How to Write a Meaningful Eulogy: 4 Easy Steps

Having been part of the funeral industry and a eulogy writer for over 12 years, Eulogies by Aubrey understands how emotional writing a meaningful funeral speech can be. While this task may seem daunting, Aubrey has put together four easy steps to help you write the perfect speech.
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Whether you're preparing to deliver a eulogy for a loved one or simply seeking to expand your knowledge on this important topic, Aubrey hopes that this guide will equip you with the necessary steps to write your eulogy.

If you find that you need help writing your eulogy, or would like a professional to write it for you, Eulogies by Aubrey is available 24/7. Contact Aubrey or fill out her online eulogy form today.

The Purpose of Eulogies

A eulogy is a speech or written tribute delivered at a funeral or memorial service. Its purpose is to honor the life and legacy of the deceased.

These bereavement speeches serve as an opportunity to celebrate the individual's achievements, share cherished memories, and offer comfort to those in attendance.

And, delivering a well-written eulogy can be a profound and meaningful way to pay respect to the departed and provide solace to the grieving. 

Eulogies can be written for any loss, such as:

• Pets
• Child
• ​Parents
• Friends
• Siblings
• Coworkers
• Neighbors

Writing a Eulogy in 4 Steps

When writing a eulogy, it's important to follow a logical and thoughtful structure to ensure your message is conveyed effectively. Fortunately, this can be done easily by breaking down the speech into four parts: The Introduction, Biographical Highlights, Cherished Memories, and the final Farewell.
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Here is a breakdown of the 4 steps to your speech:

1. Introduction

Begin by introducing yourself and your relationship to the deceased. This helps establish your personal connection as the speaker. Some introduction phrases you can use are:

• "Good morning/afternoon everyone. My name is [Your Name], and I am [relationship to the deceased, e.g., the daughter, son, spouse, close friend, etc.] of [name of the deceased]."
• "It is my honor to be here today to celebrate the life of [name of the deceased], who was [his/her] [relationship to you, e.g., beloved mother, cherished uncle, dear friend] for many years."
• "I stand before you today as [his/her] [relationship], and I am grateful for the opportunity to share some memories and reflect on the incredible life of [name of the deceased]."
• "We are gathered here today to remember and honor [name of the deceased], who was [his/her] [relationship to you] and a dear friend to so many of us."

2. Biographical Highlights

Provide a brief overview of the deceased's life, including key milestones, accomplishments, and defining characteristics. This allows you to paint a vivid picture of the individual being honored. Here are some easy topics you can use:

• "[Name of the deceased] was born on [date] in [place of birth]. [He/She] lived a full and remarkable life, marked by [key milestones, e.g., graduating from [university], serving in the [military branch], founding [company/organization], etc.]."
• "Throughout [his/her] [#] years, [name of the deceased] was known for [his/her] [defining characteristics, e.g., unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, tireless work ethic, adventurous spirit, etc.]. [He/She] accomplished so much, including [list of major accomplishments]."
• "[Name of the deceased] led a life that was truly inspirational. [He/She] was born in [place of birth] and grew up [details about upbringing]. As an adult, [he/she] [key milestones and accomplishments]."

3. Cherished Memories

Share personal anecdotes, stories, and memories that capture the essence of the deceased and their impact on your life. These heartfelt recollections can help the audience connect with the individual on a deeper level. You can use these templates as a way to introduce your memories:

• "One of the things I will always remember about [name of the deceased] is [personal anecdote or story that captures their essence]. [He/She] had a way of [describe their impact or influence]."
• "[Name of the deceased] touched so many lives, including my own. I will forever cherish the memory of [specific memory or story that illustrates their character]."
• "When I think about [name of the deceased], the first thing that comes to mind is [personal story or recollection]. [He/She] had a profound impact on my life, and I am grateful for the time we shared together."

4. Tribute and Farewell

Conclude your eulogy by expressing your gratitude, appreciation, and final farewell to the departed. This is an opportunity to offer words of comfort and closure to the audience. These are Aubrey’s favorite ways to end a eulogy:

• "As we say goodbye to [name of the deceased], I am filled with [emotions, e.g., gratitude, love, admiration] for the incredible person [he/she] was. [He/She] will be deeply missed, but [his/her] legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved [him/her]."
• "[Name of the deceased], you were a true [positive attributes, e.g., inspiration, guiding light, pillar of the community]. We are all better for having known you, and we will carry your memory with us always. May you rest in peace, dear [friend/family member]."
• "As we gather here today to honor [name of the deceased], let us remember the profound impact [he/she] had on our lives. [He/She] was a [positive attributes], and [his/her] spirit will continue to inspire us all. We will miss you dearly, [name of the deceased], but we will forever cherish the time we had together."

If you would like a more in-depth outline, Aubrey also provides a free eulogy template that you can use anytime to help you write your speech.

The key to any meaningful eulogy is to balance celebrating the person's life and providing comfort to the audience. By incorporating a mix of personal details, cherished memories, and heartfelt sentiments, you can craft a eulogy that truly honors the individual and their lasting legacy - all in 4 easy steps.

For visual examples, Aubrey provides examples of her eulogy writing speeches for you to see. They properly demonstrate how she write eulogies for her customers.

Preparing to Give Your Speech

From her time in the funeral industry, Aubrey has found these tips to be useful for someone preparing to deliver a eulogy (or any funeral speech):

Practice and Time Your Delivery: Rehearse your eulogy to ensure a smooth and confident delivery. Aim for a length that allows you to convey your message without overwhelming the audience. Eulogies are 3 to 5 minutes long on average.

Incorporate Multimedia: Consider including photographs, videos, or other visual elements that can enhance the emotional impact of your eulogy.

Seek Input from Others: Collaborate with family members or close friends to gather additional stories, memories, and perspectives that can enrich your eulogy. This is also a great way to gain confidence in giving your speech.

Embrace Your Emotions: It's natural to feel a range of emotions when delivering a eulogy. Allow yourself to express your grief, love, and gratitude authentically.

While giving a speech for any occasion can be nerve-racking, it’s important to remember why you’re doing it. With a eulogy, you can create a meaningful tribute that honors the life of the deceased and provides comfort to those in attendance.

Eulogies by Aubrey hopes this guide has been able to provide comfort during this difficult time. If you would like a free eulogy template, you can use as many times as you need.

​Understandably, writing speeches for funerals or memorials can be more challenging than initially anticipated. If you would like a professional eulogy writer to help you, contact Eulogies by Aubrey or fill out her online Eulogy Writing Service form.  Aubrey is available 24/7 for those that need her.

Aubrey

Eulogies by Aubrey founder and eulogy writer. Learn more about Aubrey and her experience in the funeral industry.

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