Whether you’re speaking at a memorial service, or at a funeral in a funeral home in Jacksonville, FL, it may seem like an impossible task to write a eulogy for someone you know and love after they’ve passed away. You can use these tips to help make the eulogy writing easier:
- Be Personal – Focus on the good and positive things in the deceased’s life, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of mild humor to keep things light. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to add a few personal stories or memories.
- Be Prepared – Write your eulogy before the service. That way, everything you are going to say is planned out, so you don’t have to worry in the moment. Print it out on a paper so you’re not messing with a phone or tablet.
- Keep it Brief – Although it seems tough to cram a whole life into a few minutes, the eulogy should not be longer than 5 minutes. Focus on the main parts of the deceased’s life, and be sure to write your speech down so you don’t stray off topic.
- Stay Positive – Although cremations and memorials are somber, you should still remain focused on the person’s life and not their death. Avoid talking about negative moments or things that might cast a poor light on him or her, as the purpose of the eulogy is to honor the deceased.
- Don’t Forget a Bio – While you can structure the eulogy with stories and moments, it’s easier to frame it as a short biography. Include details like place of birth, marriage, children, and other big milestones to keep the story linear and easy to follow. Though these details may seem trivial, they are an important part of every eulogy.
- Delivery is Key – You don’t have to be a professional actor or public speaker, but be aware of your delivery. Try to use a light conversational tone, and look up from the paper every few sentences to connect with the rest of the people at the service.
- End Positive – End your eulogy on a good note, like a fond memory or the impact the deceased had on your life. You can also finish by saying a final goodbye, or mentioning that this is exactly the way the person would want things to be. You never want to leave the funeral attendees feeling more upset than when they arrived.
- Details Are Important – Don’t forget to add details like your name and your relationship to the deceased. You should also be sure to thank everyone for coming, and mention why everyone is gathered.
Giving a eulogy doesn’t have to be stressful if you are prepared. Use these tips to make sure you’re as prepared as possible to honor your lost loved one through the eulogy. Schnauss North East Florida Funeral Home and Cremation Services is here to help if you want more tips on eulogies, or want to learn more about Jacksonville, FL funeral homes. Call or visit us today for more information.
