Rules & Etiquette: Public Speaking as a Buddhist Monk [S5.E55]

Greg interviews our old friend and recurring guest Phra Pandit, about public speaking as a Buddhist monk. Beginning with some public speaking basics, such as the three things that really matter when you give a speech: what you have to say, who you are, and how you deliver, our venerable friend emphasizes that how you deliver a speech is what you have the most control over and is also completely separate from the content. Using Trump as an example, he explains that Trump’s public speaking technique was excellent, even though he was turned off by the message. 

Next, Phra Pandit discusses the different types of speeches in Thai Buddhism, from the informal to the more formal. Interestingly, the more formal the speech, the more robotic the delivery is supposed to be, given that the content is supposed to be pure Buddhism as opposed to your own views or personality. But even in informal talks, humor and laughter is supposed to be avoided as can be seen in the recent hullabaloo over two Thai monks doing a stand up comedy routine. 

Phra Pandit continues with some more great advice for speakers of all types and concludes with some very funny stories about trying to teach Asian monks, who are almost guaranteed to be shy, the secret to overcoming the fear of talking in front of a crowd. 

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