What To Say When Speaking At A Funeral

Losing a loved one can be one of the most distressing experiences in life. In the midst of this emotional turmoil, you might be asked to deliver a eulogy at the funeral. A eulogy is a speech that pays tribute to the deceased and fondly remembers their life, character, and achievements. Speaking at a funeral can be a daunting task, especially if you're unsure of what to say. This blog post will guide you through crafting a heartfelt eulogy and provide a realistic example. We will also introduce you to the Eulogy Assistant, a valuable tool for helping you create a memorable and touching funeral speech.

1. Plan your speech

Before you start writing your eulogy, spend some time thinking about the person you have lost. What experiences, qualities, and achievements should be highlighted in the speech? Consider asking close family and friends for their input, as they might have special memories or insights that you can incorporate into the eulogy.

2. Begin with a warm introduction

Start your eulogy with a heartfelt introduction that sets the tone for the speech. You might want to share your relationship with the deceased or express your gratitude for the opportunity to speak about your loved one. By doing this, you create an immediate connection with your audience and acknowledge the solemnity of the occasion.

3. Focus on the person's life and character

Share stories that illustrate the qualities and characteristics of the deceased. Talk about their achievements, hobbies, and passions, as well as moments when they displayed strength, courage, or kindness. These anecdotes will create a vivid portrait of the person's life and help the audience remember them fondly.

4. Offer comfort and hope

During a eulogy, it's essential to provide support and solace for the grieving. Offer words of comfort and express your belief that the deceased is now in a better place, if appropriate to their beliefs. Share a quote, a poem, or a religious verse that reflects their personality and provides solace to the mourners.

5. End on a positive note

Conclude your eulogy with uplifting words that leave the audience with a sense of hope and gratitude for the deceased's impact on their lives. You might thank the deceased for the love, joy, and memories they left behind or highlight the legacy they'll leave through their family, friends, and accomplishments.

What To Say When Speaking At A Funeral Example

"Good morning, everyone. My name is Jane, and I was fortunate to call Linda my dear friend for over 20 years. I am honored to stand before you today to celebrate her life and share some of the memories we created together.

Linda was an extraordinary person who filled the lives of everyone around her with love, laughter, and positivity. When I think of her, I remember the countless family gatherings where she would create elaborate, delicious dishes for us all to enjoy. Her passion for cooking brought us together and made every meal a celebration.

She was also a dedicated volunteer in our community, always finding ways to use her talents to help others. One summer, she organized a charity bake sale and enlisted our entire friend group to make baked goods that raised a significant amount for a local children's hospital.

In times of sorrow, Linda's compassion and empathy were unparalleled. I remember when I lost my mother; she was there to offer a shoulder to cry on and words of consolation. 'Your mother will always be with you,' she said, 'and so will I.'

To conclude, I want to leave you with a quote from poet Maya Angelou that I think captures Linda's essence: 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' This is how we will remember Linda - for the love, joy, and warmth she brought into our lives.

Thank you, Linda, for the memories and the love. You will forever be in our hearts."

Writing a eulogy requires a balance of emotions and memories as you honor your loved one's life. If you're unsure how to begin or want assistance in crafting a heartfelt eulogy, consider using the Eulogy Assistant, the world's #1 eulogy speech writing tool. With its intuitive guidance, you'll be able to create a touching, personalized eulogy in minutes, allowing you to focus on celebrating the life of the person you've lost.