Communication Tips For Funeral Directors

It’s natural to not know the right thing to say when funeral directors are talking to clients who’ve recently lost a close family member. Though it is there duty to know how to communicate effectively if they want to truly do their best in this line of work. The following guide explains important tips that everyone, not just professionals, should take when talking to a grieving person.

Show compassion when you listen. Don’t try to bring the topic up to clients who aren’t ready to talk about themselves. Forcing a subject about the death of a spouse or a child will just bring on negative reactions. It’s important that you establish permission to bring up the subject rather than force. Also as funeral directors should never try and steer clear of talking about the subject altogether. This just seems like they are in denial and are without any awareness. The happy medium in between is to ask if the person feels like talking and accepting whatever answer they choose to give. 

1. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge feelings. 70% of people who’ve lost someone in the past year have noted that they felt uncomfortable crying in front of funeral directors because they looked so put off by the source of emotions. You must openly allow this sort of act to happen in your business because it’s all part of the funeral process. 
2. Being quiet is not always a bad sign. Sometimes silence shows a comfortable unison between two people. If there are no right words to be said they said its better to not say anything at all. Sometimes body language like a hand hold or eye contact can  be just as meaningful.
3. Make sure the client knows that this is all okay. You’ve worked with funeral directors and are one yourself, so you know hundreds of people who’ve gone through a similar experience. Show that you are comfortable with death and understand sadness from loss. Show your human side. 

There are a few things that you should never say to someone who’s dealing with grief. 

1. “I know how you feel.” This statement tries to say that you know exactly how they feel on the inside and diminishes their experience. You will never know how they feel. 
2. “It’s part of Gods plan.” Keep God out of your statements because this seems judgmental.
3. “She is in a better place now.” The person grieving may not agree with you so you have no authority stating this sort of fact.

The best advice you can give as funeral directors is to offer practical advice and be available. You should have a wide variety of sources in your office that can be given out. Names of recommended therapists, psychologists; help groups, support groups, and priests should all be included. If you really want to be at the top of your game, go out of your way to help with things that don’t have to do with the funeral like grocery shopping or other errands.