If you've been chosen to write and/or deliver a eulogy at the funeral of a friend or loved one, this is a great honor that should be taken very seriously. It's also an area where some people aren't sure where to start - many of us have never written a eulogy or anything similar to it in the past, and between this and the grief you may be feeling due to your recent loss, it's understandable if you're looking for a bit of help.

At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to provide a wide range of funeral and related services to all our clients, from traditional funeral services to cremation services, personalized services and more. What are some simple concepts to be considering if you've been chosen to write a eulogy for a loved one? This two-part blog series will go over some of our top general recommendations.

Length Considerations

When writing a eulogy for a funeral, it's important to consider the length of time you have for the eulogy itself. Typically, eulogies are between three and five minutes in length, so it's important to focus on one or two main points rather than trying to cover everything about the person's life. You want to be able to deliver the eulogy in a way that is respectful and dignified, without rushing through it or taking too long.



Now, if you've been asked to deliver a eulogy that is longer than five minutes, don't panic. Just remember to focus on one or two main points, and to keep your delivery in mind - you'll want to speak slowly and clearly so that everyone in the audience can understand and follow along.

Keep Your Audience in Mind

As you're writing the eulogy, it's important to keep your audience in mind. Who will be listening to you deliver the eulogy? What kind of relationship did they have with the person who passed away? What kind of tone would be appropriate for the audience you're speaking to?



For example, if you're delivering a eulogy only to close friends and family at a personal service, you may feel more comfortable being personal and sharing memories or stories that others may not know. If you're delivering a eulogy at a public service, however, you'll want to focus on the more positive aspects of the person's life and avoid anything that may be too personal or controversial.

Have Someone Look it Over Before Delivery

It's always good to have a fresh pair of eyes look over your eulogy before you deliver it. Whether it's a friend, family member, or even one of the funeral home staff, having someone else read over your eulogy can help you catch any errors or typos, as well as get a sense of how it flows and whether anything sounds off.

Additionally, if you're feeling nervous about delivering the eulogy, having someone else look it over can help you feel more confident and prepared. They may be able to give you some feedback or pointers on your delivery, or just be a reassuring presence as you go through the process.



At McDougal Funeral Home, we're here to support you through every step of the funeral process, from planning to delivery. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to get started planning a funeral for your loved one.