If you're unsure how to end your eulogy, finish with a simple goodbye, or a thank you for the memories you shared. You might choose to use traditional phrases like 'rest in peace' or 'sleep well'. Or you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share with the person who has died.
The ending of your eulogy should be simple. Addressing the person who has died with a phrase such as, “We will miss you” or “Rest well on your journey, my friend” can be a good way to wrap up. You can also end with an inspirational quote if that feels better to you.
You can preface your introduction with “I have some great family memories of [name] that I would like to share.” Or, for example, if a family member was known for something they did in their life that was family-oriented, you could start with, “I remember when [name] was the family's biggest cheerleader.”
Speak from the heart and say how you feel about the person. Describe the person's qualities. Talk about their career, jobs, hobbies and passions. Talk about their relationships with family, friends and colleagues. Mention things that you inherited or learned from them.
A good eulogy highlights the lasting impact of the person on their family and community. Through your speech, you'll have an opportunity to share their unique qualities, as well as the ripple effect of positivity and change they created in the world around them.
What do they want to hear? Most people want to hear good things about a person who has died, and forget the bad things. But people don't become saints just because they die. Your audience will want to feel you have captured the essence of the person – what makes them special.
We find that most eulogies are between five and ten minutes in duration. If you are sharing the eulogy with others aim for around three minutes each. Adjust the content of your remembrance speech to ensure it is not too brief, or too lengthy.
In a eulogy, do not say anything about the person's cause of death, grudges and old grievances, arguments, character flaws, family rifts, or negative memories.
Memorising your eulogy, or parts of it, will help you feel comfortable. Having the eulogy memorised will encourage you to look up at your audience, as well as make it easier for you if you are reading it and lose your spot. Make sure to have a written copy on hand when delivering the speech.
Don't make it too long. It's best to err on the short side, especially if several people will be speaking. 5-7 minutes is ideal. If there is more than one person speaking, ensure that you cover different aspects of the person's life so that you do not repeat each other.
His business partner in cattle raising gave a eulogy at the funeral. He seems moved by her eulogy. More than half will give a eulogy about their lost pal's character. The first is to deliver a eulogy for Douglas.
The tone of a eulogy should be the speaker's habitual tone. Indeed, it's neither appropriate nor enjoyable for anyone to listen to a formal and impersonal speech that, moreover, doesn't fulfill its primary objective: to pay tribute to the deceased.
If you're unsure how to end your eulogy, finish with a simple goodbye, or a thank you for the memories you shared. You might choose to use traditional phrases like 'rest in peace' or 'sleep well'. Or you can use something less formal, like a greeting or joke you used to share with the person who has died.
Death cannot kill what never dies. Every life is noted and is cherished, and nothing loved is ever lost or perished. The comfort of having a friend may be taken away but not that of having had one. Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.
“There are special people in our lives who never leave us, even after they are gone.” “We do not remember days, we remember moments.” “Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.”
Step One- Share stories and memories
Set aside a couple of hours to share stories and talk about the deceased with family and friends. Write down stories and memorable sayings as you go along. Learning these stories will help bring to mind your memories of the deceased, and go a long way towards preparing your eulogy.