In This Article
Eulogy. A speech delivered at a funeral or memorial service in praise of a person who has died. The genre is structurally distinct from an obituary or a written tribute: the eulogy is performed live, in front of mourners, and is constrained by the room and the moment. Length typically 600 to 900 words.
Where the term comes from
The term comes from the Greek eulogia, meaning “praise.” The funeral eulogy is an ancient form, with examples in classical Greek and Roman literature; the modern American eulogy traces to the 18th and 19th century funeral sermon tradition. The contemporary eulogy is typically delivered by a family member, close friend, or chosen speaker rather than a clergy member.
How it shows up in real life
A working eulogy structure: open with how you knew the person, tell one specific story that shows who they were, name what they made true about your life, end with how you intend to carry them forward. Length around 700 words, read from a printed page, with at least three rehearsals before the day.
Common misuses
The eulogy is sometimes confused with the obituary (the written tribute that appears in print) or the homily (the religious reflection the clergy member delivers). Each has different conventions. The eulogy is the live spoken tribute by a person who knew the deceased personally.
