Acharya Prashant explains that he does not view public speaking as a formal art or vocation but as a medium for honest communication. He emphasizes that the intention behind speaking is supreme. If the speaker's intent is to help and uplift the audience, the right words, metaphors, and style will naturally follow. He argues that the primary goal should be to ensure the listener benefits from the truth being presented, rather than the speaker attempting to leave an impression of superiority or brilliance. He critiques the common approach of trying to impress an audience, labeling it as a form of violence and self-centeredness. Instead of leaving people speechless or spellbound, a real speaker should give voice to the audience and pull them out of their existing mental cages. Acharya Prashant warns against the superficial art of conversation that prioritizes looking confident over having actual substance. He suggests that being honest is far more important than appearing confident, and one should be willing to listen or admit ignorance when necessary. The speaker advises against using complex jargon, archaic vocabulary, or a rapid pace just to appear sophisticated. He notes that in the Indian context, people often surrender to what they do not understand, such as Sanskrit or English, which only reinforces their sense of inferiority. To counter this, a speaker should use simple language and relatable examples, even at the cost of absolute linguistic accuracy or complexity. Ultimately, public speaking should be an expression of truth and love, where the speaker walks at the audience's pace to ensure genuine connection and internal comprehension. Regarding criticism, Acharya Prashant views it as a form of engagement that can help uncover deeper dimensions of a topic. He encourages welcoming any input that challenges one to explore the truth further. However, if the criticism is merely an expression of ego or an attempt to score points, it should be ignored. The speaker's satisfaction should come from the upliftment of the audience rather than the gratification of their own ego.
