You have been given the task of writing a eulogy for a loved one. But how do you compile all of your thoughts and memories into one cohesive and meaningful presentation? Here are a few brief pointers for organizing and constructing a eulogy that is unique and touching for a memorial service or funeral.

How to Write a Eulogy 

1. Make It Personal & Conversational

Begin by writing down a few personal memories of you and your loved one. Choose one or two stories that speak to the person’s character—from always providing advice when needed to gifting the right present during the holidays. Try to think of ones with a bit of humor as well to brighten up the speech. 

2. Make It Brief

Most funerals incorporate several speeches from various family members, so it’s important to be mindful of the length of the eulogy. By keeping your speaking time short, you can avoid rambling and potentially oversharing information. Make sure you know how much time you will have to speak. A good general rule is to keep it to about 5 minutes.

3. Practice It Beforehand

Practicing will not only make you more comfortable and familiar with the words, but it will also allow you to figure out how long your speech will take to deliver. As you read the speech out loud, you’ll be able to revise it if needed. However, don’t worry about memorizing it or making mistakes.

4. Share It With Another Person

It can be important to get a second opinion. Someone else who was fairly close to the deceased may be able to give you some pointers or a different perspective about your words. They may also be able to help you decide which stories to use. 

The caring and professional staff at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home in Canandaigua, NY, want to help you honor your loved ones. You can trust their experience of over 100 years to take care of all your funeral planning needs. The caring staff provides funeral pre-planning services as well as arrangements after a loss. Give them a call today at (585) 394-4280 or visit their website to learn more.