I am returning to work after almost eight years and I am going into the Classified Department of my local newspaper. One of my jobs will be to take death notices from people, most of whom will be noticably upset. What can I say or do for these people so as to not fuel the situation. I want to be able to make these people aware that I am not here to judge them, only to try and help them with putting in their notice.
2007-02-15 00:33:00 · 12 answers · asked by LEEANE G 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Other - Family & Relationships
I think having some empathy is important. I would just say "I'm so sorry- I will help you get this step done as quickly and easily as possible."
Good luck, and don't be too worried. Yes, people will be upset- yes, people will probably lose it while dealing with you from time to time, and yes, you can handle it. Just be glad you can help them with this important grieving process.
2007-02-15 00:38:21 · answer #1 · answered by Simply_Renee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is a hard job but, not as hard as the Dr., Police,etc. who had to report the death. Just try to be as professional as you can be without getting "emotionally" attached and give sound advice on what should be put in the notice first with good suggestions, and then maybe it could ease their own decisions to coincide with your expertise. Good luck!
2007-02-15 08:40:29 · answer #2 · answered by saturn man 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In my experience...the family will have a friend or non-immediate family member to do this type of errand so the emotion level probably will not be as extreme as you think, although I'm sure you'll run across it sometimes.
You're not there to counsel them, just to get information. You can be reassuring by saying things like "I'm sorry for your loss," "I understand this is difficult," or "Take your time,"
Just be sweet to them.
2007-02-15 08:40:08 · answer #3 · answered by Nasubi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The only thing you can do is be professional and if they rattle on then listen. But by no means should you comment on anything concerning their situation directly. Just be a pro and don't try to be too uptempo
2007-02-15 08:37:06 · answer #4 · answered by jim 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funeral homes usually get the info. from the families and then pass it on to the news paper company, so hopefully you won't have to deal with it. but if you do just do your job and be professional about it. Good Luck & Congradulations on your new job!
2007-02-15 08:54:18 · answer #5 · answered by CandyGirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most of the time it will seem like they don't have any emotions. Maybe someone else is calling in. The obits they give you will basically be already written by them. Just listen to them, and say things like "I know this is hard."
2007-02-15 08:38:17 · answer #6 · answered by wildbill05733 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just stick to the questions that need to be answered. Talk in a calm, clear voice and don't get personally involved.
2007-02-15 08:37:49 · answer #7 · answered by rustybones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hopefully they don't think you are judging them in the first place if they are coming to you for such a service. I think you are afraid you might judge them if you assume that's what they will worry about.
2007-02-15 08:37:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be sympathetic but not patronizing and just be helpful. maybe give them examples of other peoples ads so they have an idea of what to put in their own.
2007-02-15 08:38:11 · answer #9 · answered by Giggle Angel 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be professional. Usually the funeral home does that and contacts you.
2007-02-15 08:37:01 · answer #10 · answered by zsaffireblue2003 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋