There are several customs associated with funeral services. Although a specific relative, friend, or acquaintance of the deceased is asked to deliver the eulogy, other mourners are often given a chance to share a few words. Here’s how to eloquently speak about the departed.

How to Share Words at a Funeral Service

1. Focus on One Point

From their sense of humor to their compassion, the deceased might have had several positive personality traits. Trying to include all of them in a short speech could make the story complicated for others to follow. To tell a concise story, stick to one positive aspect of their personality, and provide one or two anecdotes to demonstrate this point. 

2. Practice Makes Perfect

It’s natural to feel nervous when speaking in front of a crowd. This could lead you to rush through the speech or stammer over words.

Practice what you want to say before going to the funeral service. Say the words out loud while looking in the mirror to determine where you should pause and which words get muddled in your mouth and need to be changed.

3. Edit for Time

When you practice the speech, time how long it takes to complete. As other mourners will want to speak, you shouldn’t linger at the podium.

Cut out any superfluous words or anecdotes that don’t add to the main point you want to convey. By keeping the speech down to a few minutes, you won’t lose anyone’s attention.

If you’ve lost a loved one, contact the compassionate funeral directors at Cornelius, Dodd & Connell, Inc., Funeral Home, in Middletown, NY. From contacting religious leaders to providing casket rental, the funeral home has been handling every aspect of making funeral service arrangements for families in Orange and Sullivan counties since 1900. Learn about their burial and cremation services online, or call (845) 343-2142 to make arrangements.