How To Start Writing A Eulogy

Losing a loved one is a devastating experience that shakes one's foundation to the core. In the midst of grief, shock, and numbness, you may be given the responsibility of writing a eulogy for your dearly departed. It's an immense task, and you may feel daunted by the prospect – but don't worry. This blog post will guide you through the process of starting a eulogy that not only honours your loved one's memory, but also helps everyone attending the funeral understand their life and legacy.

Writing a eulogy is a profound and incomparable way of paying tribute to someone who has touched your life. A well-crafted, heartfelt eulogy can serve as a source of comfort and solace for those who are grieving, and also become a cherished keepsake that is passed onto future generations. With that in mind, let's dive into the key components of a heartfelt eulogy and how to get started on this emotionally-charged writing journey.

Step 1: Gather Your Thoughts and Memories

To begin writing a eulogy, take some time to collect your thoughts and reminisce about the person who has passed. Note down your memories, anecdotes, and stories that best embody their unique qualities, achievements, and impact on others. You may also want to speak to close friends and family members to gain insight into their perspective on the departed or hear stories you may not have known about. All of this information will help you paint a more comprehensive picture of the person you are honouring in the eulogy.

Step 2: Establish a Theme or Angle

Once you have collected your thoughts and memories, consider the overarching theme or angle that will guide the structure and content of your eulogy. Perhaps you want to focus on the person's resilience in overcoming life's challenges, or their passion for helping others. Identifying a central theme will help you select the most pertinent stories and examples to include in your speech, ensuring it is cohesive and carries a clear message.

Step 3: Outline Your Eulogy

Start by creating a simple outline for your eulogy, which will serve as the backbone of your speech. The typical structure you should consider includes:
- Introduction: Briefly introduce the person and explain your connection to them.
- Body: Share anecdotes, stories, and details that best illustrate the theme you have chosen. It's important to balance the narrative and ensure you touch on both their personal and professional life, as well as their impact on those around them.
- Closing: Conclude your eulogy by summarising the person's legacy and expressing gratitude for having known them.

Step 4: Write the Eulogy

Now that your outline is in place, it's time to start writing the eulogy. Keep in mind that a good eulogy should be authentic, heartfelt, and engaging. Don't be afraid to show emotion and share how much the person meant to you – this will resonate with the audience and help them feel connected to the memory of their loved one. Remember to keep the tone respectful, but don't shy away from including humour if it's appropriate and true to the personality of the deceased.

How To Start Writing A Eulogy Example

Imagine you must write a eulogy for an aunt who was well-known for her love of travel and exploration. Your introduction could explain how she inspired your own sense of wanderlust, and your body could include anecdotes about her adventures to far-off places – thrilling, funny, or heartwarming stories that illustrate her indomitable spirit. Your closing could express gratitude for the lessons she imparted and acknowledge the impact she had on those who knew her.

Embarking on the emotional journey of writing a eulogy can be daunting, but following these steps and keeping the focus on honouring your loved one can help make the task more manageable. When the day comes to deliver the eulogy, remember that it's not about delivering a perfectly polished speech – it's about sharing your memories, feelings, and love for the person who has passed.

To help you craft a personalised eulogy that honours your loved one's life and legacy, consider using Eulogy Assistant. This innovative tool is designed to take the pain and guesswork out of eulogy writing, giving you a helping hand when it counts the most.