Writing a Eulogy

A eulogy is a speech about someone’s life, memories shared and moments experienced to give tribute to a person who has died and the lives they have impacted throughout their lifetime. A eulogy can offer comfort and support to loved ones.

The eulogy is usually read aloud at a farewell service or memorial by a family member, close friend, religious figure or a celebrant. There are no rules around the format of the eulogy; it can be a story, a song, a poem, or there can be multiple eulogies from different people.

Steps to writing a eulogy

Writing a eulogy can be a daunting task, so here are some tips that might help you. Remember, there are no set rules on what should be included in a eulogy – as long as the words come from your heart, they will be treasured by those who hear them.

Start by gathering information about the person’s life
It’s important to gather as much information as possible about the person’s life before you start writing. Speak to as many family and friends as possible and ask them to share stories, memories and anecdotes about the person. This will help you to get a deeper sense of their personality, their values and their passions.

Focus on the positive
When writing a eulogy, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the person’s life. Talk about their achievements, their strengths and their good qualities. This will help to celebrate their life and offer comfort to loved ones.

Use humour if appropriate
While a eulogy is a serious occasion, it’s also okay to use humour to lighten the mood. If they had a good sense of humour, share some of their funny stories or jokes.

Personalise the eulogy
A eulogy should be personal and heartfelt. Speak from the heart, and share your own memories and feelings.

Include quotes, poems or songs
If the person you are speaking about had a favourite quote, poem or song, you could include it in the eulogy. This can help to capture their personality and offer comfort to their loved ones. It can also be a way to involve others in the eulogy and create a more collaborative and inclusive atmosphere.

Practice
Before delivering the eulogy, practice it several times. This will help you to feel more confident and ensure that the tone and content are appropriate for the occasion. It can also help to read in front of a family member or friend to fact check the information and possibly identify any areas that need editing or improving.