How to write a eulogy | Bret Simner | TEDxBasel

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Published 2021-09-01

Most people have never thought about what they would do in the moment if they were called upon to deliver a eulogy. Bret Simner tells not only how you can structure and deliver a eulogy but also why you should do it. Bret Simner was born in New York City and has lived in Basel for over 17 years. His education includes bachelor and master’s degrees from the Juilliard School and a doctorate from Stony Brook University. His eclectic work experience ranges from milking cows and bailing hay to playing music on stages such as Carnegie Hall and Versailles. When not teaching music at the Swiss International School, Bret spends his time trying to keep up with his daughter’s scooting and his son’s fastball. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

All Comments (21)

@JohnJones-gu3rs 1 year ago

i’m 20 years old and writing a eulogy for my sister, I can’t stress enough how much this video helped me. thank you
@evastood4539 11 months ago

3:27 1. Bring them back to life 2. Tell a story 3. Say what they meant to you
@Burritosarebetterthantacos 8 months ago

Im reading my Fathers eulogy tomorrow. Im a nervous wreck but it must be done. My dad deserves it. Its a tight 10 minute tribute.
@Deaky13 2 years ago

I'm 26 years old preparing to write my husband's eulogy, and this was so helpful. Thank you.
@claudiah.2935 1 year ago

Gave my first eulogy at my grandpa’s funeral a few hours ago and I can say with 1000% certainty that it would not have been as powerful had I not watched this video a few times before I wrote it. I can’t thank you enough for your help, Bret. Your wisdom has impacted so many people! ❤️❤️❤️
@ParadoxBoxx 1 year ago

I never thought I would be giving a eulogy for my my mom at 21 but I'm here nonetheless. Thank you so much Bret for this easy to digest and concise video. Hoping for the best.
@ryanmarksfishlord654 1 year ago

17 years old had to give a eulogy for my father thanks for the tips, had to write a quick one but it was simple and powerful, especially since I was the only one whose gave a speech it was pretty awesome 😊
@elysiadesire 2 years ago

So sorry for everyone’s loss here in the comments. My 2yr old cousin just passed away from brain cancer and I’m trying to right something really special..
@johnlocke4715 1 month ago

Incredible. Thank you so much Mr. Simner for your help. My Grandmother passed away and I’m still in shock, as she meant so much to me, but I wanted to say something at her funeral tomorrow. This was incredible helpful.
@OrlandoMGarcia 2 years ago

My Grandfather died yesterday, what a great advice to make honor to his memory
@jonestraloma 1 year ago

Thank you for this. I’ve told dozens of speeches. Won awards and contests. But this has been the hardest one I ever had to write.
@DonzellLampkins 4 months ago

I am giving a eulogy for my mother today at 11 am cst. I am honored, yet still in disbelief. Thank you for this video.
@We_play_PoGo 8 months ago

My teacher is goated I love that he’s helping people
@salvatorecreative2902 9 months ago

I delivered a Eulogy for my mother's funeral. It was the proudest moment of my life
@albertlopez4307 1 year ago

Bret, I watched your video the day before I had to give my dad's Eulogy. I had already my thoughts on paper, but "bringing them back to life" was what I was missing. Thank you and I am sorry for your loss as well.
@walker675 28 days ago

Thank you so much for this. I have to give the eulogy at my grandmother's funeral. Im so scared of breaking down. Ill practice and practice to try and keep the emotions buried until im finished.
@georginaohanlon1259 1 year ago

I'm writing my beloved Mother's eulogy at this moment, very nervous of the delivery - thank you for the advice Bret. I hope I do her proud.
@swankehlou 2 years ago

Thank you so much for this, Bret. My grandfather passed away yesterday, and we cremated him and deposited him into his crypt today. My emotions and thoughts are all over the place, but after watching this, it has helped me cope and write a great eulogy to honor him.
@Glaucomacarecenter 2 years ago

Bret you are amazing. Such clarity and wisdom in just a few short minutes. Thank you!!
@JohnJApanovitch 2 years ago

My great grandfather passed away literally just recently, and I wanted to write and deliver a eulogy in his memory and honor. As a writer, I know I didn't have to, but he was so close to me, so I felt obligated to.