It’s hard to lose a loved one, but having to give the eulogy, with the added stress of public speaking and grief, can be overwhelming. It helps to think of your role at the memorial service as a way to remember the loved one who passed, offer consolation, and remind others of what they meant to them. As you prepare a speech, consider the following tips to help you through it.

How to Give a Eulogy 

1. Introduce Yourself

Sometimes those who give a eulogy forget that not everyone in the audience knows who they are. Begin by stating your relationship to the deceased and what they meant to you. Doing so establishes context and provides a smooth transition to the memories and reminiscences you’d like to convey.

2. Write Your Thoughts Down

As you prepare for the speech, jot down thoughts and memories of the deceased days in advance. Doing so will make you less overwhelmed, allow time to process what happened, and structure how you express your feelings and stories. Some follow the chronology of their loved one’s life, while others focus on themes that highlight their personality and ambitions. There’s no right way to approach the task, as long as it is heartfelt and sincere.

3. Keep It Short

Upon losing a loved one, it’s common to feel like you can never say enough to properly memorialize them. However, the best statements are often the simplest. Even if all you can manage is a small prayer or quote, it may perfectly encapsulate the joy that their life brought and the sorrow their absence creates.

4. Add Hope

Even in this time of grief, it is important to understand the purpose of the memorial service. Try to remember and celebrate a life well-lived. Add hope to the speech as you reminisce about the good times you had with them, and though they’re no longer around, the impression they left on everyone who cared for them will live on.

Dealing with loss and funeral arrangements are difficult in any capacity; the caring staff at Arndt Funeral Home LLC in Rochester, NY, will help you through every stage of the process. With a lovely chapel and cremation and burial options, they will help you plan a memorial service that honors the memory of your loved one. Contact them today at (585) 225-6350, or visit their website to learn more about them and how they can assist.