What words can truly describe a life? How do you begin to talk about someone who has passed away? How do you say goodbye in the right way? Writing a eulogy is about sharing memories and celebrating someone’s life with love and care. It’s a chance to reflect and connect with others who feel the same loss.
Start with meaning and end with peace. These moments will stay in people’s hearts. What makes a beginning special? What brings comfort at the end?
Starting a Eulogy: Setting the Tone
The opening of your eulogy decides how people will listen. It needs to capture attention. It sets the direction for the rest of your speech. Use clear and direct words. Start with intention.
- Heartfelt Anecdote
Share a short story from their life. Make it specific to who they were. Speak about a moment that shows their personality. It could be a morning spent walking through a park. Tell a story that speaks for itself. - Quotation
Start with a quote that connects to who they were. Choose words they believed in or lived by. Keep the quote short and easy to understand. Avoid common sayings. Connect the quote to their actions or habits. - Universal Truth
Talk about what brings everyone together. Speak directly about the purpose of gathering. Use simple words to describe this shared moment of memory and reflection. Avoid big statements or clichés. Make it personal and direct. - Acknowledging Attendees
Thank everyone for coming. Speak about the effort people have made to be there. Mention those who travelled or made sacrifices to attend. Keep your words short and genuine.
Your opening is the first connection with your audience. Use plain words and direct sentences. Speak with intention.
Telling the Story: Building the Eulogy’s Heart
The middle of your eulogy brings the person to life through their actions and relationships. Share specific details about how they spent their time. Talk about their routines, hobbies, or the way they mark special occasions. Speak about their presence at home, in the workplace, or within the community. Use examples that others can recognise and connect with.
Focus on one or two key achievements that defined their life. Avoid listing too many accomplishments. Describe their contributions in clear and simple terms. Share a story that shows their character or sense of humour. Let the story stand on its own without adding unnecessary explanation.
Reflect on their connections with others. Speak about their friendships and the relationships they built over time. Highlight the impact they had on those closest to them. End this section with a moment or thought that prepares for the closing, creating a natural transition in your speech.
Ending a Eulogy: Leaving a Lasting Impression
The ending of your eulogy gives the audience closure. It helps them reflect on the life you are celebrating. Use clear and focused language to leave an impact.
- A Call to Action for the Living
Encourage the audience to carry forward the values of the person being remembered. Speak about one quality or habit that defined their life. Use direct words to ask others to keep that legacy alive. This can inspire people to live with the same kindness, generosity, or courage. - A Poem or Song Excerpt
Choose lines from a poem or song that reflect their life. Focus on words that connect with their character or experiences. Avoid using phrases that feel overused or impersonal. Select something that the audience can relate to and remember after the service. - A Closing Memory
End with a story that captures who they were. Share a specific moment that reflects their personality or how they lived. Let the story speak for itself without adding unnecessary commentary. This helps the audience leave with a vivid image in their mind. - Gratitude
Thank the audience for coming. Speak directly about the effort they made to be there. Keep your message short and sincere. This shows respect for everyone who came to support each other. - A Farewell
End with a simple goodbye. Speak directly to the person you are remembering. Use words that feel natural and personal to you. Leave the audience with a feeling of peace and closure. This final moment will stay with them.
Create a Tribute That Matters
Funera Sydney can provide support in writing your eulogy. Our team can guide you in creating a tribute that reflects the person’s life. Contact us to discuss how we can assist with this important task.