Eulogy for a Funeral

Helpful Tips for Anyone Preparing a Loved One's Eulogy

Planning a eulogy for a funeral can be quite an alarming prospect. At once you feel a rush of nervousness come upon you. You start to think, what do I say? What do I leave out? Do I include a joke in a eulogy for a funeral, or would it look tasteless? Do I insert what I believe to be a charming story, or would that make it drag on?

The first step to planning a eulogy for a funeral is simply to take a deep breath and relax. It’s important to recognize that the majority of people in the world will have to perform a eulogy for a funeral, and the ones who do not have a loved one who has, so they will likely be supportive. No matter what you say in a eulogy, just the act itself will be guaranteed to help the grieving cope with their grief.

Also, when planning a eulogy for a funeral, know that yours is probably better than at least half that your audience has heard. If you do not believe that, consider some of the people you have know that have written a eulogy for a funeral. How about the old man who stands up and mumbles his at the bottom of his voice for a half an hour or longer? Just think, even he is applauded for his sincerity. He said what was on his heart, even if few in the room could remotely understand what it was he said. Then there is the bereaved wife who tells her husband’s whole life story and goes on for an hour and a half. Even she will get approving nods and occasional “That was Joes” from the audience. The point is, they got applause, and you will too.

So with that said, how do you create a really dynamic eulogy for a funeral? First, when considering your eulogy for a funeral, think as you would with any other speech of who your audience will be? What were some of their experiences with your departed loved one? Why not tap into those when writing your eulogy for a funeral? What are some of those happy, light hearted moments that you, your loved one, and his/her friends shared? You should not be afraid to mention your loved one’s friend’s names either. In fact, it may even ease the burden a little for them, as they chuckle and nod approvingly.

Next, consider what pearls of wisdom your loved one used to say. You could do far worse than to have a “My father used to say…” in the beginning, middle, and end. It may even give your surviving loved ones a chance to learn from your loved one’s wisdom. Who knows, perhaps they will someday reflect back on the very words you quote from your loved one and grow in their own lives.

As little as possible should you read from your speech. Say it like you’d say it. Refer to your notes though if you draw a blank. Finally, it is generally a good rule of thumb in a eulogy for a funeral that shorter is better. A person’s average attention span is about 15 minutes, maximum. Endeavour to make your eulogy approximately no longer than that. There are after all other parts of the service. Take note of any nonessential words and remove them. Also, take note of the mood of the crowd. If you notice their attention fading, wrap it up. Do that, and keep a spirit of family love in your heart, and your eulogy for a funeral should be just fine.