ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a review and critical analysis of the works of Clark and Greatbatch which consider ‘guru speak’; the important work that gurus undertake in their seminar performances. Clark and Greatbatch highlight the importance of the work that gurus undertake in their seminars yet observe that this labour has not been made the subject of detailed academic scrutiny. Noting the manner in which Clark and Greatbatch have attempted to remedy this knowledge gap, chapter five details the authors’ critical reflections on the existing academic literature in this arena and discusses the manner in which they have attempted to develop an interactive appreciation of the guru seminar. Looking in more detail at the interactions that characterise the guru seminar, the chapter acknowledges the importance of storytelling within guru seminars and concedes that we may plausibly suggest that these stories are a) designed and arranged to precipitate laughter so that b) audience affiliation is secured/maintained. And yet the chapter highlights key problems with ‘guru speak’ that remain under-reported. Noting conceptual, methodological and empirical problems, the chapter concludes the suggestion that there is a need to reframe guru performance within an account of stand-up comedy.
