How Many People Will Speak at Your Funeral?

I recently attended a funeral which had approximately 300 people in the audience. At one point in the service the minister asked if anyone would like to tell a story about the deceased? All they’d have to do is raise their hand and a microphone would be brought to them. It was if you were back in school and the teacher had asked a question where no one knew the answer. It was very quiet. Finally, someone raised his hand and in the end five people were willing to say something. I know why the other 295 were quiet – they had that fear which haunts so many of us when we are asked to speak in front of a large group.

I’d encourage you to take a class, join Toastmasters or do whatever it takes to get over that fear. I’d like you to say something nice about me when it’s my time to die.