When a loved one passes away, being asked to deliver a eulogy can feel simultaneously like both a touching honor and an intimidating prospect. Memorializing your loved one is a beautiful opportunity to present their life to their friends and family, but may not be the most natural undertaking for some who may attempt it. If you’ve been asked to write and deliver a eulogy, Adzima Funeral Home in Stratford, CT, has some advice on crafting an honest and memorable piece.

If the task feels daunting, these tips will help you get your message across with honesty and heartfelt candor:

• Gather & Share Memories: It’s obviously impossible to sum up a person in a few sentences, but you can tell a story about something kind your loved one once did, or something you did together. You may also find it helpful to ask other loved ones for their stories, and include some in your eulogy.

• Narrow Your Focus: If you find yourself struggling to know what to say, or don’t know what stories to share, there are other things you can focus on. For example, some eulogies are as simple as sharing a few song excerpts, poems, or scriptures that the deceased loved.

• Stay Under Five Minutes: The ideal length for a funeral eulogy is about two to five minutes. It’s not a rule, but most eulogies are quite short.

• Life, Not Death: A eulogy is meant to honor someone, and to remember the life they lived. Try not to touch too much on the subject of their passing, but instead concentrate on the wonderful things they accomplished in their life, and the people whose lives they impacted while they lived it. 

• Speak Directly To Your Audience: You’ll connect better to your audience if you practice reading the eulogy in a more conversational voice. If this is difficult, and you prefer to stick to a more rigid script, just remember to take your time reading.

• Make Copies: Some friends or family members might want to read your eulogy again later. Consider bringing a few copies to the funeral, or offer to email it to someone who asks.

Adzima Funeral Home has been serving the Stratford, CT community for over a century, and is ready to assist local residents with funeral planning and other various memorial arrangements. For any questions about their funeral services, call (203) 375-2200, or visit their website for more information.