For this exercise, Covey asks us to vividly visualise ourselves going to a funeral. To feel the atmosphere. To look around and see our friends, family and colleagues, all seated together. To hear the soft, melodic music. This moment is special, because it is your funeral. Your funeral in three years.
He narrates a story where there are four speakers. The first is someone from your family, perhaps a partner, child or sibling or even, someone more distant (like a cousin). The next is a friend. Someone who knew you really well for who you really were. The third is a colleague, one who worked closely with you and witnessed your professional accomplishments. The fourth is someone from the community, who worked with you when you volunteered, or lent a helping hand.
What would you want each of them to say? What would you hope to hear?
He encourages the reader to write this down in detail, and consider how these speeches would differ from what would be said if you continued living the way you are living now.