How to Write a Eulogy or Elegy

A eulogy is a speech written for someone who has died that is read at the funeral service. An elegy is similar, but is usually a poem. Here's how to write one well.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• pen and paper
• or a computer
• photos and other memories

1. Begin by looking through old photos. These should help remind you of things you may have forgotten over the years, like your father's ability to play the acoustic guitar or how your grandmother knitted everyone a winter scarf.

2. Some people begin a eulogy with a few words about life in general. You can quote a famous philosopher with a quote like, "Life is a journey, not a destination". And then go with that theme. Discuss your loved one's journey through life, parenthood, returning to school in adulthood, or whatever applies.

3. Talk about what set that person apart from most people; it doesn't have to be all positive things either. If your older brother was totally stubborn, you can tell a quick story about how he was a stubborn pain-in-the-butt and how he drove you crazy. Just make sure it's funny and not rude.

4. Ask others close to the deceased to share stories with you. This will help you get a complete picture of what they were like and talk about them from the viewpoint of others.

Tips & Warnings

• When I gave a eulogy, I ended with "I will always remember..." and I gave a list of a bunch of things that I didn't have time to talk about but that I wanted to share. These are like quick flashbulb memories for people as your speech ends.
• Keep your eulogy at an appropriate length. A long, boring eulogy will put people to sleep and a really short one will make it look like you barely knew them.

Resources

• How to Write an Obituary

[yourbodycraves]

on 4/21/2009 interesting article on writing an obituary.