What is a Eulogy?

A eulogy is a farewell or memorial speech that gives high praise to a recently deceased person. Spoken publicly at a church, funeral home or even private residence, and sometimes in conjunction with a service, the speech honors, commemorates and even celebrates the deceased's life. Although usually delivered by a person close to the deceased, occasionally the speaker is unfamiliar with the deceased.

Eulogy is pronounced eu • lo • gy or (YOO-luh-jee). One should also consider common misspellings, improper grammar, and synonyms. Common misspellings are euology and elogy. It is unlikely that internet searches using those misspellings will produce positive results. Contrary to the rule, correct grammar is "writing a eulogy", not "writing an eulogy." The most common words and phrases synonymous with eulogy are encomium, eulogium, funeral oration, funeral speech, and memorial speech (although this phrase often refers to a speech given after the funeral, in memory of the deceased).

The positive benefits of delivering a eulogy go to the speaker, listeners and deceased. Focusing on the positive aspects of the deceased's life allows the speaker and audience to begin the healing process.

Eulogies often contain quotes, poems, readings, prayers or psalms, which enrich the speaker's message and enrich the experience. These are available in a variety of secular and non-secular writings can be copied from various websites. An example a meaningful non-secular poem is "Miss Me, But Let Me Go" by Edgar A. Guest.

The structure of a eulogy is usually very clear. Containing an introduction telling what is coming, a body containing speaker thoughts, feelings, memories and messages, and a closing, which summarized the body.

The historical/chronological eulogy takes the audience on a trek through the deceased life, with focus on the highlights. Based on facts, this eulogy tends to remove the speaker from strong emotional reactions at the time of delivery, thus making it a less emotional delivery.
With the memories eulogy the speaker takes the audience down memory lane though all the most wonderful and precious remembrances. This eulogy is the easiest to write but hardest to deliver because the content contains personal reflections and/or recollections.

A tribute eulogy focuses on the deceased's best merits, whether qualities, abilities, character, accomplishments, achievements, and/or personality. A short story shows each in action. Ease of delivery is moderate because some content is factual however, this eulogy allows for personal reflection and celebration of life.

A legacy eulogy is a eulogy based on that which the deceased contributed in life and will live on after death. For example, a legacy of love focuses on the love extended in life and continues after death. Delivery is moderately difficult to present because of the emotions triggered.
Theme eulogies are based on the deceased's love for and commitment to one area throughout their life. This may be a talent, interest, skill, or ability. Examples of a life theme are music, the military or religion. Delivery is moderately difficult to present because of the emotions triggered.

Online, you can order a custom eulogy in structures as follows: historical/chronological, a tribute, a legacy, a theme or memories, or template eulogies.

The goal for writing and presenting funeral speeches is to provide heartfelt, personal and meaningful messages about the deceased to help themselves and the audience begins to heal from the loss.