Page 23 - Bereavement Guide Book

EULOGIES & NOTICES

Eulogies Review and Revise. Your first draft will not
be the last. When you think you are done,
Giving a meaningful, moving eulogy can be a sleep on it and look it over in the morning
nerve-wracking situation for even the most when it is fresh again. Practice, practice,
accomplished public speaker, but it need not practice. Read over your eulogy several
be. How can you summarize somebody’s times in order to become familiar with it.
life in a few short minutes, while being both Become familar with your speech so you can
somber and funny at the same time? Writing recite without making it look as though your
and delivering a eulogy is a therapeutic tool reading from a script. The more you practice
to help deal with your grief, and being cho- the more comfortable you will be. Make
sen to give a eulogy is an honor and should them laugh but be respectful. A funeral is not
be treated that way. Here are some tips for a roast, however there is room for humor in
writing and delivering an eloquent and mem- your eulogy. Fondly remember a story about
orable eulogy. the person that everyone can relate to. Keep
it appropriate, there will be children and the
Gather information. Talk with family elderly there who may not share the same
members, close friends and co-workers to sense of humor. Laughter is truly the best
get important information on the deceased. medicine, and some well-placed humour will
Some important information to include in the help people cope, and will bring back fond
eulogy is the person’s family and other close memories of the deceased.
relationships, their education/career, hobbies
or special interests, places the person lived Obituaries, Death Notices
or travelled to, and any special accomplish-
ments they had.
Occasionally a newspaper will consider the
passing of a loved one as newsworthy. In this
Organize your thoughts. Jot down your ideas situation, the newspaper will print an obitu-
by whatever means are most comfortable and ary at no cost to the family. A death notice, in
familiat to you. Create an outline of your contrast is a means by which the family uses
speech, and fill in the information that you the newspaper to inform relatives and friends
gathered about the person.
of the passing. The family is charged for the
death notice, and the timing of the print is
Write it down. This is not a toast at a usually the day before the planned services
wedding where you can make off the cuff begin. The death notice will contain the name
remarks, and you should not adlib a eulogy. of the deceased, age, where they are from,
Writing it all down allows you to include date of passing, relations, services, service
and remember every detail you wanted to date, time and location, final disposition and
incorporate in your speech. When you bring a if charitable donations are requested.
copy of your eulogy to the podium make sure
it is easy to read, print it out in large font or if Remember, most newspapers charge for
handwritten leave a few spaces between the death notices, and they are charged by the
lines. Keep in mind your time constraints, its line. Each contains approximately four
best to keep things on the short side, espe- words. The funeral director will assist you
cially if there are other speakers.
in creating the correct format and editing in
order to minimize charges.

Peace and Tranquility Funeral Home | Page 23