Losing a close friend is a painful experience. You’ll be torn between grief, planning the funeral, and thinking of a eulogy to write that will express exactly how you feel and what that friend means to you.
How can you find the right words to capture your feelings?
Writing about the source of grief is one I dread. The emotions will be very difficult to control and the concentration level will be low. Take your time, that’s all the advice I can give that will appeal to those raging hormones.
Truly, writing a eulogy to honor the life of a friend whom you love and shared life with is quite challenging.
The tips, ideas, and examples of how to write a eulogy for a friend are discussed in detail in this article.
What is a Eulogy?
A eulogy is a speech given at a funeral or memorial service to celebrate the life of the deceased. It’s a chance to share memories, express love, and offer comfort to grieving loved ones.
In addition, a eulogy is a tribute to a person’s life. It is a way to respect a friend’s memories. It’s a spoken reflection on your friend’s character, achievements, and impact on your life and those around them. While a funeral is a sober occasion, it’s also a time to celebrate a life well lived.
Eulogy originates from ancient Greece which means praise.
Who Delivers a Eulogy?
A close family member or friend writes a eulogy but an official like a religious leader can deliver it.
If you have written a eulogy but fear breaking down in front of the audience, you can ask someone else to read it for you.
Below, we will discuss how to write a eulogy for a friend.
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How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend
1.Start with your feelings
Introduce yourself and who the friend means to you. Explain their qualities and what they mean to you. This will bring you in a good light and create a picture in the minds of their listeners who may not know you well.
After this form of introduction, write down your emotions. What do you feel about losing your friend? What do you cherish most about your friendship?
2.Gather memories
Recall shared experiences, inside jokes, and special moments. These stories will bring your friend to life.
But before sharing experiences, think of how you want to start and end the eulogy. You can give a brief explanation of their early days, childhood, education, and skills.
3.Choose a focus
Decide what aspects of your friend’s life you want to highlight. Was it their sense of humor, their kindness, their career achievements, or their love for family? If you lack ideas, ask other close friends or family.
Make sure the eulogy has a deep meaning to you. That way, it will resonate with others.
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4.Write a draft
Begin writing your eulogy. Don’t worry about perfection at this stage. Just get your thoughts down.
Funeral speeches are usually for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not make it excessively long. However, make it long enough to honor your friend and say what needs to be said.
5.Practice
Rehearse your eulogy aloud. This will help you identify areas that need improvement and ensure you can deliver it confidently. Don’t forget to edit your eulogy.
6.Be authentic
The most important thing is to be genuine. Speak from the heart and let your emotions shine through. Remember that is possible to speak of someone without mentioning their shortcomings. While none of us is perfect, just don’t make it robotic. Follow your instincts and only add relevant information.
If unsure, ask someone for their unbiased opinion.
7.End on a touching note
There are some options when it comes to how you end a eulogy. You can finish with a poem or quote that is consoling. Some Christians use the bible verse that describes the fleeting nature of life but hope for eternity.
Eulogy Example You Can Write for a Friend
“I stand before you today to honor the memory of my dearest friend, James. James was more than just a friend; we were family. He had a laugh that could light up any room, a heart of gold, and a spirit that was simply contagious.
I’ll never forget the time James was almost bitten by a dog because I was feeling bad and he knew the only thing that could cheer me up was the Avocado in my neighbor’s house. He begged my neighbor for just one piece but he refused. James had to snuggle into the compound unaware that there were dogs. He hated dogs. As soon as he used a big stick to hit the tree, the dogs came dashing out at him. He first picked the fruit before clamping for safety. That’s the kind of person James was – always making others laugh, always there to lend a helping hand. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever live on in our hearts.
I am convinced that the righteous have a place in paradise as the holy scriptures say. I’ll miss you, James. You know I will.”
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How to write a Eulogy for a friend template and Example
What to Talk about
- How you met your friend and what your first impressions were
- What made them such a wonderful friend
- Their passions and hobbies
- Their other friends and family
- Funny stories or memorable events
Eulogy Example you can write for a friend
I’ll never forget the first time I met [Name]. I’d just moved into our halls at uni and found him in the kitchen, wearing nothing but a towel, panicking because he’d flooded his shower on day one. I quickly realized that these kinds of mishaps followed him pretty much everywhere, from the time he turned up at the airport three weeks late for a flight, to when his dog really did eat his coursework. There was always a story with [Name].
But beneath the constant jokes, mayhem and penchant for Hawaiian shirts, [Name] had the best heart. He was a true friend who backed all of us – even when we were definitely in the wrong! [Name] was the first person who called me when my dad passed away, the most dedicated best man at 3(!) of our friends’ weddings, and when he found [partner’s name], he became the most devoted boyfriend and fiancé.
Anyone who knew [Name] knew how much he adored [partner’s name], how strong his bond was with his brothers, and how he loved nothing more than a hungover Sunday roast at his parents’ house. We’ll all miss him terribly, but it’s impossible not to smile when we think of him. [Name], you were a true friend. We’ll keep on making mischief in your honour.
Tips for Writing a Eulogy
- Keep it personal: Focus on your relationship with your friend. Share anecdotes that highlight their unique personality.
- Be concise: While you want to capture your friend’s essence, try to keep your eulogy to a reasonable length.
- Practice reading aloud: This will help you determine the speech’s pacing and ensure you can deliver it confidently.
- Allow yourself to grieve: It’s okay to cry or pause during your eulogy. Your emotions are valid and can be a powerful part of your tribute.
- Seek support: Don’t hesitate to ask friends or family for help with writing or delivering the eulogy.
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FAQs on How to Write a Eulogy for a Close Friend
Generally, a eulogy should be 3-5 minutes long.
It’s customary to wear dark, conservative clothes to a funeral.
It’s natural to feel emotional while giving a eulogy. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, and take a moment to collect yourself if you need to.
Conclusion
Remember, the most important thing is to honor your friend’s memory in a way that feels right to you. Their life deserves to be celebrated.
Learn how to write that eulogy for a friend using the steps we have provided here.
References
- Humanists UK – What is a eulogy and how do I write one?
- Untangle grief – how to write eulogy for a close friend examples
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