Eulogy Preparation

Tips

A eulogy is a time to remember the individual whose life you are honoring. Being asked to give a eulogy is an honor. Remembering someone special in a personal way can be healing for all. The key word is life and celebrating your loved one's life in the individual way that made him/her unique.

Take a look at some select quotes, poetry and sayings we've collected that may add a needed special touch.

• Poems
• Quotes
• Last Words
• Wally Amos (inspirational speaker)
• Suggestions on Celebrating a Loved One
  Popular Ways to remember a loved one after their passing

To prepare a eulogy, you will need to be organized and prepared. Carefully analyze the person's life for ideas that will individualize the service.

• Gather your materials:
  Get all the facts on the life of the honoree
  Family facts, where he/she lived, special accomplishments, what made him/her special, how you knew him/her, his/her character, marital status, hobbies, etc.
  
  
  
• Choose a particular quality (or qualities) and highlight it throughout your speech.
  Use warm touches and appropriate humor whenever possible. This keeps things in perspective, lightens an already-heavy emotional load many are carrying. Think about your relationship with the honoree and how he/she would like to be remembered. Some of the best memorial services I have attended were filled with fond remembrances and much laughter.
  
  
  
• What kind of service would the individual have wanted?
  
  
  
• Is there a type of music that would bring comfort to those attending?
  A favorite classical piece? A rock and roll piece? A hymn? All of the above? Perhaps each person coming to the service remembers the loved one in a different way and a variety of music is appropriate.
  
  
  
• Share a favorite quote or poem that describes the person's life.
  
  
  
• If you are asked to speak about someone you did not know well, ask those who did know him/her well on how they remember him or her.
  You can use this as the basis of your speech.
  
  
  
• Make sure you write everything down on what you are going to say and practice it.
  The more prepared you are, the more respect and love this shows to the honoree and his/her family.
  
  
  
• The Internet is quickly becoming a tool that unifies family and friends world wide for major events such as weddings and funerals.
  The Internet is playing an increasingly important role in uniting loved ones from all over the world to celebrate the life of the one who has passed on. On Eulogycast.com, one can set up or view a memorial service of a loved one and order flowers for him/her online. It is basically a one stop site where one can take care of the details involved with a passed loved one's service.