Writing an obituary is more than sharing news of a loss. It is a way to honor someone’s life and tell their story to others. Many people want this tribute to be honest, kind, and respectful. Still, mistakes can happen that can change the message or cause confusion.
Common mistakes in writing obituaries in Oklahoma City include using too formal language, leaving out important life details, adding incorrect information, or forgetting to share service details. Some are written too long or too short, affecting people’s feelings. Knowing what to avoid can create a tribute that reflects your loved one’s life.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid While Writing an Obituary
Here are points that you need to avoid when writing an obituary:
1. Not Checking Facts and Dates
An obituary is a permanent record for family and friends. People can get upset and confused if they get the birth date, death date, or names wrong. Make sure the facts are correct with close family members before you share them.
It can hurt to make small mistakes, like spelling a name incorrectly. Check the times, places, and spellings again. You should compare details with official records or papers whenever you can.
2. Using Overly Complicated Language
Formal wording may seem polite, but it can make an obituary harder to understand if it’s too complex. Many people like to read in warm, simple, and clear language. The words you use should show who the person you want to honor is; they shouldn’t sound like they were copied from a template. Do not use fancy language or words that are hard to understand in your writing.
3. Forgetting Key Life Details
It’s more than just an obituary; it’s a short story of the person’s life. The piece may feel incomplete if you forget to include important details like hobbies, jobs, or community contributions.
People often like reading about the person’s preferred activities, beliefs, and what they’ve done for others. These details help readers truly understand who they were. Get your family to help you list important facts and stories before you start writing.
4. Leaving Out Service Information
People often forget to add information about a funeral or memorial. Friends, neighbors, and community members who want to attend or send sentiments need to know this information.
Always write down the date, time, and place of the services, along with any special directions, like what to wear or asking for donations instead of flowers. Also, say that there is no service if there is one.
5. Making It Too Short or Too Long
Too short a tribute can leave out important details, and too long a tribute can bore the reader. Usually, the length you need relies on the story you want to tell and the newspaper’s rules.
There are about 150 to 300 words in most notices. Pay attention to the most important facts and memories that show who the person is. Keep your past stories and side stories to a minimum.
6. Ignoring the Tone and Emotion
An obituary should make you feel good inside. Write it in a cold, realistic way, and it might sound like it’s not about you. But if you make it too dramatic, it might take away from the main point. Try to get along with everyone. Say kind words about the person showing you care and love them, but keep the conversation on their life and accomplishments.
7. Forgetting to Proofread
A simple mistake in writing or grammar can make a beautiful tribute stand out. Before putting out the notice, you should always proofread it. It can help to read it out loud to find strange words or words you missed. You could also have a family member or friend look it over.
8. Overlooking the Family’s Wishes
Sometimes, the person’s close family may want certain information added or left out. If you don’t ask them before posting, you could conflict with them or hurt their feelings.
Take the time to write with your closest family members at all times. Before you send it to the newspaper or put it online, ask them to look over the final draft.
Conclusion
Writing obituaries in Oklahoma City is a responsibility that requires care, clarity, and respect. Some of the most common mistakes are using hard-to-understand language, leaving out important life details, not including service information, making it too short or too long, and failing to proofread. It’s best to check the facts and work closely with the family to avoid confusion. To make a tribute that remembers the life of a loved one, keep the tone warm and the words simple.
