How to write a eulogy

A eulogy isn't a biography. It's a few minutes to help a room full of people remember the person they lost — and feel a little less alone. You don't need to be a great speaker. You need a few true stories.

How long should it be?

Most eulogies run about three to five minutes when read aloud — roughly 500 to 700 words. Shorter is fine. Ask the officiant if there's a time limit.

A simple structure

1. Who you are and your relationship to them.
2. One or two stories that show who they were. Specific beats general.
3. What they taught you or what they meant to others.
4. A goodbye — speak to them, or to the room, or close with a verse.

Tips for delivering it

• Print it in large type with space between paragraphs.
• Mark where to pause.
• It's okay to stop and breathe. Everyone in the room is with you.
• Have a backup person who can read it if you can't.