MY DYING WORD
Copyright 2010 -
Services
PLANNING
RECORDING
INSTRUCTIONS and DELIVERING
Remember, this is your final message. Don't just jump in and try to talk in front of the camera. It's difficult to remember all the things you may want to say. Unless this is a video of your will, do NOT talk about issues already contained in your will. Any differences may cause your estate to be administered with some grief. If your intent is to tell someone how you feel about them or something that you wanted to tell them in the past, just be yourself and speak as you would normally. Once you have your speech written, then proceed to the next step, recording.
Why spend a lot of money on recording devices. Many inexpensive cameras now have a video record option. When picking a camera, be sure that you can remove the video card so that it can be delivered to the funeral director along with your instructions. Select a place that you feel comfortable, preferably sitting. Make sure there is plenty of lighting but avoid bright lights behind you as it may distort your image. With today's camera equipment it should be easy enough to place the camera either on a tripod, or a firm location that can be adjusted to capture your face and upper body. Try to adjust the camera so your head is in the upper 1/3 of the frame, not directly in the center of the frame. When you begin you may want to preface your words with something like "I am making this recording under my own free will without duress". Since digital cameras can be recorded over and over, and if you make a mistake, erase it and start over. If you feel comfortable in someone assisting you, have them adjust and start the camera when you are ready to talk. When you are done recording, review it for accuracy, turn off the camera, and remove the memory card.
Once you have your message recorded, it's time to talk with your funeral director. If you are paying him yourself, he should be obligated to complete any instructions that you and the funeral director agree to. Take the memory card to him and ask if they is able to play the message on an overhead projector or some other devices that will be visible to all of the attendees at the service. You may want to allow the funeral director to play the beginning of the message to insure that they have adequate equipment to do so. If necessary, you may have to contract with an audio/visual company to supply the equipment to play your message. Remember: it's your funeral, you should get what you ask for, as long as it's not illegal. Whether it's immoral, that's a matter of opinion. If your message is directed to certain persons where you want to look and point your finger at them, you may need the funeral director to ask the attendee to sit in an area that you're looking and pointing to. Dying is a part of life and whether you choose to make your message somber or humorous, it's up to you. Just think, months or years later, the attendees may still be talking about your funeral and how you were able to say your final words.