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The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Eulogy That Doesn’t Suck

December 1, 2023

What’s a eulogy and why do we give them ?



A eulogy is a speech you give at a funeral to honor someone who died. It’s a way of showing respect and love for the person who passed away, and sharing some of their best moments and qualities with others.



A good eulogy can make people laugh, cry, and remember the person who died in a positive way. It can also help people cope with their grief and say goodbye to their loved ones.


How do you write a eulogy that doesn’t suck?


Writing a eulogy can be hard, especially if you’re feeling sad or nervous. But don’t worry, we got you. Here are some tips to help you write a eulogy that rocks:


  • Start with a hook. Grab the audience’s attention with a funny or touching story, a quote, or a song lyric that relates to the person who died.
  • Tell them who you are. Introduce yourself and explain your relationship to the person who died.
  • Give an overview of their life. Highlight the main events and achievements of their life, like their family, career, hobbies, etc.
  • Share some stories. This is the most important part of the eulogy. Pick a few stories that show the person’s personality, values, and impact on others. Make them vivid and specific, and use humor and emotion when appropriate.
  • Wrap it up. End the eulogy with a final message of gratitude, love, or hope. You can also use a poem, a song, or a quote that sums up how you feel about the person who died.


How long should a eulogy be?

A good eulogy should be about 5 to 10 minutes long, or around 700 to 3,000 words. You don’t want to bore the audience or take up too much time. Keep it short and sweet, and focus on the most important points.


What should you avoid in a eulogy?

A eulogy is not the time to air your dirty laundry or roast the person who died. You want to be respectful and honest but not rude or mean. Here are some things you should avoid in a eulogy:

  • The cause of death. Unless it’s relevant or the family wants you to mention it, don’t talk about how the person died. It can be upsetting or awkward for the audience.
  • Making it about you. Don’t use the eulogy as a chance to brag about yourself or complain about your problems. The eulogy is about the person who died, not you.
  • Family drama. Don’t bring up any conflicts or issues that the person had with their family or friends. It can make the audience uncomfortable or angry.
  • Bad habits. Don’t talk about any vices or addictions that the person had unless they overcame them or they were part of their charm. It can be disrespectful or insensitive to their memory.
  • Legal troubles. Don’t mention any crimes or lawsuits that the person was involved in unless they were cleared or they were part of their story. It can be embarrassing or damaging to their reputation.
  • Triggering memories. Don’t bring up any traumatic or painful experiences that the person had unless they were part of their growth or they want you to share them. It can be triggering or depressing for the audience.
  • Judging their choices. Don’t criticize or question any decisions that the person made in their life unless they were part of their humor or they want you to learn from them. It can be rude or disrespectful to their autonomy.
  • Unresolved arguments. Don’t mention any fights or disagreements that you had with the person unless you resolved them or they were part of your bond. It can be petty or bitter to hold a grudge.
  • Their flaws. Don’t focus on any weaknesses or mistakes that the person had unless they were part of their humanity or they want you to forgive them. Judging them can be harsh or unfair.


Remember, a eulogy is a celebration of the person’s life, not a critique of their character. Be kind and compassionate, and focus on the positive aspects of their personality.