How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend

Grieco Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. • March 20, 2023

Honor the memory of your friend with a eulogy that captures their life. Our guide will help you express your feelings and celebrate their legacy meaningfully.

Having to write a eulogy for a friend is a difficult task, but it’s also an opportunity to honor their memory and celebrate their life. Here are some tips from Unionville, PA funeral home directors to help you write a beautiful eulogy for your friend: 


Begin by writing down your thoughts and memories of your friend 


Think about the things you loved about them, the funny moments you shared, and how they impacted your life. This is the key substance of your eulogy, so take your time to gather your thoughts. 


If your grief is keeping you from looking back on positive moments, talk to your shared friends and family members. Sometimes, listening to others talk about what a person meant to them can clear your head and focus your mind. 


Organize your thoughts into a structure 


A eulogy typically includes an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should capture the audience’s attention and introduce the person you’re speaking about. 


The body should include specific examples and memories that illustrate the person’s character and accomplishments. The conclusion should summarize the person’s life and legacy and offer words of comfort to the audience. 


While this is the basic structure of a good speech, remember it’s not a hard rule. Feel free to be creative as long as your audience can follow your narrative. 


Keep it personal 


A eulogy is a personal tribute, so speak from the heart and use your own words. Avoid using clichés or generic phrases. If you’re out of words, Use images or videos to enhance your eulogy, if appropriate. 


You can use photographs or videos that show your friend in different stages of their life or engaged in activities they loved. 


Speak clearly and speak with feeling 


Speak clearly and confidently, and don’t be afraid to show emotion. Remember that you’re speaking to an audience of people who knew and loved your friend, and they want to hear your honest feelings. 


Be mindful of the audience and the occasion 


Keep in mind the people who will listen to your eulogy and the tone and atmosphere of the service. Your tribute should be appropriate for the occasion and respectful of the audience’s feelings. 


Practice, practice, practice 


Practice reading your eulogy out loud several times before the service. This will help you to feel more comfortable and confident when you deliver it and also help you to polish it. 


Also, keep it short and sweet. Unless otherwise requested, your eulogy should be 5-8 minutes long. It’s okay to be emotional but try to avoid getting too long-winded. 



Finally, don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. If you’re having trouble finding the words or organizing your thoughts, consider asking a friend or family member to help you with the eulogy or hiring a professional eulogy writer. 


One final piece of advice from Unionville, PA, funeral home directors: remember to speak from the heart. Your oratory, or lack of it, is not as important as being authentic. It’s what your friend deserves.


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