When a loved one passes away, funerals are a time to say goodbye, making them an important part of the healing process. Eulogies are part of most services, allowing a close loved one to share happy memories and celebrate the life of the deceased. Writing and delivering a eulogy might seem like a tall task, but with enough care and respect, you can share thoughts that help both yourself and other attendees reminisce and begin the healing process. If you’ve been tasked with delivering a eulogy, here are some important things to keep in mind.

3 Important Tips for Delivering Eulogies at Funerals

1. List Your Favorite Stories

Eulogies should always be personal. Instead of sharing generic thoughts about life and death, think about some of your favorite memories with your loved one. Create a full list, and enlist the help of others as well to spur some memories. You don’t have to use every single one, but it’s important to find positive stories that celebrate who the person was and what people loved about them.

2. Find a Common Theme

Of course, a eulogy shouldn’t just be a collection of random tales. Your words should be woven together in some kind of sensible narrative. To achieve this, go through your list of memories and find a theme. Maybe the person was always able to make people laugh through difficult times, or maybe they were a very dedicated parent. Find commonalities and stick to the stories that fit with the purpose of your speech. Then, you can begin to weave them together into a single piece.

3. Practice Beforehand

Delivering a eulogy can be just as difficult as writing one. You’ll want to speak clearly and slowly, but keep it conversational. To master this art, it’s important to practice beforehand. Have others listen and offer tips, as it can be difficult to evaluate yourself while you’re speaking. Even if you have experience giving speeches, don’t ignore this step, as funerals tend to make public speaking more difficult than usual.

If you’re in the process of planning a funeral, surrounding yourself with caring professionals can be a major benefit. Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, AR, provides planning services and practical assistance for nearly every aspect of a funeral service. The locally owned funeral home has been in the same family for four generations, so the staff understands the unique needs of grieving families, and they’ll support you through everything from writing a eulogy to grief counseling. To speak with a funeral director, send a message online or call (479) 229-2524 today.