What is a Eulogy?

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service. It allows you to reflect on the life, achievements, and character of the deceased, providing comfort and closure to those in attendance. A well-written eulogy can capture the essence of your loved one and leave a lasting memorable impression of their legacy.

Tips for Writing a Eulogy

1.      Reflect on Your Loved One’s Life

Consider their personality, values, achievements, and relationships. What made them unique? What impact did they have on others?

2.      Gather Stories and Memories

Collect stories and memories from family and friends to provide a well-rounded view of the deceased and add a personal touch to your eulogy.

3.      Create an Outline

Organize your thoughts by creating an outline. Structure your eulogy with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Include an introduction and conclusion to ensure a smooth flow.

4.      Start with an Introduction

Begin your eulogy with an introduction that sets the tone. Introduce yourself, explain your relationship to the deceased, and provide a brief overview of what you will discuss.

5.      Share Personal Stories

Use the bulk of your eulogy to share personal stories and memories. Highlight your loved one’s character, achievements, and the joy they brought to you and others.

6.      Express Emotion

Don’t be afraid to express your emotions. A eulogy is a personal tribute and showing your feelings can make it more heartfelt and relatable. Everyone is coming together to connect, and nothing connects us more than our emotions.

7.      Keep It Concise

It’s important to include meaningful content but try to aim for a speaking time of 5 to 10 minutes, which is around 700 to 1,000 words.

8.      End With a Conclusion

Conclude your eulogy with a final farewell. You can offer words of comfort, express gratitude for the time shared with your loved one, or speak to them directly.

9.      Practice Reading Aloud

It helps to practice reading your eulogy aloud to help you feel comfortable with the content and delivery.

10.  Seek Feedback

A trusted friend or family member can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

We have a template available to download here. We also have sample eulogies here for review. Good luck!