A reader recently asked, “Two people have consented to [an ethical will] but I think video taping them would be more personal for the receiving family. Can you see some possible landmines?” This was my reply.
There are several things to be cautious of when undertaking a video ethical will.
- First ensure that your clients prefer a video rather than an audio or printed ethical will. Some people suffering from a terminal illness don’t want their families to have a lasting image of their decline.
- Will you have your clients speak directly to the camera or to you off screen? While speaking directly to camera can be effective for an intimate presentation like this, it can be intimidating for someone not used to facing a camera.
- Preparing an ethical will requires a good deal of reflection. Your clients will need time – perhaps a week or more to fashion responses to the questions posed by an ethical will. I would suggest that, if at all possible, have them work on writing down their thoughts before actually videotaping their responses.
- Avoid having your clients rehearse their responses. This sounds like a contradiction of my previous point but it’s not. You want people to have given sufficient thought to their ethical will but you don’t want them to become fretful about getting it “right”. This will end up producing results that are stiff and not natural.
- Be aware that you may unlock some painful memories. How comfortable are you with sadness, tears, and anguish? Do you have a counselor you can recommend to your client should things become more than you can handle?
- Above all don’t rush the process. It takes time.
If you’re interested in learning more about ethical wills, check out my previous articles:
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Image by Mark Chadwick
Dan, this is very good information and advice. Really thinking through beforehand about the most comfortable, effective way to capture thoughts – whether video, audio or in writing – is so important. As is the need to have a focus, a sense of the main messages and information they want to get across. Without a loose outline in their heads, it can be hard to know where to begin or where to end, resulting in frustration or the sense of a precious opportunity lost.
@Susan Turnbull. Thanks, Susan. Your comments are a helpful addition to my article.