Eulogy Writing - It’s Easier Than You Think

A eulogy is an oral memorial given in memory of someone who has died. The speech is usually delivered at a funeral or memorial service.

Poet Laureate, Andrew Morton gives a more eloquent definition:

“The eulogy is the moment at which the deceased is brought close,
and a time when he or she steps away.
It is at once a greeting and a letting go.”

The eulogy includes the life history of the person who has died, details about family, friends, work, career, interests, achievements, stories or memories, favorite poems, songs and quotes.

Writing a Eulogy

As a starting guide, the following tips may be of assistance:
• Try to develop a theme
• Avoid a chronological account of their life
• Research and plan what you will say
• Refer to key points, rather than reading a script

To make writing easier, include information about:
• When and where was the deceased born
• Nicknames and/or names known to others
• Parents names - where they met and married
• Brothers and Sisters
• Early childhood - localities and interests
• Schools attended, awards gained
• Academic or trade qualifications and achievements
• Some interesting items about childhood days
• Information about any war or military service
• Information about marriages, divorces, children, significant relationships
• Grandchildren/great grandchildren
• Club memberships, position held
• Information about sporting achievements
• Hobbies or interests, travel, crafts etc.
• Details of historical significance
• Preferences, likes and dislikes
• Any special stories, sayings, qualities that are significant to others

Further writing tips can be found at:

www.dying.about.com/od/eulogies/ht/write_eulogy.htm
www.expertvillage.com/video-series/6503_how-prepare-deliver-eulogy.htm

Sample Eulogies and Speeches

If you’re writing a eulogy for the first time, things will be easier for if you a sample to help. Sample eulogies should be used as a guide for creating and customizing your own. Re-write them to contain your own thoughts and emotions about the loss of the person you are dedicating the eulogy to. Here are a few sites to get you started:

www.eulogyspeech.net
www.eulogyspeeches.net
www.words2touch.com
www.speech-writers.com

Memorial Poems and Song Lyrics

Sometimes it’s difficult to write exactly what you want. Often people find it easier to use poems or song lyrics which have a special meaning for them or the deceased. You may find some of the following sites useful:

www.nextgenmemorials.com
www.beyondtheveil.net
www.poemsource.com
www.memorial-poems.co.uk

www.songlyrics.com
www.elyrics.net
www.lyrics.com

Public Speaking - A Few Tricks to Make it Easier

Did you know that public speaking tops the list of phobias for most people? Not spiders or heights - public speaking - speech in public! It’s normal to be nervous and have a lot of anxiety when speaking in public. In a way, it’s less normal NOT to have nerves or anxiety.

Remember, mistakes are all right. Recovering from mistakes makes you appear more human. Good recovery puts your audience at ease - they identify with you more.

Don’t forget, a funeral is one of the few times when an audience is sympathetic towards the speaker. Many are very grateful they are not the one delivering the speech.

Here are some helpful tips for the day you deliver the eulogy:
• Clothes: Wear comfortable, appropriate clothes.
• Water: Have a cup of water with you during the speech.
• Relax. Take your time. People are likely to be sympathetic.
• Stand still. Be calm.
• Breathe.
• Speak slowly. Think about what you are saying.
• Pause to regain composure if necessary.
• Have a back up plan in case you are unable to continue

For more information:

www.actnow.com.au
dying.about.com/od/eulogies

Links to Popular Poetry Resources

www.netpoets.com/poems
www.quotesandpoem.com
www.familyfriendpoems.com
www.poemhunter.com
www.poetseers.org