If someone you know has passed away, you might be asked to prepare a eulogy for the memorial or funeral service. Commonly delivered by family or friends, eulogies are speeches given that reflect on the life of the departed. While serving as a eulogist is an honor, it can still be intimidating speaking in front of a crowd, especially among those looking for comfort. To help you prepare, Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home in Rochester, NY, highlights a few tips for writing and delivering a eulogy.

3 Tips for Preparing a Eulogy for a Funeral Service

1.  Stay Personal

Rather than listing off every possible achievement a person made during their lifetime, it can be more poignant to focus on a few specific memories you have of the individual. If you’re having trouble pinpointing the right anecdotes, spend time talking with other friends and family to learn what moments meant the most to them.

Once you have a collection of stories to tell, see which ones stick closest to the theme you want to portray. For instance, you might discuss memories exemplifying how much the family meant to the deceased or how joyous they always were.

2. Stay Positive

Bereavement isn’t necessarily a positive experience, but honoring an individual’s life shouldn’t be clouded in sorrow. Since loved ones seek comfort during a time of loss, you can make a significant impact by finding ways to lift their spirits.

Some ways to do this is by sharing things the deceased did that made people smile or laugh. You might also consider sharing their favorite inspiring quotes or song lyrics. The same holds true for what made them happy, and it can be powerful to share how those things are still present in this world.

3. Stay Short

While there is no set standard for eulogy length, it’s generally best to keep your speech around three to five minutes. If it goes longer, the crowd can start to lose their focus and forget about the importance of the message you’re giving.

To make sure you’re at the appropriate length, time yourself practicing the eulogy before the funeral service. If it seems too long, eliminate any redundant or off-theme lines of your speech.

Since the eulogy is only one small part of a funeral service, it helps to have professional help along the way. This is why families of Rochester, NY, have turned to Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home for more than four decades. If you’ve lost a loved one, the caring funeral directors will develop a personalized service for your family’s preferences. They are also known to simplify all the other complicated matters of funeral arrangements, including cremation services, casket selection, and advanced planning. Visit this funeral home online to learn more about the resources available, or call (585)426-7830 to speak with a specialist.