How to handle Q&A session after a Dhamma talk?
You may find these links helpful...
Tips for handling Q&A session after the presentation.
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/boyd_q_a_after_pres.htm
9 Tips for handling public speaking questions.
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-14-2005-83983.asp
Q&A Made Simple!
http://www.wittcom.com/how_to_handle_questions.htm
How to handle TOUGH questions from the audience?
http://www.mtannoyances.com/?p=407
You may find these links helpful...
Tips for handling Q&A session after the presentation.
http://www.school-for-champions.com/speaking/boyd_q_a_after_pres.htm
9 Tips for handling public speaking questions.
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-14-2005-83983.asp
Q&A Made Simple!
http://www.wittcom.com/how_to_handle_questions.htm
How to handle TOUGH questions from the audience?
http://www.mtannoyances.com/?p=407
How about Q&A session spesifically in a Dhamma talk setting?
Thus have i understood from my practice, found to be beneficial and would like to suggest:
1) Be aware that there is more than one Buddhist traditions and try not to give answer which is biased towards a particular tradition e.g. issues on vegetarianism. Instead, give a general view and then mention the difference in various traditions that you know of.
2) If we are quoting the Buddha to answer a question, "According to the Buddha...........", make sure that's what the Buddha said and it's not just a hearsay. If we are not sure, just be honest to say so and make the effort to check it out.
3) If we are giving a personal opinion to an answer, which can be a very beneficial sharing, say so, "In my personal experience.........", instead of putting our opinions into the Buddha's mouth. This is important in order not to dilute or contaminate the Buddha's teachings in case our opinion is wrong or it's actually right but not mentioned by the Buddha.
4) It's important to tailor our answer to questioner's level of understanding. Don't be obsessed with Buddhist jargons e.g. jhana, emptiness, nirvana etc. and end up confusing people, mystifying the Buddha's teachings and deluding ourselves that we have answered a particular question well.
5) For further understanding of an answer, we can refer a questioner to further readings e.g. book, CD, website etc. For those will psychological issues (which is rather common among audience in a Dhamma talk), we can refer them to our Buddhist network of mental health volunteers e.g. BGF counseling unit for better answers.
WE LEARN, WE PRACTICE & WE SHARE!
Mudita,
dr. phang
1) Be aware that there is more than one Buddhist traditions and try not to give answer which is biased towards a particular tradition e.g. issues on vegetarianism. Instead, give a general view and then mention the difference in various traditions that you know of.
2) If we are quoting the Buddha to answer a question, "According to the Buddha...........", make sure that's what the Buddha said and it's not just a hearsay. If we are not sure, just be honest to say so and make the effort to check it out.
3) If we are giving a personal opinion to an answer, which can be a very beneficial sharing, say so, "In my personal experience.........", instead of putting our opinions into the Buddha's mouth. This is important in order not to dilute or contaminate the Buddha's teachings in case our opinion is wrong or it's actually right but not mentioned by the Buddha.
4) It's important to tailor our answer to questioner's level of understanding. Don't be obsessed with Buddhist jargons e.g. jhana, emptiness, nirvana etc. and end up confusing people, mystifying the Buddha's teachings and deluding ourselves that we have answered a particular question well.
5) For further understanding of an answer, we can refer a questioner to further readings e.g. book, CD, website etc. For those will psychological issues (which is rather common among audience in a Dhamma talk), we can refer them to our Buddhist network of mental health volunteers e.g. BGF counseling unit for better answers.
WE LEARN, WE PRACTICE & WE SHARE!
Mudita,
dr. phang
2 comments:
What an informative and inspiring blog! I find it indeed useful!Thanks a lot!
Sadhu!
I come across your blog when I try to find some materials for my interfaith talk with friends. As a Buddhist, we always said that the notion of God doesn't exist, and I always felt that it will bring more harm than good if I am do not put it in a eloquent way.
and your word enlightened me. thanks
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