It is quite acceptable to compare your prospective literary piece with a pre-written example eulogy for an uncle. In fact, this is a great way of gauging as to how your eulogy will compare with another piece that has already seen some public time. At the very least, you can compare your work against a professionally written piece by a person who actually knows how to make a great eulogy. Technically, there really should be no comparison. A eulogy, particularly the one you are currently writing for your uncle should be about your uncle – and no one else.
However, a lot can be gained by simply trying to learn with pre-written ones; or copying key points of an example eulogy for an uncle in order to write one that is applicable to your situation. In case you are in this situation, here are some key points that you should look out for.
1. It is always about the introduction. There is nothing worst than a fidgety introduction that sounds like “Good day to all of you.” Needless to say, this is not a greeting one usually reserves for a eulogy reading. Try to see how the example eulogy for an uncle starts off. It can start off as an anecdote (i.e. “When I was growing up, Uncle X used to say…”); or a formal introduction to the occasion itself (i.e. “We are here to celebrate the life of a good man…”) The former one sounds more personal, while the latter one does sound a bit too formal and aloof. However, you can make both introductions suit your writing style as the eulogy progresses.
2. Compare length. There is only so much that your “audience” will be willing to sit through during a eulogy. If you can compare your two pieces together, you will see that the effective lines on the example eulogy are the shorter and more concise lines. Longer lines do work, but it takes a skilled speaker to know when to pause and when to push through a long-winded statement. If you are confident on your speaking skills, then go for the lengthier statements. It could actually work if you put in some rehearsal time before your speech.
Also, you should take note as to how long the entire piece is. More often than not, the shorter eulogy pieces are more memorable because people have a way of remember one or more components of the speech. If you make your literary piece beyond the usually 8 minute mark; then there is the possibility that no one will remember what you said about your uncle. More likely, they will remember just how long your speech is. Remember, this is a time to talk about your uncle. Your goal would be: to make sure that your “audience” does that after your speech.
3. In the example eulogy for an uncle, exactly what makes the entire piece more heart rendering? Those would be specific instances where personal anecdotes are injected into the written texts. The more personal the details you write; the more likely that your audience will appreciate your eulogy writing efforts.
