Public Speaking Ethics Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which scenario best exemplifies an ethical dilemma as defined within the context of public speaking?

Choosing a topic that aligns with current trends to maximize audience engagement.

Deciding whether to exaggerate statistics to strengthen an argument during a presentation. (correct)

Selecting visual aids that are both informative and visually appealing to the audience.

Adjusting your speaking style to better connect with the audience's preferences.

According to the principles discussed, what is the most critical factor in ensuring ethical public speaking?

Having a strong sense of ethical integrity to guide the use of spoken word. (correct)

Focusing on achieving personal career advancement through effective communication.

Prioritizing persuasive delivery techniques over the accuracy of information.

Adapting your message to align with the majority opinion of the audience.

Melissa's decision to decline a job at the American Tobacco Institute primarily demonstrates which aspect of ethical consideration?

The necessity of avoiding jobs that involve public speaking.

The need to prioritize financial security over moral concerns.

The importance of aligning career choices with personal ethical beliefs. (correct)

The significance of conforming to societal expectations in career decisions.

What is the central idea of the section regarding ethics?

Ethics involve judging the morality of actions in various aspects of life. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Adolf Hitler presented as an example in relation to public speaking ethics?

To illustrate the potential dangers of persuasive speech when devoid of ethical integrity. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of public speaking, when do ethical considerations come into play?

At every stage of the speechmaking process. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Greek philosopher Plato's view on public speaking, as mentioned?

Public speakers should be truthful and devoted to the good of society. Signup and view all the answers

How does the provided content define 'ethics'?

The branch of philosophy dealing with issues of right and wrong in human affairs. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided information, what is the primary ethical responsibility of a speaker?

To ensure their speech goals are ethically sound. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between speech preparation and ethics?

Thorough preparation is an ethical obligation to both the speaker and the audience. Signup and view all the answers

According to Jenkin Lloyd Jones, why is delivering a poorly prepared speech considered a serious offense?

It is a waste of the audience's collective time and attention. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of speech preparation is emphasized as most crucial from an ethical standpoint?

Being fully informed about the subject matter of the speech. Signup and view all the answers

What ethical responsibility is highlighted by referencing historical figures like Hitler, dishonest politicians and business leaders?

The ethical responsibility for speakers to choose ethically sound goals. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is something that speech-makers should do?

Help disadvantaged kids, improve education, and support Habitat for Humanity. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true, according to the content.

The size nor the composition of an audience changes a speaker's ethical responsibility to be fully prepared. Signup and view all the answers

Why is being fully informed about your subject the most important from an ethical standpoint?

The text does not state this Signup and view all the answers

According to the information given, what fundamental obligation does a public speaker have in the United States?

To actively contribute to the democratic process while upholding ethical standards. Signup and view all the answers

Why have broadly worded codes against hate speech NOT survived legal challenges in the United States?

Because they are viewed as a violation of the free-speech clause of the Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

What crucial distinction is made pertaining to ethics and legality?

Ethics and legality are related but not identical; an action can be legal but unethical. Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as a core problem with engaging in name-calling and abusive language in public speeches?

It undermines the right of all groups to be fairly heard. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key indicator of ethical behavior according to the provided context?

Behaving ethically consistently, regardless of the circumstances. Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate description of a speech that contains falsified statistical data?

Unethical, but perfectly legal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the ethical speaker's goal in balancing strategic and ethical questions regarding preparing a speech?

To effectively convey information, persuade, or entertain while adhering to ethical guidelines. Signup and view all the answers

What should public speakers do when faced with a complex ethical decision during speech preparation?

Consider the ethical speechmaking guidelines and adhere to them. Signup and view all the answers

When researching a speech on prison reform, you find two public opinion polls. One, conducted by a reputable organization, shows a majority opposes your viewpoint. The other, conducted by a partisan group, shows a majority supports your viewpoint. Which poll should you cite in your speech?

Cite the Gallup poll, as it's more reliable and accurate. Signup and view all the answers

You discover a classmate's informative speech heavily plagiarized from a website you visited earlier. What is the most ethical course of action?

Inform the instructor after class, expressing your concerns anonymously if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

While researching your persuasive speech, you find a quote from a respected expert supporting your argument. However, reading further reveals the expert doesn't actually support the overall policy you advocate. Should you still use the quote?

No, using a quote out of context misrepresents the expert's views. Signup and view all the answers

In your speech class, you encounter a debate regarding the punishment of insulting and abusive speech. Which of these perspectives is the most ethical?

Insulting and abusive speech should be punished, but only when it incites violence or harm. Signup and view all the answers

You are delivering a speech on prison reform and encounter two conflicting public opinion polls. One, conducted by a reputable organization, shows a majority opposes your position. The other, conducted by a partisan organization, shows a majority supports your position. Which poll should you cite?

Cite the poll from the reputable organization because it is more reliable. Signup and view all the answers

While researching your persuasive speech, you find a quote from a highly respected expert that strongly supports one of your main points. However, further reading reveals the expert does not support the overall policy you are advocating. What should you do?

Avoid using the quote entirely, as it misrepresents the expert's stance. Signup and view all the answers

You overhear a classmate's speech and realize it is heavily plagiarized from a website. What is the most ethical action?

Inform the instructor privately after class, expressing your concerns anonymously if necessary. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of speech class, which of the following perspectives on punishing offensive speech is the most ethical?

Insulting and abusive speech should be punished only when it directly incites violence or harm. Signup and view all the answers

According to the principles of ethical listening, what is the initial responsibility of a listener towards a speaker?

To strive to understand and respect the speaker before evaluating their message. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between free expression and a democratic society?

Free expression is essential for a democratic society as it allows for the open exchange of ideas. Signup and view all the answers

According to the First Amendment, what is the extent of the right to freedom of speech?

Almost unlimited right of free expression, with some exceptions. Signup and view all the answers

Which action would violate the listener's ethical responsibility to maintain free and accessible expression?

Verbally disrupting a presentation to prevent the speaker from being heard. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it unethical to prejudge a speaker, either positively or negatively?

It prevents you from objectively evaluating the speaker's ideas and evidence. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios exemplifies a violation of the 'avoid prejudging the speaker' principle?

Forming a negative opinion about a speaker's argument based on their political affiliation. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between ethical listening and the speaker's confidence?

Ethical listening can either increase or decrease the speaker's confidence and composure, hence it should be done responsibly. Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is NOT protected under the First Amendment?

Threatening violence against the President of the United States. Signup and view all the answers

What is the cornerstone of ethical speechmaking?

Maintaining honesty in your statements. Signup and view all the answers

Why is name-calling considered unethical in public speaking?

It stereotypes and devalues individuals or groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary danger of consistently using name-calling over time?

It reinforces prejudice and contributes to civil rights violations. Signup and view all the answers

According to communication ethicists, what impact can language have on individuals?

Language greatly affects an individual's identity and how others perceive them. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between name-calling and a democratic society?

Name-calling silences opposing voices, undermining free expression. Signup and view all the answers

When might telling 'the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth' would be inadvisable?

When disclosing the truth might incite violence. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the use of epithets like 'redskin', 'fag', and 'kike' considered ethically suspect?

They stereotype and degrade individuals based on orientation and background. Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is essential for communication to be effective?

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

Study Notes

Ethics and Public Speaking

Public speaking carries ethical responsibilities, mirroring the ideal of a "good person speaking well"
Ethical questions arise in every aspect of public speaking, from initial goal-setting to the final presentation

Importance of Ethics

Ethics is the philosophy of right and wrong in human affairs
Ethical dilemmas arise with choices impacting moral values like honesty, fairness, and justice
Brian Pertzborn, a charity CFO, faced ethical issues by lying in a public press conference, leading to a hefty prison sentence. This emphasizes the need for speaking with integrity in public.

Guidelines for Ethical Speaking

Ethical Goals: Speakers must ensure their goals are morally justifiable and benefit society.
Preparation: Thorough research is crucial to avoid communicating misinformation.
Honesty: Accurate and truthful communication is vital, avoiding falsehoods, half-truths, and misrepresentation of data. Avoid plagiarism, including global, patchwork, and incremental plagiarism
Respectful Language: Abusive language, such as name-calling, hinders respectful and productive communication
Ethical Conduct: Consistently upholding ethical principles in every aspect of the speechmaking process.

Guidelines for Ethical Listening

Courteous Attention: Listen attentively and respectfully to the speaker, regardless of personal views.
Avoid Prejudgement: Avoid preconceived notions or biases about the speaker.
Maintain Free Expression: Support the right of others to speak freely, even if their views differ from your own.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is presenting another person's work as your own.
Global plagiarism involves copying a speech entirely from another source;
Patchwork plagiarism entails combining parts of different speeches into a new whole;
Incremental plagiarism involves unintentionally using phrases or sentences from other sources without proper citation.

Key Terms

Ethics: The branch of philosophy that addresses moral principles and right conduct.
Ethical Decisions: Judgments concerning the morality or appropriateness of actions.
Name-calling: Language used to defame, demean or degrade individuals or groups.
Bill of Rights: First ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing basic rights to individuals.
Plagiarism: Presenting another person's words or ideas as one's own.
Global Plagiarism: Using an entire speech from a single source.
Patchwork Plagiarism: Combining elements from multiple sources to form a new work.
Incremental Plagiarism: Failing to acknowledge quotations or paraphrases.
Paraphrasing: Expressing an idea in one's own words.

Review Questions (Examples)

Define ethics and its significance in public speaking.
Outline the five guidelines for ethical speechmaking.
Differentiate among global, patchwork, incremental plagiarism.
Describe the importance of ethical listening.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your understanding of ethical considerations in public speaking with this engaging quiz. Explore key scenarios, principles, and historical examples that illustrate the importance of ethics in effective communication. Discover the foundational ideas that guide speakers towards ethical responsibility.