Writing a eulogy for a loved one can be a daunting task. Eulogies typically last for less than ten minutes, which feels like too short of a time to properly share the legacy of your loved one. Plus, you’re likely working through your own feelings of grief and coming to terms with the loss, which can make it hard to write, especially if you have no idea where to start.
To overcome the writer’s block that comes from staring at a blank page, you can use an AI writing tool. AI has taken the world by storm, and while it’s best not to run with whatever AI generates as-is, it can give you a great framework and a solid starting point for your eulogy. Here are five important steps to follow to help you develop a personalized, touching eulogy with the help of AI.
1. Provide a specific, detailed prompt
The more details your prompt has, the better your results from the AI generator will be! Include details about what was most important to your loved one: their family, their job, their hobbies, their pets. Also, add information about their personality, significant memories you shared with them, and their passions. If you’re not sure what to include, try asking your AI generator for a list of questions to help you brainstorm for a eulogy. When you put together your prompt, start it with “Write a eulogy about…” so the generator will know what tone to use and how to structure what it writes.
2. Ask the generator to refine the eulogy
Once AI creates something for you, it can also help edit and refine what it’s given you. If the eulogy is too serious or lighthearted, ask the AI generator to change the tone. You could ask AI to focus more on a specific part of the eulogy, like family life or personality. You can also ask the generator to shorten or lengthen the eulogy. Or if you don’t like the option provided, you can ask AI to try again, although you may need to adjust your prompt to get a better result. You can play around with different versions of the eulogy until you find one you like.
3. Double-check the facts
Often, AI generators will exaggerate facts or add incorrect information. This phenomenon is called AI hallucination, and it’s important to watch for it when working with an AI generator. You might mention in your prompt that your dad loved to play golf, but the AI generator may say that your dad won many golf tournaments when he only played casually. Or you might say that your aunt was great in the kitchen, and the AI generator may talk about her world-famous pot pie recipe (that doesn’t exist). Make sure to read through the eulogy and double-check all the details, including names and dates, to ensure that everything is accurate.
4. Make the eulogy more personal
While AI can create a great eulogy, it can’t make it sound like you. After fact-checking the information, sit down with the eulogy and rewrite it in your own words. Did AI use words you wouldn’t typically use? Does the tone match what you want to portray, whether sadness, peace, humor, or anything in between? Could you add any stories of your loved one to help illustrate their character? AI can state the facts and even use empathy, but it’s up to you to make the eulogy truly personal.
5. Read the eulogy aloud
Once you’ve finished personalizing the eulogy, practice reading it out loud. This can help you get a better feel for the flow of the eulogy and give you a chance to practice before delivering the eulogy. Watch out for words or phrases you trip over or long sentences that don’t give you an opportunity to take a breath. You could also time yourself while reading the eulogy to get an idea of whether you need to shorten or lengthen it.
As you work on writing the eulogy, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable! While AI is a useful tool that can help you organize and create a eulogy, it doesn’t have your unique perspective and relationship with your loved one to draw from. By adding your own personal touch to the eulogy, you can create something that truly honors your loved one’s life.
