Writing an obituary during a time of grief can feel overwhelming. When your emotions run deep, finding the right words may seem impossible. However, when it comes to Obituaries, it is important to write proper pieces for a meaningful and lasting tribute. They become part of the public record, honoring a life lived and informing the community of a loss.
If you’re unsure where to begin, take a deep breath by gathering facts and starting with the basics to reflect on their life, structuring the obituary, setting the right tone, and finally revising it carefully. With a little support, you can write something heartfelt and genuine even when words are hard to find.
What to Include When Writing an Obituary
Here are some important aspects that you should consider when writing an obituary:
1. Include Basic Information
When creating an obituary, you can add basic information and express your emotions through words. Try your best to keep it as simple as possible and be sincere. Here are a few basic things to include:
- Basic information
- Brief life summary
- Family members
- Funeral or memorial details
- Additional quotes or sayings commemorating their contributions
2. Gather Facts
Before beginning writing, gather all the necessary facts as an obituary is a public record. Find out the following information:
- Date of birth and death
- Place of birth and death
- Name of close family members (spouses, children, siblings, parents)
- Education History
- Services
- Honours and Awards
- Funeral or memorial services
3. Narrate Facts
If you get confused, begin by narrating simple facts and creating a mindmap of what to include and what not to include. Then, begin writing a short life story that contains all the important information. You can also mention the cause of death and any illnesses. Obituaries are supposed to be brief, so do not elongate much.
4. Reflect on Their Life
After discussing the necessary information, talk about their life and memorable experiences. It is important to record what makes them unique. You can refer to your loved ones for insightful advice. Consider their achievements, accolades, and blissful occasions. Reflect on all the important details and how they impacted the people around them.
5. Formulate a Structure
Draft a general outline of what you want to write whilst maintaining accuracy. Create a framework for what should and shouldn’t be included. Add a brief synopsis of everything you want to include. A simple introduction should be the priority, followed by a conclusion.
6. Choose the Appropriate Tone
Going for a tone of love, gentleness, and consideration can develop an appropriate level for the reader. Opt for the sentimental and lighthearted essence in your obituary. You don’t need to follow a specific method to achieve this; just ensure you’re genuine and realistic. Death is a sensitive topic; the focal point should be polite and tender delivery. Appearing as casual could make you appear insensitive.
7. Proofread the Obituary
Once you have finished writing it, you can revise it and improve it. This step is important because the obituary has to be viewed publicly. Check for correct spelling, grammatical errors, and accuracy of information. Moreover, be careful about the tone since death is a sensitive matter, and you do not want to sound casual. Lastly, it is important to get it reviewed before publishing to have all the mistakes covered.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Obituary
Since writing obituaries can be a difficult task, it is common to make mistakes. Some mistakes are:
- Overlooking Details: Not paying attention to essential details like the accuracy of dates and locations hampers the credibility of writing. Make sure to double-check them.
- Writing in a Formal or Casual Tone: Obituaries are emotional, so setting the right tone is necessary to avoid offending readers. Include elements of empathy writing so that your obituary is respectful to the readers.
- Missing Family Members or Key Events: The obituary might feel biased or incomplete if you accidentally miss important family members or events. Make sure to cross-check with the family to avoid these mistakes.
Conclusion
A well-written obituary is a deeply emotional and significant way to pay respect to someone you care about or admire. It’s a good way to control the narrative of your own life. You can write an obituary when you don’t know what to say by gathering facts, starting with basics, reflecting on their life, making a structure, choosing the appropriate tone, and, in the end, revising and proofreading. An obituary is more than just a death announcement; it is a way of preserving someone’s memory and reminding the world of their love. In Shawnee, Oklahoma Obituaries, families add proper details to pay tribute to their loved ones.
