How to write an eulogy

Carry around a small notebook so that you can jot down your memories about the deceased. Old photos and letters can bring those memories closer to the surface. Ask yourself "What made them happy?" "What will you remember most?". Ask friend, co-workers and relatives for their thoughts. This information will show you how to write a eulogy. Don't make the mistake of writing a biography; a eulogy is for personal remembrances and should be informal and conversational.

Read over your notes and you should be able to find a dominant theme. Maybe there is a secondary theme that you feel better represents the person and could guide you on how to write a eulogy. When you decide, put together a rough outline using the your notes. Now you can build on that theme with stories, anecdotes, and maybe an appropriate poem. This should make up the largest part of the eulogy. Finish with a summary of your thoughts.

Once you have the core of the eulogy established, the beginning and conclusion will come more easily. Try to make it flow together naturally by groupings of achievements, journeys, friends and passions. Again, try to make it conversational. The average eulogy is only about eight minutes long, so don't feel that you need to include everything that person has ever done. Sticking to the theme is how to write a eulogy

The conclusion reminds the listeners of the theme and reinforces the strong feelings you have about the loss. The key in how to write a eulogy is to summarize concisely and quickly.

It is best to start with an attention getter. This will set the theme and can be in the form of a short story, a poem, a famous quote, or a quote from the deceased.

If you would like more in depth ideas, or help finding wonderful poems and quotes to improve your draft or just to get you started, I found this great book "Do not stand at my grave and weep." It is full of helpful information and comforting words to make writing a eulogy a journey of fond remembrance instead of chore.