A memorable service is all about the story.
Curate the stories to commemorate
Capturing the emotion and lasting memory of your family member or friend can be challenging.
Service delivery
Make it memorable.
Warren is an experienced speaker and communicator with the ability to adapt to every situation, reading the room and creating your desired atmosphere. His preparation ensures your service is professionally delivered.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
Communicate Commemorate Celebrate
Curate - a life, no matter how long or short is filled with stories, enough to fill a book or two. Warren works with you to curate the most important stories that capture the character of a loved one.
Translate - the feeling and emotion of the service will leave a lasting memory for all present. Warren will ensure that the attendees are left feeling the emotion you desire.
Illustrate - exploring the stories that go to the character of your loved one can make the room, smile, cry or laugh. Warren is an expert storyteller that will engage the audience and leave them with lasting memories.
Order of Service
Are you looking for a service that is:
Relaxed and informal (a celebration of life)
Little more Formal service
Religious context
Music for entering the chapel
Music for Pictures and memories or celebration of life
Music for tributes and the end of the service
How the service will run:
I will arrive 30 minutes before the start of the service and check that all is in order.
5 minutes prior to the commencement of the service - start the live stream
Check on all speakers and make sure they are ok and if any changes are required:
Someone may decide at the last minute.........they can’t talk and I can step in if required
I am here to make sure you get the service you desire.
Just before the start time, the Funeral Director will ask for the family to be seated
The first piece of music is played as people walk into the service
Welcome and introduction based. This will be based on questions that I will ask you - this is the best format to capture the character and feeling you would like to be portrayed
Following on from that - eulogies and tributes
It is important to know what will be shared:
Life story
Memories
Story
You can choose to call for anyone else who may want to share a memory
The life story can be delivered by myself if you desire
Kids and grandkids can be included
What did nan or pop give them whenever they visited? We can make this as part of the service
Introduction of photographs and the celebration of life - bringing it all together.
You will prepare the photos and videos in a format discussed with the funeral director
I will deliver a verse / words / poem - this creates a breather.
Think of any poems or words on the memorial card.
I can choose one and if you want it changed, it can be changed when you receive the draft
Last part - more formal - upstanding - the committal (examples)
These are words I will say to the Casket to honour and at the conclusion of those words - if you would like any religious words this is where I will share - such as the Lords Prayer or a Psalm
Sit - and the service concludes - and I will announce what will happen next
Basket of tributes- opportunity to place a tribute and say goodbyes - rosemary - rose petals - lavender, as people leave to the area where tea and coffee will be served
Tea and coffee
If you are planning a wake, this will be announced as well.
Donations - instead of flowers will also be announced
If you are having a memorial book signing this will also be announced
Finish - Thank family and I will thank all in attendance on behalf of you
What is the structure of the service?
There is no one size fits all and I like to work with you, the family members together with the funeral director to ensure the service meets your expectations and the character of the person we are remembering.
How much involvement do we have in the service?
You can have as much or as little as you desire, some don’t participate at all. I believe a balance of Celebrant and family members / friends is the right mix in most circumstances. 1-2 Eulogies from the congregation, combined with a poem, quotes, and stories from the celebrant works best.
Common Questions Answered
What makes you different?
As a professional speaker and speaker trainer, I understand the power of the moment, how to engage, how to tell stories, and how to articulate a message that is memorable. There are many different demographics in the congregation and I ensure that I relate to all.