Speak to family members and friends to gather information. They may wish to share some interesting facts and stories which you are not aware of. It is also an opportunity for you to personally reflect on your time with the deceased. Look through photo albums as these also tell their own story about the deceased.
Once you have gathered your information you need to plan the ‘shape’ and ‘feel’ of the eulogy. Find a way of verbally interpreting the facts that you have gathered, and seek to visualise in your mind what you want to say and what you want to achieve. There can only ever be ‘pointers’ in terms of how you deliver the eulogy but, at the end of the day, the method of delivery has to work for YOU. Seek to be comfortable in everything you plan and do.
You may want a eulogy which is in chronological order and factual, but which finishes on a personal note, your perspective on the deceased’s life if you like. Alternatively you may choose to develop a eulogy which is full of anecdotes, stories and jokes and, by its nature, less formal.