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, 20, 2001, “was a
collaboration by administration wordsmiths.”
Is the use of such “ghostwriters” unethical?
Why or why not?