I didn’t write a blog last week because my father passed away. My writing was of a different nature—a eulogy for a man beloved by all who knew him.

So, this week, I thought I would share what I learned about writing a eulogy in case you might find yourself in a similar situation some day.

A eulogy provides an opportunity to reflect upon the life of a person and tell others in attendance why it is important to remember that person… perhaps how they have been inspirational in one’s life.

A eulogy is usually 5-10 minutes long and from 750-1500 words. It can include accomplishments, relationships with family/friends, favorite memories, amusing stories, quotes, poems.

Write a draft and edit it as you would any of your writing. Be sure to remove information that is repetitive. Practice it so that you know it well enough that you don’t have to say it word for word.

Print a copy in a large, easy-to-read font.

A picture or collection of pictures also makes a nice display.