Whether you were chosen or volunteered to write a eulogy, you may not be sure what to actually put in it or how to start. You may already be limited in the amount of time you have to get it done, especially if the death was unexpected. The good news is that there are some tips for a good eulogy that you can implement to make this process easy.
Tips for Creating a Eulogy
If you are wondering how to create a eulogy, read on to find out different ways you can get creative.
Don’t Make It too Long
First, don’t stress yourself out over writing a four-page eulogy. It doesn’t have to be that long. The best advice is to keep it to a sensible length. A eulogy no longer than two pages is perfect, but it depends on what resonates with you. If you were extremely close to this particular individual and have a lot to say about him or her, you can write more.
Share Good Memories
Make sure that you write about some stories that can bring happiness to everyone’s hearts when they hear them. These happy memories will be a good way for the people attending to remember the deceased. If you are unable to recall the actual details of a particular time or story, you can always request assistance from other loved ones.
Proofread It
Don’t just proofread it yourself. Make sure that you have another person read the eulogy for you, preferably someone who was close to the deceased individual. The person you choose to proofread the eulogy should be able to tell you what to keep and/or to get rid of. They may also have some other memories for you to add.
Remember the Audience
While you are writing a eulogy, you need to tread carefully. The last thing you want to do is upset anyone who may be attending the services. You can add a couple of laid-back, happy, jokes but only if they are suitable. If you are unsure of something, just leave it out.
Read It Out Loud
When you begin to read your eulogy out loud, you will notice that it is not the same as writing it. Certain things may sound different to you, and you may also discover that you may have a different choice of words, etc.
Don’t Talk Fast
You may have already read the eulogy a hundred times before the day of the service, so you may be close to having it memorized. This can have an impact on the way you deliver it to the audience. Remember to talk slowly to allow the audience to hear what you are saying.
Add Something Memorable
At the end of your eulogy, it is a good idea to mention something that is entirely memorable. You can use the ending to repeat a memory you’ve already mentioned or use just one more memory at the end, unlike the others. You can also leave the audience with uplifting words.