72.3 Judging the Audience (அவை அறிதல்)

72.3 Judging the Audience (அவை அறிதல்)

 

Question:

How should a speaker adjust his speech to suit the audience?

 

Answer:

Speak intelligently in the assembly of the wise; assume

the color of white lime mortar before the ignorant.                              (Couplet - 714)

ஒளியார்முன் ஒள்ளிய ராதல் வெளியார்முன்

வான்சுதை வண்ணம் கொளல்.                                              (குறள் – 714)

 

Explanation:

Valluvar advises the speaker to demonstrate his superior knowledge in the assembly of learned men and suggests that the speaker should assume a low profile like an ignorant man in the company of those who are not very knowledgeable. The expression ”assume the color of white lime mortar” in Couplet 714 is an idiomatic expression for becoming one with the surroundings. In this case, if the speaker is among those who are not very learned, he should talk at their level so that they can understand.