When you encounter a friend or family member's death, you may want to show your gratitude for his or her life. You were just chosen to give the eulogy, but you do not know how and when to start.
One way to learn about writing a funeral speech is to read about the normal expectations for a eulogy.
If you were selected to give a funeral speech, you should feel priviledged. When you give your speech, you will influence people's memories of your departed friend. You will also have your time to remember the many great memories you have had with the departed. Your loved one will be immortalized in your speech; hence, the speech must be thoughtfully prepared.
Giving an appropriate funeral speech is easy; these tips will show you how.
First, don't try to write the eulogy quickly just to get it over with. Reflect on your friendship with the deceased person, and opt for the best stories to include in your speech. Discuss your memories with other people who are grieving. Relatives, friends, and colleagues also have had their memories with the deceased. When you share your ideas with these people, they will tell you whether your planned speech is good.
Second, your speech should be easy to understand, and it shouldn't be long. It will be difficult for you to talk in front of an audience especially if you are under stress. A five-minute speech will be enough, given the tension of public speaking and the tremendous sentiments of the occasion.
Third, you should center your speech around one theme that represents your loved one's life. You do not have to sum up all of the happenings in the life of your dead loved one. Also, you should discuss the significant moments that made your loved one's life special, rather than mentioning the normal life events that most people experience. Choose a theme that is identifiable and appreciable. Your speech could mention your loved one's contributions to the world, or it could explain how he or she transformed your life by being a role model. You could even explain amusing stories that you and your friend experienced together.
Fourth, honesty is always best. Be honest with your words and communicate whole-heartedly. Don't say anything unkind, as that is not appropriate at a funeral. Although the event is sad, your speech should be uplifting and complementary.
Fifth, it's ok to be emotional when you're speaking. The other funeral attendees understand your grief, and they won't judge you if you cry a little as you give your speech. If you are too overcome, you may want another person to read the speech in your place.
Sixth, you don't need to sound formal. Simply talk about your lost friend, speaking to the listeners in a personal manner. The content of your speech should flow from your inner thoughts. Speak honestly and openly. A funeral speech doesn’t need to adhere to a format.
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