A eulogy is a difficult speech to deliver. Trying to find the right words to sum up a person’s life, while simultaneously dealing with the emotions that inherently come with grieving is a tall order. If you have the honor of delivering a eulogy, here are a few tips to keep in mind before taking the stand. 

How to Give a Thoughtful Eulogy

1. Take it Slow

Make a mental effort to speak slowly. Inexperienced speakers tend to speak faster because of nerves. While it’s perfectly normal and understandable given the circumstances, it can make it hard for people to understand you. Even if you have accepted the grieving process, verbalizing your thoughts and recollections can cause a surge of emotions. It may help to practice speaking in front of a small group of people ahead of time. Another helpful idea is to write a small note on your talking points reminding you to slow down. 

2. Jot Down Your Thoughts

Don’t write a speech. Instead, prepare an outline that focuses on key points. Writing something of this magnitude during the grieving process is difficult and trying to collect and expound upon significant memories and details can be challenging. Rather than trying to detail every word, outline your thoughts and talking points to take with you to the podium. This will give you something to refer to should you become emotional or nervous. 

3. Don’t Shy Away From Humor

When done right, the use of humor can actually add contrast and depth to your speech. The recollection of a funny memory can help frame the joyous moments of the deceased’s life. If you’re too serious, your speech may not fully embrace the memory of the person you’re talking about. Likewise, too much humor can miss the mark as well. A good eulogy is a balance that embraces sadness as well as lighter moments. As you plan your speech, keep this in mind and toss in a couple of lighter moments for a well-rounded eulogy.

If you’ve recently experienced the loss of a loved one, the professionals at Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home in Sparta, WI, are here to help. From pre-planning to burial and cremation services, this experienced staff can help ease the stress of making arrangements. They understand the weight of the grieving process and can help take some of the pressure off with their professional and compassionate assistance. Visit them online to learn more about their resources and services or call them today at (608) 269-6666 to speak with a caring member of their staff.