Being asked to give a eulogy is an honor, and it can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to be a great speaker. You only need to speak honestly about the person you loved.
How long should a eulogy be?
Most eulogies last three to five minutes, about one or two typed pages. If several people are speaking, keep yours shorter. Ask the family or clergy whether there’s a time limit, especially at a funeral Mass.
What to include
- Who they were: a few key facts about their life
- What they meant to you and to others
- One or two stories that show their character
- What they’d want people to remember
- A closing thought, prayer or goodbye
A simple outline
- Opening: introduce yourself and your connection to them.
- Their life: a short overview.
- Stories: one or two memories that capture who they were.
- What they leave behind: their values, their family, their influence.
- Closing: a final word to them, or to everyone gathered.
Getting through it on the day
- Print it in a large font, and number the pages.
- Practice it aloud a few times.
- Keep water nearby, and pause when you need to.
- It’s all right to cry. Everyone in the room understands.
- Ask someone to stand by who can read it for you if needed.
Planning a service? Please call us at (718) 424-2000, any hour, day or night – we are here to answer your questions.
Learn more about How to Write an Obituary.