While the Buddha was residing at Ghosita Monastery in the city of Kosambi, Venerable Ananda noticed one of the Buddha’s disciples, namely Udayi, addressing a large gathering of laypeople. Apparently, Udayi was not doing very well in his presentation, but he continued to talk to the gathering.

Ven. Ananda approached the Buddha and reported what he saw perhaps because Ven. Ananda expected the Buddha to help Udayi become a better speaker. The Sutta does not mention whether the Buddha actually talked to Udayi or not, but it has preserved the Buddha’s response to Ven. Ananda.

“One may find it difficult, Ananda, to make a successful presentation if one fails to place oneself in five positions,” the Buddha replied. Then, he gave the following five factors that make a speech attractive and appealing:

1. The speaker should organize the speech first.
2. The speaker should support [any claim] with reasons.
3. Kindness toward the listener should be the primary motive behind the speech.
4. No selfish motive should interfere with the speaker.
5. The speech should create no conflict between the speaker and the listener.

     Anguttara Nikaya III: 5.4.1.9

In a world where external modification of everything is overemphasized, the Buddha’s instructions on how to prepare the mind before one speaks should be appealing to anybody who intends to be a great speaker!