A eulogy is often delivered in the form of a speech at a funeral service. It is typically written and orated by close family or friends of the deceased, but that’s not necessarily the case.
Delivering a eulogy can be a nerve-racking affair, especially for people not used to public speaking. It is important to get right but many people won’t know what to say in a eulogy. This article takes a brief look at what a eulogy should say.
Get Prepared
Before writing a eulogy, it’s often best to make notes of ideas that you can include. You might also want to speak with family members for ideas while looking around for reminders and even visiting favourite sites can help to give you inspiration. It’s also a good idea to get feedback from others to help ensure your eulogy is appreciated by all.
It’s also ready to have your speech written down and clear to read because it can be very difficult to remember during such as stressful time. Following the brief outline below will help you hit the right notes when writing a eulogy:
- Beginning
The beginning should ideally start with a brief introduction of yourself unless you are among close friends and family only. Mention how you were related to the deceased and some of the activities you shared together. This part should also set the tone for your speech, such as whether it is uplifting or sombre.
- Middle
In the middle part of the eulogy, you should try focusing more on the deceased’s achievements and experiences. You can also talk more about the people in their lives, particularly close family members and old friends. Passionate pastimes like modelling or following a football team can also help people make a connection with what you’re saying.
- End
A good way to end a eulogy is to recite literature such as the deceased’s favourite poem or make a personal statement about how the deceased had a positive impact. Some people might decide on a slide show depicting the deceased’s life, or maybe play one of the deceased’s favourite songs.
Eulogies will usually last up to around 5 minutes, which is plenty of time for most people to say what they think is important. Regardless of how long your eulogy takes, remember to aim for quality rather than quantity. One way to help ensure that your eulogy resonates with everybody is to mention interests and roles they were well-known for which can help raise pleasant memories from the past.
Consider Your Audience
A light-hearted eulogy celebrating the deceased’s life will often work well, but it depends largely on the audience. As such, it’s important to consider who your audience is when writing your speech.
For example, some people might have religious sensitivities, making it a subject that’s best avoided. Certain jokes might also offend, making it best to play on the safe side and leave them out. Also, bear in mind that you should be talking about the deceased to your congregation. Keep it on topic and keep it respectable.
Practice
Speaking publicly can be daunting for some, so it’s best to be as prepared as possible to help ensure all goes smoothly. One good way to practice is to stand in the mirror and recite your speech, trying to memorize it the best you can. Practising in front of friends and family can also help you get used to speaking to an audience, while also helping you get useful feedback.
Ask the Professionals
Even the best of writers can struggle to find words for a eulogy, while many of us won’t have the skills to put our thoughts into a speech. In such cases, it may be better to ask somebody else to help you with the speech.
In addition to asking friends and family, you can also try approaching a professional writer for assistance. They will be able to deliver a eulogy that covers all the points you want them to in a way that resonates with the congregation. Writing a speech can also take time that you don’t have, which is another reason why it can be a good idea to ask for professional help.
What You Should Not Say
For a eulogy that resonates with everybody and insults nobody, it’s best to avoid discussing certain topics. For example, it is not a good idea for a Eulogy to include embarrassing personal details, no matter how well intended they may be. To be on the safe side, it is best to talk about positive, wholesome comments only that are suitable for family audiences.
You should also avoid mentioning specifics about how they passed. Such information can be difficult for some to hear and cause a harrowing sensation. You should also avoid playing down the loss no matter how tongue in cheek it may be, while you should also avoid mentioning other negatives like past grudges.
Summary
If you have any questions regarding eulogies, then get in touch with the team at Family Funerals and we will be happy to help. Our friendly and experienced team can help put you in the right direction, so you can create a stunning eulogy that is a credit to the departed.
Family Funerals also offers a range of funeral services for a smooth and respectful service. Regardless of which funeral services you’re looking for, the team at Family Funerals will always be happy to hear from you so get in touch whenever you’re ready to.
