Words from the Heart: How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy
Emily Dickinson, Professional Writer
October 20, 2024
Being asked to deliver a eulogy is a great honor, but it can also be terrifying. How do you sum up a life in a few minutes? The key to writing a eulogy is to focus on connection and storytelling rather than a dry biography.
Structure of a Great Eulogy
- The Opening: Introduce yourself and your relationship to the deceased. Acknowledge the sadness of the occasion but set a tone of remembrance.
- The Stories: Share 2-3 specific memories that illustrate the person's character. Was she incredibly generous? Was he known for his terrible dad jokes? Specific details are more powerful than general adjectives.
- The Legacy: Talk about what they taught you or what they leave behind. How has the world been better because they were in it?
- The Closing: Offer a final goodbye and a word of comfort to the audience.
Remember, you don't have to be a professional orator. Speak from the heart, breathe, and know that everyone in the room is rooting for you.
People Also Ask
How long should a eulogy be?
A eulogy should typically be three to five minutes long, which translates to about 400 to 700 written words. Short enough to keep the audience engaged, long enough to share meaningful memories and a proper tribute.
What should you include in a eulogy?
A eulogy should include an introduction of yourself and your relationship to the deceased, two or three specific stories or memories that illustrate their character, a reflection on their impact and legacy, and a closing farewell to the audience.
What should you not say in a eulogy?
Avoid inside jokes that exclude much of the audience, negative stories or unresolved conflicts, excessive religious content if the service is secular, and overly long or rambling tangents. Focus on what was most universally admired about the person.
How to Write a EulogyFuneral SpeechesPublic Speaking