14: Ethics in Public Speaking
- Page ID
- 248530
This page is a draft and is under active development.
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)Ethics Matters: Understanding the Ethics of Public Speaking
Ethical communication starts with honesty. When you speak to an audience, you are asking them to trust you, even if it is only for a few minutes. Your voice has influence, and the messages you share can shape opinions in a classroom, inspire action in your community, and eventually guide decisions in your workplace. That influence is built through clear information, honest sources, and respect for your listeners. Ethical speaking helps reduce misinformation, encourages open discussion, and supports healthier conversations in a world that often struggles to communicate across differences.
As a college student, you will face real choices about what to share, what to cite, and how to respond to viewpoints that challenge your own. These moments are part of using your voice responsibly. Ethical communication is not just a classroom expectation but a life skill that builds credibility, strengthens relationships, and creates space for people to learn from one another. This chapter will introduce tools such as the ethics pyramid (Tilley, 2005) and the National Communication Association’s principles for ethical communication (National Communication Association, 2018) to help you communicate with honesty, fairness, and respect in college and beyond, so you can use your voice to make a positive difference in the world.
- Explain the ethics pyramid and ethical principles of public speaking.
- Analyze real communication situations for ethical and unethical choices.
- Apply ethical guidelines when preparing and delivering a speech.
- 14.1: The Ethics Pyramid
- The ethics pyramid explains three parts of ethical speaking: intent, means, and ends. Focusing on honesty and responsibility helps speakers make thoughtful choices that avoid misinformation. By respecting diverse audiences, speakers build trust and strengthen communication in many settings.
- 14.2: Ethics in Public Speaking
- Ethical public speaking helps prevent misinformation and strengthen trust. The NCA Credo encourages truthfulness and respect for multiple perspectives. By using accurate language and listening with care, communicators support healthier conversations in their communities.
- 14.3: Free Speech
- Free speech is a core American right protected by the First Amendment, but it has limits when it comes to violence and harassment. Ethical communication helps balance open expression with responsibility and accountability. By welcoming diverse viewpoints and engaging respectfully, communities can debate difficult issues without silencing others.
- 14.4: Glossary
- Ethical communication is grounded in honesty and respect. The ethics pyramid and the First Amendment provide guidance for responsible choices while recognizing limits on unlawful speech. By avoiding misinformation, plagiarism, and stereotypes, speakers strengthen their credibility and contribute to a healthier society.
- 14.5: Discussion Questions
- Free speech involves both rights and responsibilities in public communication. Ethical speakers consider harm, accountability, and the impact their words may have on others. By addressing misinformation and engaging respectfully with controversial ideas, communicators can help bring communities together instead of pulling them apart.
- 14.6: References
- Free speech remains a central part of American society and communication. Historical documents and modern campus debates show both its value and its challenges. These sources highlight why protecting expression and practicing ethical responsibility are both necessary in public discourse.