May 14th, 2026

Eulogy Mistakes to Avoid: 12 Common Errors and How to Fix Them

Most people who write a eulogy have never done it before.

They sit down in the middle of grief, stare at a blank page, and try to find words for a life that mattered.

So if you're feeling uncertain, you're not alone.

And the good news is this:

You do not need to be a professional writer to create a meaningful tribute.

But there are a few common mistakes that can make the process harder than it needs to be.

Avoiding them can make your eulogy feel more natural, more personal, and more memorable.

Free Guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

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Mistake #1: Trying to Include Everything

This is probably the most common mistake.

People feel pressure to include every achievement, every date, every memory.

But a eulogy is not an entire biography.

Fix:

Choose a few meaningful themes and build around those.

If you want a complete record of a life beyond the eulogy itself, consider: Life Story & Legacy Book

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Mistake #2: Making It Sound Like a Resume

Listing accomplishments alone rarely creates emotion.

People remember people—not bullet points.

Fix:

Include stories and moments that reveal character.

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Mistake #3: Using Language That Doesn't Sound Like You

Sometimes people feel they need to sound formal or poetic.

But when your words don't sound like you, listeners feel it.

Fix:

Write the way you naturally speak.

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Download the Free Guide: What to Say When Words Are Hard

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Mistake #4: Telling Too Many Stories

Stories create connection—but too many can make a eulogy feel scattered.

Fix:

Choose one or two stories that say something larger about the person.

If you need help preserving additional memories for future generations, consider: Legacy Letters

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Mistake #5: Trying to Hide Emotion

People sometimes believe they need to remain completely composed.

But emotion isn't a weakness.

Fix:

Allow yourself to feel what you feel.

A pause or a shaky voice is okay.

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Mistake #6: Making It Too Long

Longer doesn't always mean better.

Attention and emotion can become difficult to sustain.

Fix:

Aim for meaningful rather than lengthy.

You might also find help here: How to Write a Short Eulogy That Still Feels Complete

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Mistake #7: Ignoring the Audience

Remember that different people are in the room:

• Family members
• Friends
• Coworkers
• Neighbors

Fix:

Keep your words inclusive and understandable.

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Mistake #8: Avoiding Humor Completely

People often worry that humor doesn't belong at a funeral.

But gentle, natural humor can bring warmth.

Fix:

Include humor if it genuinely reflects the person.

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Mistake #9: Focusing Too Much on Death

The eulogy is about the person's life—not simply their passing.

Fix:

Spend more time reflecting on how they lived.

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Mistake #10: Using Clichés Too Often

Phrases like “they're in a better place” may feel automatic.

Sometimes they help.

Sometimes they don't.

Fix:

Speak personally rather than relying entirely on familiar phrases.

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Mistake #11: Thinking You Must Do It Alone

Many people carry the entire burden themselves.

Fix:

Ask family or friends for stories, memories, and ideas.

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Mistake #12: Thinking It Has to Be Perfect

Perfection is not the goal.

Connection is.

Fix:

Focus on honesty rather than flawless wording.

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A Short Example

“I worried about saying the right thing today. But I realized something—the right thing isn't perfection. It's simply speaking honestly about someone who mattered.”

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Need More Help?

If you're still unsure where to begin, you can find examples and guidance here: Eulogy Writing Help

And if you want to preserve stories beyond the funeral itself: Legacy Letters or Life Story & Legacy Book

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Get your free guide: What to Say in Life’s Most Difficult Moments

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A Final Thought

A meaningful eulogy rarely comes from getting every detail right.

It comes from saying something true.

Something personal.

Something that reminds people of a life worth remembering.

And that is already enough.