What Are The Best Practices When Writing An Eulogy?

You may have to write a eulogy on behalf of a loved one soon, and you may be wondering how best to do it. Here are 5 best practices when writing an eulogy: 

1. Be Specific

Eulogies are meant to celebrate the life of someone who has passed away, but it is important to be specific about what you want to say. This will help the audience to understand the story and remember your loved one. Start by writing down a few key memories and stories about your loved one. These can be based on their hobbies, quirks, oft-heard quotes, or anything that makes them unique or special. Ideally, you will find a theme that ties all of these memories and stories together to create a cohesive narrative. However, if you don’t have one, it is okay to simply tell a few short stories that best represent the personality of your loved one. 

2. Keep It Short

A eulogy is a chance to tell the stories of your loved one’s life, but it doesn’t have to be a lengthy piece. In fact, it is important to keep the eulogy short, so it is easier for people to listen and absorb. Start by thinking about your loved one’s defining attributes and what they were like as a person. This will help you to get started with a list of memories, anecdotes and thoughts that will work well in your eulogy. Write down some of these stories, ideas and reflections on a notepad or notebook and collect them together in one place. Once you have your list, you can start to fill in a eulogy outline with the personal details that are applicable to the deceased. 

3. Be Honest

Writing and delivering a eulogy can be an emotional experience. Unless you’re a well-seasoned professional speaker, it may seem intimidating to put your words on the page. As you begin, remember that you were chosen to deliver this speech because you have a unique voice and story to tell. Let that be a source of strength and confidence. Start by identifying your loved one’s key life moments and significant events. Then, think about their personality traits and quirks, the things they liked best, and the people they influenced in their life. You can also consider your own experiences with them to create a richer eulogy. 

4. Don’t Forget The Audience

A good eulogy not only pays tribute to the deceased, but also helps their audience process and grieve. This is an important service that can help a person heal and begin the journey to recovery. This can be done by talking to the deceased’s friends and family, who will give you a wealth of information about their life. This can include anecdotes, special moments, and events that meant a lot to them. 

5. Be Comfortable

Writing and delivering an eulogy can be difficult, especially if you’ve been struggling with grief for some time. However, if you’re comfortable and can express your feelings in a clear, calm voice, the process will be much easier. Ultimately, the goal is to make your speech uplifting and inspiring. Try to avoid anything negative about the deceased, but also don’t be afraid to joke if you think it suits the person’s personality and will give mourners some comic relief. 

Categorised in: Funeral Plans, Funeral Services, Grief

This post was written by admin