Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Demrest
Hi Debbie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For many years I had been looking for my “calling” and nothing seemed to fit. I had been networking and searching, trying new things and hoping something would click. In late 2021, I joined Toastmasters to improve my communication and leadership skills and learned that I love public speaking! In mid 2024, I knew my current job was coming to an end and put the word out to fellow toastmasters to let me know if they heard of any speaking positions opening up. One toastmaster pulled me aside and asked how I felt about eulogies. He had recently attended a funeral and shared that the celebrant/clergy did a eulogy that wasn’t so much about the deceased, but about himself. A eulogy should be about your connection with the deceased and how they impacted your life. It is a very personal moment that you chose to share with others and honor the one you love. That clearly didn’t happen and it left him feeling unsettled about the experience.
Over the past 3 years, I have learned that the number one fear people have all over the world is the fear of public speaking. How much harder is it to give a public speech when overcome with emotion? As I did further research, I had so many responses of “I wish I knew someone who could’ve spoken for me when my best friend died” and “It was just too hard to speak at my sister’s funeral.” I also remembered how I felt when my brother died…I wanted so much to speak, but the words were stuck in my throat. That’s when I knew that speaking at your own loved ones funeral is just too difficult. How many voices continue to go unheard? How many carry guilt that they didn’t share anything when they had the chance?
With the help of some business savvy friends, I was able to develop a name of a service and what it would provide; Eloquently Speaking was launched. I provide more than just a written eulogy. I take the fear of speaking away and speak for you, so you can grieve the way you need to. Now, it’s getting the information to the public, so they know there is an option to be heard.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The launch of Eloquently Speaking was in October, 2024. With little money for startup costs, I did as much as I could on my own and accepted the generosity of friends who excel in skills I lack. My website, payment processing, and one-line descriptor of my business were all accomplished with the help of very close friends who know what they are doing.
The most difficult part of this road is letting people know I’m available! As a single entity, and with the help of additional eulogists who are fluent in other languages, such as Spanish, it is a struggle to let all of the organizations that can benefit from these services know they’re readily available. I’m also not so great at social media, so I’m sure I will need a master class in how to effectively post content and to which formats in the very near future!
My goal is to take this service and spread it worldwide. Every one of us will experience grief at some point in our life and we all handle it differently. The thought of making Eloquently Speaking a household connection for anyone who needs it makes my heart swell. Being able to help someone, honor someone, and to do it while speaking publicly is the trifecta of joy for me and that overflows into what I am able to do.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As I mentioned, having to speak at your own loved ones funeral is just too difficult. Eloquently Speaking listens, creates, and then presents a eulogy in your own words so you are free to grieve the way you need to.
So what does that mean? At a time when you are experiencing one of the most stressful moments of your life, we offer a little bit of peace. We don’t have an online form to fill out that asks you about your loved one. We have a conversation. We want to hear your stories, your memories, what made this person so special to you, what you will miss most. How are you related? What would they do to make you laugh and still makes you laugh? It’s person to person, very casual, and filled with empathy for your loss. All of our eulogists have been there. We feel your grief.
We then take your words and use them to write a beautiful, heartfelt eulogy. We put emphasis where you put emphasis. We invoke laughter where you laugh. We introduce the eulogy in your name. While a beautiful eulogy can be written for you through many different avenues, you still have to have the courage, the fortitude, and the emotional control to get in front of the congregants and speak. We do that part for you. In doing so, you are free to reflect, cry, and hold onto those you hold dear. When we finish, we quietly leave. This is the time for you and those you are close to to embrace, support, and reminisce together.
Another service we are proud to offer is for those who know they are soon to pass. We will make an appointment and speak in person or on the phone, and deliver their final words for them. This is especially helpful for those in hospice. A final message is often comforting not only for the one passing, but for the ones they love and are leaving behind.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the diversity in Houston. Food, culture, celebrations, and language are all exciting to me. When I moved here 11 years ago from Las Vegas, NV, I was concerned about having a wide variety of entertainment and dining options. Houston has not disappointed!
What I can do without? Traffic! I know we all have place to go and places to be, but it always seem to be at the same time. I really try to plan my day to avoid the rush hours, but that’s not always possible. I take solace in those drive times with my favorite radio station or an audio book.
Pricing:
- Basic funeral package: $300 It includes the conversation, written eulogy, and presentation. Typical eulogy lasts 4-7 minutes.
- Combined funeral package: $500. If two or more family members would like us to provide a eulogy in a single speech. Time: 8-15 minutes.
- Special circumstances: priced upon request. Public figures, corporate figureheads, etc.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eloquently-speaking.com
- Other: debbie@eloquently-speaking.com
Image Credits
i-stock
Sheryl Lochridge with Your Best Shot Photography
