How to Write a Eulogy: Simple and Authentic

In sensitive moments, words can be what helps. To name what we feel. To share silent gratitude. To tell a story.

A eulogy is not a formal speech. It is not an obligation or a test. It is an opportunity to touch on what is truly essential. It can be personal or shared. You can deliver it yourself, ask someone close to you to do it, or entrust its delivery to the officiant. Whichever path you choose, the important thing is that it remains true. It does not have to be perfect, just authentic.

You do not have to list the entire biography. It is not necessary to summarize everything that the deceased experienced. It is much more important to touch on what he meant to you. What he was like. How he laughed. How he affected those around him. How you felt about him. What remains in you when the name is said.

How to begin

Try asking yourself a few simple questions:

• When did you first meet?
• What will remain in your memory: a gesture, a sentence, a moment?
• What would make him/her happy to hear right now?
• When was the last time you laughed? Why?

You don’t have to write. Just think it out loud. And when your thoughts settle, you can start creating your own text. Sentence by sentence. No pressure. With respect for the end of a chapter in life.

Free inspiration for the structure of a funeral speech

Opening Words
Briefly welcome those present. You can express that you are grateful for them being here with you. Even one sentence is enough.

Story
Share what they were like as a person. What kind of people they had around them. What kind of life they lived. Share a personal memory. Something that describes the person you are saying goodbye to. Calmly and humorously, if it was a part of their life. This will bring lightness to the situation. After all, it is those happy moments that remain in our hearts as the deepest memories.

Acknowledgements
Words of gratitude. For the time you were able to share. For the stories you created together. For what remains in you and that even time will not erase.

Farewell
End the speech simply. You can say “goodbye”, but also “thank you”. You can be silent. You can convey a message that the person would agree with.

Tip: You don’t have to just talk “about a deceased”, you can also talk “to a deceased”. As if they were there with you and heard your every word. Don’t be afraid to address them, thank them directly, in front of their closest people.

Sample of a short eulogy

Doesn’t it follow the structure? That’s okay too. No one teaches us to handle such situations with the professionalism of a speaker. That’s why feel free to choose a completely simple speech. Because even that hides great power.

“Today we say goodbye to someone who meant much more to us than we can say out loud today. He was present – ​​in moments of joy and silence. He knew how to tell compelling stories and bring people together around him. But he knew how to listen much better. He was our support and rock whenever we needed it. And even though he is not here now, what he gave us remains. His legacy will not be erased by time. It will remain here for generations to come.

We thank you for everything you have given us. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.”

…or maybe completely different:

“Today we say goodbye to John. He was an ordinary guy who loved his principles, his family, beer and our football family. He didn’t like formalities, gossip and mourning. That’s why I just want to pay tribute to him here today for all of us. And let us know that he was a guy with whom we would love to have a beer and a match again one day. Save us a seat!”

Keep in mind that it’s okay if…

• You won’t be able to finish everything.
• You will be overcome by emotions.
• You will need to take a short break.
• You will use your own authentic words, not formal phrases.

A eulogy is a personal moment. You can write it all out. Or just hint at it. And leave the ending open. You can speak. Or just stand. Everyone has the right to say goodbye the way they feel. There is no “right” recipe for a farewell.

If you need support, we are here for you. We can help you with a speech. If you feel like it, we will help to present it. Or we will just be there while you share it.

Quietly, with respect.

PEGAS In silence we remain.

You can call us anytime at +420 800 176.