Eulogy Speeches - How to Prepare Make the Most of Your Speech
Have you ever been asked to deliver a eulogy speech and immediately found yourself paralyzed with fear? That is not an unusual reaction. Most people do get a little freaked when asked to deliver a eulogy only because they really don't know what would tantamount to saying the right things and how best to say them.
As with most things, there really is no right or wrong way to deliver a eulogy. What you must keep in mind though is that a eulogy speech is to be delivered at a funeral. Keeping your tone somber while commemorating the life of the deceased should be the main focus. Also, maintaining a positive feel throughout will help ease some of the pain of loss.
There are many types of eulogies that you can choose to deliver. However, whichever type you decide to go with should depend on what your relationship with the deceased was. For example, if the person being eulogized is a family member like your dad, then you may wish to share some of your fondest memories of him. You can talk about the numerous things he taught you, the letters he wrote you when you were away at college or even the fact that he bought you your first drink when you turned legal.
If the deceased is a friend, you may wish to recount all the fun memories you have, especially of the mischief the two of you sometimes got up to, though you would do well to leave out any scandalous bits, especially if he is a family man. When it's a eulogy for someone you've known since childhood, you may be tempted to recite every single detail of your friendship, but don't. Resist the urge to spew and instead focus on why he meant so much to you and why you have stayed friends through the years.
However, if you are asked to speak about a boss, an employee or a colleague, then you may wish to outline some of his achievements while employed at your organization. It can be a simple list of his accolades. This would include any special recognition awarded to him such as a publishing award for excellence in design or one that recognized his successful research in a specific field like medicine, architecture, engineering, etc.
Whatever method you choose, be it a historical detailing of the deceased's life or one of fun-filled memories, remember to keep your eulogy speech short and sweet. If you are asked to deliver a eulogy, try to keep it within five minutes if the deceased is an immediate family member and three minutes if not. And remember, always speak kindly of the dead.
Article Source: Daily Digest Magazine
About the Author
Margaret Marquisi is a retired novelist and fulltime grandmother. For an actual eulogy speech, please visit the eulogy speeches website.