By Nicky Sutton, Independent Celebrant
A eulogy, often called a life story, celebrates the life, achievements, and legacy of someone who has died. It allows you to pay tribute to them by sharing personal memories and feelings with others who also knew them.
Write yourself or use a professional
Deciding whether to write the eulogy yourself or seek professional help depends on several factors, such as your emotional state, writing skills, and the specific circumstances. There is no right or wrong approach—it’s about what feels best for you. Some people prefer to write the eulogy themselves, while others may find comfort in working with a professional Celebrant, who can also help with editing or delivering it.
Regardless of how you create it, the most important thing is that the eulogy truly honours the memory of your loved one or friend. Whether written personally or with professional assistance, a heartfelt and meaningful eulogy will provide comfort and closure to those mourning the loss.
How to Craft a Unique and Personal Eulogy
If you’re wondering how to create a personal and meaningful eulogy, here are some tips to guide you:
1. Start by brainstorming
Reflect on the qualities, values, and passions that made the person unique. What did they love? What did they teach you? Think about the impact they had on your life and the lives of others. Jot down any stories, quotes, jokes, or anecdotes that come to mind. Don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for their memories and insights as well.
2. Choose a theme or focus
Your eulogy doesn’t need to cover every aspect of the person’s life. Instead, focus on one or two key themes that capture their essence. You could talk about their courage, generosity, humour, or faith. Consider highlighting specific periods of their life—childhood, career, retirement—or emphasise particular relationships, like their role as a parent, spouse, or friend.
3. Organise your ideas
Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, begin structuring your eulogy. A common format includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Start by introducing yourself and your relationship with the person. In the body, share stories and examples that align with your chosen theme, ideally in chronological order. Wrap up with a heartfelt conclusion, summarising your message and offering a final goodbye.
4. Write from the heart
Your eulogy is a personal, emotional tribute, not a formal essay. Speak from the heart, and don’t be afraid to use humour, poetry, song lyrics or quotes if they reflect the tone of your relationship. Address the person by their name or your relationship with them, making it more personal. Be honest, but try to keep a balanced view—remember, the goal is to honour the person’s life, not to judge it.
5. Practice reading it aloud
After writing your first draft, read it out loud to see how it sounds. Share it with someone else for feedback. Make sure your words are clear and concise, avoiding jargon or references that may confuse those listening. Time yourself to ensure your eulogy fits within the time frame, and make adjustments if needed.
6. Deliver with confidence
On the day of the ceremony, take a deep breath and trust yourself. It’s normal to feel emotional, but pause and regroup if necessary. Keep a copy of your eulogy with you, either on paper or a device, to stay on track. Have some water nearby, and speak clearly and slowly, making eye contact with the audience. If emotions overwhelm you, pause, take a moment, and continue when ready. Remember, everyone is there to support you as you honour the person who has died.
A well-crafted eulogy is a beautiful tribute to someone’s life. By following these steps, you can create a meaningful and personal speech that celebrates their legacy and brings comfort to those who loved them.
If you’re looking for expert assistance Wells Funeral Services offers the compassion and expertise needed to create a meaningful and memorable tribute. Contact them today to help make this difficult time a little easier and to ensure your loved one’s final farewell is perfect.