With the introduction of the H.Parsons Funeral Directors Zoom Wall, people are now able to attend and interact digitally at a funeral service. The Zoom Wall can help bring families together, but not everyone is familiar with Zoom, or communicating via a video call. You can, of course, find more information on the Zoom Wall here.
We have made a few pointers, dos and donts, for attending a funeral service via the Zoom Wall.
Do
Dress appropriately.
Treat participating in a Zoom Wall funeral from home as if you were there in the chapel. You will be seen by everyone attending and you don’t want to be caught out half dressed, or in your pajamas. Dressing for a funeral is often a way of showing respect, solidarity with the other mourners and courtesy. Dress well, and it may be helpful to advise other attendees as well.
Appropriate dress is also relative though. Speak with the family of the deceased. If they were avid fishers, and the family approves, wear fishing gear. There are many ways to show respect and expressing your emotions is always important but, seeking approval from the deceased’s family is highly recommended.
Don’t
Talk through a service.
The H.Parsons Funeral director will mute attendees on Zoom during the service to ensure that all attention is on the person speaking or the focus of the moment. Despite this, you are projected onto the wall, in direct view of the people in the chapel and viewable by the people on Zoom. They might not hear you, but they will be able to see you.
There is plenty of time to speak to friends and family before and after the service, and please do, but during the service, it is respectful to pay attention.
Do
Say hi to the people in the chapel.
The Zoom Wall lets plenty more than the 10 people in the chapel attend a service but it can still seem lonely for those there. Before the service and after the service, say hi. Have a chat, reminisce together, arrange to make a phone call, plan for a picnic when social distancing is relaxed.
You can also speak to others joining via Zoom.
Don’t
Speak over someone else.
The Zoom Wall lets everyone come together as though they are physically together but it can be difficult to have more than one conversation at a time. If someone is speaking, speaking over them will make it hard for everyone to understand and can seem very rude. Wait until there is a lapse and join the conversation. Remember that some people may be experiencing a small time delay.
Don’t
Prevent others from talking
Because the focus of Zoom is held onto the speaker, it means that one conversation is the focus. Other people may wish to offer condolences or speak with the family of the deceased. Being aware of this and keeping your conversation to an appropriate time may be appreciated by others.
Do
Spread the link, if the family agree.
H.Parsons will work with the family, if they wish, to spread the Zoom link via FuneralAnnouncement.com.au, Facebook and other means but if you know best the people that would like to attend. If the family is happy to publically share the Zoom Wall information, share the information from the FuneralAnnouncement.com.au page, there are buttons for it. Let others know so that they can join the funeral service.
The funeral director has control over the Zoom Wall and is able to admit, exclude and remove people as required.
Don’t
Discourage others.
Social distancing has been hard on many people and the Zoom Wall is the best way to currently attend a funeral service from home. If you struggle with technology or aren’t a fan of Zoom (a lot of students and people working from home are now…) others may still appreciate the service and the opportunity. Funerals are a time of support.
Do
Help others.
Many people may not be tech savvy or have an understanding of Zoom. That’s fair and understandable but it makes it more important for those that do understand, to help the others. Help them to connect, help them to understand the concept and what it means. The idea is to connect and come together to mourn the loss of a loved one and celebrate their life. Helping each other to connect on Zoom can be part of that.
These have been a few key dos and don’ts of attending a Zoom Wall Funeral
Treat it like you would a traditional funeral, before social distancing came into effect. Stay safe and for any questions, please feel free to contact H.Parsons Funerals.
