Authenticity is something that can not be explained in great detail. It is sometimes called "being real" and not "fake." I believe this feeling of being "fake" comes from a lack of trust in a person. I think when someone does not trust me properly they don't think I am being serious. I could say I have shook the hand of every major conductor in the Midwest but no one would believe me right away. Trust is required to give authenticity. Students are very good at calling out authenticity. The most common ways are asking for the teacher to expand on what they just said. If the teacher fumbles for words or seems to have no answers then the students don't believe it. Then a small amount of trust is lost between the student and the teacher, making the next fact even easier to not believe.
Ultimately the whole issue of authenticity comes down to trust. The students must believe the teacher to learn anything from them. Without this trusting relationship then the students will be lost in their teacher's ramblings. The teacher must be able to back their stance somehow.
Personally I try to keep things simple. That way there is no need for long explanations. But, if there is a need for a longer explanation then I will give it. I believe the longer explanation would be well worth the trust of the students.
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