Five factors of well-spoken speech are - 1) It is spoken at the proper time, 2) truthfully, 3) gently, 4) in a way that benefits, and 5) spoken with a mind of loving-kindness.

AN 5.198 Vācā sutta - Speech

Bhikkhus, speech endowed with five factors is well-spoken, not badly spoken, blameless, and irreproachable to the wise. What are these five factors?

1) It is spoken at the proper time,
2) it is |true::accurate, correct [sacca]|,
3) it is |gentle::polite, soft [saṇha]|,
4) it is |beneficial::meaningful [atthasaṃhita]|, and
5) it is spoken with a |mind of loving-kindness::mind of benevolence, friendly heart [mettacitta]|.

Indeed, bhikkhus, speech endowed with these five factors is well-spoken, not badly spoken, blameless, and irreproachable to the wise.

Last updated on July 4, 2025

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