3 Tips for Writing a Meaningful Eulogy

Have you been asked to delver a eulogy at a loved one’s funeral? Do you want to make sure you do a great job but not sure how to even begin writing such a tribute? While this can be a challenging task, directors of funeral homes in Willits, CA. have this advice to help. 

1. Keep it Short 

You may realize that once you start writing the eulogy, it can become long very quickly. Even though you may want to talk about all of the wonderful achievements and attributes of your loved one, the fact is, you will need to edit it down. 

Most eulogies are just about 5-10 minutes in length (about 750-1000 words when written). While this doesn’t sound like a lot of time, you may be surprised to find how much you can add in if you simply edit and hit the key points you want. 

Of course, you can always go longer than 10 minutes but it is not recommended. Most people, conscious of it or not, will tend to “zone out” and not truly listen after about that 10 minute mark. What you have to say is important so to make sure people hear it-all of it- and keep it short. 

2. Use Topics for Inspiration 

While every eulogy is different and customized for the individual person it is written for, there are some topics that you can use for inspiration. These include things such as: 

• A short summary of their life and achievements/milestones 
  
• Share a favorite memory or story that shows the kind of person they were 
  
• Talk about any of their favorite hobbies, passions, or causes they stood behind 
  
• Share a poem or song that is written by someone the deceased admired 

3. Write, Edit, Recite, Repeat 

When you write your eulogy it is not very often that it will be perfect on the first try. You will most likely have to go though a process to end up with the final speech. This process can look something like this: 

• Write – You will sit down and write the first draft 
• Recite- After you have the first draft, ask if you can read it for family or friends. Get their opinions on things like: 

• Was it too long? 
  
• Does the speech do their life justice? 
  
• Did I leave anything out? 
  
• Is there anything I should add? Remove? 

• Edit-  After you recite the speech and gather the feedback, you will then go back and edit the draft 
  
• Repeat – You may need to recite and edit a few times until you feel you have the final product. Repeat this process as many times as necessary for you to feel comfortable with the final draft. 

Being asked to deliver a eulogy is a wonderful honor. Although it can feel a bit overwhelming and you may be nervous, just remember to write from your heart and you will be sure to do your loved one justice. 

If you need to make arrangements for your loved one with funeral homes in Willits, CA., please give us a call or come by anytime as we are always here and available to help you with your services needs.