January 2002
The Director - Features
The Communication Challenge
Understanding and managing human emotions in the funeral relationship
Funeral directors receive an education on the power of human feelings each day within the walls of their funeral home. Sometimes the strong emotions felt by individuals coping with the death of a loved one can complicate communications during the arrangement conference. The article The Communication Challenges provides different scenarios and guidance for handling challenging situations. It also includes a list of key points for funeral directors to consider in regard to human emotions in the funeral home.
Stephen R. Rocco is a licensed funeral director and co-owner of Salvatore Rocco & Sons Funeral Homes in Everett, Massachusetts. Rocco holds a master's degree in education and is an educator at the New England Institute of Mortuary Science at Mount Ida College in Newton, Massachusetts. This article is excerpted from his book
Lucky to Have Me as Their Funeral Director!—Interpersonal keys to successful funeral practice.
