Chapter 2 Ethics and Public Speaking Ethics The

Chapter 2 Ethics and Public Speaking

Ethics The branch of philosophy that deals with issues of right and wrong in human affairs.

Ethical Decisions Weighing a potential course of action against a set of ethical standards or guidelines.

Setting Ethical Standards n May Not Always Be Easy Cultural Norms? n Individual Rewards or Monetary Gain? n Protection of Others? n Increases in Power? n Emotional Influences? n

Freedom of Speech n Most Speech is Protected under the Constitution Including hate speech. n There is a difference between what is legal and what is ethical. n n We don’t always have these freedoms They are contextually granted n There are forms of speech that are illegal n n Speeches to incite riots or hurt others n Defamatory speeches n Speeches that invades a person’s right to privacy

Freedom of Speech n When is language defamatory? n Public figures n Requires n Private reckless disregard for the truth persons n Easier to assert claims of defamation n Speaker has burden of proving truth n Always cite sources of any defamatory remarks!

A Moral Compass We all have our individual sense of what is right or wrong n A society creates laws and social norms to reinforce ideal behavior n It’s our duty to enforce positive change? n Our Voice can have an effect on this change (Ideal? ) n n “That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. ”

Where do we Gain Our Sense of What’s Right and Wrong? N The Moral Compass E W S

Our Moral Compass N E W S xperiences • Lived • Witnessed Emotions Empathy Our Culture Our Families

Our Moral Compass N E W S ense of Logic Our Use of Reason And Rational Thought Q: Does this make sense to me?

Our Moral Compass N E W hat we’re told Words of Authorities People we Admire • • Parents Religious Leaders Teachers Judges S

Our Moral Compass I N tuition E W S

Guidelines for Ethical Speaking Make sure your goals are ethically sound Be fully prepared for each speech Have a solid grasp of the subject Use sound Reasoning Skills Be honest (and up front) in what you say Be genuinely interested in your listener’s welfare Don’t use emotional appeals when emotions are running high.

Avoid Name-Calling and Other Forms of Abusive Language The use of language to defame, demean, or degrade individuals or groups detracts from your credibility and over time can lead to increased prejudice, hate crimes, and even civil rights violations.

Plagiarism Presenting another person’s language or ideas as one’s own.

Types of Plagiarism n Global plagiarism n Patchwork plagiarism n Incremental plagiarism n Always verbally cite your sources of information*

Citing Sources Remember that citing can increase your credibility as a speaker n Always cite when quoting or paraphrasing another’s thoughts n n n When quoting, state that it is a quote. Common knowledge statements don’t need to be cited.

Citing Sources n Include the following when orally citing a source* The type of source n The author or origin of the source n The title or description of the source n The date of the source n

Plagiarism and the Internet n Cite sources when using Internet materials n Copyright laws MAY need to be taken into account* n Take careful research notes

Guidelines for Ethical Listening n Be courteous and attentive n Avoid prejudging the speaker n Maintain the free and open expression of ideas