Have You Been Asked To Speak At Cremation Services?
When a family member passes on and then your family looks to you to speak at their memorial service after cremation services in St. Louis, MO are complete, it’s a real honor. While you might automatically say yes, later, you get nervous about the idea. What are you to say? Here are a few details to help you work that out so you feel comfortable with the speech when the time comes to give it.
Find Out The Tone
The first thing you will want to know, if you don’t already, is the tone of the memorial service. You might know what to expect from a funeral, but memorial services can be different. It might be a traditional, somber event or it might even air on the side of a celebration of life. You wouldn’t say the same things at each type of service so it’s wise to figure out which type you are walking into before you think too hard on what you want to say.
Write Out Your Thoughts
It’s a good idea to sit down with some paper, or at the computer, and write out your thoughts. You can just write down a few notes at first and ideas for what you want to put into the speech. You can then rearrange them in a manner that makes sense and type or write it all out. It’s wise to have it in writing so you can easily change things as you think more about it. Also, take the written copy with you because you might be nervous and it’s good to have it to refer to along the way.
End On A Positive
As you wrap up whatever you are trying to write out, make sure you end on something positive. Instead of talking about your loved one’s death, tell a funny story or something that will make people smile. You want them to remember what made that person special and this is your chance to convey some of the small and large things about them that were unique.
Keep It On The Short Side
You don’t want to talk for too long because even if what you have to say is very interesting, it can get to be too much. Keep your speech to ten minutes or less and time yourself giving it so you can make sure you aren’t going on too long. Any stories you have to leave out to make it short enough you can tell to people at the reception or at another time.
There are lots of things to think about when you have been asked to speak at a memorial service after cremation services in St. Louis, MO happen for a loved one of yours. The professionals at St. Louis Cremation will make sure your loved one is in good hands, but you are important to us as well. We can give you suggestions and advice on what you plan to say for the service.