Few life events are as emotional and heart-stirring as a funeral. During this time, we come together to say our farewells and find closure. One way to honour the life of our deceased loved one is through a eulogy. For those giving a eulogy, many questions may arise—what should it include, how do I structure it, and what is its purpose? In this article, we'll go through the essential information that should be included in a eulogy, along with an example to guide you through the process.
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Table of Contents
1. A Brief Introduction
Start your eulogy with a brief introduction of yourself and your relationship with the deceased. This helps listeners connect with you and understand your perspective as you share your cherished memories and thoughts about your loved one.
2. Overview of the Deceased's Life
An essential element of any eulogy is providing an overview of the deceased's life. Give a summary of their upbringing, family life, education, career, and some of their significant accomplishments. This section should deliver a snapshot of their life and leave listeners with a better understanding of who they were and their impact on others.
- Birthplace and upbringing
- Education and career
- Family life and relationships
- Achievements and accomplishments
3. Personal Qualities and Characteristics
Highlight some of the personal qualities and characteristics that made your loved one special. Speak about their passions, skills, hobbies, and what they loved about life. This will help paint a vivid picture of the person they were, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
- Interests and hobbies
- Skills and talents
- Values and beliefs
- Personal anecdotes and stories
4. Impact on Others
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A significant part of a eulogy is discussing how the deceased impacted those around them. Talk about the relationships they had with family and friends, and how they enriched the lives of others. Share stories of their generosity, warmth, wisdom, or distinctive personality traits that touched people's lives.
- How they supported loved ones
- Acts of kindness and generosity
- How they inspired or taught others
- Humorous or memorable moments
5. Meaningful Quotes or Poems
Incorporate quotes, poems, or song lyrics that held special meaning to your loved one, or that capture their essence. These can also serve as a source of comfort to listeners during this emotional time.
6. Closing Remarks and Expressions of Gratitude
End your eulogy with closing remarks that express gratitude for the time and memories shared with the deceased. Offer condolences to the family, and invite others to cherish their memories of the person who has passed away. This provides a sense of closure and encourages others to continue honouring the memory of the deceased.
What Information Is Included In A Eulogy Example:
Sample Eulogy
Good morning, my name is John, and I had the privilege of being Jane's brother. Today, I would like to honour her memory by sharing some moments from her life and the qualities that made her so special.
Jane was born in Springfield and raised by loving parents who instilled in her the values of kindness and determination. She was an exceptional student and went on to build a successful career in graphic design. In every aspect of her life, Jane pursued excellence.
Jane's passion for art brought colour to our world, and her infectious laughter could light up a room. She enjoyed travelling and brought home memories of beautiful landscapes from her journeys. Through her dedication to volunteering at the local animal shelter, Jane displayed her compassionate heart.
Her generosity and willingness to help others made a lasting impact on those who knew her. Like the time she helped our elderly neighbour paint her house, or when she orchestrated a surprise birthday party for a friend going through a difficult time. Jane was always there when someone needed a helping hand or just a listening ear.
In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Jane had the power to make everyone around her feel valued and loved.
As we gather here today, we remember Jane for her wisdom, warmth, and unyielding spirit. Her light will not be extinguished with her passing, as it lives on through the memories we share. In moments of sorrow, may we find solace in the happiness she brought to our lives.
Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate Jane's life and for the support you've shown her family during this time.
A eulogy serves as a powerful tribute that honours the life and memory of our deceased loved one. As you prepare to give a eulogy, be sure to include essential elements such as the person's life overview, personal qualities, their impact on others, and closing remarks. Drawing from our example and tips above, you'll be well-equipped to craft a heartfelt and memorable eulogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a eulogy and what is its purpose?
A eulogy is a speech given at a memorial service that pays tribute to the person who has passed away. Its purpose is to honor the deceased’s life, share memories, and acknowledge their impact on others. It is a way for loved ones to say goodbye and to celebrate the life that was lived.
Who is typically responsible for giving a eulogy?
Often, a close family member or a dear friend of the deceased is chosen to give a eulogy. It can also be delivered by a religious leader, a colleague, or anyone else who was significantly close to the individual.
How long should a eulogy be?
A eulogy is usually between 5 to 10 minutes long. The length can vary depending on the context of the service and the number of speakers, but it is generally best to keep it concise out of respect for the attendees’ time.
What are some key elements that are typically included in a eulogy?
A typical eulogy can include a brief life history of the deceased, personal stories, achievements, character traits, and the impact they had on others. It may also include expressions of love and gratitude, as well as readings or poems that were significant to the deceased or the bereaved.
How do I start writing a eulogy?
Start by reflecting on the life and character of the deceased. Gather memories, anecdotes, and information from friends and family to paint a full picture. Organize your thoughts and decide on the tone you wish to set, whether it’s celebratory, solemn, or a mix of both.
Can a eulogy include humor?
Yes, humor can be a beautiful way to celebrate someone’s life, provided it is appropriate and respectful. It can offer a moment of lightness during a difficult time, but it should always be used thoughtfully and in a way that honors the deceased.
What should I avoid saying in a eulogy?
Avoid mentioning topics that could be painful or sensitive for the family and friends, such as unresolved conflicts, the deceased's shortcomings, or anything contentious. Focus on the positive memories and impact of the deceased.
How should I prepare for delivering a eulogy?
Practice reading your eulogy several times to become familiar with it. Consider the pacing and pauses for effect. It may also help to practice in front of a friend or family member for feedback.
Is it acceptable to read a eulogy from a paper?
Yes, it is absolutely acceptable and common to read from a paper or note cards. It helps ensure that you don't miss any important points you want to make during an emotionally difficult time.
What is the best way to close a eulogy?
The best way to close a eulogy is by summarizing the essence of the person’s life in a few sentences, offering words of farewell, or ending with a meaningful quote or poem that resonates with the spirit of the deceased.
Can I use quotes or readings in a eulogy?
Yes, incorporating quotes, readings, or even verses that were meaningful to the deceased or to those grieving can add depth and universality to the tribute.
Should I include the cause of death in the eulogy?
The cause of death does not necessarily need to be included in a eulogy and can be omitted if you feel it is not appropriate or if it may cause distress to the attendees.
How do I handle my emotions while delivering a eulogy?
It's normal to be emotional when delivering a eulogy. Allow yourself to express feelings authentically. Pausing to take deep breaths, drinking water, or having a friend ready to stand by you for support can help manage emotions during delivery.
Is it necessary to include religious content in a eulogy?
Religious content is not necessary unless it was an important aspect of the deceased’s life or it is expected by the bereaved family. Even so, always aim to be inclusive of the beliefs of all who are present.
What if there are multiple people giving eulogies?
If multiple people are giving eulogies, coordinate with them beforehand to avoid repetition. Each speaker can focus on different aspects of the deceased’s life to provide a well-rounded tribute.
How can I personalize a eulogy?
Personalizing a eulogy can be done by sharing personal anecdotes, details that capture the essence of the deceased, and reflecting on the unique relationship you had with them. Details such as their sense of humor, their passions, and their impact on your life all contribute to a personal tribute.
Can I get help with writing a eulogy?
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to seek help when writing a eulogy. Friends, family members, and even professional writers or funeral directors can provide assistance and support.
What should I wear when delivering a eulogy?
It is best to wear attire that is respectful and appropriate for the occasion. Typically, somber and conservative clothing is preferred and it’s advisable to adhere to any dress codes if the memorial service is religious or culturally specific.
How do I incorporate acknowledgements or thanks into a eulogy?
Acknowledgements or thanks can be incorporated at the beginning or end of the eulogy. This is the opportunity to thank individuals or organizations for their care, support, or contributions to the deceased’s life.
Can I involve others in delivering the eulogy?
Yes, involving others can be a touching way to involve those who were close to the deceased. You can ask them to share anecdotes or read passages during the eulogy to add different perspectives.
What if I become too overwhelmed to finish the eulogy?
If you become too overwhelmed, it's perfectly acceptable to pause and collect yourself. You can also prepare a backup plan by asking someone you trust to be ready to take over reading the eulogy if you find it too difficult to continue.
Is it okay to make changes to the eulogy last minute?
While it’s best to have the eulogy prepared in advance, last-minute changes are understandable, particularly if they reflect new insights, emotions, or relevant events that have occurred leading up to the service.
If you found this article helpful, please don't hesitate to share it with others. Be sure to explore our other guides and resources on Eulogy Assistant to ensure your speech writing process is seamless and stress-free.