Viewing How to Write a Eulogy: The BasicsHow to Write a Eulogy: The Basics
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Writing and delivering a first rate eulogy is essential. This article will outline the main points to consider when writing a eulogy that will honor someone's passing in a thoughtful and effective manner. By Sydney Nelson Writing and delivering a first rate eulogy is essential, not only in honoring the deceased, but it can also have a lasting impact on those attending the service. Because long after the eulogy and funeral service is over, the main points and theme of the eulogy will be remembered and associated with that special person. This article will outline the main points to consider when writing a eulogy that will honor someone's passing in a thoughtful and effective manner. Consider a Theme When I wrote my mother's eulogy, it began as an ad hoc report of what my mother's guidance and parenting meant to my sisters and me. However, eventually I settled on the theme of breaking the cycle of poverty and I'll explain the reason. Mom lived in dire poverty as a young girl in Jamaica and later as a teen in Belize where I was born. After my father's untimely death, she left us with relatives and came to America. She then remarried and acquired her dental assistant's certification from the ADAA. After a few years, she brought all of us to live with her in Chicago where I attended grammar school through Chicago State University. While growing up, mom was very adamant that we would do well in school and we did, along with her checking our grammar-school homework nightly! So obviously, I settled on the theme of breaking the cycle of poverty she had to endure as a child, and a sub theme stressing the importance of a good education for your children. My point is, to consider the aspects of the special person's life or personality that would be the most cherished and remembered. In addition, draft a report based on those topics centering on what you consider the most important aspect that should be remembered. Accomplishments and Important Events As you write your first draft, you may remember certain accomplishments and special events in the life of your special person. In my case, I didn't have all the dates and places assembled, but I continued writing because you can lose your chain of thought. Therefore, it can be a plus to assemble important documents and relevant information ahead of time. However, if you didn't - as in my case - you can always update your eulogy later. The important thing is to get started and not let minor things distract you in the process. Depending on the nature of the eulogy, you don't want it to turn out to be a long-winded listing of all the accomplishments or a biography. You basically want to assemble the necessary documents and information that will be in line with the theme upon which you choose to expound. Finalizing Your Eulogy After you are satisfied with your first draft, have another person or two, including a non-relative, read and critique your eulogy. You may get some good feedback on areas you may not have considered. Then practice speaking the eulogy if you are going to make the address at the funeral service. It can help you to reorganize the eulogy possibly and to learn areas you may want to stress during the reading. If you think you'll be too emotionally overcome, select someone who is good at public speaking. Overall, you want to be certain your eulogy will adequately honor your loved one and be a blessing to those present. You want to have a frame of mind that you'll send them off with positive thoughts of caring and appreciation. Most of all, refrain from pointing fingers for the negative parts of this person's experience. Better to outline the positive life experience lessons your special person learned as a result of the trials we all will face in life. About the Author: Sydney H. Nelson is a Microsoft Certified Professional Web Developer/Programmer. His website at WreathsAndSprays.com contains further information on professional eulogy preparation and free funeral poems. It also contains a selection of funeral wreaths and sprays. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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