Tools to help you write a touching eulogy

Writing a eulogy is a task that’s just as emotional as it is profound. While it’s a wonderful opportunity to honour your loved one’s memory and capture their essence, it’s also a process that can be incredibly challenging. Thankfully, there are several tools available that can help you craft a heartfelt and meaningful eulogy, that’s personalised. Here are some resources to get you started on how to write a eulogy.

How to write a modern eulogy

It can be difficult to write an essay or a thoughtful reflection about someone’s life at any time, but especially when you are dealing with grief in the wake of a loved one’s death. The good news is that the internet is a place where you can get plenty of support to put the pieces together.

A modern eulogy goes beyond the traditional format of listing biographical details and achievements. Instead, it’s more about sharing stories and expressing emotions. You’ll want to connect with attendees with your words – on a personal level – so here are some steps to guide you:

1. Start with an outline: Begin by setting out the main moments you want to cover. This might include the person’s early life, career, hobbies, memorable anecdotes, etc.
2. Gather stories and memories: Have a chat to family and friends to collect their own stories and memories that might help highlight your loved one’s character and impact on others.
3. Find a theme: A central theme can help tie the eulogy together. This could be a particular quality they had, such as their kindness or sense of humour.
4. Write in a conversational tone: It might be helpful to aim for a tone that feels natural and conversational, as if you’re sharing stories about your loved one in a casual environment.
5. Read other eulogies: If you find yourself getting stuck with words, spend some time reading other eulogies to give you some inspiration. For example, Paul Keating’s eulogy to the unknown soldier.

Harnessing AI to write the perfect eulogy

Artificial intelligence can actually be a very helpful tool when you’re trying to craft the perfect eulogy. It can help you with writing and editing, as well as generating ideas. Popular AI tools that can help include:

AI-powered writing assistant

Writing assistant software can help you with grammar, spelling, style and more. It will also suggest ways to improve your prose’s clarity and readability, which will make sure your eulogy is as polished and professional as possible.

Paraphrase tools

A paraphrase tool can help you rephrase sentences for more clarity and a better impact on the day. It’s especially useful if you’re struggling to find the right words to express your thoughts and feelings.

What are the best AI writing prompts to use?

Inputting a few AI writing prompts can actually give you a slice of inspiration when you need it most. You might use a prompt like, “Write a heartfelt eulogy for someone who was known for their generosity and sense of humour”, for example, and that’ll give you the kick-start you need to create your own personal eulogy.

Using prompts can help you focus your thoughts and come up with words that really resonate with your audience. Here are a few prompts to try out:

1. “Share a story that encapsulates the essence of [LOVED ONE]’s character.”
2. “Describe how [LOVED ONE] made an impact on my life or the lives of others.”
3. “What were [LOVED ONE]’s passions and how did they pursue them?”
4. “How will [LOVED ONE] be remembered by their friends and family?”
5. “What lessons did I learn from [LOVED ONE]?”

5 things to include in your eulogy

When you start writing the eulogy, make sure you include a few important elements that will make the tribute more heartfelt:

1. Begin with a brief introduction, expressing your condolences and explaining your relationship to the deceased.
2. Share some of the most important or interesting biographical details, including birth and death dates, their family background, major life events, children, etc.
3. Include personal stories and anecdotes that highlight their unique character and the impact they had on others.
4. If they had a favourite quote or saying, try to incorporate it into your eulogy to add a personal touch.
5. Finish with a final thought or reflection – something that wraps up your loved one’s legacy and expresses gratitude for the life they lived.

Whether you’re using AI tools for writing assistance or gathering stories from friends and family, the key is to personalise your eulogy and make it a heartfelt tribute that celebrates their life and legacy.

If you’ve started to think about what you might like at your own funeral, consider whether Guardian Funeral Insurance might be right for you. Head to our website to request a quote online.