How to Write a Eulogy for Your Acquaintance - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Being asked to speak about someone you knew only casually can feel strange and intense at the same time. You want to be respectful without pretending you were closer than you were. You want to offer something real that comforts the family and the room. This guide walks you through how to prepare and deliver a eulogy for an acquaintance. We explain terms you might hear, show practical structures, and give multiple example scripts you can adapt. If you are a little nervous and unsure how to proceed you are in the right place.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a person they knew as a neighbor, coworker, classmate, volunteer partner, client, or online contact. Maybe you exchanged small talk regularly. Maybe you worked on the same team but never socialized. Maybe the family asked you because you represented a community group. Whatever the reason this guide helps you find the right words.

What is a eulogy and how is it different when the person was an acquaintance

A eulogy is a short speech that honors someone who has died. It is often personal and story based even when the speaker was not a close family member. When the person was an acquaintance you focus on what you did know about them, what they did for the community or workplace, and the small moments that illustrate who they were. You do not need to invent deep intimacy. Honesty and kindness are enough.

Terms you might see

• Eulogy A speech given at a funeral or memorial to honor the person who has died.
• Obituary A written notice about a death that usually includes biographical details and service information.
• Order of service The plan for the memorial listing the sequence of readings, music, and speakers.
• Officiant The person leading the funeral or memorial service. This can be a clergy person, celebrant, or family friend.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories, photos, and community memory.
• Visitation A time before the service when people can pay respects and offer condolences.
• Condolence A message of sympathy offered to the bereaved.

Before you say yes

If a family member or officiant asks you to speak it is okay to pause before committing. Ask these quick questions.

• How long should I speak? Confirm the time limit.
• Who else is speaking? Find out the tone of other remarks.
• Do you want personal stories or formal remarks? Some families prefer a community perspective rather than intimate memories.
• Do you have permission to share a particular story? If a story involves other people make sure it is appropriate to mention in public.

Decide what kind of eulogy fits an acquaintance

You can choose one of several tones depending on your relationship and the family s preferences.

• Community focused Emphasize the person s role in a group, workplace, or neighborhood and what they contributed.
• Brief and respectful A short tribute that acknowledges the loss and names a few qualities or facts about the person.
• Workplace colleague Focus on professional contribution and one or two humanizing anecdotes.
• Neighbor or volunteer Share how practical kindness or small daily rituals mattered to the people around them.
• Online or distant acquaintance Speak to the connection you had and what their presence meant to a small community.

How long should a eulogy for an acquaintance be

Shorter is often better. Aim for two to five minutes. That is about 250 to 650 spoken words. A concise tribute feels thoughtful and avoids overstating the relationship. If the family asks for more detail you can lengthen it but keep the focus tight.

Structure that works every time

Use a simple shape to keep your remarks clear and memorable.

• Opening Say your name and how you knew the person. That gives context to everything that follows.
• Who they were Give a brief life sketch that covers relevant roles like job, volunteer position, or neighborhood presence.
• One or two examples Share short anecdotes or observations that reveal something true about them.
• What we will miss Summarize the traits or contributions people will remember.
• Closing Offer a short goodbye line, a call to action like a moment of silence, or a practical suggestion such as sending flowers to a charity of choice.

How to gather material when you did not know them well

Collecting accurate and meaningful details matters more than having a long list. Try these approaches.

• Ask family or close friends A quick conversation can give you one memorable story or a favorite saying to include.
• Talk to coworkers or neighbors One small anecdote from a colleague about a habit at work or a neighbor about gardening can humanize the tribute.
• Check social posts Public posts can reveal hobbies, passions, community roles, and favorite charities. Use only what is clearly public and appropriate.
• Use official facts Birthplace, job title, volunteer roles, and dates are fine to include if the family approves.

Examples of safe anecdotes for an acquaintance

When you did not share private time with the person use short, observable stories. Keep them simple and kind.

• The barista who always remembered your order and left a joke on the cup.
• The neighbor who shoveled the sidewalk before anyone asked and left a bag of peaches on your porch in summer.
• The coworker who stayed late to help find a file and who labeled everything like a small librarian.
• The volunteer who greeted everyone by name at the community garden and knew exactly when to hand you a tomato seedling.

What to avoid when speaking as an acquaintance

• Avoid fabricating intimacy or claiming deep knowledge you do not have.
• Avoid repeating gossip or rumors. Stick to verifiable facts and simple memories.
• Avoid controversial opinions about the cause of death or the deceased s choices unless the family explicitly asks for that perspective.
• Avoid long lists of achievements without a human detail that makes them real.

Sample eulogies you can adapt

Below are ready to use examples. Replace bracketed text with details and edit for tone.

Example 1 Workplace colleague brief two to three minutes

Hello. I am Jamie. I worked with Alex for four years in the marketing department. We were not close friends but we shared many deadlines and coffee breaks.

Alex was the person who noticed small things about projects that everyone else missed. They had a way of asking a clarifying question that saved us time and embarrassment. Outside work Alex volunteered with the local youth media program and loved teaching kids how to tell their own stories.

I remember one afternoon when our campaign looked like it was going off the rails. Alex stayed behind, sketched a new layout on a napkin, and quietly fixed the problem. That calm focus was very Alex. In that small way Alex made our team better and taught us to slow down and think clearly.

We will miss Alex s steady presence and the tiny improvements that made our work better. My condolences to Alex s family and to everyone who is feeling this loss. Thank you for letting me speak.

Example 2 Neighbor or community volunteer one to two minutes

Hi. I am Priya, who lives two doors down from Maria. I did not know her as a lifelong friend but she was a constant neighbor and a gentle presence in our block.

Maria kept the flower boxes in front of her house perfect. She always waved as we passed and left jars of jam on porches around holidays. When our building missed a recycling pickup she organized a fast plan and made sure the bins were out the next week.

Her small acts of care stitched us together as neighbors. I am grateful to have known her even in that small way. Please join me in a moment of silence to remember Maria s kindness.

Example 3 Online community member short modern tone under two minutes

Hello everyone. I am Marcus. I first met Terry in a cooking forum where we compared recipes and gave each other tips. We exchanged messages about spices and parenting hacks. We were not in the same city but Terry s enthusiastic replies felt like a friendly nudge on a bad week.

Terry had a collection of spicy jam recipes that became a running joke. If someone posted a sad day Terry would reply with an encouraging line and an emoji. For many of us Terry was a daily bright spot. I will miss those messages and the way of being small and steady in an online world. Thank you for remembering Terry with me.

Example 4 Formal short observant for an acquaintance you represented in an organization

Good afternoon. My name is Daniel and I represent the Board of the Northside Library. I want to speak briefly about Lila s contributions as a volunteer and a friend to the library community.

Lila organized monthly literacy nights and developed a reading circle for teens. She believed libraries were for everyone and she made that belief practical. Colleagues will remember her for meticulous planning and for insisting that every child chose a book to take home.

Her thoughtful work will stay with the library in programs she helped start. On behalf of the board and staff thank you for honoring her memory today.

Fill in the blank templates

Use these templates as a scaffold. Keep it short and personalize a single real detail to make it authentic.

Template A Brief community tribute

Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I knew [Name] as a [neighbor coworker volunteer]. [Name] was known for [one trait or habit]. One memory that captures this is [brief anecdote]. That is how I will remember [Name]. Thank you for listening.

Template B Workplace colleague

Hi, I am [Your Name] from [department or team]. [Name] brought [quality] to our work. A small example is [story]. That kind of steady care is what we will miss. Our condolences to [family or partner if known].

Template C Online or distant acquaintance

Hello, I am [Your Name]. I met [Name] through [platform or group]. Although we were not in the same city we shared [topic hobby]. [Name] made the space feel welcoming by [action]. I am grateful for those moments. Thank you.

Delivery tips when you are not a close family member

• Introduce yourself clearly Say who you are and how you knew the person so the audience understands your perspective.
• Keep it short Aim for two to five minutes unless the family asks for more.
• Speak slowly Clarity matters more than length. A steady voice helps the audience follow along.
• Practice out loud Read the remarks to yourself at least twice. That makes emotional moments easier.
• Bring a printed copy Use large font and mark pauses. Even brief notes reduce stress.
• Ask where to stand Confirm with the officiant if you should speak from the podium or a different spot.

What to check with family or organizers

• Confirm pronunciation of names and any details you plan to mention.
• Ask if the family wants humor or prefers strictly formal remarks.
• Check whether they want you to mention cause of death if that is a sensitive topic.
• Print a copy for the person running the order of service if they need it for the program.

How to handle limited or uncertain facts

If you are unsure about dates or relationships avoid specifics. Use general language like recently, for many years, or during the last few months. It is better to be vague and accurate than specific and wrong. If you need a specific fact ask the family or the funeral home.

How to include readings or music when you were an acquaintance

If you want to include a poem line or a song quote choose very brief excerpts. Ask the family for approval. Short readings that reflect community values or the person s work are often welcome. Keep the focus on the person s life rather than long poetic rumination.

When you are worried about tears or getting stuck

Tears are normal. Pause and breathe. If you cannot continue have a friend or family member ready to finish a closing sentence. Practicing one or two simple lines out loud can give you a reliable fallback if emotion takes over.

After you speak

• If people ask for a copy offer to email it rather than handing out printed copies in the moment.
• Check in with the family privately after the service and ask if they would like any edits before you share the text with others.
• Respect privacy. Only share recordings or transcripts if the family agrees.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech honoring a person who has died.
• Obituary A written notice that announces a death and often includes service details.
• Order of service A plan for the event listing the sequence of speeches songs and readings.
• Officiant The person leading the service.
• Celebration of life A less formal event that focuses on stories memories and photographs.
• Visitation A time before the service for informal goodbyes and condolences.
• Condolence A message of sympathy to the bereaved.
• RSVP A request to confirm attendance. It stands for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give a eulogy if I was only an acquaintance

Yes. If the family asked you it usually means they value your perspective. Keep your remarks honest brief and focused on what you actually knew about the person.

How long should my speech be

Two to five minutes is a good target. If other people are speaking or the family set a time limit follow that guidance.

What if I do not know any personal stories

Use small observed moments such as a helpful habit a workplace ritual or a community role. Focus on what the person did and how that made others feel.

Is it okay to include humor

Yes if the family approves and if the humor is respectful and kind. Small earned jokes grounded in real habits usually land best.

Should I mention how I heard the news of their passing

Only if it adds something meaningful. Often it is better to focus on the person and their contributions rather than the circumstances of the news.

Can I read from my phone

Yes if the screen will be readable and silent. Many people prefer a printed copy for easier handling under stress.