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3: Ethics in Public Speaking

  • Page ID
    8972
    • Alyssa Millner@King College & Rachel Price@University of Kentucky

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    Communication experts agree that ethical communication is an important responsibility of the speaker. This chapter explores ethics and ethical communication in public speaking. First, ethics and ethical standards are defined. Second, this chapter describes principles of ethical public speaking, with guidelines for avoiding plagiarism, citing sources, and setting responsible speech goals. Lastly, your responsibilities as an ethical listener of public speaking are explored.

    • 3.1: Introduction
      This page highlights the importance of ethics in public speaking, covering key concepts like morality, ethical dilemmas, plagiarism, and source citation. It advocates for responsible language, diversity, and ethical listening. Using Maggie's speech as an example, it points out common ethical mistakes, such as poor audience analysis and insufficient citations.
    • 3.2: Defining Ethics
      This page examines the crucial role of ethics in communication, drawing on the philosophies of Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato. It emphasizes the significance of moral dilemmas and responsible message exchange guided by ethical principles, especially in public speaking. Key examples, including a political scandal, illustrate the impact of ethics on decision-making and communication practices, while also addressing how belief systems shape ethical standards.
    • 3.3: Ethical Speaking
      This page emphasizes the importance of ethical public speaking, addressing issues such as plagiarism, proper citation practices, and the use of inclusive language. It discusses the role of paraphrasing and quoting in maintaining credibility, while promoting the use of "we" language to connect with audiences. Speakers are encouraged to avoid hate speech and consider audience diversity, aiming for social awareness while balancing free speech with respect for different perspectives.
    • 3.4: Ethical Listening
      This page highlights the significance of ethical listening in public speaking, emphasizing the mutual responsibilities of speakers and listeners. It advocates for active engagement, minimizing distractions, and respectful feedback to enhance understanding. The importance of a proper listening posture and mental involvement is noted, along with the need for constructive feedback that aids in the speaker's growth.
    • 3.5: Conclusion
      This page outlines the importance of ethics in public speaking, emphasizing honesty, proper citation, and plagiarism avoidance. It advocates for diversity, inclusivity, and a balance between free speech and audience responsibility. Additionally, the chapter addresses ethical listening by encouraging focus, open-mindedness, and constructive feedback. By following these ethical principles, individuals can improve their public speaking abilities and create a responsible communication environment.
    • 3.6: Activities and Glossary
      This page covers ethics in public speaking, discussing its origins and relevance to communication. It outlines types of plagiarism, the difference between paraphrasing and quoting, and free speech rights. The importance of ethical language, social awareness, and active listening is highlighted, along with activities for self-reflection on ethical standards. Additionally, a glossary of key ethical terms is provided.


    This page titled 3: Ethics in Public Speaking was last modified on Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:24:32 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Alyssa Millner@King College & Rachel Price@University of Kentucky via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.