When writing a eulogy, you can feel a lot of pressure. It’s a somber occasion, and writing and delivering eulogy speeches is no easy task. Writing one can seem hard enough; then delivering it in front of the deceased individual’s family and friends can feel even tougher. But it does not have to be as daunting as it seems.
The first thing to do is to gain inspiration from the individual’s life. Think of some key instances that display that person’s finer points in life that everyone present can appreciate or relate to.
Make an outline for yourself if that works for you. Sometimes it is easier to lay out bullet points that you can later elaborate on.
Think about the context of the situation and everyone present. Be mindful of the tone of the day. It is certainly OK to incorporate humor, but keep in mind how you would write a Best Man or Maid of Honor speech–don’t make it too raunchy or inappropriate.
Just like you would write a paper in high school or college, make a draft for yourself. That way, you can take a break from the emotional process. It’s always easier to go back and look over a draft with fresh eyes. Also, you can have close family or friends read your draft as well. When you’re reading something over and over, trying to get it right, it can be tiring. Breaks are crucial.
Some good things to have in a eulogy include (but are not limited to):
*light-hearted stories
*good advice or life lessons taken from the deceased
*Bible passages or poems
Once you have a final draft, just practice your eulogy like you would any other speech. Recite it a few times (don’t over-practice it) in front of a mirror or family and friends. Beyond that, just take deep breaths and be confident when it comes to delivering it.