Writing and Delivering a Eulogy

While writing a eulogy and sharing it with funeral service guests is a noble gesture that is worthy of thought and effort. It can not only be a challenge to write if you’re not comfortable in front of a crowd of people, but it can also be equally as challenging to deliver.

However, it is an opportunity to make a contribution to a memorial service, a contribution that your friends and family will remember for a long time. For that reason, if you are asked to write one, we suggest you consider doing so, if only for yourself.

That’s because writing a eulogy is a therapeutic tool to help you deal with your grief. The power of writing is undeniable and there is no better time than now for you to discover and take advantage of this.

What Should Your Eulogy Accomplish?

People often think one of two things about a eulogy:

• it should be an objective summation of the deceased's life.
• it should speak for everyone who is present at the memorial service.

Both of these assumptions are just plain unrealistic, don’t you think? How can you possibly be objective after losing a loved one; or sum up a person’s life in just a few minutes of time?

Let’s think of the eulogy as being much simpler. It should convey the feelings and experiences of the person giving the eulogy. The most touching and meaningful eulogies are written from a subjective point of view and from the heart. So don't feel compelled to write your loved one's life story.

Instead, tell your story.

Tell about some memories you've had with your loved one. Perhaps a funny story to lighten the mood, or maybe a story of something extraordinary your loved one did. Whatever it may be, sharing personal stories is always a great idea. Also, writing down your eulogy will help you think about all of the memories you've had with your loved one.

Don’t Strive for Perfection – You’ll Make Yourself Crazy

Don't worry about making mistakes or getting emotional while delivering your eulogy. Nobody is going to judge you at a funeral. People understand that losing a loved one is very hard and not everyone reacts the same way.

Should you need any more advice on writing a eulogy for a loved one, just call us.