The loss of a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and the idea of having to write and deliver a eulogy can be overwhelming. You want to create a heartfelt tribute that captures the essence of the person, but where do you even begin? In this article, we'll guide you through the process of starting a eulogy, providing tips and structure to help you celebrate your loved one's life and legacy.
Are you struggling to write a meaningful eulogy during this difficult time? Our professional eulogy writing service can help you honour your loved one in less than 48 hours, with no additional stress. We help you preserve the legacy of a cherished life, in your time of grief. Find out more →
Finding inspiration
Before you begin writing, it's helpful to gather some inspiration. Reflect on your relationship with the person, their qualities, accomplishments, and any stories or memories that encapsulate who they were. This can include:
- Character traits (e.g., kind, loving, adventurous)
- Talents and achievements
- Endearing or funny moments
- Legacy (e.g., family, career, community impact)
Choosing a theme
Once you have an idea of what you want to include, it's helpful to choose a central theme or narrative that ties everything together. This theme will serve as the backbone of your eulogy and will help guide your writing. Some common themes are:
- The person's journey through life
- Their impact on others around them
- Their values, beliefs, or philosophies
Creating an outline
With a theme in mind, create an outline to help organize your thoughts. This will ensure your eulogy flows smoothly and is easy to follow. Here is a general outline you can use:
- Introduction
- Start by introducing yourself and your relationship to the person
- State the purpose of the eulogy and a broad theme, if you have chosen one
- Body
- Include stories, anecdotes, and accomplishments that illustrate your central theme
- Keep your focus on the person, celebrating their life and what they meant to others
- Conclusion
- Summarize the overall message and any closing thoughts
- Consider including a quote, reading, or poem that reflects the person and your theme
Writing the eulogy
Need a Eulogy?
Get a Personalized Professional Eulogy Written For Your Loved One
Now that you have your outline, it's time to start writing. Remember, this speech is a tribute to your loved one, so your tone should be warm and genuine. Some tips for writing a heartfelt eulogy are:
- Be honest and authentic
- Use language that is natural and conversational
- Share stories that showcase the person's true character
- Avoid cliche phrases, and instead, focus on specific attributes and qualities
Eulogy How To Start One Example:
Here is a brief example of how to start a eulogy, based on the general outline provided:
Introduction: Good morning, my name is Jane, and I am honored to be standing here today as John's younger sister. We are here to celebrate his life, remember his accomplishments, and honor his unwavering commitment to family and friends. Body: As we gather to remember John, I think it's important to share some stories that encapsulate who he was and his lasting impact on our lives. From his early childhood to his incredible career as a teacher, John's journey was guided by his belief in the power of love and empathy. Conclusion: As we say our final goodbyes to John, let us remember the laughter, the tears, and the countless moments of joy that he brought into each of our lives. An anonymous quote states, "The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or material things, but rather a legacy of character and faith." Today, we remember and cherish John's legacy of character, love, and faith.
Writing a eulogy can be a daunting task, but it's an opportunity to reflect on the life of someone you loved and to share their story with others. We hope that these tips and examples have helped you understand how to start a eulogy and have given you the confidence to craft a heartfelt tribute to your loved one. If you found this article helpful, please feel free to share it with others who may be going through the same experience. And if you're seeking further guidance on crafting the perfect eulogy, be sure to explore the other resources available on Eulogy Assistant.