The Eulogy

If you don't have time to write a eulogy yourself,

Sample Eulogy Speeches

How to write a eulogy yourself

Writing and delivering a eulogy can be a huge challenge, even for an experienced public speaker. You want to say something touching and memorable, but it's also often a good idea to remind people of humorous things that may have taken place during the life of the deceased. True, it's a somber occasion--but a little gentle humor lightens the burden of sorrow everyone's feeling at the moment.

Gathering ideas for your eulogy

Start by finding a sample eulogy. There are a number available on the Internet. You may also find transcripts of recent eulogies delivered for famous people by going to Google News and doing a search for the keyword "eulogy."

Besides your own personal recollections, family members are your best source of such stopries or anecdotes. Ask them about their memories. Open-ended questions work best.  For instance:

• In your opinion, what was their admirable quality?
• What was it about them that stands out in your mind?
• What do you think their family, friends, and neighbors miss most about them?
• What were some of their unusual but lovable habits and eccentricities?

Outline your points on paper

Every good speech has a beginning, a middle and an end. A eulogfy is no different. Follow this formula:

• Write your thoughts down in the form of an outline, using 3-by-5 inch cards or small pieces of paper. Be sure to number the cards or papers. 
• Keep it simple: only one thought or idea per card. 
• Gather the cards together as similar topics, then arrange them in logical order. 
• Write a draft of the eulogy itself.

Experienced speech writers usually focus on the middle of speech first.  This is where you'll probably use material you collected by talking to family and friends.

Write the opening of the eulogy next.

The close is always the hardest part to write because it's the part people are most likely to remember. 

Working from an outline vs. reading word-for-word

Only you will know if you feel more comfortable reading word for word from typewritten pages, or just using an outline to remind you of what you want to say.  Regardless of which way you decide to go, here are some tips:

• Make the type large and easy to read.
• Leave a lot of white space on each page. It;s easy to lose your place on a page that's crowded with copy.
• Make sure your pages are numbered.
• Practice as much as time allows!

How to stay calm

Most people get nervous whenever they have to make any kind of speech, but a eulogy can be especially nerve-wracking.  You may be going through some powerful emotions during this time, and keeping your composure will be a challenge. People will sympathize if you have to "take a moment" and don't be ashamed to stop and take a breath if you start feeling overwhelmed.

Once again, if you find there's not enough time to compose and practice a eulogy, draw on the Internet for ideas. 

Click here to access some sample eulogies

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