How To Communicate Effectively With Difficult People: When to Tell the Truth, When to Push Back, and Why Kindness Isn't the Same as Being Nice | Sharon Salzberg

How To Communicate Effectively With Difficult People: When to Tell the Truth, When to Push Back, and Why Kindness Isn't the Same as Being Nice | Sharon Salzberg

July 8, 2026 · 1h 8m · Episode 1163

About this episode

Sharon Salzberg discusses effective communication strategies, drawing on Buddhist teachings and the importance of compassion and honesty in difficult conversations.

Plus: the four questions the Buddha said you should ask before you speak, the truth about gossip, and what to do when compassion and honesty pull in opposite directions. Sharon Salzberg is a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She is among the first to bring mindfulness & lovingkindness meditation to mainstream American culture fifty years ago. In this episode we talk about: What the Buddha actually said about how to talk to people, and why almost none of us were ever taught it The four questions to ask yourself before you open your mouth Whether white lies are ever okay The difference between being kind and being nice Is it ever okay to gossip? Why shame is the enemy of change, and what "right" in right speech actually means How to remember any of this when you're mid-conversation with a difficult person Get the 10% with Dan Harris app here Sign up for Dan's free newsletter here Follow Dan on social: Instagram , TikTok Subscribe to our YouTube Channel To advertise on the show, contact sales@advertisecast.com or visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/10HappierwithDanHarris Rosetta Stone – Get 20% off your Rosetta Stone Sapphire…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Harris

Guest: Sharon Salzberg

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: New York Times

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