Waddell, AZ funeral home

Writing and Giving a Funeral Eulogy

You’ve been asked by the deceased’s family to write and give a eulogy at a Waddell, AZ funeral home. You know the family chose you to write and deliver a eulogy at the deceased’s funeral because you had a close connection with the deceased, and possibly, with the family as well.

If you don’t write for a living and you would rather be shot by a firing squad than speak in public, being asked to write and give a eulogy at a funeral may leave your heart racing and your palms sweaty as you fight off waves of anxiety, amid your own grieving, about honoring the deceased without embarrassing yourself or the family. 

First, it’s important to remember that writing and delivering a eulogy for someone is not about you or your performance. Instead, it is about giving a thoughtful tribute from the heart to the deceased person that remembers their life, their accomplishments, and their relationships, including the one with you. 

The elements of a eulogy include: 

  • Highlights of the deceased’s life – These should include the major milestones and significant events of their life. 
  • Attributes of the deceased – These will give an intimate portrait of what the person was like (honest, happy, brave, kind, loving, determined, etc.). 
  • Memories of the deceased – These should evoke smiles, warm feelings, and comfort for the family. 

A lot of times the most successful eulogies center on a single theme that is identified with the deceased. If the deceased was a philanthropist, for example, the elements of the eulogy will center around what the deceased did to give others their time and money. It’s much easier to write and give a eulogy with a specific focus than one that covers the broad spectrum of an entire life. 

Once you’ve written the eulogy, have someone you trust read it and give you feedback and suggestions on it. Once you’ve incorporated the feedback and suggestions, then you will want someone to edit the eulogy, especially if it will be printed for mourners to have a copy to keep. Editing is really important because you don’t want to be stumbling over typos or incomplete sentences while you are delivering the eulogy. 

Once the eulogy is written, practice delivering it. The average length of a eulogy is 10-15 minutes long, so by rehearsing the eulogy in private with a timer enables you to make sure you stay within that timeframe. Practicing giving a eulogy beforehand also helps take away some of the public speaking jitters. There are two ways that, when done repetitively, are quite effective for doing this. One is to stand in front of a mirror and give the eulogy. Another effective way to practice delivering the eulogy is to do it in front of one or more people you feel comfortable with. 

Now you’re ready to give a fond and meaningful eulogy to the deceased that will hearten the family and the mourners and give them some comfort and encouragement. If you’re concerned about maintaining your composure while you are delivering the eulogy, focus on speaking slowly, which can make it a little easier to get through the tough moments that are inevitable when we’re remembering someone we loved. 

You can learn more about writing and giving eulogies by speaking with one of our knowledgeable and empathetic Waddell, AZ funeral home staff members at Simply Cremation & Funeral Arrangements. You can also visit our funeral home at 16952 W. Bell Rd., #303, Surprise, AZ, 85374. We are available 24/7 to help you, so contact us today at (623) 975-9393.

One Comment on “Writing and Giving a Funeral Eulogy

  1. Pingback: Giving A Eulogy At Funeral Homes—Tips You Need

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