How to Write and Give a Eulogy
Funerals can be a tough time for anyone, especially for the immediate family and loved ones of the deceased. Regardless, despite the emotional turmoil they may be suffering from, there are responsibilities that need to be attended to in the event of the death of a family member. Writing or giving a eulogy is often one of these tasks, and, though it may sound simple to compose a short speech remembering and honoring the deceased, many people find it to be an intimidating and challenging duty. Funeral homes in Indian Trail, NC have areas where you can give a speech.
Never fear, friend; if you’re looking for some advice to help you work your way through composing a eulogy of your own, we’re here to help. In this article we’ll break down what precisely a eulogy is, the considerations one should acknowledge while writing one, and some simple steps to follow to assist you in writing and presenting your own.
If you’re looking for additional help or would prefer to speak with another person directly, please reach out to us today. Our expert staff can provide you with a wealth of advice to help you write a great eulogy, as well as address any other funerary concerns you may have.
Brainstorm First
Before putting pen to paper it’s important to think about the individual being honored. Think about the time and experiences you shared together. Start a list. Write down exciting adventures or humorous misadventures, celebrations, achievements or life goals you know they took pride in. Even consider including moments of sadness or conflict you might have had with them if there’s a redeeming point or lesson gleaned from the experience.
However, a good eulogy is much more than a short speech that recounts memories shared with the deceased or some accounting of their accomplishments and deeds throughout their lifetime, though these are both components of most eulogies. They’re a tribute – an act of love and respect which celebrates the departed. Great eulogies utilize honest language and colorful imagery to create a story about the honoree that is both honest and compelling.
Remember these considerations when brainstorming and take some time to try to create as long a list as possible. You don’t have to use every item you write down, but the more items you have the more material you’ll have to use to write the eulogy. If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas it’s sometimes helpful to review any memorabilia you might have of you and the honoree, such as photos or keepsakes.
How to Write the Eulogy
There’s no right or wrong way to write a eulogy, but there are a few guidelines you should keep in mind when writing it. Probably the most important of these is this: consider your audience. Yes, you’re writing a short speech about the deceased, but you’re going to read this speech in front of all funeral attendees. That means family, friends, and strangers. It’s important to remember this while drafting your speech. Sure, the story about you and the honoree drinking a bit too much and having a crazy adventure is a great story, but would the honoree’s mother or father also appreciate hearing it?
Another good guideline to consider is to plan the tone of your eulogy early on. Is the deceased and their family the types of people who will appreciate a bit of levity, or do the circumstances demand a more reticent tone? This is definitely one speaking engagement you don’t want to miss the mark on.
One last tip: there’s nothing wrong with talking with other friends and family directly. If you need help writing your eulogy or if you want to get a better gauge on the type of people you’ll be presenting to, don’t hesitate to reach out to them directly and have some conversations.
Giving the Eulogy
When it comes to reading your eulogy there’s not much to be said, but we do have a couple of quick tips. First, be sure to rehearse the speech several times. You don’t need to memorize it, but the better you know it the less chance there is you’ll stumble during your delivery.
Another good tip is to have a backup reader on standby. A potential complication a lot of people don’t consider is the emotional impact one can experience during a funeral. Many become so distracted with writing the eulogy they forget to consider their own emotional state during the funeral. It’s always a good idea to have another close friend or family member who also knows the speech that can step in if you become overwhelmed.
Though there’s a lot to consider when writing a eulogy, we hope this short guide was able to help point you in the right direction and alleviate some of the worries you may be feeling. If you need further assistance or just want to speak with a knowledgeable person directly, please remember to reach out to funeral homes. Their compassionate staff is ready and willing to share their wealth of knowledge and experience to help you put any concerns you may have to rest.
You can learn more about funeral homes in Indian Trail, NC. Talk to us at Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services to schedule a consultation and learn more about cremation services/funeral home services. Visit our offices in North Carolina or call one of our locations.
