A speech usually given or delivered at the funeral service for a loved one who passed away is called eulogy. Family members, relatives, close friends, mentors, and followers are the people who usually give their final words of honor and respect to the deceased person. If you are to give a eulogy, you would not want to just walk there and talk about anything your heart wants to say. For almost all individuals who already delivered a eulogy, preparing for the speech ahead of time is a way to deliver it. In writing a eulogy, here’s what the experts say:
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Think Who You Are Writing This Eulogy For
The first thing to keep in mind when writing a eulogy is to think who this is for. You may want to consider your relationship with the deceased person or your connection, if you are not related. You may also want to consider whether you are writing one in behalf of a group or family. The message you deliver will be more meaningful if you will be able to let the listeners know how you are connected to the deceased person. Moreover, a eulogy is written and delivered to pay tribute to the person and to make the celebration of life more significant and memorable to the family.
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Decide on the Tone of the Eulogy
In writing a eulogy, deciding which tone you want will make it easier to create a beautiful context of message for the person who passed away. You can have a eulogy in lighter tone or in a humorous tone. You can also have both tones in one eulogy. Other people prefer to be solemn in their eulogy while others want it done in such a classical tone. On the other hand, you are free to write and deliver your eulogy in a more personal way.
On the other hand, the tone of the eulogy should be based on the situation. For example, a teenager who became a victim of reckless driving deserved a eulogy that is somehow serious and somber. If the funeral service or memorial service is meant to celebrate life, the eulogy can be in a victorious or humorous tone.
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Focus on the Content of the Eulogy
The content of your eulogy is the message you want to express. You can begin it with an introduction, wherein you can introduce yourself and how you are related to the deceased person. You can state how you happened to know the person, in case you are not related. For the body of your eulogy, you can use a poem or a song or a story with which you and the deceased person were connected once. There are stories about achievements or even failures that you may want to share to the listeners in your eulogy. The main key here is the story how you are inspired and changed because of the person.
In the body of the eulogy, let the listeners know that the deceased person is loved or appreciated or that you consider the person unique and special. Write it in such a way that one idea flows to the next. You can vary the tone or the length of your sentences, and even the language, in order to express your emotions and to draw attention of the listeners.
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Keep Your Eulogy Positive and Personal
Your eulogy is your message to the deceased person. Although it is meant to let others know the positive character of the person, keep in mind that it is also meant for you to convey your gratitude, respect, and love for the person. It is best to write it with a personal touch, knowing that the person you are writing it for is there listening to what you are saying.
On the other hand, your eulogy should not be about who the deceased person was because most of the people there already knew that. Instead, give emphasis to the incomparable things and exceptional characteristics he or she had shown.
It is important to avoid negative things or ideas about the person and ever allow anyone to be offended, especially the family, in the eulogy you want to deliver. By simply being honest and positive, a nice eulogy can be very meaningful.
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Conclude the Eulogy
The conclusion is a very important part of the eulogy. It does not have to be very long, and a simple ending is just great to keep the speech more reflective of the person’s character. If you want to draw the listener’s attention, you can even end one with a quote. An interesting quote or phrase that describes the deceased person will surely linger in the mind and heart of the listeners.
In addition, the conclusion should also make a call to action in support of the family. If they ask friends and colleagues to support their advocacy or to fund a charitable organization, this is the best time to remind the listeners of the request. Saying farewell to a loved one can be said through a heartwarming eulogy conclusion that is focused on the deceased person’s beautiful soul and memorable life.
In writing a eulogy, it does not have to be too wordy. It may sound tough and challenging but with a sincere message of love delivered in a respectful and uplifting tone, every word you say will comfort the family at this time of grief and mourning.