5 Top Tips For Writing A Eulogy

Losing a loved one and making all of the arrangements for a funeral can be an extremely difficult time for everybody involved as there is so much to do and deal with.

One of the most emotional parts of a funeral to prepare for, is the eulogy, as you may feel a certain amount of pressure to write something that is heartfelt, original and respectful.

It’s a difficult task, how are you meant to summarise your feelings for an individual who has lived an entire life and had an impact on your own?

It is a big burden, but we’ve got a few guidelines to help you along the way.

1. Think about what you want people to feel

Before you write a single word of your eulogy, you should think about how you would like the people attending the funeral to feel when you finish.

One of the best ways to help people get through a funeral is to offer comforting words and a sense of healing. A that’s what a eulogy has the power to do.

Think about how you would like to make people feel something good during the ceremony, as it will be a painful time for most.

If you have that in mind, you can begin to write something which may actually help you more than anyone else.

2. Getting the right tone

You want the eulogy to be uplifting, but you don’t want to come across as too light-hearted, so aim to be gently humorous and thoughtfully reflective when telling your story.

It’s an obvious thing to say, but don’t tell any stories that may be inappropriate, even if it may raise a smile with some people attending.

3. Tips for telling your story

When it comes to the structure of your eulogy, try to avoid lists and try to stick to one simple but engaging story which lasts no longer than five minutes. It’s impossible to condense somebody’s whole life into one story, so don’t try to, simply try to bring their memory back to life.

If you aren’t sure of a particular story to tell, reach out to friends and family, more often than not, there will be stories you have ever heard about your lost loved one, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.

4. Prepare before the day of the funeral

The last thing you want is to have to read your eulogy for the first time at the funeral itself as it will be likely that you’ll struggle to finish it.

That is why you should practice in front of a mirror by reading the whole text out a few times and in front of a couple of close friends or family before the day arrives.

5. Reading the eulogy

Try to project your voice when reading the eulogy during the funeral, it may be hard but the stronger your voice, the more confident and strong you will feel.

Try to end on a light or high note as once more, it is an opportunity to pass on a nice gift from your loved one who has passed away, this could be a quote or a lesson from the story you have told.