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Writing a Eulogy
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If you are unsure about how to deliver a eulogy, I suggest you leave the eulogies to others. It is not a time to stammer and forget what you wanted to say. You can use notes, but if you have an aversion to speaking to groups, a funeral is not the place to practice.
For those who do not know how to write a eulogy, perhaps you might seek help in putting the complimentary words together. The fact that a eulogy needs be considered is tragic enough without having to write one and deliver your speech.
Opposite of that, if you wish to say a few words about your departed loved one or close friend, others would forgive you if you stumble.
Perhaps you might write a tribute to the departed. It may not be something to deliver as a speech at a funeral service, but could be published in that person’s honor.
Below are some points to remember when planning what to say in writing a eulogy or tribute.
You should know or be fairly familiar with the person about whom you speak. Mention their name in your deliverance or when writing a eulogy that someone may deliver for you.
In learning how to write a eulogy, mention only the positive aspects of this person as you remember him or her. Certain instances may appear where you will speak of a negative aspect of this person, perhaps, to emphasize the good they brought out of a bad situation. This is perhaps the only time you’ll mention something negative.
- If you wish to mention a personal experience you had with the departed, by all means, personalize writing a eulogy with, perhaps, one or two instances where you learned a great lesson from this person.
Use these instances to show that the person taught you a lot. But do not dwell on each occurrence that taught you something. Instead, mention one instance, and then say that those were the types of lessons the deceased imparted.
- In some instances, where the deceased’s lifetime was filled with humor, then humor can be included when writing a eulogy. It would even be expected. Just remember, the mind-set of the mourners for a comedian would be different than the mind-set of mourners for a departed minister. Know the person of whom you speak.
Keep your eulogy short. Remember that others may wish to deliver their speeches. Those in mourning do not particularly want to hear a long speech about things they already know.
If you were not a part of the public life of the departed, stick to what you know about the person and how they positively affected your life.
Leave those in mourning with positive, loving feelings about the departed.
In learning how to write a eulogy about a public figure, include their accomplishments. If the public person was not your family member you may need to do some research. Speak to various family members to learn what you might include before writing a eulogy.
When learning how to write a eulogy or a tribute, it’s wise to do a little digging first. Make sure you have all the facts accurate about which you speak.
A sample eulogy and sample tribute:
- Eulogy (Short but heartfelt and soulful)
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