Eulogies, obituaries & funeral programs

Help writing a funeral speech, in your own words.

A funeral speech, often called a eulogy or tribute, is a short talk about the person who died, usually three to five minutes or 400 to 700 words. It does not need to cover their whole life. A few true stories, a sense of who they were and what they meant to people is enough. We help you shape your memories into a speech you can read.

Who are you writing for?

Free to start · your answers save as you go · read the opening before you decide

Or read our guidance first: a eulogy for a mother · a eulogy for a father · a eulogy for a grandmother · a eulogy for a friend · how to write a eulogy, step by step

Eulogy, tribute or reading: what's the difference?

Eulogy: a personal speech about the person's life and character, usually by someone close to them.
Tribute: often shorter, and may be given by a friend, colleague or group; the words are often used interchangeably.
Reading: a poem, scripture or passage read aloud, which doesn't have to be about the person directly. If you have been asked to "say a few words", any of these is fine. The family or celebrant can tell you how long you have.

How long should it be?

Most speakers aim for three to five minutes. At a typical speaking pace, that is about 400 to 700 words. If several people are speaking, two or three minutes each may be better. Time yourself reading it aloud once.

Building the speech

Opening: who you are and how you knew them.
Stories: one to three specific memories that show what they were like.
Meaning: what they gave to the people in the room.
Closing: a goodbye, a line they used to say, or a hope for those left behind.

On the day

Print your speech in a large font with wide spacing. Mark where you'll pause and breathe. Bring a glass of water. Look up when you can, but it's fine to read. If you can't continue, the celebrant or a family member can finish for you; agree that in advance.

How it works

Three quiet steps

Tell us about them

A few gentle questions, one at a time. Leave anything blank. Your answers save as you go, so you can stop and come back.

ii.

Read how it begins

We prepare it in two voices, warm and personal or calm and composed, and show you the opening.

iii.

Keep it if it feels right

Download it as PDF or Word, with a large-print copy for reading aloud. Ask for changes for seven days.

Questions

Is a funeral speech the same as a eulogy?

A eulogy is the main speech about the person's life. Other speeches, such as a short tribute from a friend or colleague, are often two or three minutes.

How long should a tribute be?

Two to three minutes is common when several people speak; ask the officiant how long you have.

What if I didn't know them very well?

Speak to what you did know: how you met, one moment, and what others said about them.

Do I pay before I see anything?

No. You see the result first, and only pay if it feels right. Refunds are available for 7 days, no questions asked.

Take your time. We'll be here when you're ready.