Ethical Speechmaking Principles

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What is the foundation of ethical speechmaking, according to the content?

Maintaining strict adherence to political correctness.

Employing rhetorical devices to persuade effectively.

Being honest in what you say. (correct)

Using inclusive language to avoid offending anyone.

Why are name-calling and abusive language considered ethically problematic in public speaking?

They can inflict psychological harm and perpetuate prejudice. (correct)

They violate legal regulations regarding freedom of speech.

They undermine the speaker's credibility and persuasiveness.

They are often misconstrued and lead to misunderstandings.

How can the repeated and systematic use of name-calling impact society?

It reinforces attitudes that encourage prejudice and hate crimes. (correct)

It promotes tolerance and understanding by exposing individuals to diverse perspectives.

It fosters creativity and innovation by challenging established norms and biases.

It has no significant impact on societal attitudes or behaviors.

What is the primary reason for avoiding name-calling in a democratic society?

To protect the free and open expression of ideas. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of words on individuals?

Words can strongly affect an individuals identities, how they perceive themselves, and how others view them. Signup and view all the answers

What is one instance where telling the whole truth, according to the content, may be inadvisable?

When it might touch off mob violence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following phrases best describes the ethical underpinning of public speaking?

Words can be trusted and people will be truthful. Signup and view all the answers

What action is considered ethically suspect because they stereotype and devalue people?

Labeling people based on their sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or ethnic background. Signup and view all the answers

What is the speaker's first responsibility?

To determine if the goals of the speech are ethically sound. Signup and view all the answers

Why is being fully prepared crucial from an ethical standpoint?

It demonstrates respect for the audience and ensures the speaker is well-informed on the subject. Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential impact of a poorly prepared speech on an audience of 200 people for 30 minutes?

It wastes 100 hours of the audience's time – more than four full days. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jenkin Lloyd Jones, what responsibility does a speaker have?

A speech is 'a solemn responsibility'. Signup and view all the answers

What does being prepared for a speech involve?

Analyzing your audience, creating visual aids, and rehearsing your delivery. Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely outcome of not taking responsibility for a speech?

The speaker may unintentionally spread or enable misinformation. Signup and view all the answers

What should guide a speaker to prepare ethical speeches?

The speaker should question whether their goals are ethically sound. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with business leaders who defraud investors, preachers who lead lavish lifestyles, and politicians who betray the public?

Their goals cannot be considered worthy. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ethical responsibility of listeners during a speech?

To listen courteously and attentively. Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior demonstrates a lack of courteous and attentive listening?

Slouching in a chair and avoiding eye contact. Signup and view all the answers

How can listeners contribute to a supportive learning environment in a speech class?

By giving classmates the same courtesy and attention they expect in return. Signup and view all the answers

If a speaker notices listeners who appear disinterested, how might this affect the speaker?

It can damage the speaker's confidence and concentration. Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions demonstrates maintaining open expression of ideas?

Evaluating all ideas presented, even those that one disagrees with. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of maintaining eye contact as an ethical listening practice?

It signifies attentiveness and encouragement to the speaker. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it unethical to prejudge a speaker?

Prejudging prevents listeners from fairly considering the speaker's message. Signup and view all the answers

What is a behavior that encourages free and open expression of ideas?

Creating an environment where diverse viewpoints can be heard respectfully. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary ethical responsibility of a listener regarding a speaker's message?

To listen carefully to the speaker's ideas and assess the evidence before forming a judgment. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided text, what does 'maintaining the free and open expression of ideas' entail for listeners?

Supporting the speaker's right to be heard, even if you disagree with their message. Signup and view all the answers

Which action exemplifies a failure in a listener's ethical responsibilities?

Prejudging the speaker either positively or negatively before truly listening to them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in the context of public speaking and listening?

It protects the freedom of speech, preventing Congress from creating laws that limit it. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following types of speech does the Supreme Court not protect under the First Amendment?

Defamatory falsehoods that harm a person's reputation. Signup and view all the answers

What principle should listeners follow, according to the National Communication Association's Credo for Ethical Communication?

Strive to understand and respect speakers before evaluating their messages. Signup and view all the answers

Beyond refraining from name-calling, what other tactics should public speakers avoid to uphold the principle of free speech?

Utilizing communication strategies that manipulate or deceive listeners. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal a listener should strive for when listening to a speech?

To reach an intelligent judgment about the speech, based on careful assessment of the ideas, evidence and reasoning presented. Signup and view all the answers

What should a responsible speaker do when faced with conflicting public opinion polls on a topic?

Cite the independent poll and clarify the credibility of the partisan poll. Signup and view all the answers

If you discover a classmate's speech contains plagiarized material, what is the most ethical action to take?

Report it to the instructor after class. Signup and view all the answers

When using a quotation from an expert that opposes your stance, what should you consider?

Use it but clarify the expert's actual position in your speech. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best explains the controversy surrounding abusive speech?

It raises debates about freedom of expression versus protection from harm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of colleges disciplining students for abusive speech?

It could lead to a chilling effect on free speech. Signup and view all the answers

Why might ethical boundaries on free expression be considered important by some thinkers?

It can prevent societal harm and discrimination. Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario would it be unethical for a speaker to use a poll?

If the speaker deliberately misrepresents the poll's findings. Signup and view all the answers

What challenge do colleges and universities face when imposing penalties for certain types of speech?

They must balance punitive actions with educational values. Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental ethical obligation of a public speaker in the United States?

To help preserve the democratic right to free dialogue. Signup and view all the answers

Why have broadly worded codes against hate speech often failed to survive legal challenges?

They conflict with the free-speech clause of the Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

According to the information, what is the relationship between legality and ethics in public speaking?

Legality and ethics are related but not identical; unethical actions may not always be illegal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the central ethical issue raised by resorting to name-calling in a speech?

It demeans the dignity of individuals and undermines fair discourse. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'being ethical' truly entail regarding a public speaker's conduct?

Behaving ethically at all times, irrespective of convenience. Signup and view all the answers

When preparing a speech, in addition to strategic questions, what other types of questions should a speaker consider?

Questions related to ethical decision-making and adherence to ethical guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

Which action is considered unethical in public speaking, even if it is not necessarily illegal?

Falsifying statistics to support an argument. Signup and view all the answers

What should a speaker do when faced with a moment of ethical decision during speech preparation?

Carefully consider ethical guidelines and strive to adhere to them. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethical Public Speaking

Public speaking is a form of power and requires ethical responsibility.
The ideal of public speaking is a "good person speaking well."
Five guidelines for ethical speaking are:
- Ensure your speaking goals are ethically sound.
- Thoroughly prepare for your speech.
- Be honest in your speech.
- Avoid name-calling and abusive language.
- Practice ethical principles consistently.
Plagiarism is a serious ethical lapse.
- Global plagiarism is copying a speech entirely from a single source.
- Patchwork plagiarism is copying from multiple sources.
- Incremental plagiarism is omitting citations for parts of a speech taken from another source.

Ethical Listening

Listeners also have ethical responsibilities.
Listen courteously and attentively.
Avoid prejudging the speaker.
Support free and open expression of ideas.

Critical Thinking Exercises

Felicia Robinson's Dilemma: Evaluate the ethical considerations for Felicia's situation, weighing her desire to win the election with the ethical implications of campaigning against an opponent who may not be acting ethically. Determine the most appropriate course of action in the example case.
Insulting and Abusive Speech: Discuss whether society should criminalize such slurs. What level of discipline should colleges impose? What boundaries should be placed on free expression to curb insulting and abusive speech, and why?
Ethical Issues in Speech Class: Hypothetical scenarios regarding ethical issues in a speech class.
- Public Opinion Polls: How to cite polls with conflicting results from different organizations.
- Plagiarism: Responding to a classmate's plagiarized speech in a constructive way.
- Expert Testimony: Acknowledging an expert's support or opposition to your viewpoint.

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Description

Explore the foundational principles of ethical speechmaking through this quiz. You'll examine the implications of name-calling, the impact of language on society, and the responsibilities of public speakers. Enhance your understanding of how ethics play a crucial role in effective communication.