Any advice for giving a eulogy

[butterlover]

Posting for traffic, not an AIBU. I'm giving a eulogy at my best friend's funeral on Thursday, we knew each other for almost 40 years since mid primary school and their unexpected death has absolutely devastated me. I can barely read the first paragraph aloud before caving in.

I want to do it well, I want to do my friend's life and the positive impact they've had on so many people justice. I've spent a long time writing it and I absolutely want to read it on Thursday but I need some advice from others who have done the same about how to cope.

Thanks

Really sorry for your loss. @Technosaurus gives really good advice. I would add that speaking a eulogy is about 100 word a minute. That is because you are in a bigger building than your kitchen and you need to go slower to allow people to hear and absorb what you say. I can't look at the next of kin when I do a funeral but if that feels odd then un focus your eyes and speak to the forehead or third eye. Then you are looking but not making eye contact.

Final thing - don't tell people how upset you are. You have something beautiful that you have written. If you talk about yourself you may not be able to pull yourself out of that emotional space space. Deliver your eulogy. Have it printed in case you can't finish. Then cry.

Again condolences on your loss.

I did my mum's. And I would absolutely echo Zingally's advice.

When you've written it practice practice practice - it helps so much on the day. (So it goes without saying, don't leave writing it till the last minute).

If/when you wobble, do some long slow breaths out, carry on when you are ready.

And have a Plan B - a written version so the celebrant can step in.

Its a privilege to be responsible for an eulogy . Be proud of yourself.