How to Write a Eulogy: A Step-by-Step Guide how to ‘Just Say A Few Words.’
Finding words to say when writing a eulogy comes with both incredible challenges and blessings.
To say some words when someone you love has died is a last and perhaps most precious gift. Not everyone feels the need to speak at a funeral. But some do. Often I see the mixture of fear, sadness, desire and gratitude rolled into the phrase, ‘I Just Want To Say A Few Words.’ It is difficult to know where to start, what words to speak, and how to deliver them. My new book will answer those questions.
Debbie Hudson - Unsplash
The challenge, even if you are used to speaking in public, feels magnified. You know you only have one chance to get it right.
The blessing, taking the time to research, reflect and write those words can bring some healing, peace and a feeling of having done something special you will remember forever.
That is the reason why I’m writing a book called:
I Just Want To Say A Few Words - The Ultimate Eulogy Writing Toolkit – A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write a Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.
After writing over 700 eulogies, and taking many hundreds of funerals, I’ve seen about every kind of eulogy, possibly there could be.
The ‘I will say something at the moment’ type, (never a good idea) that either freezes or doesn’t know when to stop. To those who have prepared some words with a balance of humour, story and specific memories. A marked difference separates the two I can assure you.
Writing A Eulogy Is An Art As Much As A Skill
Writing eulogies is like composing no other type of speech. There is art, as much as skill, in writing eulogies.
Each life is unique.
Every lifetime only once lived.
Each is unique and beautiful in their own way.
Each life is completely individual and unrepeatable.
So, it’s an art to write a eulogy.
The experience and choices the person made should be the focus of the words you write. An ‘insert name here’ approach when writing eulogies feels like it takes away something of the essence of what an individual did that made the world a more interesting and vibrant place.
What Is The #1 Lesson I’ve Learned In Writing Over 700 Eulogies?
One key lesson I’ve learned is that it is by asking the right questions we unlock the door to a life. Crafting a eulogy then, beings with asking the right questions.
I’ve been writing eulogies for ten years. In the last three, I have been offering my services as an online eulogy speechwriter.
A doctor in Trinidad and Tobago, and a government official in Nigeria.
A socialite and philanthropist in Washington, DC.
Along with many grandmas who baked scones. Loving mothers who had the power of magic kisses.
Dads who played golf and football with children.
Now I want to pass that experience on to others, to you.
I realised something was missing. Some people wanted help at every step of the process, others wanted guidance on what, but more so, how to write a eulogy. In 2023, I want to expand my eulogy writing services to offer three options:
A Do It Yourself - this will be my eulogy writing toolkit.
A Do It Together - a eulogy rewriting and editing package.
My new book in process - I Just Want To Say A Few Words. The Ultimate Eulogy Writing Toolkit – A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write a Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague. Will be my Do It Yourself option.
I want to create a comprehensive eulogy writing toolkit that will guide anyone through creating a heartfelt and meaningful tribute.
I want it to offer step-by-step guidance on how to write a eulogy, with prompts and suggestions to help you get someone started. It will help guide what and how to say the words, but also is based on well structured and tested public speaking principles used for centuries to craft a speech.
I want it to include sample eulogies to inspire people. There needs to be space to write the eulogy as they go along. With my eulogy writing toolkit, my aim is to help people feel more confident that you’ll be able to create a fitting tribute to the person you’re honouring.
Where Am I So Far In Writing The Book?
I’ve written the first draft of the book. It’s about 120 pages and 30,000 words long.
The first draft is back from my editor and I am changing those edits for the second draft. That’s one thing I’ve learned about writing. All writing is re-writing.
Next will get feedback on draft two and start designing the cover.
Would you like to be a beta reader of the book? Are you interested in learning more about the new book project? If so, thanks!
Please confirm your email below and I’ll keep you updated.
Being a eulogy speechwriter brings meaning and purpose to my life.
Often I’m surrounded by incredible sadness, which at times weighs heavily on my soul. Other times, there is joyful gratefulness to tell of a life well lived. In all, though, is the understanding that each life I write about is unique and so should the words be. I’m grateful I have the opportunity to write and say the last words that will someone will say about someone they love. Knowing that this book could help more people indirectly than I could ever help myself is the vision and hope.
Look out for more updates on the book - I Just Want To Say A Few Words - The Ultimate Eulogy Writing Toolkit – A Simple and Easy Step-by-Step Guide How To Write a Eulogy for A Loved One, Friend or Colleague.
