Writing a eulogy is a deeply personal and emotional task, as it involves honoring and reflecting on the life of a loved one who has passed away. While it’s easy to give tips and advice on how to do it, it’s a also a prime case of the old saying, “It’s easier said than done.”
Writing is an art and can be difficult for many people even under the best of circumstances. Grief can make this even more challenging. Eulogy writing services can help. It can be as simple as sharing your memories with a skilled writer who can help you curate your ideas and memories into a speech you can deliver during a funerl service or celebration of life.
Want to write your own?
Here are some steps to help you craft a meaningful eulogy:
1. Gather Your Thoughts and Memories
Reflect on the person's life: Think about their personality, values, passions, and the impact they had on others.
Write down memories: List significant events, funny or heartwarming anecdotes, and shared experiences. Consider moments that best capture who they were.
Ask others for input: Family members or friends might have additional stories or insights that can help paint a fuller picture.
2. Plan the Structure
A typical eulogy might include the following elements:
Introduction: Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the deceased. Acknowledge the significance of the moment.
Overview of the person's life: Share key details about their life such as where they were born, their career, hobbies, and their family.
Personal stories or anecdotes: Pick a few stories that showcase their character, values, or humor.
Impact on others: Talk about how the person affected the lives of those around them. This could include their kindness, generosity, or sense of humor.
Closing: End on a positive or uplifting note. This might involve a final story, a meaningful quote, or expressing gratitude for their life.
3. Keep It Personal and Heartfelt
Be authentic: Speak from the heart, even if that means showing vulnerability or emotion.
Celebrate their life: Focus on the good times and their positive qualities. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain of loss, but try to emphasize their life rather than their death.
4. Length and Tone
Keep it concise: Eulogies typically last between 5-10 minutes, so focus on key points rather than trying to cover every aspect of their life.
Set the right tone: This can range from solemn to light-hearted, depending on the person's personality and the nature of the gathering.
5. Practice and Prepare
Write it out: Prepare a full draft to avoid getting lost or overwhelmed with emotion while speaking.
Rehearse: Practice reading it out loud a few times to familiarize yourself with the content.
Prepare for emotions: It’s natural to become emotional, and it’s okay to pause during the eulogy. Having a glass of water nearby or a backup reader can help.
6. Example Outline
Opening: "Good morning everyone, my name is [Your Name], and I had the great privilege of knowing [Name of the deceased] as their [relationship]."
Early life: "They were born in [place] and grew up in [community]…"
Character: "What always stood out about [Name] was their kindness and generosity..."
Anecdotes: "I’ll never forget the time when [specific story]..."
Impact: "They were always there for their friends, family, and community, and their legacy will live on..."
Closing: "Though we will miss [Name] dearly, we are so grateful for the time we had together. Rest in peace."
