How to Not Cry While Delivering a Eulogy

Although crying at a funeral is completely normal, appropriate, and expected, there may be times where you wish to hold back your tears, One instance is if you are speaking at the funeral.  Whether your are delivering a eulogy or sharing a story about your loved one, being able to get through it without breaking down is something you most likely want to do. To help you hold back your tears when speaking at a funerals, directors of funeral homes in Jackson, TN. have these tips.

Keep Calm

Most people have a fear of public speaking. This fear, coupled with the loss your are feeling can send your emotions into a tailspin. You may start to breathe heavy and feel hot and out of control. While this is all normal, it is not helpful.

To counteract this, focus on your breath. Breathe in slowly for a count of five. Then hold the breath for a count of two before slowly exhaling for a count of five. Do this a few times and you should begin to feel your heartrate slow and your mind relax.

Look at the Crowd

As you are giving your speech, if you begin to feel tears swell up, look up at the audience. This quick action can serve as a distraction for your mind and help hold the tears back. You can also scan the audience to see a friendly face which may also help in making you feel more relaxed and able to hold back the tears.

Blink

Blinking fast can help clear up any tears as well as help reduce any new ones from forming. If you can’t blink fast because it may look strange or any other reason, you can blink slowly too. This may not be as effective as blinking in a rapid motion, but will help, nonetheless.

Take a Break

If you are delivering your speech and simply cannot make it through a part without breaking down, take a break. Simply pause and take a minute to breathe and focus on your breath. The guests will understand and not fault you for needing a minute. If you feel as if you simply cannot make it through the speech, ask another person to deliver it for you. 

Practice Your Speech

Make sure to always practice your speech well before the funerals. Practice saying it as many times as you can. Doing so will not only help you feel more confident in the delivery of the speech, but by saying it so many times, the impact and sadness you first felt will fade a bit. If you wait and read it for the first time at the funeral, the words will be new and much more painful.  

While crying at a funeral is completely normal, you don’t want to be doing it as you are delivering a speech. These tips from directors of funeral homes in Jackson, TN. can help. Just remember that nobody will fault you if you need to take a short pause now and again.