How would you explain Buddhism to a non-Buddhist?

I have a lot of experience with teaching Buddhism to non-Buddhists. Generally, I check them out first, and then I find something that they can relate to. Generally, if I don’t know anything, I might start with my life in general, or with metta and just talk with them. As a monk that is easy. I usually do not talk about rebirth unless they bring up the topic of Heaven and Hell and creators. If they do, I talk about kamma (our deeds) being our creator. I also talk about how 30% of the angels fell from heaven to hell in the Christian world as proof that heaven is not eternal. However, it is best to avoid this topic.
What you want to do is go light introducing things that anyone can appreciate and then slowly introduce core values unique to Buddhism. It is the Socrates method to have them say “yes” many times. I think I read about this in a Malcolm Gladwell book.

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