Giving a written compliment or a tribute is an opportunity to share the things you appreciated about your loved one, write about their accomplishments, and tell friends and family about their unique charms and the funny moments that you shared with that very special person.
A respectful commemoration is for everyone. It reminds us that each of us leads a life of special interest and value and that each one is unique, with exclusive gifts. A Tribute revives the person in our imagination and gives us something to remember. It is a way of showing gratitude through the help of certain traits and memories.
Giving a kind and respectful speech is enough for a good compliment as a tribute. However, a little research can help you write and provide a wonderful and meaningful tribute that goes beyond a list of achievements and virtues. But writing a compliment can be a difficult task when time is limited, and emotions are close to the surface. You may have to write the eulogy and at the same time make funeral arrangements, support other family members and go through your own grief. To make things a little easier, we have outlined some things that can help you write a poignant and memorable tribute.
Inspire and investigate
Begin by gathering all the bibliographic details about the person for whom you are writing the eulogy, including when and where they were born, the important jobs they have had, how many children they had and more. These details are the starting point to share meaningful stories. After all, your dad was more than the job he had. His spouse had passions beyond her children.
So, how can you capture the best parts of life? Spend some time thinking about what was important for your loved one and what memories celebrate their life. Almost everyone has a hobby that fills their soul and reflects a deep interest. Maybe your wife was known for her beautiful garden, or your father had a recipe for famous barbecue sauce. Perhaps your sister rescued hundreds of animals throughout her life, or maybe your brother was a secret sculptor. Talk to other family members and friends about your favorite memories and stories of your loved one. Here are some useful ideas:
Once you have gathered all the information, you can start writing. If you are having trouble getting started, choose a topic that will help you organize your ideas. If your father spent most of his time outdoors, share stories related to his crazy camping trips, mishaps on the lake or the ways he shared his love of nature with others. If your wife's greatest joy was your grandchildren, share your favorite memories of her and all the ways in which her legacy will live through other family members. Describe how your mom spent her free time in the community teaching, helping at the food bank or serving on the board of nonprofit associations.
What to do with the text of the tribute
Each life is unique, and well-written praise expresses a person's unique personality, reminds people of the good times, and helps generate even more loving memories of a well-celebrated life.
Feel free to say what you really think or feel. Do not worry that, " I do not know how to write ." What counts is simplicity, sensitivity and honesty.
Describe the best qualities of the person and what you saw and experienced. Be as personal in your writing as you were in your relationship with the deceased. Mention how much they were respected and admired by you and others.
You can tell personal or serious anecdotes or even jokes, but the purpose of telling is to show the personality and character of the loved one.
You will want to include some of their strengths, legacies, achievements and successes. Please focus on the good that s/he offered to the world.
Also, describe their physical characteristics - a charming smile, a bright look, a way of walking upright. It is those details that create an image of the loved one. You can also illustrate your feelings with poems.
The good memories of people are precious. Your impressions of the loved one are what you value most. Below is a list that you can consider:
Edit and review your tribute’s text
Once you have a final version of the tribute, start reviewing your speech well in advance of the final copy. While reviewing your speech, you will probably pause and edit many times, adding details or rearranging your ideas. It may be useful to practice with a brother, son, or parent who can give you their opinion. Once you have the final draft, take some time to correct the tribute, and review all the details.
Keep in mind that a tribute is not an opportunity to air your pain or make sense of your loss. It is an opportunity to tell the story of an extraordinary life. When you complete the draft of your eulogy, add a final tribute to close your speech. This could be a simple sentence that connects your ideas, favorite scripture, or quote, or a farewell from the heart.
Tips for delivering a tribute speech
Before you get on the podium in a memorial or memorial service, print the eulogy in large font with double spacing between the lines so you can easily read what you have prepared. Remember to speak slowly. Take a deep breath and make eye contact with family members and friends. Have a glass of water nearby in case you need to clear your throat.
If while you are sharing your tribute, your words get tangled or you feel emotional, it's OK! It is perfectly natural. Allow yourself to pause, dry your eyes with a handkerchief and then continue with your message of love, laughter, memories and gratitude.
And finally
When you’ve made so much effort to write down your thoughts and share them verbally, why not make a permanent tribute page on Tributize to preserve those memories forever?
You can edit your page at any time and share with friends and family all over the world.
CEO & Founder Tributize.com
