wise speech, correct speech, speaking properly
Translation
right speech
Other Translations
Background
In modern practice, many teachers condense right speech into a "checklist" (based on MN 58) to use before speaking or hitting "send" on an email:
Is it true? (Factually accurate)
Is it helpful? (Does it lead to a beneficial outcome?)
Is it the right time? (Is the listener ready to hear it?)
Is it kind? (Is the intent rooted in goodwill or anger?)
If it is true but unhelpful, the Buddha generally advised silence. If it is true and helpful but unpleasant, he advised waiting for the "right time."
It also can be useful to keep in mind "animal talk" (mentioned in MN 76) such as talk about kings, bandits, and chief ministers; talk about armies, threats, and wars; talk about food, drink, clothes, and beds; talk about garlands and fragrances; talk about family, vehicles, villages, towns, cities, and countries; talk about women and heroes; street talk and well talk; talk about the departed; motley talk; tales of land and sea; and talk about being reborn in this or that state of existence.