Timeless Tips to Teach and Inspire

In his entry on “Drasha” (public sermon), the Pele Yoetz extols the value of public teaching and offers timeless guidance for anyone who delivers lectures, lessons, or Torah talks. Following are his five foundational principles:

1. Begin with Prayer
“The first rule,” writes the Pele Yoetz, “is to begin with a prayer to be protected from arrogance and from the evil eye, and that one’s words bear fruit. He should also pray for the ability to speak clearly, with grace and pleasantness, so that his words are sweet to the listeners, like a bride who is beloved by her groom.”

2. Be Brief and Focused
“The second,” he continues, “is not to be overly long. Better to speak briefly and meaningfully- a little that goes a long way.”
This is a reminder to keep things concise and impactful. Listeners are more likely to retain a short, clear message than a drawn-out lecture.

3. Preserve the Dignity of Others
“The third: he must be careful not to embarrass others in public through his words. He should not speak critically about people or accuse them harshly. Rather, he should include himself with them, saying: ‘The path we are on is not good; let us walk together in the light of Hashem.’” When offering moral guidance or critique, the speaker must avoid condescension. He should frame his message as a shared journey, not a rebuke from above.

4. Avoid Personal Gain or Suspicion
“The fourth: beware of suspicion. A listener might think he is preaching for his own benefit. Therefore, he should not overemphasize topics like giving charity to Torah scholars or honoring rabbis, lest it appear that he is seeking honor or income for himself.” This principle encourages humility and integrity. The audience should feel the speaker’s sincerity and have no reason to suspect self-interest.

5. Prepare Thoroughly
“Lastly,” concludes the Pele Yoetz, “he should always prepare the content of his sermon in advance, so that it is fluent on his lips.”
A well-planned and practiced talk not only honors the audience but also ensures that the message is delivered clearly and effectively.