Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 1: Writing a eulogy
• Tips

Giving a panegyric is a commendable act and a very important contribution to the memorial service. Such a performance will be remembered by friends and family for a long time, so it is an honor to take part in such a difficult event. However, don't be afraid to think about how to write it, because writing a moving eulogy is easy.

Steps

Method 1 of 1: Writing a eulogy

1. 1 Be confident and stay on a positive note. Remember, you can write and say a great eulogy. Don't worry about writing the perfect eulogy. It is important to do the best you can, given the short time frame for speaking and your well-being.Put aside such nagging questions as "What am I doing?", "Will people like it?", "How long will it last?", "Where should I start?"
2. 2 Find inspiration in things that rekindle old memories, stories, or feelings about your loved one. You can flip through old photo albums, view home videos or scrapbook albums. Ask friends or family members to share their stories and fond memories.
3. 3 Decide on your tone of voice. He can be sad, serious, empathetic, or humorous. You are better off judging which is more appropriate for the case.
4. 4 Make a plan for the eulogy. An outline will help you gather your thoughts and focus, and connect primary ideas and themes, thereby simplifying the writing process. After listing the main ideas, each one can be broken down into smaller parts so that you don't miss out on the little things. The more detail you include at this stage, the easier it will be to write a draft.
   • You can make the outline using any method that is convenient for you. There is a traditional vertical plan with letters and roman numerals. Or you can chart with loose associations that stimulate creative thinking because you can jump from one idea to the next, no matter how unconnected thoughts may seem. Write the person's name at the top of the sheet. When thoughts come to mind, any thoughts, write down a word or phrase that quickly suggests that thought. For example, "charitable contributions".
5. 5 Develop the thoughts you wrote down. Just write what comes to mind. After you've fluently jotted down a lot of ideas, go back to your outline and list the main points in the order in which you will deliver your speech.
6. 6 Write a draft, and remember that the first draft won't be perfect. You are experiencing difficult emotions. If you're having trouble writing, don't panic and don't give up. Take a minute to get yourself together. Review your plan. It's important to remember that editing is a big part of the writing process, and you will refine your draft as you work through it. Get started slowly, not knowing exactly what you are about to say. Stick to your plan, letting your thoughts flow onto the paper. Try to write a letter to your loved one so that more ideas are born (in fact, this letter can be your eulogy). Write as quickly as possible. You will have time to go back and check grammar mistakes or change some words.
7. 7 Start your eulogy. Finding the perfect words to grab the attention of those in attendance can be the hardest part of the writing process. If you can't figure out how to start the eulogy correctly, skip ahead and write on. You can always go back to the part you missed. Do you want to say something funny? Touching? Any beginning is acceptable. But to reach out to your audience, the beginning must be powerful. Here are some ways to start a eulogy:
   • For a eulogy start, quotes can be humorous, inspirational, spiritual, religious. This quote can be from a famous, beloved or any other book, as well as from the Bible, or simply heard from your friend. Such quotes can appear anywhere throughout the eulogy.
     • “Johann W. Goethe once said, 'A useless life is an early death.' Luckily for Jennifer, this phrase never extended to her extraordinary existence. "
     • “I remember Bill often saying,‘ God certainly has a sense of humor, otherwise I wouldn’t marry your mother. ’I used to giggle whenever he made fun of his beautiful marriage. Bill and Molly were soul mates. "
   • Questions. Start your eulogy with a question and answer it.
     • “One day my father asked me,‘ Michael, what do you think you would wish on your deathbed? ’I looked at him helplessly.God, I wish I could work harder and make more money. I will say that I would like more time for the family. 'That's what my father did so great. His complete, unconditional love for his family. "
   • Verse. A verse is a great way to start a eulogy. It can be either a poem you wrote or a favorite poem of your loved one.
     • “What we can observe with surprise and chaste fear. At noon, when we lie lazily spread our legs in the whispering grass, we lie to fully admire the empty sky. - Far, far, kindly, with each other , we are talking about the old that has no end, wandering - without a name - in the unknown garden of someone else's heart. " --K.S. Lewis
   • Continuation of the eulogy. The main body of the eulogy should go immediately after the start of the draft or outline. When you have finished writing about one, move on to the next topic in the plan. The more detailed the plan, the faster you will find what to write. When thoughts about the topic have dried up, move on to the next item and complete them.
8. 8 Don't forget to include your audience in the story. Make them feel involved in the process. Your story should make them cry or laugh. They must remember the person they knew or loved.
   • Finish the eulogy. The conclusion should be just a few sentences that tie all of the above. Your listeners should feel like everyone was close to each other. You can present an important point or topic that runs throughout the eulogy. Or summarize how you loved the person who was in your life. This can be done with a quote or poem.
9. 9 Edit the eulogy. The first draft is hardly perfect. Correct possible mistakes or swap thoughts and themes. Some additional tips:
   • Use a conversational style. Write as if this is a letter to your old friend. You don't want it to sound secular and boring, do you? Don't worry about dangling sentences and additions.
   • Change the name of the deceased. Do not write constantly he, she, mom, dad, Kevin or Sarah. Use them alternately. Start with "he was like this, Kevin was this and that" and so on. It really amplifies the sound of the eulogy and keeps the listeners' attention.
   • Be concise. Say whatever you wanted to say. But keep in mind - it's important to hold the audience's attention. Long length from 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the speed of your presentation, this is about 1-3 pages at one interval.
10. 10 Rehearse your eulogy. The more you prepare, the more confident you will become, and your eulogy will be more effective. Practice whenever you have time. Do this in front of a mirror and in front of people, the latter will help you get rid of any anxious feelings you may have in public speaking. Confidence will allow you to perform naturally and more at ease. You will begin to memorize your speech, which again gives you the confidence to make eye contact with your audience.
11. 11 Give a eulogy. This can be the hardest part of the whole process. However, remember that everyone present will be behind you, 1000 percent. No one will be upset if your eulogy does not have the immense depth of the Sermon on the Mount, no one will judge your presence on stage or criticize your rhetorical ability. Everyone present will be very emotional, including you. And it's okay to stop during a panegyric. Try to stay calm and take your time.

Tips

• When printing your eulogy, use large print for better visibility and easier reading. Use three or four spacing between lines or topics. This will help you stick to where you read and therefore maintain your composure.
• If writing is uncomfortable for you, another useful way to complete your eulogy sketch is to record the speech on a voice recorder or camcorder.For some, this method helps to collect their thoughts faster.
• No one is perfect, it is possible that the deceased also had flaws. Honesty is good, so it would be great to touch on those moments. However, be polite and respectful and match these qualities with the positive.
• Bring a handkerchief and a glass of water when giving your speech. They can come in very handy. Avoid things that make you nervous, such as caffeine or other stimulants.