How long is my speech?

Make sure your speech isn't too long. And... it doesn't need to be too short either!

A speech that is too long at a funeral will cause attention to wane. A speech that is too short will not linger.  

How do you know that? Read below:

  • how to measure the length of your speech
  • what a good length for your speech is
  • how to come across clearly

With a good speech, you provide depth, relaxation, information, a tear and a laugh, but above all connection.

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How do you measure the length of your speech?

A speaker with experience often knows how long it takes to speak a text aloud. If you don't have any experience yet, use a stopwatch or count the number of words.

Stopwatch

If you want to estimate how long your speech for the funeral or cremation will take, the simplest way is: timing. Read your speech aloud at a calm pace, and keep track of the time. If the length doesn't match what you want, delete or add something.

You might be thinking now: but what if I am nervous or emotional. Rightly so, because nerves often cause a higher speaking rate and emotions cause pauses.

Keep a grip on the time by practicing. Read your text aloud calmly a number of times, preferably with a few people present for the tension.

100 words per minute

You probably already thought of that stopwatch yourself (every mobile has one and otherwise use the kitchen timer or the timer of your oven). But can you already know the length while you are writing?

Use the following estimate: keep track of the number of words (any type program can do that for you) and then calculate approximately 100 words per minute.

That 100 words is a somewhat slower speaking rate than average. But by adhering to this number, you take into account pauses for a sip of water or a deep sigh.

What is a good length for your eulogy?

A good funeral speech consists of 3 parts: a beginning, a middle and an end. First aim for a length of 5 minutes. That is a good average to hold the attention of your audience during the cremation or funeral ceremony.

Do you want to speak longer? First ask yourself if there is room for it. This way you can be sure that what you say will be well received by the bereaved and the guests at the funeral.

  • how many speakers are there in total, and how do you coordinate the length with each other?
  • what is your relationship to the deceased and how important is your contribution?
  • how long do you need to tell your story in such a way that you are satisfied?

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Base yourself on the average length

On average, young grandchildren often speak for 1 to 3 minutes. The funeral speech of older grandchildren often lasts between 5 and 10 minutes.

Adult children speak at the funeral of their mother or father for between 5 and 10 minutes, occasionally 15 minutes.

Colleagues often speak for a maximum of 5 minutes at the cremation or funeral.

The ritual supervisor or leader or funeral speaker speaks, depending on the space, between 10 and 20 minutes - that includes welcome and closing remarks.

Adapt to the whole of the ceremony

For a funeral ceremony of 45 minutes, you can assume 15 minutes of music (5 x 3 minutes), 20 minutes of speaking time and 10 minutes for rituals and announcements.

For a funeral ceremony of 60 minutes, you can assume 15 minutes of music (5x3 minutes), 35 minutes of speaking time and 10 minutes for rituals and announcements.

If you want to have an idea of the setup of such a ceremony: I put it in a row for you (opens new window).

setup funeral ceremony
You will find a complete guide to writing a funeral speech on my site. With handy tips and clear examples.
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get a good funerary speech fast
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This is how your eulogy will come across clearly

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Your funeral speech comes across clearly if you manage to speak calmly and clearly. That means first of all lowering your stress level. Find a way that works for you.

On the day itself, before the ceremony begins, stand quietly behind the microphone for a moment. Check the height. Look around: this is the space you are going to address. Take your time here.

Looking around during your speech, even if it is without really seeing anyone, is very important. And also before you start. This ensures that your audience feels that you are talking to them. That creates connection.

And take your time. Always take the time to sigh, take a sip of water, and pick up the thread again. You are there now anyway. They are watching and listening. You are in charge for a while.

Nerves are part of it. Every artist will tell you that. Without nerves you don't come across well. So you don't have to numb your nerves.

Everyone deserves a good funeral speech

Can you get started with my tips? I hope so! You deserve to write and deliver your funeral speech with as calm a feeling as possible. There is already enough stress these days.

The people who listen to you also deserve a good story: they are there because they are involved in one way or another.

And the person you are saying goodbye to, no matter how short or long life was, deserves good, true and heartfelt words.

I wish you a good farewell and… strength! Do you want help with writing, or guidance of the ceremony? Feel free to contact us.

Contact us
06 47 13 53 00
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