| Between One and Many: The Art and Science of Public Speaking, 4/e Steven R. Brydon,
California State University, Chico Michael D. Scott,
California State University, Chico
Ethical Speaking
SummarySeveral basic ethical questions are of concern to speakers:
- Why care about ethics? Most people fundamentally want to do what
is right.
- Is everything relative? Ethical relativists believe there are no
universal ethical principles.
- Are there rules for every situation? Universalists believe there
are ethical standards that apply to all situations regardless of the individual,
group, or culture.
- Does the good of the many outweigh the good of the few? Utilitarianism
is based on this principle.
- How do specific situations affect ethics? Situational ethicists believe
it is sometimes necessary to set aside one ethical principle to fulfill a
higher law or principle.
- Do the ends justify the means? Speakers should seek ethical ends
utilizing ethical means, such as those found in the National Communication
Association's Credo for Free and Responsible Communication in a Democratic
Society.
Ethical norms for public speaking are: - Be truthful.
- Show respect for the power of words.
- Invoke participatory democracy.
- Demonstrate tolerance for cultural diversity where consistent with
ethical principles.
- Treat people as ends, not means.
- Provide good reasons.
Public speakers face special issues: - Plagiarism-the stealing of words or ideas of another-is considered
a serious ethical violation.
- Building goodwill and trustworthiness is essential to successful
and ethical public speech.
- Whether to reveal or conceal one's intentions can present an ethical
as well as practical dilemma for speakers.
- Giving a two-sided presentation is both ethically sound and pragmatically
more effective.
Listeners should adhere to the following ethical norms: - Take responsibility for the choices they make.
- Stay informed on the issues of the day.
- Speak out when they are convinced that a speaker is misinforming or misleading
people.
- Be aware of their own biases.
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