How to Write a Eulogy
Most people do not know how to write a eulogy and have no experience at writing or delivering speeches in public and especially not at a funeral. And many public speaking courses are designed to teach how to write a speech that captures the audience and holds their attention while getting across an opinion or point of interest. These courses teach how to deliver a speech to engage and entertain the audience with humour and wit.
However, funeral readings and eulogies are different.
How to Write a Eulogy
A eulogy is a tribute to a person’s life. The funeral reading should articulate the ways the deceased has touched our lives and made the world a better place. Sometimes it may be appropriate to use some subtle humour to express your admiration towards the deceased but as this is a solemn occasion that is usually the exception.
Writing a eulogy is not difficult with a little help from some samples and videos of funeral speeches. The best way to write your eulogy is to read through eulogy examples and watch YouTube videos of funeral speeches to get ideas on what to say. You can select relevant lines and include them in context in your eulogy.
Sit down and think about the deceased and what positive influence they had on your life and the lives of those around you. Write down your feelings from your heart. This can be difficult to express in words for some but usually when you open your heart you will find that you have a lot to say.
Your eulogy should be based around one main characteristic of the deceased’s life. This may be an experience during their life, their sense of spirit or simply how they interacted with others. Write about this central characteristic and include three or four supporting characteristics that tell the story of who the deceased was and what influence they had on your life.
Once you have learned how to write a eulogy, the experience of making the tribute to the deceased at the funeral will greatly help you overcome your grief and remember this wonderful person who meant so much to you. Maybe you can help someone else learn how to write a eulogy for their loved one.
