A eulogy is a short speech given at a funeral or memorial service to honor the person who has died. It shares the key facts of their life, a few stories and what they meant to the people around them. A close relative, friend or colleague usually gives it, often with only a few days to prepare.
You’ll find 30 eulogy templates and examples here, editable and free to download. There are eulogies for a grandma, a grandpa and an aunt, an anniversary eulogy for a remembrance service and a sample that shows how several speakers can share the tribute. Each eulogy example can guide you on how to write a eulogy, and you can use any as a funeral speech outline.
Aim for three to five minutes, which is roughly 400 to 700 words. Read it aloud once to a friend or family member; it helps you find the right pace and the places you need to pause.
If you are helping to plan a memorial service, you may also find our printable program templates useful for the order of service, along with cover page templates and certificate of appreciation templates to thank people who helped.
Best Eulogy Templates
Aunt’s Eulogy Template
Grandma’s Eulogy Template
Grandpa’s Eulogy Template
Sample Eulogy Template
Multiple Eulogies Template
Special Eulogy Template
Anniversary Eulogy Template
Exclusive Eulogy Template
Example Eulogy Template
Wife’s Eulogy Template
Colleague’s Eulogy Template
Dad’s Eulogy Template
Historical Eulogy Template
Steve Job’s Eulogy Template
Daughter’s Eulogy Template
Tips for Writing an Effective Eulogy
A eulogy template is not an official document, so it has no standard format or layout. However, it is best to keep it brief and to the point. As mentioned earlier, a eulogy can be given by one or more people. For example:
- One person can talk about childhood memories and earlier years of the deceased.
- Some other person, like a colleague, can talk about the professional life and career of the deceased.
- Another person may talk about his behavior and memorable habits.
- Someone can talk about his achievements and some important events of his life.
An eulogy can be composed in any best possible way. However, following are some general tips for writing an effective eulogy:
- Briefly describe important events in the deceased’s life in chronological order, such as graduating from college, marriage, starting a business or their first job.
- Think about and write down your memorable moments and experiences with the deceased. You can also ask their close friends or colleagues to share a favorite memory and include it in your eulogy.
- In your eulogy, include any key advice or important life lesson the deceased gave you.
- List the things the deceased held dear or was passionate about. You can also add stories related to these things in your eulogy.
- Gather all your information, thoughts, memories and ideas and list them. Review the list carefully and decide what to include in your speech.
More Eulogy Templates
Friend’s Eulogy Template
Extensive Eulogy Template
Detailed Eulogy Template
Teacher’s Eulogy Template
Husband’s Eulogy Template
Shortened Eulogy Template
Partner’s Eulogy Template
Brief Eulogy Template
General Eulogy Template
Eulogy Format Template
Spiritual Eulogy Template
Eulogy Outline Template
Example Eulogy Template
Adult’s Eulogy Template
Blank Eulogy Template
Preparing a Personal and Speakable Eulogy
Choose a structure that supports the memories you want to share. A eulogy does not need to summarize every life event; a few truthful details often give listeners a clearer sense of the person. For the practical arrangements surrounding the service, WordNExcelTemplates’ funeral planning checklists can keep organizational tasks separate from writing the tribute.
- Ask the organizer about available time and the order of speakers.
- Choose two or three memories and explain the qualities they reveal.
- Read the draft aloud, shorten difficult passages and prepare a printed copy.
Worked Example
Example: instead of describing someone only as generous, recall a regular act such as driving a neighbour to appointments or quietly preparing meals for visitors. Explain what that memory meant to you. Use details you are comfortable sharing with the people present.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid private disputes, surprising disclosures or jokes that may hurt listeners. Leave pauses in the script and ask someone to be ready to continue if speaking becomes too difficult.
Related Templates
- Certificate of Appreciation Templates
- Wedding Program Templates
- Cover Page Templates
- Thanksgiving Menu Templates
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a eulogy be?
Follow the time agreed with the organizer. Rehearse aloud with pauses rather than estimating from the written page alone.
Is it acceptable to read from notes?
Yes. A full script or large-print notes can make the occasion easier. Speak at a comfortable pace and do not feel obliged to memorize the tribute.
