The Oath of a Public Speaker I swear by Pottho, Goddess of Suasion, and by Hermes, God of Eloquence, making them my witnesses,

that I will carry out, according to my ability and judgment, this oath and this indenture. That I will use rhetoric, when and where I can do, but never to injure or to do wrong. That I will always respect the intelligence and integrity of my listeners. That I will never let the desire to succeed lead me to use false and sophistic methods of suasion. That I will not knowingly withhold any essential information from my listeners and neither distort nor warp facts or statements from others. That I will endeavor to be well-informed about my subject before I form an opinion and make my speech. That I will base my appeals or rational grounds forgetting not that reason gains strength from the values and emotions of men. That I will accept complete accountability of every speech that I make, and never make myself guilty of irresponsible utterances. That I will hold my peace in public rather than belie or deceive an audience. Now, if I carry out this oath, and break it not, may I forever gain respect from all men for my life and for my art; but if I transgress it, and for swear myself, may the opposite befall me.