These four criteria are helpful today in evaluating whether we and others are using Right Speech and speaking the truth effectively. The four criteria are: 1. We have to speak the language of the world. 2. We may speak differently to different people, in a way that reflects how they think and their ability to receive the teaching. 3. We give the right teaching according to person, time, and place, just as a doctor prescribes the right medicine. 4. We teach in a way that reflects the absolute truth.
