If you have been asked to deliver a eulogy and a loved one’s service in a funeral home in Tualatin, OR you may be feeling a little anxious. Although you want to share how wonderful the deceased was, you may be a little apprehensive about talking in front of people. Don’t worry, as you are not alone. The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears people have. Luckily, there are a few tips and tricks you can do to help ease your nervousness.
The more organized you are, the less nervous you are likely to be. To help ensure you are the most organized you can be, have your eulogy written in a way that is easiest for you to deliver. For some, that may be having it organized in bullet points on note cards. For others that may be writing it out word for word so they can simply recite it. In either case, make sure the information of the eulogy is in order and flows the way you intend. If you were especially close to the deceased and know his or her favorite flowers, select an arrangement that focuses on those blooms.
Practice delivering your eulogy to anyone who will listen. Even more importantly, ask for feedback and then implement any good suggestions. Also, make sure you don’t always practice the eulogy in the same spot. Mix it up. Even if it’s just different rooms in your house. This way you will feel much more comfortable delivering it in an unfamiliar space such as the church or funeral home.
If you find yourself getting very anxious before the delivery, do some deep breathing to help calm your nerves. One good exercise for this is to breathe through your nose slowly for a count of four. Then hold for a count of one or two before breathing out through your mouth slowly for a four count. Repeat as many times as needed.
Pre-planning is determining the details of your funeral and cemetery services in advance. When you are giving your eulogy, you may look into the audience and notice blank stares, people looking down, people yawing, etc. While these may seem like they are directed at or because of you, know that they are not. People are often unaware of what they may be reflecting on their faces. Know that they are listening and if they look bored or uninterested, well, sometimes it’s just how people look
The last tip is to just focus on the material and the love you feel for the deceased. Don’t let other non-important things get in the way. Even if you stumble on words or get distracted and lose your place, as long as you are speaking from your heart, nobody is going to focus on the mistakes, instead, they are going to focus on the love that is expressed.
If you would like more information on services offered by funeral homes in Tualatin, OR., give us a call or come by anytime. Our compassionate staff is always available for you.