Top 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Oklahoma Obits

Composing Oklahoma obits is a great way to pay a fitting tribute to the memory of your loved ones. However, many people find this process challenging and often make errors that can diminish the obituary’s quality and impact. Avoiding mistakes includes omitting key information like the full name, the date of birth and death, and funeral details. Complicated language, focusing only on death, being too vague or generic, and neglecting proofreading can also detract from the sincerity of the obituary. Let’s explore these in more detail.

Avoid These Mistakes When Writing Oklahoma Obits

Here are the top mistakes to avoid:

Omitting Key Information

A common mistake in obituaries is missing basic information about the deceased and the funeral service. Without critical information like the full name (including maiden name, if applicable), date of birth and death, and details of the funeral or memorial service, the obituary may leave readers confused. This omission can cause frustration and hinder the obituary’s effectiveness.

How to Avoid

• Make a checklist of all the details you should include before writing.
• This will keep you from becoming disorganized and unfocused.
• Once you’ve written the obituary, read it again to ensure you have included all important information.
• Ask another family member for their input. They may remind you of details that you would have otherwise missed.

Using Complicated Language

An obituary should be clear, respectful, and easy to read. Using overly formal, complicated, or poetic language may cause readers to misunderstand or feel disconnected from the message.

For instance, instead of the narrative, “The earthly sojourn of the decedent has come to an end, and their eternal voyage started on the 10th of October,” you can say, “John Smith died peacefully on the 10th of October surrounded by his loving family.”

How to Avoid

• Write in plain and simple language.
• The tone should reflect the life and personality of the person.
• It also helps readers understand the deceased person’s identity and what they meant to their loved ones.

Remember that your goal is to convey important information clearly, not to impress readers with fancy vocabulary.

Focusing Only on Death Instead of Life

While mentioning a loved one’s passing is necessary, focusing solely on it may make the obituary impersonal. Instead, readers should be given a better understanding of who the person was, what their passions and interests were, and what kind of difference they made to others.

For Example: “Jane was a prolific gardener who brought joy to her community with fresh flowers each spring. Her laughter and kindness will be sorely missed.”

How to Avoid

• Add personal anecdotes, hobbies, achievements, and characteristics that tell the full story of the deceased’s life.
• These can give comfort to a grieving person as well as honor a life that has been lived.

Being Too Vague or Generic

If vague phrases are used in an obituary and specific information is not included, this can lead to a rather impersonal obituary. For example, “he was a good person” and “she loved everyone” are general descriptions of the deceased’s personality.

For instance, instead of ending with “He was a good neighbor,” you might say, “John was always seen shoveling the snow off driveways during the winters for each of his neighbors without being asked.” This helps the reader remember the person and their unique contributions to others.

How to Avoid

• As you write the obituary, think about what was special about your loved one.
• Think of outstanding moments, actions, or gestures that make you and others remember.
• This personal touch turns the obituary from an announcement to a loving tribute.

Neglecting Proofreading

An error in spelling, grammar, or facts could blow an obituary’s whole genuineness and professionalism. Typos can also confuse or misrepresent vital information, such as funeral arrangements.

How to Avoid

• Carefully proofread the obituary before it is submitted.
• Take the time to thoroughly proofread the obituary before submitting it for printing.
• Fresh eyes catch some mistakes on your part.
• Also, ensure the obituary stands out as a respectful and polished reflection of your loved one’s life.

Additional Mistakes You Should Avoid

• Too Long: Keep your obituary concise. Very long obituaries can lose the reader’s attention.
• Neglecting the Mention of Cultural Traditions: Be aware of family and community’s cultural backgrounds and traditions.
• Not Adding Contact Information: Include contact information for families or organizations receiving condolences.
• Omit Contributions: Be sure to mention any charitable donations or causes the deceased supported.
• Not Specifying Photo Availability: Do state if photos are included with the obituary or if they may be seen at the service.

Conclusion

When writing Oklahoma obits, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can detract from the sincerity and impact of the tribute. These include omitting key information, using complicated language, focusing on death instead of life, being too vague, neglecting proofreading, and ignoring cultural customs. By being concise, specific, and respectful, you can create a meaningful and loving tribute to your loved one.