Losing a loved one is difficult, to say the very least. But perhaps even more challenging is attempting to express all that lies behind a whole, well-lived life with just a few lines of the written word.
For this reason, we’d like to offer some guidance—and hopefully—inspiration for how to approach writing a eulogy. Moreover, we hope the tips in this guide can help you craft a meaningful speech that gives you and your loved ones closure and comfort during a tough time.
Choose a Structure for the Eulogy
One of the best tips for writing a meaningful eulogy for a loved one is deciding on its structure. Eulogies are essentially speeches dedicated to our lost loved ones. So if you’re looking for your word to resonate, you should have your ideas organized in a way that conveys them clearly.
Of course, the eulogy you write will be unique. However, most eulogies include lots of the same basic information. So something that many choose to do is organize this information with a bulleted list that resembles the following:
- Introductions (you, family members, friends, and the deceased)
- Basic info about your loved one (date of birth, death, occupation, etc.)
- Specific anecdotes, jokes, readings, or stories about the deceased
If you’re having a bit of trouble filling in the blanks, this is an excellent time to review the all-important obituary of your loved one to get more insight. Or, if there isn’t one available yet, you can use samples as a point of reference to help you outline parts of your eulogy.
In any case, structuring the things you want to say in an organized fashion will help you convey your feelings clearly when it’s time to read them aloud and celebrate your loved one.
Consider Your Audience and Tone
Once you have a loose idea of what you’ll say and which order you’ll say it in, the next step is to decide on a tone. In this part of the process, you need to take some time to consider who you’ll be reading this eulogy to. Are you expressing your most profound condolences to family elders? Or are you celebrating the exuberant life of your late best friend?
Depending on your answers to these questions, your eulogy might be solemn, or it might have some more light-hearted aspects. That’s why knowing your audience is key to ensuring that you communicate an appropriate tone when you share your eulogy. So consider this when you need to refer to some excellent tips for writing a meaningful eulogy for your loved one.
Be Sure To Celebrate the Deceased
Of course, when it comes to writing a moving eulogy, the most important thing is creating something that genuinely celebrates who your loved one was while they were alive. Maybe your grandmother was a vivacious woman who loved classic romantic comedies and gardening. If so, don’t be afraid to bring that liveliness to your speech.
Perhaps your late uncle was an incredibly perseverant and humorous man who sold cars until the day he passed. If this is the case, showcase his personality in your eulogy with anecdotes and stories about him. Whatever you decide to say, ensure that it’s meaningful for you, those you’re reading to, and the person you’re commemorating.
