How to Write a Eulogy for Your New Friend - Eulogy Examples & Tips

Writing a eulogy for a friend you only knew for a short time can feel confusing and even unfair. You might worry that you do not have enough history to speak, or that your words will seem small compared to long friendships. The truth is that honesty, specificity, and intention matter more than the length of the relationship. This guide walks you through a clear, practical approach to writing a eulogy for a new friend. We explain terms you might not know and give real example scripts and templates you can adapt.

Who this guide is for

This article is for anyone asked to speak about a friend they had for a short time. Maybe you met them at a job, on a trip, through a dating app, at a support group, or online. Maybe you were a late life friend who connected deeply in a few months. If you were not the closest person in their life do not worry. You can still offer an honest and valuable remembrance.

What is a eulogy

A eulogy is a speech that honors someone who has died. It usually appears as part of a funeral, memorial, or celebration of life. A eulogy is not a full biography. It is a personal reflection that highlights traits, memories, lessons, and the impact the person had on others.

Terms and acronyms explained

• Obituary A written notice about a death that includes basic facts like birth and death dates and funeral details.
• Order of service A list that shows the schedule for the funeral or memorial. It is like the event program.
• Celebration of life A less formal gathering that focuses on stories, photos, and personal memories.
• Officiant The person who leads the ceremony. This can be a clergy member, a celebrant, or a trusted friend.
• Hospice Care that focuses on comfort for people nearing the end of life. It can be at home or in a facility.
• Mic Short for microphone. If you are using a mic practice how close to hold it so your voice is clear.
• RSVP Stands for the French phrase respond s il vous plait which means please respond. It is used on invitations to ask people to confirm attendance.

Why your perspective as a new friend matters

Short friendships can be intense and revealing. People often show parts of themselves quickly around new friends because there is no long baggage. If you witnessed a new side of the person or offered a safe place for them, that experience is worth sharing. A eulogy from a new friend can show how the person was seen by someone outside their family. That external view can be comforting and illuminating.

How long should a eulogy for a new friend be

Short and pointed is usually better. Aim for two to five minutes. That usually equals about 300 to 700 spoken words. If you are one of several speakers check with the family or officiant about time limits so the service stays on schedule.

Before you start writing

• Check expectations Ask the family or officiant how long you should speak and where your remarks fit in the order of service.
• Ask permission If your friend was private about certain areas of life be mindful. Check with next of kin about details that might be sensitive.
• Collect quick notes Jot down the memories, small habits, and the moments that made you smile. Even small details can make a speech feel vivid.
• Decide the tone Do you want to be reflective, celebratory, quietly funny, or direct and sincere? Choose a tone that matches what you knew of the person and what the family wants.
• Pick three focus points Choose three simple things you want people to remember. Three gives your speech shape and makes it easier to write.

Structure that works

Use a simple structure to stay clear when emotion hits. A reliable shape is opening, life sketch, two or three anecdotes, what this meant, and a closing.

• Opening Say who you are and how you met the person. That gives listeners context and calibrates expectations.
• Life sketch Give a brief overview. For a new friend you can highlight roles or current activities rather than a full biography.
• Anecdotes Tell one or two short stories that illuminate character. Specific detail beats general praise.
• Reflection Say what these memories show about the person and what you will carry forward.
• Closing Offer a short farewell line, a request to remember them in a small way, or a reading excerpt.

How to write an opening that feels natural

The easiest opening is your name and how you met. Follow with one sentence that explains why you are speaking. This buys you a breath and helps steady your voice.

Opening examples

• Hi, I am Jordan. I met Alex two months ago at a pottery class and we instantly bonded over terrible glaze choices.
• Hello, my name is Pri. We became friends online through a book forum and then finally met in person for coffee last summer.
• Good afternoon. I am Sam and I worked with Taylor on their first big project. We spent late nights debugging code and complaining about bad office coffee.

Life sketch for a short friendship

Keep the life sketch brief. For a new friend you can mention where they lived, what they did most recently, and a hobby or passion that mattered to them.

Life sketch templates

• [Name] lived in [place] and worked as [job or role]. They loved [hobby] and were known for [small trait].
• [Name] had a short but visible presence in our city. They spent weekdays doing [job] and weekends chasing [interest].

Anecdotes that actually help

Pick anecdotes that reveal something true about the person. Avoid trying to summarize their whole self. An anecdote with a sensory detail and a clear payoff is more memorable than a list of traits.

Story examples you can adapt

• We met at a volunteer event and they showed up with homemade cookies and a ridiculous enthusiasm for organizing recycling. The cookies were slightly burnt and perfect. That is how they loved things with effort and not with perfection.
• On a work trip they insisted we take a detour to see a mural. We spent ten minutes arguing about directions and then ten minutes looking at paint strokes and thinking about possibilities. They taught me how to pause for small wonders.
• We texted nightly about what book to read next. They would send one sentence reviews that somehow captured the whole book. That skill made even the smallest texts feel meaningful.

How to handle complex feelings

If your friendship was short because of distance, misunderstanding, or a falling out you can speak honestly without attacking others. Acknowledging complexity can be calming for listeners because it is authentic.

Examples for complicated situations

• We had a misunderstanding once and we never got a chance to fix it. I am grateful for the time we did have. I carry the lessons with me about speaking sooner and listening harder.
• Our friendship was online and we never met in person. That did not make it less real. They knew when I was having a bad day and they could make me laugh with a single GIF.

What to avoid when you were a new friend

• Avoid claiming expertise about the person s whole life. Stick to what you directly observed or felt.
• Avoid sharing private information the family asked to keep private.
• Avoid jokes that could embarrass someone in the room who was closer to them than you were.

Full eulogy examples you can adapt

Below are ready to use examples. Replace bracketed text with your own details. Read them out loud and trim to match your voice.

Example 1: Short and warm friend from a class

Hello, I am Maya. I met Sam three months ago in a weekend photography class. We were both the kind of people who showed up early and then stayed late to talk about light.

Sam lived locally and worked in a small design studio. They were the friend who always carried an extra camera strap and a list of recommended songs. One afternoon we wandered into an alley of painted doors and Sam insisted we try shooting from the window frame even though it was awkward. The photos turned out imperfect and beautiful, just like Sam s approach to life.

What I will remember most is the way they made room for other people s ideas and then made those ideas better with a small question or a strange analogy. If you gave Sam a plan they would find the humane corner to place it in. I am grateful for the light they brought into short moments. Thank you for letting me share this memory.

Example 2: Online friend you never met in person

Hi, I am Rafael. I met Jen online two years ago through a forum for plant lovers. We never shared a cup of coffee, but we exchanged photos of our plant rescues at midnight and celebrated each new leaf like a small victory.

Jen had a talent for finding joy in small things. When my ficus dropped leaves she sent me one sentence that somehow fixed the panic. She taught me how to care without needing immediate results. Even though we met through screens her kindness was tangible. I miss her messages and the way she could spot a plant s mood from a blurry photo. Thank you, Jen, for the late night plant therapy and your steady light online.

Example 3: Recent friend at work with humor

Hello I am Connor. I worked with Dana for four months on a project that involved too many meetings and not enough coffee. Dana had an uncanny ability to name the problem we were avoiding and then make us laugh so we could solve it.

Once we had a client call that went sideways. Dana quietly sent a meme into the team chat and then asked a simple question that got everyone back on track. That meme still sits in my messages like a tiny marker of how they made chaos manageable. Dana taught me how humor can be a tool for care. I am better for that. Thank you for the lessons and the memes.

Fill in the blank templates

Template A: Short and sincere

My name is [Your Name]. I met [Friend s Name] [where or when]. They worked as [job or role] and loved [hobby]. One memory that shows what they were like is [brief story]. What I will carry forward is [value or small lesson]. Thank you.

Template B: For an online friend

Hello, I am [Your Name]. I got to know [Friend s Name] online through [platform or interest]. We shared [activity] and they always did [small habit]. Our friendship was proof that connection can happen across screens. I will miss their [trait].

Template C: For a friend who joined late in life

Hi, I am [Your Name]. I met [Friend s Name] in [context]. They came into my life recently but left a big mark. They taught me [lesson]. One moment that matters to me is [short story]. I am grateful for the time we had.

Practical tips for delivery

• Write like you speak Use plain words. If a sentence feels stiff read it aloud and make it sound like a real conversation.
• Keep notes simple Use index cards with one idea per card. That makes it easier to find your place if emotion interrupts you.
• Practice a few times Read your speech out loud to a friend or into your phone. Practice helps your voice remember the flow.
• Plan for emotion It is okay to cry. Pause, breathe, and continue when you are ready. If you cannot finish have a friend ready to step in.
• Use the mic right Hold it a few inches from your mouth. Speak slowly and project to the back of the room when no mic is available.
• Bring a backup Print a copy in case your device fails and bring a small bottle of water for your throat.

Logistics and permission

• Confirm your time limit with the officiant and the family.
• Ask whether any parts of the friend s life should not be mentioned publicly.
• Offer to share a copy of your speech with family so they can include it in a memory book if they wish.

When you want to keep it short

If you are brief that is completely fine. A short, honest memory can be the most powerful thing you say that day. Pick one true image and one sentence that explains why it mattered.

Glossary of useful terms and acronyms

• Eulogy A speech honoring someone who has died, usually given at a funeral or memorial.
• Obituary A written announcement about a death that includes basic facts and service information.
• Order of service The schedule for the ceremony, listing speakers, music, and readings.
• Officiant The person who leads the service. They help coordinate speakers and the flow of the event.
• Celebration of life A less formal event where stories and photos are often the focus.
• Hospice Care that focuses on comfort and quality of life near the end of life. It is not always a place. It can be a care approach at home.
• Mic Short for microphone. A device to help your voice reach the room.

Frequently asked questions

Can I give a eulogy for a friend I only knew briefly

Yes. Speak honestly about what you did know. Focus on one or two memories or traits that felt real to you. Shortness of time does not make your perspective less true.

What if I am too emotional to speak

That is normal. Practice ahead of time and have a plan with a friend who can step in if needed. Use cue cards with short prompts so you can find your place if you pause. People will wait and be patient.

Should I ask family for permission before including certain details

Yes. If you think a memory touches on private matters check with the family before including it. Families appreciate being able to guide how personal information is shared.

How do I handle talking about a friendship that was mostly online

Explain how you met and what the connection felt like. Focus on concrete behaviors and words the person used that show their character. Online friendships can be very real and meaningful.

Is it okay to use humor

Yes, small earned humor is often welcome. Use stories that the person would have laughed about and avoid jokes that could embarrass others. Follow a joke with a sincere line to reconnect the tone.

How long should my eulogy be

Two to five minutes is a strong target for a new friend. If many people are speaking check with the officiant about timing so the event stays on schedule.