The Strongest Leader…Remembered
A eulogy is an oral memorial given in memory of someone who has died. The speech is usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service.
Poet Laureate, Andrew Morton gives a more eloquent definition:
The eulogy is the moment at which the deceased is brought close,
and a time when he or she steps away.
It is at once a greeting and a letting go.
The eulogy includes the life history of the person who has died, details about family, friends, work/career, interests, achievements, stories or memories, favorite poems, songs and quotes.
Your assignment is to create a 1 page typed/double spaced eulogy and present it to the class in a creative/emotional manner. Keep in mind that this person was a great leader and inspiration for you and this will be a difficult task because you may experience a variety of emotion (crying, laughter, etc.).
You must present a eulogy for one of the following individuals that you feel made the most impact on you through their vision and words:
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Martin Luther King Jr.
- Henry David Thoreau
- Steve Biko
- Ayn Rand
The steps to write a eulogy and then deliver it are listed below.
1. Realize your Task
The eulogy gives the audience the chance to enjoy their leader's company once again for a few moments. The task for the eulogist is to bring the person back into the minds of those assembled.
An effective eulogy uses words to paint a picture for the audience. Creating a picture of the person for the audience can be done by reminiscing, sharing anecdotes, telling stories and talking about the many aspects of the person's life--their family, friends, interests and unique qualities.
A eulogy lets everyone remember the person--who they were, what they did and what they enjoyed about life.
2. Remember and Recall
One good starting place when writing a eulogy is to remember your own relationship with the person who had died. Some questions that can help in recalling these memories include:
o What did you most admire about this person?
o What will you remember the most about this person?
3. Research (a.k.a. SUPPORT)
The next step is to research the person's life and work (ahem….this means “quotes”).
Desirable information to include in the eulogy research:
o Special events
o Special accomplishments
4. Organize
In your draft, start organizing:
o A eulogy may be serious or light hearted.
o Look for common themes in the details that you have uncovered.
o Look at different ways to arrange the eulogy such as a life story, tribute or theme.
o Create a rough outline of the speech.
o Fill in the details from your research.
5. Write
People speak less formally than they write. Write the way you speak, like a conversation with a good friend. Focus the eulogy on the person's life, not on his or her death. Funerals are sad events. Aim to be uplifting and inspiring.
The typical speech has three parts:
Beginning: Start with a quote, a story or a statement "I will miss the most about ______is ______."
Middle: Makes up most of the eulogy
End: Final thoughts, favorite reading, memorable ending
6. Review and Revise
Review the first draft of the speech. Decide what you want to say. Read the speech aloud to see how it sounds to you. Make any needed changes. Get feedback from peers. Read the eulogy for them. Revise and edit again based on their suggestions and feedback. Make any final changes or revisions.
Remember in most memorial situations the eulogy should sound as though you are talking to friends.
7. Rehearse
Practice the speech so you are familiar with it and comfortable delivering it; this will help you to be calmer and more relaxed when giving the eulogy. A good rule of thumb is to practice the speech 4 times beforehand. Some people want to memorize the speech; others want to have their notes to reference. Try to be familiar enough with the speech so you don't need to read it. Then again, reading the speech from notes is an option if you become nervous or overwhelmed.
8. Finalize
Once the speech is finalized, type the speech onto paper using MLA formatting. Then print out another one for yourself to use during your presentation. Make it easy to read or refer to at the service. Print out the text in a large easy to read font (size 14).
Note: If notecards or index cards are more familiar format for you, copy the speech onto index cards.
Even if you plan on memorizing the speech having it on paper may be helpful. It is possible that you might forget parts of the eulogy. If you have a copy you can quickly check it and continue.
9. Deliver the Eulogy
A funeral or memorial service is one of the few times when an audience is sympathetic towards the speaker. Many are very grateful they are not the one delivering the speech.
Here are some helpful tips for the day you deliver the eulogy:
o Relax. Take your time. People are likely to be sympathetic.
o Stand still. Be calm.
o Breathe.
o Speak slowly. Think about what you are saying.
o Pause to regain composure if necessary.