One of the most important components of a funeral service is the reading of the eulogy, which is a speech that sums up the departed person's life. It is often one of the most emotional parts of the service and the aspect that visitors take with them and remember. An effective speech will touch the listeners and help provide comfort to survivors. If you have been invited to give a eulogy, below is a short introduction to what it is and how to complete it.

What Is a Eulogy?

The word "eulogy" derives from the Greek word for "praise." However, it should do more than praise the departed. It should tell the story of their life, explain who they were, and discuss the impact the person had on others. In most cases, the eulogy is delivered by someone who knew the deceased individual well, often a spouse, child, sibling, or close friend. This enables them to delve deeply into the character, behavior, quirks, and likes and dislikes of the departed. This results in a more intimate portrait than if it was composed by someone, even a skilled speaker, who had only met the person a few times. 

How Do You Compose a Eulogy?

Start by making a list of all the things you want to say. For instance, note down some comical memories of the departed's life. Touch on their career, family, hobbies, and other important interests. 

Once you have a list of topics, try to connect them together in a unifying theme. For example, choose examples that illustrate how the deceased was a great parent, how much they loved being out in nature, or how passionate they were about the well-being of animals. If you have difficulty selecting a theme, ask yourself, "What are the first aspects I think of when I remember this person?"

Before composing, create an outline to organize your thoughts. Introduce the theme, jot down possible stories that support that theme, and place them in an order that makes sense. Don't worry about connecting them at this stage, as you can do that and reorder the points if necessary, later.

When you finally write the eulogy, you will have the theme and stories you want to tell, but must now create the connective tissue between them. You don’t have to compose every word, although many people find it easier to do that than to find the proper words at the funeral service.

If you've lost a loved one and must plan a funeral service, contact the Cremation Service of Western New York in Rochester. They have served Monroe County and beyond since 1991. They offer cremation services, memorial services, funeral arrangements, and urns, and provide sturdy, compassionate support during your time of loss. Call them at (585) 544-4500 to arrange a funeral service or visit their website for answers to frequently asked questions.