How To Practice Delivering A Eulogy

Delivering a eulogy can feel like one of the most daunting tasks you'll ever face.

You’ve been entrusted with the honour of speaking on behalf of others, of capturing the essence of someone loved and lost. It’s a weighty responsibility, particularly when emotions run high and the moment matters so deeply.

In my opinion, the key to delivering a heartfelt and composed eulogy is preparation.

Practicing beforehand will help you maintain your composure, articulate your thoughts clearly and ensure your words truly reflect the person you’re honoring.

Photo by Marcos Luiz Photograph on Unsplash

How To Practice Delivering A Eulogy In 10 Steps

Whether you’re a seasoned public speaker or someone who trembles at the thought of speaking in front of others, practising your eulogy can make all the difference. Not just in how it sounds, but in how it feels. Because the truth is, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about connection. About dignity. About paying tribute with authenticity.

For this week's blog I wanted to share ten practical, compassionate tips to help you prepare and practise delivering a eulogy, so you can do justice to the person you’re remembering, and, equally importantly, look after yourself in the process.

1. Understand the Purpose of the Eulogy

Before practising delivery, it's worth grounding yourself in the 'why'.

A good eulogy isn’t a biography or a CV. It’s a reflection. A story. A celebration of the life lived and the impact left behind.

Remind yourself that the audience isn’t expecting a flawless TED Talk, they’re there to honour someone they loved and they’ll be on your side.

Your words, delivered with sincerity, will mean far more than perfect phrasing ever could.

2. Know Your Material Well

Once your eulogy is written, read it several times over, this is not to memorise it word for word, but to become familiar with its rhythm and meaning. This is key advice I give to everyone I write a eulogy for.

The more comfortable you are with what you’re saying, the more naturally it will come across.

Reading aloud, rather than silently, helps you hear what works and what might need adjusting.

You’ll also notice emotional 'hotspots', i.e. places in your speech where you may struggle to continue because they'll hit a little harder. Knowing where those are means you can build in pauses or plan ahead to take a breath.

3. Practise Aloud (Even If It Feels Weird)

There’s a huge difference between reading a eulogy in your head and delivering it out loud.

If you don't have much experience in writing a eulogy, you might not realise that what looks good on paper can sound clunky when spoken. Practising aloud helps you find your pace, adjust your tone and discover which sentences you naturally emphasise.

I'd recommend doing this in a quiet room, or somewhere you feel safe, perhaps even while walking, which can help with nerves.

If you can, practise in front of a trusted friend or family member. They may offer helpful feedback, or simply provide the comfort of knowing you’re not alone.

4. Record Yourself (And Watch it Back If You’re Brave)

It might feel awkward, but recording yourself on your phone can be incredibly useful.

You’ll hear how you actually sound, rather than how you think you sound.

Look for things like:

• Pace - Are you speaking too fast out of nerves?

• Volume - Are you loud enough to be heard clearly?

• Clarity - Are you mumbling, or stumbling on certain words?

Watching yourself back can also help with body language. Are you looking up at all? Are you swaying, fidgeting, or gripping the lectern?

This awareness is key to improvement, but be gentle with yourself. You’re not auditioning for Britain's Got Talent. You’re preparing to honour someone you loved.

5. Mark Up Your Script

When delivering a eulogy, you’ll likely want to read from a printed copy. That’s completely normal (and very much encouraged).

To make things easier, format your script for readability:

• Use a large, clear font (14–16 pt).

• Double-space the text.

• Break up paragraphs for natural pauses.

• Highlight or underline key words for emphasis.

• Add stage directions like [stop] or [deep breath] or [pause of laughter] if you're sharing amusing anecdotes.

If there’s a part where you tend to get emotional, add a gentle reminder like [slow down] or [look up]. Think of your script as a comforting guide, not a rigid script.

6. Time Yourself

Funerals often follow a set order of service, and your eulogy may need to fit within a certain time frame, typically around 5 to 10 minutes.

Practise with a timer to ensure you’re within the limit. If it runs too long, consider trimming less essential parts or condensing anecdotes.

If it’s too short, perhaps there's room to include a quote, a fond memory, or a reflection on what the person taught you.

Timing also helps you pace yourself on the day, so you don’t feel rushed, or linger too long when everyone’s already feeling heavy.

7. Prepare for Emotion

Delivering a eulogy is an emotional experience. Even if you’ve practised thoroughly, emotions may still rise when you're standing at the front, faced with grieving loved ones, or hearing a particular song beforehand. It's going to be an emotional day as it is.

Here are a few ways to manage that:

• Bring water - Dry mouth is common with nerves and tears.

• Pause when needed - Silence is not awkward at a funeral; it’s expected.

• Have a fallback - Ask someone you trust beforehand if they’d be willing to take over, just in case.

• Practice breathing - Inhale slowly through your nose, exhale through your mouth.

• Hold something - A printed script, a handkerchief, or even a small memento can give you grounding.

Always remember that emotions are not a failure of performance. They’re a sign of love.

8. Consider Your Audience

As you practise, imagine the people who will be listening.

Some may know the deceased intimately; others may not. Some may have seen them the day before they died, others might not have seen them for 20 years. Use language that’s accessible and warm to all. Practise with the awareness that people may be upset, so speak slowly and kindly.

Remember, your audience is there for the same reason you are, to remember and to say goodbye. They will appreciate your effort, even if your voice shakes or you need to stop and collect yourself.

9. Practise the Opening and Closing More Than Once

The beginning of the eulogy sets the tone, and the end leaves a lasting impression.

These are the parts where people’s attention is sharpest, and where your nerves may be at their peak.

Practise your opening a few extra times, so it comes out clearly even if your heart is racing.

Your closing should leave listeners with something to hold on to, whether it’s a quote, a final thought, or a wish for peace.

The more these sections are second nature, the easier it will be to stay grounded when delivering them.

10. Give Yourself Permission to Be Human

No matter how much you practise, the day may bring surprises: unexpected emotion, a laugh at an odd moment, a memory that hits harder than you thought. That’s OK.

The most powerful eulogies are those delivered by real people showing real love. You are not expected to be composed, polished, or even coherent at all times. You are expected to show up and speak your truth and that is always enough.

Photo by Dr Josiah Sarpong on Unsplash

The PostScript: A Gift of Words

Practising a eulogy isn’t about polishing every comma, it’s about building confidence so you can show up with your heart open.

Think of your eulogy as a gift.

A final offering to someone you loved, and a shared moment with those who loved them too.

With each read-through, you’re not just preparing, you’re honouring. You’re connecting. You’re grieving with grace. So breathe deep. Take your time. Practise not for perfection, but for presence.

You’ve got this.

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I hope this blog proves to be of some use to you. If this is a situation you've found yourself, then I'd love to know how you coped. Did you utilise any of these tips? Did you do something else? Let me know in the comments and maybe someone else can benefit from your wisdom!

If you're struggling with what to say, or how to say it, you don’t have to go through it alone. Professional eulogy writers (like myself) are here to help you craft words that do justice to the person you’re remembering. Because every life deserves to be honoured with care and every speaker deserves support in giving that honour voice. I'd be honuored to help you.