A eulogy is when someone pays tribute to a person’s life by saying a few words that will help remember that person at the service. You can prepare a speech yourself, or you may prefer to read a favourite poem or passage. The eulogy could be given by family, friends or work colleagues and could even be a letter written by your loved one, read out during the service.
Writing a eulogy – checklist
Here are some prompts to help you get started in writing a eulogy:
- Who am I speaking to?
- How would the person like to be remembered?
- What made them special?
- Favourite pastimes and interests, likes and dislikes?
- When were they happiest?
- Who was really close to them?
- What did I really like about them?
- What did other people really like about them?
- What are the highlights of their life story?
- If I could say only three things about them, what would they be?
- Who can help me check my facts?
- Do I want someone else to give the eulogy on my behalf on the day?
- Is anyone else planning to speak about the person at the funeral?
- Do we need to avoid saying the same thing twice?
We can advise on writing a eulogy for the funeral service.