|
|
Public speaking does not come easy, but delivering an eulogy you have written
may be the most difficult task you have taken upon yourself to do. Regardless if
the eulogy is about a loved one, a co-worker, a friend, while you are grieving
the last thing you desire to do is stand up in front of a group of people you
may or may not know and bare your soul, emotions and your grief. To do all this,
while being coherent enough to express how deeply departed one has touched your
soul and doing justice to his or her memory is a difficult task indeed. Whether
you decide to deliver a serious speech or to concentrate on more humorous
anecdotes, write down some notes to help you remember. In trying times it can be
a struggle to keep your composure, however making notes will help you focus.
Also while it would be possible to go on for hours how this particular person
touched your life, it is advisable to keep it relatively short so that the
message you are trying to convey is clear, precise and sticks in the mind of
listeners.
Even if you do not suffer from public speaking nerves, it would be a good idea
to practice giving your eulogy in front of a family member or a friend. In case
that makes you nervous or uncomfortable, practice in front of a mirror. And if
you feel that the grief may overtake you, ask a friend or a family member to
stand in and read your eulogy. Just having someone else on the stand – by will
put your mind at ease.
Lastly, do not forget to breathe and just be yourself. Yes, it is difficult to
say good-bye, to let go of a loved one, however you have an unlimited source of
strength inside you to call upon. While eulogy is about your memories and your
perception of the deceased keep in mind that eulogy is a tribute to the person
who has passed on. And if all of your practice fails and you cry, that is
alright too.
Remember even if it is a sea of strangers in front of you, not one person
will judge you for it. If it helps, concentrate on one person in the audience
that you know and love and speak to them. Take a moment, compose yourself and
continue with the speech. It is a tribute, do it justice.
|
|
|
|
