Gentle guides

Finding the words for a eulogy

Short, calm answers for the moment you have been asked to speak.

• What to say in a eulogy for your father
  How to write a eulogy for your dad: what to include, a five-part structure, example opening and closing lines, and how to handle a quiet or complicated father.
• How to write a eulogy for a grandparent
  A gentle guide to a eulogy for your grandma or grandpa: questions to ask your family, a simple structure, example lines, and how to speak for the grandchildren.
• How to write a eulogy for a husband or wife
  Gentle guidance for one of the hardest speeches: what to include about your life together, a simple structure, example lines, and whether to speak at all.
• What to say in a eulogy for your mother
  Ideas for a eulogy for your mom: what to include, a simple five-part structure, opening and closing lines, and what to do if your voice won't hold.
• Eulogy or obituary: what is the difference?
  An obituary announces a death and shares the facts; a eulogy is a personal speech given at the service. Length, tone and who writes each, side by side.
• Writing a eulogy when you can't find the words
  If grief has left you blank, these small steps help: start with one memory, borrow a structure, use a fill-in template, and give yourself permission to keep it short.
• Can I hire someone to write a eulogy?
  Yes, and many families do. What a eulogy writer does, what information they need from you, typical turnaround, and how to keep the words sounding like your family.
• How long should a eulogy be?
  Most eulogies work best at three to five minutes, about 400 to 650 words. A simple table of minutes and words, plus how to check your timing and what to cut.