to say what you feel is important, or of any emotion throughout it - that is what you are there for, to celebrate the life of the person.
About the Author
You're not alone and do not feel stuck if you just can't seem to "get it together". This could possibly be the hardest things you will ever have to do. There is lots more assistance available for you if you'd like it. You can find it at www.funeral-eulogy-info.com
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