What do you say in a eulogy speech?

When you lose someone close to you, we are often tasked with the responsibility of delivering a eulogy. A eulogy is a speech that pays tribute to the life and accomplishments of the deceased. It is a lovely chance for us to celebrate the person we loved and to say goodbye in a way that is not only meaningful and respectful, but healing too.   

In this article, we will guide you through the process of writing a eulogy, discuss what to say, how to say it and offer tips to help you deliver a eulogy that is both heartfelt and memorable.

What is a Eulogy? 

A eulogy is a speech that is delivered at a funeral or memorial service. They give family members, friends and loved ones the opportunity to share memories and stories about the person who has passed away. Eulogies allow us to celebrate the life of a loved one, to acknowledge their accomplishments and contributions while also  offering comfort to those who are grieving.

Preparing to write a eulogy

Before you begin writing your eulogy, take some time to reflect on the person you are honouring. Think about their personality, passion and their accomplishments. Consider the things they loved, the people they cared for and the impact they had on others. These reflections will provide you with the foundation for your eulogy.  

When writing your eulogy, it can also be helpful to include anecdotes, stories and memories that illustrate the character of the deceased. This allows you to paint a picture of who they were, what they stood for and how they will be remembered.

What to say in a eulogy

There is no right or wrong way to write a eulogy. However, there are some elements that are common themes in most eulogies. These include:

Opening statement

Begin your eulogy with a statement that sets the tone for the rest of your speech. This can be a quote, a personal anecdote or a statement that summarises the essence of the person you are honouring.

Introduce yourself

If you are not known to everyone attending the funeral, take a moment to introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the deceased.

Personal memories and anecdotes

Share some personal memories and anecdotes that illustrate the character of the deceased. These could be stories about their sense of humour, their kindness, their bravery or any other qualities that defined them.  

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Achievements and contributions

Highlight the achievements and contributions of the deceased. This could include their professional accomplishments, their contributions to their community or their accomplishments in their personal life.

Final thoughts

End your eulogy with some final thoughts that summarise the essence of the person you are honouring. This can be a quote, a personal reflection or a message of hope and comfort for those who are grieving.

Tips for delivering a eulogy 

Delivering a eulogy can be an emotional and nerve wracking experience. Here are some tips to help you deliver your eulogy:

Practise your delivery 

Practise your eulogy before the funeral or memorial service. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident when delivering your speech.

Speak slowly and clearly

Speak slowly and clearly, take your time and allow yourself to pause when you need to.

Use emotion 

Allow yourself to show emotion during your eulogy. It is okay to cry, it's a natural response to the depth of your feelings and the importance of the person you are honouring. Be authentic and true to yourself, speak from the heart and share your true feelings and memories. This will make your eulogy more sincere and meaningful and will allow you to honour the person you are remembering in the most authentic way possible.  

If you're feeling nervous about delivering your eulogy, try to remember that everyone in attendance is there to support and comfort one another. They are not judging you, instead focus on honouring and celebrating the life of your loved one. Take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone and that you are surrounded by people who care about you and the person you are remembering.