After the passing of a loved one and during his or her funeral service, a spouse, child or friend will most likely be responsible for delivering a eulogy. A eulogy is meant as a “sending off” message, which is given for the one who has passed. The eulogy is often written and included in the funeral service which is given to the guests attending the funeral as a keepsake. If you have been requested to give a eulogy at a funeral service, consider it an honour and it demonstrates the love and trust family members have in you for delivering it. At the same time, it may be an emotional experience having to prepare a eulogy while your deep and personal memories of your loved one are running through your mind.
There are several ways you may deliver a eulogy. These are all different styles and most often you should take into consideration the personality of the deceased when thinking which kind you would like to deliver. It could be humorous or sombre, it can be brief or may go into more detail, it could be quite general or it could also be deeply personal. It doesn’t hurt to ask the family about the general “tone” of the service and prepare a eulogy accordingly. It is also advisable to think about giving a quick and common overview of what you plan to say in your eulogy to the clergy or family.
A eulogy will often contain an overview of the deceased’s life history, memories of the deceased with friends and family, their legacies as well as their personal achievements. Including details about family, friends, hobbies and career are also quite common.In the same way no two persons are precisely the identical; neither do any two eulogies relay the identical message. The message and the delivery of a eulogy can vary greatly depending on certain factors like the culture, nationality, values, faith, traits and personality of the deceased and of those involved.
Overview Guide to Compose a Eulogy.
Introduce yourself and give information about your relationship with deceased
Thank visitors for attending the service, and thank those who have travelled some distance to attend.
Offer your condolences to close friends and family members of the deceased.
Discuss about the particular qualities and traits of the deceased. This will be the longest part of the eulogy.
Inform about particular characteristics of the individual
Inform of events that happened between you, or different family and friends of the deceased.
Goals, ambitions are good to talk about. Whether fulfilled or not.
Talk about what they taught you and others.
Talk about their personal achievements, hobbies, passions and achievements.
Give some additional comforting thoughts to those listening
A good memorial or funeral poem.
A favourite quote
You may choose to read a well chosen quote from the favorite author of the deceased which is suitable. Alternatively, you may choose a bible passage.
Giving Closure
Give a short summary of your speech.
Saying goodbye to the deceased.
It’s not easy preparing and delivering a eulogy but don’t be afraid of asking for some help or advice. Rather than taking on this emotional talk alone, it may be helpful to ask for help from friends or family or someone very close to the deceased. Asking close friends or family of the deceased for stories, memories and information to help you prepare the eulogy.