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
speakers 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 audience-
centered, 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
Bushs 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?