When a loved one has passed, it can be challenging to compose an appropriate eulogy for the funeral. However, you don’t need to be a poet to compose an effective memorial speech. Below, Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH, offer some tips to help you write a eulogy that encapsulates your feelings and shares your memories of the decedent.

5 Suggestions to Help You Compose an Effective Eulogy

1. Be Brief

Of course, you have a lifetime of experiences you want to share with others who loved the departed. However, for the eulogy, your best bet is to focus on only one or two memories. Keep your speech under five minutes long and let the officiant and other speakers have their turn.

2. Be Positive

The eulogy is no time to cast blame or bring up unpleasantness. Share only positive memories or, if you're sharing some of the decedent's humorous foibles or peculiarities, be kind and gentle, not sarcastic.

3. Be Personal

Share a personal story that captures your loved one's personality and character. Talk about doing something together that he or she loved. A funny story, if told with compassion and love, can ease the tension and help mollify the loss everyone is feeling.

4. Develop a Theme

A theme is an overarching concept that ties your speech together and keeps it from being simply a random collection of thoughts. For instance, you could ask yourself, "Who was this person?" and explore how they improved your life.

5. Practice

Public speaking is a skill you can develop like any other. The more you practice at it, the better you'll do when it counts. You don't need to memorize the entire speech, but you should know it well enough that a few notes or cue cards are enough to guide you. Keep your diction casual and your tone conversational.

By following the suggestions above, you should be able to prepare a moving eulogy to celebrate the life of your departed loved one. For help arranging a funeral or memorial service, contact Bolton & Lunsford Funeral Homes in Cincinnati, OH. They've been family-owned and -operated since their founding in 1938, and they'll help you bid your loved one farewell with dignity and respect. Visit their website to view location details, or call (513) 661-4059 to speak with an experienced, compassionate funeral director.