Tips for Delivering a Eulogy
Delivering a eulogy at a funeral or memorial service is both an honor and a responsibility. Today we’re providing some tips and ideas to consider.
A proper eulogy should:
- Honor the deceased
- Reflect the deceased’s character and values
- Provide comfort and meaning to those in mourning
Eulogies usually consist of:
- A brief introduction and your relationship to the deceased
- Two or three meaningful stories, traits, or examples
- A closing reflection, lesson, or farewell
The length guideline of a eulogy is generally five to seven minutes. Unless instructed otherwise by the family, shorter is usually better.
A eulogy is not a reading of the obituary, nor is it intended to be a full biography. When selecting content, consider the following:
- Warmth and gentle humor are acceptable if natural and respectful
- Make it personal – describe what the deceased meant to you
- Avoid negativity, controversy, or unresolved family dynamics
Losing your composure briefly is human – it is appropriate to have emotions arise.
When writing a eulogy, consider the following tips:
- Write the eulogy in full, even if you plan to speak naturally
- Practice aloud several times
- Bring a physical copy printed in a large font – do not rely solely on memory
When delivering a eulogy, consider the following tips:
- Speak slightly slower than normal
- Pause between thoughts
- Breathe intentionally if emotions surge – silence is acceptable and the audience will wait
Remember that the family and/or the audience is not judging your speaking ability. Instead, they are seeking recognition of the person they loved, validation of their grief, and a moment of shared remembrance.
If you have questions concerning the preparation of a eulogy, please contact us at (435) 986-2085.
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