How To Write a Eulogy

Many times when someone has passed on, and you attend a memorial service, someone will stand up and give a speech in memory of the person who has passed on. This address is called a eulogy.

Anybody can give one of these. It doesn’t need to come from some orator or a person who has a way with words.  Anybody can give a speech who would like to say some meaningful, heartfelt words in memory of the deceased.

Sometimes a beautiful eulogy will have the occasional spot of humour, it all just adds to the good memories of a particular person. If you have to give a speech, then there are a few steps to help you know how to write one and prepare you to deliver yours with feeling and confidence.

How to write a meaningful, memorable eulogy

Depending on the person who has passed on, you might want to decide how light-hearted or grave the speech should be. While a eulogy needn’t be entirely sombre – it should, however, be appropriate.

If you talk about a young person who died long before their time, the tone might be somewhat serious. A eulogy for someone who was old, lived a happy life and who passed on from old age would have light-hearted, celebratory few words.

Remember the family

When writing your eulogy, take in mind the deceased person’s family. Let your speech be positive, but honest. Above all, this isn’t the time to vent your feelings of dislike and animosity. Avoid talking negatively – saying words that would shock, offend or confuse.

Most people at the memorial service may well know you, but you should still introduce yourself. In a few words, you can tell everyone what your relationship to the deceased was. You can tell everyone how you met, and touch on some interesting facts about their life, career, hobbies and interests.

To add a personal and exciting touch, you may want to add in the names of some family members. It is right about the saying, ‘if you have anything good to say about a person, say it when they are alive’. To avoid annoying people, try not to rattle off a list of their good points, but rather hone in on one or two particularly robust and likeable characteristics.

Rehearse it

Your eulogy should have a beginning, middle and then the end. Usually, a eulogy lasts from about three to five minutes, enough time to put in a meaningful remembrance speech of the deceased. Rehearse your eulogy before the memorial service.

It is a good idea to read it out loud a couple of times. If you are satisfied that it is entirely appropriate, try and say it without the use of notes. By rehearsing the eulogy, you can learn to overcome your emotions so that you can deliver it quietly, with dignity and confidence

Relax and be yourself

Just relax and be yourself. If you become overwhelmed with emotion, pause in your eulogy for a few seconds and continue. A few words from the heart is the best of all.

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* Best humorous funeral speech on YouTube

All info was correct at time of publishing