Writing the eulogy is an important and deeply personal part of making funeral plans. This short but profound speech allows you to honor the life of a lost loved one. Producing an eloquent monologue that accurately illustrates your feelings can be a challenge for many. The guide below will help you express your feelings and pay tribute. 

How to Prepare a Eulogy

1. Gather Your Thoughts

Like any speech, eulogies must have a flow that your audience can follow. Brainstorming before you begin can help you create a touching and heartfelt speech. Think about what you wish to convey about the deceased, speak with family and friends about memories and experiences, and make a checklist of what you might end up using. These will help you choose a central theme for the eulogy.

2. Write a First Draft

In the midst of funeral plans, you may have trouble finding time to refine the eulogy, but the emotional impact of the final product will certainly be worth the effort. Use your checklist to create an outline, then allow the outline to guide your draft. In general, eulogies should last no longer than five minutes, though you can go longer or shorter if you like. There are no set rules for eulogy content, so always speak from the heart.

3. Make It Personal

You don’t need to write the perfect speech—instead, focus on making it personal. Rather than simply listing facts about the deceased, share cherished memories and connections. Demonstrate their accomplishments, what they loved to do, and how they impacted you personally. 

4. Keep It Respectful & Positive

The funeral is a time for loved ones to mourn, but it’s also an opportunity for you to celebrate the life and achievements of the deceased. Share stories that outline the good in their character and allow your audience to recall happy memories. You can use lighthearted humor or a more somber tone, but try to avoid anecdotes that may be inappropriate for the context or that reflect negatively on your loved one. 

5. Ask for Help

Making funeral plans is a difficult process, so it’s always a good idea to ask for help. Whether you reach out to family, friends, or the funeral home, there are likely many people eager to offer support and guidance. Ask for organizational tips, ideas, or even an audience to practice your speech on.

No one should have to arrange funeral plans on their own. At Abriola Parkview Funeral Home of Trumbull, CT, we are here to guide you through these challenging times every step of the way. Family-owned and -operated for over 100 years, our funeral home strives to help you memorialize your loved one properly. Whether you need assistance writing the eulogy or organizing the ceremony, we have the experience and resources to ease the planning process. Call (203) 373-1013 to speak with a compassionate team member about our funeral services. For additional grief resources, visit our website.