How to Write a Eulogy Speech

If you want to share your thoughts regarding the deceased but can't bring yourself to deliver the actual eulogy, consider writing the eulogy but having someone else read it at the funeral service. Deciding who should give a eulogy may seem easy, but can quickly grow difficult. A spouse, significant other, children, grandchildren or close friend are natural choices. The trouble arises when many people approach you about sharing a story about the deceased. It's an emotional time, and while you don't have to have too many speakers, you may also be afraid of offending some by turning down their requests to speak.

If you stick with family members, that's one way to limit the number of speakers. However, the truth is that some friends may have had a closer relationship with the deceased than blood relatives. In that case, you may want to choose one family member and one friend to speak. The risk of having multiple speakers is that they may share the same memories, but from different perspectives. It's perfectly okay to ask the speakers what they plan on sharing, to avoid such repetition. Each speaker should share a personal reminiscence about the deceased. This should also avoid unnecessary repetitiveness.

If you are asked to deliver a eulogy, consider it an honor. You were asked because the deceased considered you to be an important part of his/her life.

A eulogy should be two to 10 minutes in length. This does not sound like much time when you're attempting to recap a lifetime of love and accomplishment. Keep in mind that you must respect the time of those in attendance, particularly if the funeral is during working hours.

In order to keep eulogies within the specified timeframe, ask the speakers to write their eulogy speeches in advance. Suggest that they practice reading the eulogy, timing it to ensure they don't run too long. A written eulogy also helps avoid rambling and getting off topic or, worse, standing at the pulpit and having one's mind go blank.

Remember that a eulogy is a speech that praises the deceased, so avoid any anecdotes that would cast an unfavorable light. While you may be tempted to include them, save any funny but embarrassing anecdotes for private conversations with family and friends after the formal service and burial.

There's no reason to avoid using humor. In fact, a little humor can provide a bit of comic relief, easing the tension that accompanies funerals and death, and also provide real insight into the life of the deceased.

If your now-departed Uncle Lou was a fan of off-color jokes, however, save the stand-up routine for after the funeral. You don't want to offend anyone in attendance and, besides, you may be giving the eulogy in a house of worship.

While you may think you can handle delivering a eulogy, you never know exactly how you'll feel until you step up to the pulpit and stand in front of the mourners and guests. Funerals are charged with emotion, and it's natural to have an outpouring of grief.

As mentioned above, it's important to practice the eulogy ahead of time. Still, you can never be fully prepared for how you may react once you start to read the eulogy at the service. Be sure to bring tissues with you in the event you'll need them.

If you do break down, don't be embarrassed. This is to be expected, and applies to both women and men. In fact, a show of emotion simply reveals how much you cherished the person. Simply stop reading and take a few moments to compose yourself. If you find you can't continue, consider having someone else finish the eulogy for you. You might even want to assign a backup reader beforehand.

Sometimes, it helps to have a loved one join you on the podium for moral support. Even if that person is not speaking, his or her presence may give you the strength you need to deliver your eulogy.

Per the outline above, it's a good idea to mention other family members in your eulogy. This is a must if you're the only family member speaking. You can include a few words on each family member's special relationship with the deceased. If those family members will be speaking, be careful that you don't steal their thunder. Let them tell their own personal stories.

Other family members will be your best resource when writing your eulogy. Set aside time to "interview" relatives. That way, even if they are not speaking themselves, you can be sure to include their memories and sentiments in your own eulogy.