Losing loved ones is a part of life! While funerals and memorial services hold a lot of power in bidding that last farewell, the act of speaking eulogies is something that can do wonders in paying tributes. When one is called upon to speak on such occasions, you may not understand how to go about it or may feel short of words. Here are some basic and simple tips on how to write a touching eulogy.
Meaning of a Eulogy
A Eulogy is giving a remembrance speech in honour of a person who has passed away. It is generally given by a close family member or friend of the deceased. The main thing to remember is that there is no wrong or right way to write a eulogy. Try and capture the true essence of the lost soul while. Here is how you can do so.
- Create an Outline
When we lose a loved one our feelings, emotions, and thoughts are everywhere. We may be missing our loved ones and finding it hard to accept this bitter truth. If you have to give a eulogy you must find time to organize your thoughts, jot them down, and deliver the tribute. It is a process that will allow you to heal in the journey.
- The first point is to welcome everyone and give a brief introduction. Thank everyone for coming, introduce yourself and explain you’re relationship with the deceased.
- Start with a story. Choose some highlight qualities of the deceased that you want to be the centrepiece of the tribute. You can share and portray them through a memory of the loved one so that everyone can relate well to it. Instead of describing in too much detail, try and hit the right points.
- The next thing to do is to share a little about the life history of the deceased. Mention date and place of birth, accomplishments, achievements, hobbies, interests, relationships, and life values. You must cover all the crucial life events of the lost person.
- Make it a point to mention the deceased’s close family members and friends in the eulogy. You can share about the lost soul’s parents, wife, children, uncle, aunts, siblings, and close friends. The best way to do so is through memories and stories.
- Conclude the eulogy with something that uplifts the audience spiritually and emotionally.
- Talk to the Right People
Another thing that the person writing the eulogy must do is to talk to the deceased’s close friends and family. Ask them questions so that you get to know what the lost person meant to others. Add stories from their memories to make the eulogy more touching.
- Take feedback and have a written copy of the speech
Once you’ve written the eulogy and feel confident about it, have some close people who knew the deceased read it so that you can make sure that the eulogy captures the essence of the lost loved one.
Lastly, make a written printed copy of the speech so that you have it in front of you while delivering the speech.
Speaking at the memorial service will allow you to not only pay a tribute but also to heal. In case you face any problems you can hire professional funeral services such as the Last Journey who will prepare touching eulogies and obituaries in the memory of your loved one.
Tip: Try to keep the eulogy personal and positive and it is okay to include some humour!