Wednesday, December 05, 2007
how to begin a eulogy speech
BEGINNING THE EULOGY along with ending the eulogy can be the most difficult parts of the writing process. Finding the perfect words to capture the attention of those in attendance is overwhelming.
Do you want to say something humorous? Touching? Shocking? This is for you to decide. Any of these beginnings are acceptable. If you can’t think of the right way to start the eulogy, skip over it and keep writing. You can always go back to it. You want, however, to draw in the audience. It should be powerful.
Here are some different ways to open your eulogy:
Quotes can be a humorous, inspirational, spiritual, or a religious way to kick start your eulogy. The quote can be from someone famous, your loved one, a friend, the Bible, or any other book. “Johann W. von Goethe once said, ‘A useless life is an early death.’ Luckily for Jennifer, this never applied to her extraordinary existence.” “I remember when Bill used to say, ‘God sure has a since of humor, because if he didn’t, I wouldn’t have married your mother.’ I used to chuckle every time he poked fun at his wonderful marriage. Bill and Molly were definitely soul mates.” Remember that these quotes can be used anywhere throughout the eulogy. Use as many as you feel are necessary.
Questions. Begin the eulogy with a question, and give the answer. “My father once asked me, ‘Michael, what do you think you will wish for on your deathbed?’ I looked at him blankly. He replied, ‘I can tell you what I won’t say. God, I wish I had worked more, or made more money. I will say, I wish I had more time to spend with my family.’ That is what made dad so great. His complete, unconditional love for his family.”
Do you want to say something humorous? Touching? Shocking? This is for you to decide. Any of these beginnings are acceptable. If you can’t think of the right way to start the eulogy, skip over it and keep writing. You can always go back to it. You want, however, to draw in the audience. It should be powerful.
Here are some different ways to open your eulogy:
Quotes can be a humorous, inspirational, spiritual, or a religious way to kick start your eulogy. The quote can be from someone famous, your loved one, a friend, the Bible, or any other book. “Johann W. von Goethe once said, ‘A useless life is an early death.’ Luckily for Jennifer, this never applied to her extraordinary existence.” “I remember when Bill used to say, ‘God sure has a since of humor, because if he didn’t, I wouldn’t have married your mother.’ I used to chuckle every time he poked fun at his wonderful marriage. Bill and Molly were definitely soul mates.” Remember that these quotes can be used anywhere throughout the eulogy. Use as many as you feel are necessary.
Questions. Begin the eulogy with a question, and give the answer. “My father once asked me, ‘Michael, what do you think you will wish for on your deathbed?’ I looked at him blankly. He replied, ‘I can tell you what I won’t say. God, I wish I had worked more, or made more money. I will say, I wish I had more time to spend with my family.’ That is what made dad so great. His complete, unconditional love for his family.”
