How To Prepare for a Speech at a Loved One’s Funeral
At modern funeral services, speeches come in many different forms. Sometimes, there will be multiple speakers including friends, family members and even former colleagues who all want to say something about the life of the person who is being remembered. There again, some people prefer to stick to a eulogy format whereby one principal speaker talks. Here at Newrest Funerals, we know that it can be difficult to decide who will speak and what will be said. That’s why we offer professional assistance with all aspects of funeral planning.
If you think that a lot will need to be said and the service might run over the usual allotted time, for example, then tell us this so we can provide tailored advice. In the meantime, if you are planning on giving a speech at your loved one’s funeral service, here is what we would advise you should place the most focus on.
-
Introductions
When giving a eulogy or another kind of funeral speech, say who you are and what your relationship was with the deceased. Although many people who are in attendance may know this, not everyone will and it can help to set the context for what you will say afterwards. If you’ve organised the funeral, too, then take the opportunity to thank the mourners who have turned up.
-
Share Something Personal
When you personalise a memory about the deceased, it will become all the more vibrant in the minds of others and, sometimes, trigger their own happy thoughts. You do not need to speak in highly personal terms throughout your speech, however. Eulogies can be very effective if just one or two personal memories are shared.
-
Talk About the Life of the Deceased
Life stories don’t have to be covered in huge detail. Nor do they necessarily need to be chronological. However, starting with the birthplace and early childhood of the deceased is a good way to begin. Remember to mention the deceased’s close family and notable childhood friends before going on to remember aspects of their adult life. Note that talking about hobbies and social pursuits is just as important as home life and the deceased’s career.
-
Talk About the Personality of the Deceased
It is important to note that eulogies aren’t just a list of life events and achievements. They should also reflect the individual personality of the person being talked about. Include things they liked or that irked them. Try to think of the sorts of things that would have made the deceased laugh or cry. Ask yourself what they were most passionate about and bring this into the narrative of their life.
-
Wrap Up Without Overrunning
Keep to your allotted time schedule. The best way to do this is to have notes or a bullet point list so you make progress in your speech without deviating or going back on yourself. A good idea is to end with an anecdote that is funny or touching in some way.
