Cole Lewis

Informative Speech
Topic:

Buddhism

General:

To Inform

Specific Purpose:

To inform my audience about a popular yet misunderstood

religion practiced throughout the world.

Thesis:

Although it is the 4th largest religion in the world,

Buddhism stands widely misunderstood by the rest of the
world.

I.

Introduction
A. Attention Getter: A rich young man removed himself from society
in search of the truth. Years later he created Buddhism which now thrives as
the worlds 4th largest religion in the world.
B. Reason to Listen: It is important to understand others viewpoints;
Especially viewpoints held by so many people.
C. Thesis Statement: Buddhism is an overlooked integral part of modern
society.
D. Credibility Statement: I have studied Buddhism through various online
texts. I have interviewed two people of the Buddhist faith about their religion
and what it means to them.
E. Preview of Main Points:
1. First I will discuss the history of Buddhism.
2. Then I will discuss the theology of Buddhism.
3. Finally I will talk about Buddhism in relation to modern society.

II.

Buddhism originated in central Asia in min 600 B.C.

1. Siddhartha Gautama first thought of Buddhism after a long
seclusion in the wilderness
2. He taught disciples who then taught others and so on and so
forth.
3. The Dali Lama is the most notorious Buddhist of all time.
Buddhist is an interesting intricate theological understanding of the world.
1. Buddhism has concepts key to the understanding of the religion.
Ex.: kharma.
2. Buddhism does not believe in a deity

3. Buddhism speaks of moral ambiguity, but has more strenuous

guidelines than many other religions.
Buddhism has an interesting place in society.
1. Buddhism is misunderstood and often stereotyped.
2. Buddhism is growing in popularity, even in the western world.
Restate Thesis: Buddhism is an overlooked integral part of modern society.
Closure: Buddhism, whether understood or is an important part of the past, present,
and future.
References:
References
To Hold Nothing. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://toholdnothing.blogspot.com/2011/12/breaking-buddhiststereotypes.html
Bodiford, W. (n.d.). Zen (Buddhism). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/656421/Zen
Buddhism History, Doctrines and Teachings, and More. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14,
2014.
http://buddhism.about.com/
Buddhist Sects, Schools & Denominations. (n.d.). Retrieved October 14, 2014.
http://www.religionfacts.com/buddhism/index.htm
About Buddhism. (n.d.). History of Buddhism |. Retrieved October 21, 2014.
http://www.aboutbuddhism.org/history-of-buddhism.htm/
The Buddha. (n.d.). BBC News. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/buddhism/history/history.shtml
The Berzin Archives. (n.d.). The Spread of Buddhism in Asia. Retrieved October 22,
2014.

http://www.berzinarchives.com/web/en/archives/study/history_buddhism
/general_histories/spread_buddhism_asia.html
HISTORY OF BUDDHISM. (n.d.). HISTORY OF BUDDHISM. Retrieved October 22,
2014, from
7

http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/plaintexthistories.asp?historyid=ab7

Sar, personal communications, October 14, 2014.

Z. Merkin, personal communication, October 14, 2014.