Great Tips on Writing a Eulogy
You were most likely asked to write or deliver the eulogy based on your close relationship with the deceased. You should remember that this is an honor and not to worry about the eulogy being perfect or making mistakes. Public speaking can be scary for many people and is especially hard during times of grief. Remember you have an audience who is also mourning and will be sympathetic to how you are feeling. Don't let this intimidate you and don't worry if you are not a writer. A eulogy can be whatever you want it to be and does not have to be objective or speak to everyone. It should instead by written from your heart and subjective to your experiences and feelings toward the deceased.
Tips on writing a eulogy
- Focus on the deceased's positive qualities
- Be honest
- Keep the eulogy brief, around 10 minutes
- Write it down, or at least make an outline to go off of
- Consider your relationship with the deceased and how you met
- Speak about what you will miss most
- Talk about the qualities you admired and loved most about the deceased
- Use humor if it is appropriate and fits with the deceased's personality
- Consider including book passages, poems, quotes, scripture verses or lines from songs that are telling of the deceased's personality
- Use an informal and conversational tone
- Interview friends and family members
Tips on delivering a eulogy
- Try to stay calm but if you can't, realize no one is judging you.
- If you need to cry during your speech, take the time to compose yourself and then continue.
- Don't get embarrassed or worry what others will think.
- Make sure your eulogy is easy to read with large enough print.
- Take a cup of water to the podium and sip it if you need it.
- Try to breathe deeply and speak slowly.
- Take your time and do the best you can.
- If you need to read the eulogy without making eye contact or looking up, that is ok too.
- Consider sharing time instead of a traditional eulogy and pass the microphone around the congregation of mourners to take turns sharing their own thoughts and memories.