A eulogy is a piece of writing used to entertain people about a person’s life, to acknowledge people who have passed away and to remember them in a special way. Eulogies are usually read at funerals. They provide information about the deceased person including personal quotes and stories.

Unfortunately, writing a eulogy is something that is always done under the pressure of having little time to prepare but there are some things that can be said for any situation. Here are some basic considerations when writing a eulogy:-

The word eulogy means a “good word” and that is what you want to say. It should be honest and recognizable to people. It should help people connect to your friend. It should answer some basic questions: Why are you better off for having known this person? What difference did their life make? What were some of the things that made them laugh or cry? What were things about them that made you laugh or cry? Keep your language simple and honest. People shouldn’t have to concentrate to hard on what you are saying. It should flow more like a good tale rather than a lecture.

You don’t want the eulogy to be a stand-up comic routine, nor do you want it to be a time of intense sorrow, but laughter and tears are perfectly normal and acceptable when you remember someone.

A far as the format goes, tell a story or two from your own experience. Listen to the stories others tell and feel free to use them. If you include a memory that you don’t think your audience will remember, use “I remember when” or “I can remember.” It is easier to say something (a personal quote, story or saying) that the audience will remember about the person.

These stories show that the person did make a difference. Maybe they weren’t known as a great inventor or a great poet. They were something far more important – they were a friend.

When writing a eulogy, provide the necessary elements, but when you’re reading your eulogy, talk to the audience as though you were talking to a friend. Get the audience involved in what you are telling them. Make them laugh, make them cry, make them happy to be a part of this tribute.

One thing to always remember: While writing and reading a eulogy, be yourself.

Below are links to two sites giving famous and memorable quotes which could be useful for anyone writing a eulogy. (These links are for info only and Armstrongs cannot be held responsible for any content)

Wisdom Quotes

Quote Garden

If you are delivering a eulogy and would like some tips, click here for a free copy of Dale Carnegie’s classic ‘The Art of Public Speaking’