Guidance for Speakers at Virtual Funeral Service

This article provides the basic information on what a Viewneral® is and how to attend a Viewneral if you are a speaker.

What is a Viewneral®

A Viewneral® is an interactive and collaborative funeral service that virtually allows families and friends to memorialize, eulogize, and celebrate loved ones. Using a desktop, tablet or mobile device, this virtual online service can easily be used to view funerals, burials, and other forms of gatherings, such as celebrations of life, memorials, and wakes.

What is a Virtual Funeral?

A virtual funeral allows family and friends to view and participate in the service in real time from the comfort of their own home or any other remote location by simply using their computer, tablet, mobile phone, or other device. Instead of being physically at the funeral home or cemetery, friends and family can view the service online as it happens, watching live video with sound so they can memorialize, eulogize, and celebrate loved ones.

Who are Speakers?

Speakers are individuals that actively participate in the Viewneral service. This includes funeral directors, clergy and immediate family members who typically provide a eulogy, prayer or generally memorialize their loved one during a Viewneral service. Similar to a traditional funeral when the family asks someone to speak, a Viewneral speaker will receive an invitation by email prior to the Viewneral. This invitation includes information about the Viewneral service, including the time. This link is unique to the speaker and should not be shared with the general public.

Who are Guests and Attendees?

Guests or attendees are anyone who is attending, joining or clicking the link to join watch and/or listen to a Viewneral. Anyone who is attending to join, watch and/or listen to a Viewneral, can access the publicly accessible link that will be shared on the funeral website or circulated via email. For more information and guidance on how to participate as a guest or attendee in Viewneral service and etiquette please click here for instructions.

How to Speak and Participate at a Viewneral® Service

1. The virtual funeral service information can be found in the email that you received.
2. Try to join the virtual funeral twenty (20) minutes early to make sure your technology is running properly. This way you will not be late if there is a connection issue or something on your device is not working.
3. By joining early you will have an opportunity to speak with the funeral director and immediate family prior to the funeral service beginning.
4. Click on the link in the email to the Viewneral® Service (the link will be active once the funeral director starts the Veiwneral®).
5. You may be asked to launch or install the Zoom application if you have not used it before.
6. Once launched, you will be asked to type in your full name and email address.
7. If you join prior to the funeral director starting the funeral service you will see a box with a message stating the “funeral service will begin shortly.”
8. You will automatically join the funeral service when it begins.
9. When you it is your time to speak, the funeral director will introduce and prompt you.
10. Please check that your microphone is unmuted and that your video is started if you wish to be seen, prior to speaking.
11. Speak clearly into the microphone on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
12. After you are finished speaking, make sure that your microphone is muted to avoid background noise while others are speaking.
13. At the conclusion of the service you can exit by pressing “Leave” or by closing the browser screen.

Viewneral® Etiquette for Speakers

1. Except when enabling and disabling your speaking functions, remember to keep your hands off the keyboard and close your email and other programs so you can give the funeral your complete attention.
2. Dress properly and comb your hair. When you are called upon to speak your video may be enabled. Although you are remote, it is still a funeral so you want to be respectful. Remember people will be able to see you.
3. Unless you are speaking, keep your device muted until it is time to talk. There is usually a two-to-three second delay after someone talks, so it is best to speak clearly and concisely.
4. Choose an appropriate background and find a quiet space that appears professional and is free from distractions.

For more information about having a Viewneral®, please contact your funeral director or eCondolence.com at 877.362.3266.