When we talk about stages in meditation, we immediately have a problem with the terminology. We tend to think in terms of a staircase: You take the first step, and then you take the next step and the step after that.
Abandoning harsh speech, he abstains from harsh speech, he speaks such
words as are gentle, pleasing to the ear, and lovable, as go to the
heart, are courteous, desired by many and agreeable to many.
Truth always works. There always has to be basic honesty; that is the source of trust. When someone sees that you are telling the truth, then they will realize further that you are saying something worthwhile and trustworthy. It always works.
I'm an independent Pureland Buddhist priest. Although retired for the most part, I still teach on-line and hold Pureland Buddhist gatherings - currently using Zoom.