Writing and delivering a eulogy can be overwhelming, especially when the deceased meant so much to you.
In this blog, we share some guidance for those who need to put a fitting speech together for a loved one, including items which should – and shouldn’t – be included.
What is a Eulogy?
Speeches delivered at a funeral or memorial service to honour and celebrate the deceased’s life are called eulogies.
Typically, this speech is given by a friend or family member. Although, some people may prefer to write a eulogy and have the priest or celebrant deliver it at the service.
Writing and giving a eulogy can be an important part of the grieving process, as this is a chance to say goodbye to your loved one and tell those that are in attendance how much this person meant to you.
It helps you heal and acknowledge the impact the deceased had on your life.
What to Include in a Eulogy
We recommend you highlight what made them great, how they made you feel, their achievements and share an insight into how you saw them.
The best eulogies tend to be those which include simple yet memorable stories about the deceased.
A good eulogy also helps people to remember the person they’ve lost and evoke feelings about them.
Our top 4 tips for writing a eulogy are to include:
- Stories about the person and their life. Don’t just list out life events and personal milestones, but instead try to share stories which capture their character and the impact of their life.
- Any significant achievements or life events – especially those which are unique or may not be widely known.
- Feelings: How you and others felt in their presence.
- Poems, quotes, song lyrics – If you’re struggling to say things in your own words – or the deceased had a favourite song poem or quote, this can be a great way to honour your loved one.
What to Exclude from a Eulogy
Farewelling a friend or loved one is hard, and while you may be emotional and want to share everything about them, there are some things better left unsaid.
Plus, this is not time to place judgement or measure someone’s life.
We suggest your speech does not include the following details:
- Focusing on cause of death
- Faults/shortcomings
- Old hurts
- Grudges
- Past arguments/disagreements
- Family rifts
- Bad memories
- Unhealthy rivalries
- Crimes
- Poor treatment of others
- Poor decisions
- Emotional baggage
- Inappropriate stories
- Inappropriate humour
- Justifying/minimizing the loss
- Anything offensive
- Anything your conscience is telling you not to say
Preparing a Eulogy
If you have to write and present a eulogy, we recommend you prepare properly.
- Talk to other people about the deceased and get varying perspectives and stories to include.
- Write how you would speak, so it sounds natural when you are reading it out loud.
- Practise the eulogy before you have to say it out loud. This can help you to relax.
- Have a copy that’s easy to read when you’re presenting.
- Be yourself when reading the eulogy at the service.
Writing a Eulogy
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Our family-owned and operated funeral home is here to help. Please contact our approachable team today on (07) 3217 3088, or send us a message here.
Anton Brown Funerals is a family-owned, Queensland funeral company which was established in 1995.
Our Brisbane-based team of funeral directors are honest, professional, compassionate and understanding, and always put our clients and their needs first.
We go above and beyond to ensure your loved one’s funeral arrangements are tailored to their final wishes and can assist you with burials, cremations, coffins, floral arrangements, pre-planning and more.
If you need help organising a dignified funeral service, we are available to discuss arrangements 24/7, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to us today on (07) 3217 3088 or send us a message online here.
