Learn the Meaning of Eulogy
A eulogy is one of the main parts of a funeral or memorial service. This important speech is meant to honor a loved one as you capture and share a lifetime of memories. If you’ve been asked to give a eulogy, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions.
If you’ve never done it before, writing a eulogy may seem daunting or intimidating. Don’t fret though, in this post we’ll show you how to write a eulogy in a few simple steps.
But before we show you how to start writing a eulogy, let’s answer common questions we frequently receive.
How Long Should a Eulogy Be?
Think about the worst speech you’ve listened to. Was it lengthy? Did it seem never ending? As a rule of thumb, it’s better to keep a eulogy or any speech for that matter, clear and concise. When a speech runs long, you risk losing the audience’s attention. Not only that, but some people can get emotional when delivering the eulogy. The longer it is, the harder it may become to deliver it.
We recommend that you keep the eulogy to around 5 minutes (10 at most). Start by focusing on a few key points about the person and then start discussing what they meant to you and others.
How to Write a Eulogy?
Before you start to write a eulogy, it’s best to gather all the important information you wish to convey. This should include special memories you wish to discuss and any biographica
l information you need like important dates and places. If you need help gathering this information, make sure to reach out to family and friends for help.
Once you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to start writing. To start a eulogy, try to keep all of your information and stories in chronological order. Remember, you’re trying to capture a lifetime so start by sharing stories of your loved-ones life. Next, discuss what they meant to you and others. Finally, conclude the eulogy by saying goodbye.
How to Add Humor to A Eulogy?
A funeral or memorial service doesn’t always have to be about sadness or loss. Using humor can be a great way to help lighten the mood. Especially if the person who has passed away was known to have a great sense of humor.
To add humor to a eulogy, share a story that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Talk about who a person really was, while making sure not to come off as disrespectful. Adding humor to a eulogy may seem difficult, but when done right, it can make the eulogy much more meaningful and memorable.
How to Write a Eulogy In 5 Easy Steps
- Brainstorm Ideas and Gather Information
To start a eulogy, begin by taking some time to brainstorm what you want to say. Make sure to speak with other family members and friends of the deceased to gain insights and stories you might not know. The more information you can gather the better. You don’t need to use all of it, but having as much information as you can will allow you to craft a eulogy that is all encompassing of your loved-ones life and achievements.
Some of the biographical information you should consider gathering includes: date and place of birth, names of relatives, marriage date, career achievements.
- Write an Introduction
When writing a eulogy, start by addressing why everyone has gathered together – to say goodbye and celebrate a life well lived. After acknowledging why everyone has gathered, make sure to introduce yourself and explain how you knew the loved-one. Finally, conclude the introduction by thanking everyone for coming.
Your introduction doesn’t need to be long and drawn out. Keep it quick so that you can get into the main part of the eulogy and pay tribute to your loved one.
- Write A Brief Biography
After the introduction, provide guests with a short summary of the deceased’s life. This can include the loved-ones early years, their family, significant family events, and any other important details. Next it can mention any other friends or family members the departed was close to. Finally, you can talk about the oned-ones spouse, children, and grandchildren.
- Share Special Life Moments, Memories, And Qualities
In this section of the eulogy, start to talk about special memories the deceased shared with others. This is also when you should acknowledge achievements, talents, hobbies, and passions. Conclude this part of the eulogy by discussing the qualities that made your loved-one special.
- Conclude the Eulogy with Some Comforting Words
To end the eulogy, offer some words of comfort and say a final goodbye. This is often when the person delivering the eulogy will discuss what they meant to them.
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