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Preparing & Presenting a Eulogy
by JOHN B. EARTHMAN
The purpose of a eulogy is to acknowledge and share information about a person’s life. It is a great honor for someone to present and it’s an important part of the grieving process for the presenter, as well as the audience.
A good place to start is to make a list of thoughts and memories you’d like to share. While others might not be comfortable or able to give their own eulogy, they might find great comfort in sharing memories with you that you could incorporate into the eulogy. Things you might include are stories, quotes, expressions of love or prayers, all of which can be delivered in a serious or humorous manner depending on what you feel is appropriate.
In an effort to have the audience connected and involved in your tribute, the eulogy can be compiled from private memories that your audience might not be aware of as well as personal traits and details of the loved one that all will remember. You will want to include any accomplishments or honors no matter how big or small that were especially important to your loved one. Memories shared should always acknowledge the person in a positive manner and recognize them for who they were accurately.
Once you are ready to write the eulogy, decide on how you will begin, then pick the main thoughts and memories that you wish to share and finally determine how you will close. You need to properly introduce yourself when you begin and have a summarizing statement to share when you close. You can read from your notes, but practice giving the eulogy and change any part that does not feel like natural conversation in your own words.
Presenting a eulogy can cause great anxiety. Stopping at any time to collect your thoughts or emotions and then continuing when you are ready is understandable and acceptable. If you decide that you cannot continue, simply skip to your final statement. It is the message about the impact of your loved that is important, not the delivery, so just be yourself.
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