Speaking Ethically Speech 1010 Public Speaking Mrs Christianson

Speaking Ethically Speech 1010 Public Speaking Mrs. Christianson

Ethics and Free Speech • Ethics are the beliefs, values, and moral principles by which people determine what is right or wrong. • What do you know about our First Amendment (1791) right to freedom of speech? • In a country in which free speech is protected by law, the right to speak freely must be balanced by the responsibility to speak ethically.

Ethics and Free Speech (continued) • Aristotle used the term ethos to refer to a speaker’s credibility. – He thought that to be credible, a public speaker should be ethical, possess good character, have common sense, and be concerned for the well-being of the audience. • As you determine the goal of your speech, outline your arguments, and select your evidence, think about the beliefs, values, and morals of your audience, as well as your own. – Ethical public speaking is inherently audiencecentered, always taking into account the needs and rights of the listeners.

Speaking Ethically • There is no definitive ethical creed for a public speaker, but many agree that an ethical public speaker is one who: – Has a clear, responsible goal – Uses sound evidence and reasoning – Is sensitive to and tolerant of differences – Is honest – Avoids plagiarism.

Speaking Ethically (continued) • Clear, Responsible Goal – No hidden agenda – be honest with audience about purpose – If your overall objective is to inform or persuade, it is probably ethical; if your goal is to coerce or corrupt, it is unethical. • Use Sound Evidence and Reasoning – Do not manipulate emotions or substitute false claims for evidence and logical arguments.

Speaking Ethically (continued) • Be Sensitive to and Tolerant of Differences – Sometimes called accommodation, sensitivity to differences does not mean that you must abandon your own convictions – It does mean that you should demonstrate a willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and learn about different beliefs and values. • Be Honest

Speaking Ethically (continued) • Avoid Plagiarism – Presenting the words and ideas of others without crediting them is called plagiarism. – Do your own work! – Acknowledge your sources • If you use a direct quotation, opinion, statistic, or visual material, you must acknowledge its source in your speech or on your works cited page. – Cite sources correctly

Recap Delivering an Ethical Speech: – Have a clear, responsible goal – Provide your listeners with choices, and use sound evidence and reasoning – Share all evidence that will help your audience reach a sound decision – Be sensitive to and tolerant of differences, and avoid language that is biased or offensive – Be honest and do your own work – Avoid plagiarism, and give credit for any ideas and information that are not your own. – Acknowledge your sources accurately and completely

Ethics Question It has been openly acknowledged that George Bush’s speech to Congress and the nation on Thursday, September, 2001, “was a collaboration by administration wordsmiths. ” Is the use of such “ghostwriters” unethical? Why or why not?