The Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), held from January 30 to February 3, 2025, at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, is one of India’s most renowned literary festivals and a globally celebrated event. It brings together writers, thinkers, and speakers from around the world, offering a melting pot of ideas, storytelling, and intellectual discourse. Attending JLF provides a unique opportunity to engage with literature, culture, and communication at its finest.
Attending JLF with a fellow Toastmaster added an entirely new layer to the experience. We weren’t just absorbing the content of the sessions—we were actively dissecting the speakers’ communication styles, analyzing how they articulated their thoughts and presented themselves on stage.
Take Manu S. Pillai, for instance. A historian known for his works like The Ivory Throne, Pillai’s expertise in history was undeniable, and the depth of his knowledge was remarkable. However, the sheer volume of information he shared at once felt overwhelming at times, and the rapid delivery sometimes made it difficult for those unfamiliar with the subject to fully absorb and process everything.
In contrast, Vayu Naidu, a storyteller and novelist, had a more elegant, engaging style. Her storytelling was immersive, drawing listeners in and making them feel compelled to pick up her book. Watching these speakers made us realize how much the way we present ourselves can influence whether our audience is drawn in or left behind.
Shashi Tharoor, an author and politician known for his eloquence, lived up to expectations with his signature charm. The moment he stepped onto the stage, the audience erupted with excitement, completely overshadowing the presence of Ikigai co-author Francesc Miralles. However, the moderator handled the situation with remarkable finesse. Sensing the audience gravitating more toward Tharoor, she swiftly balanced the energy by acknowledging both speakers equally, ensuring Miralles wasn’t overshadowed. Her ability to pick up on the room’s vibe and adjust accordingly was a masterclass in moderation—a perfect example of how a good moderator ensures balanced and engaging discussions, making every speaker feel valued and every conversation more wholesome.
Andrew Hogan, editor of the London Review of Books, was another standout speaker. We appreciated how he fielded questions—not just answering them generically but engaging deeply, elaborating with examples, and substantiating his responses with personal experiences. He ensured that every interaction was insightful, leaving the audience with something valuable to take away.
Jassa Ahluwalia, a British actor and writer, was one of the younger and more dynamic speakers. He began his session by playing an Instagram clip before launching into his speech, a brilliant way to capture attention and set the tone for his presentation. It was a reminder that how a speaker opens their talk can set the stage for the entire session.
Sudha Murthy, an author and philanthropist, in her usual simplistic and heartwarming style, proved once again why she has such a devoted following. Her storytelling, particularly appealing to children, was effortless yet impactful. Her matter-of-fact responses and deep humility resonated with the audience, proving that authenticity and relatability can be just as powerful as eloquence.
Ira Mukhoty, a historian known for her work Daughters of the Sun, which explores the untold stories of powerful women from India’s Mughal Empire, captivated the audience with her insightful narratives. Her session shed light on historical figures often overlooked, enriching our understanding of history.
Attending a literature festival with a fellow Toastmaster isn’t just about enjoying great conversations—it’s about sharpening our communication instincts. Observing these speakers made us reflect on our own speaking styles, reinforcing that a great speech isn’t just about knowledge but also about how it’s presented. Speaking and writing are deeply intertwined, and as we refine one, we elevate the other.
Sneha Sharma with Cyril Paul