Public Speaking Ethics Quiz
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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?

<p>Ethics involve judging the morality of actions in various aspects of life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To illustrate the potential dangers of persuasive speech when devoid of ethical integrity. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>At every stage of the speechmaking process. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Public speakers should be truthful and devoted to the good of society. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the provided content define 'ethics'?

<p>The branch of philosophy dealing with issues of right and wrong in human affairs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To ensure their speech goals are ethically sound. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Thorough preparation is an ethical obligation to both the speaker and the audience. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It is a waste of the audience's collective time and attention. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Being fully informed about the subject matter of the speech. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The ethical responsibility for speakers to choose ethically sound goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Help disadvantaged kids, improve education, and support Habitat for Humanity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The size nor the composition of an audience changes a speaker's ethical responsibility to be fully prepared. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The text does not state this (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To actively contribute to the democratic process while upholding ethical standards. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Because they are viewed as a violation of the free-speech clause of the Bill of Rights. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What crucial distinction is made pertaining to ethics and legality?

<p>Ethics and legality are related but not identical; an action can be legal but unethical. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It undermines the right of all groups to be fairly heard. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Behaving ethically consistently, regardless of the circumstances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Unethical, but perfectly legal. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To effectively convey information, persuade, or entertain while adhering to ethical guidelines. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Consider the ethical speechmaking guidelines and adhere to them. (C)</p> 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?

<p>Cite the Gallup poll, as it's more reliable and accurate. (A)</p> 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?

<p>Inform the instructor after class, expressing your concerns anonymously if necessary. (B)</p> 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?

<p>No, using a quote out of context misrepresents the expert's views. (B)</p> 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?

<p>Insulting and abusive speech should be punished, but only when it incites violence or harm. (C)</p> 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?

<p>Cite the poll from the reputable organization because it is more reliable. (B)</p> 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?

<p>Avoid using the quote entirely, as it misrepresents the expert's stance. (A)</p> 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?

<p>Inform the instructor privately after class, expressing your concerns anonymously if necessary. (C)</p> 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?

<p>Insulting and abusive speech should be punished only when it directly incites violence or harm. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To strive to understand and respect the speaker before evaluating their message. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Free expression is essential for a democratic society as it allows for the open exchange of ideas. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Almost unlimited right of free expression, with some exceptions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Verbally disrupting a presentation to prevent the speaker from being heard. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It prevents you from objectively evaluating the speaker's ideas and evidence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Forming a negative opinion about a speaker's argument based on their political affiliation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Ethical listening can either increase or decrease the speaker's confidence and composure, hence it should be done responsibly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario is NOT protected under the First Amendment?

<p>Threatening violence against the President of the United States. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the cornerstone of ethical speechmaking?

<p>Maintaining honesty in your statements. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is name-calling considered unethical in public speaking?

<p>It stereotypes and devalues individuals or groups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>It reinforces prejudice and contributes to civil rights violations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Language greatly affects an individual's identity and how others perceive them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Name-calling silences opposing voices, undermining free expression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>When disclosing the truth might incite violence. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>They stereotype and degrade individuals based on orientation and background. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What assumption is essential for communication to be effective?

<p>Words can be trusted, and people will be truthful. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Ethics

The branch of philosophy concerned with distinguishing right from wrong, moral from immoral, and fair from unfair.

Ethical Public Speaking

A public speaker's ethical responsibility to use their words and influence for good, promoting truth and avoiding harm.

Ethical Decision Making

The mental process of deciding whether to do something based on principles of right and wrong.

Abuse of Speech

The harm or negative impact caused by using language to deceive, manipulate, or incite hatred.

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Ethical Integrity

The mental state of being aware of and committed to ethical principles.

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Evaluating Ethical Choices

The process of judging the rightness or wrongness of actions and decisions in a given situation.

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Ensuring Ethical Goals

Making sure your speaking goals align with ethical principles, avoiding harmful or misleading intentions.

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Ethically Informed Decision

The principle of making responsible choices that align with your values and principles, even when faced with opposing views.

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Ethical Considerations in Speechmaking

The ethical implications of a speaker's chosen goals and the potential consequences of their message.

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Ethical Goals in Speechmaking

The primary responsibility of a speaker is to ensure that their goals are morally sound and do not contribute to harm or injustice.

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Speaker's Responsibility to Prepare

A speaker's obligation to thoroughly prepare for a speech, taking into account the audience, the topic, and the purpose of the presentation.

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Being Fully Informed

The importance of being knowledgeable and informed about the subject matter being presented.

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The Cost of Poor Preparation

The impact of an unprepared speech on both the speaker and the audience, highlighting the inefficiency of wasting time with a poorly delivered presentation.

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Respect for All Audiences

The importance of treating every speaking engagement seriously, regardless of the size or audience.

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Audience Analysis

The process of researching and analyzing your audience, their background, interests, and perspectives.

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Speech Preparation Process

The act of organizing your ideas, creating supporting materials, and practicing your delivery.

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Judging a speech by its content, not the speaker

Assessing the speaker's message based on its content and reasoning, regardless of who delivers it.

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Maintaining free speech

The ethical duty of listeners to allow speakers to express their views freely, even if those views are controversial.

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Defamatory falsehoods

Statements that damage someone's reputation through false accusations, which are not protected by free speech.

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Threats against the President

Threats made directly to the president, which are not protected by free speech.

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Inciting illegal action

Inciting an audience to commit illegal actions when there's a high likelihood they will act, which is not protected by free speech.

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Free Speech in Democracy

The right of all citizens in the United States to participate in public discourse, regardless of their background or beliefs.

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Name-Calling

A type of speech that uses insulting or abusive language to attack a person or group based on their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

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Unrestricted free expression

The Supreme Court ruling that recognizes broad freedom of expression for public speakers, with limited exceptions.

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Avoiding prejudgment

The ethical responsibility of listeners to avoid pre-judgment of the speaker based on their identity, appearance, or reputation.

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Free Speech Clause

The legal protection granted by the Bill of Rights, which allows individuals to express their views without government censorship, even if those views are controversial or offensive.

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Ethical listening

The ethical duty to listen attentively to the speaker's message, evaluate the evidence, and form an informed opinion.

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Ethics vs. Legality

While free speech is legally protected, it's not always ethical to use it in a way that harms others or undermines their right to be heard.

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Falsifying Statistics

The practice of intentionally using false or misleading information to support an argument or claim.

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Avoiding Demeaning Language

Public speakers should not use language that demeans, insults, or attacks individuals or groups based on their identity.

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Ethical Communication

Public speakers have an ethical responsibility to ensure their communication is truthful, accurate, and fair, contributing to a positive and productive dialogue.

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Honesty in Public Speaking

Honesty is the foundation of ethical communication in public speaking. It builds trust and allows for meaningful exchange of ideas.

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Avoiding Abusive Language

Ethical speechmaking requires avoiding language that insults, demeans, or stereotypes individuals or groups. This includes name-calling and other forms of abusive language.

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Name-Calling and Democracy

Using name-calling and abusive language can create a hostile environment and discourage the free expression of ideas, which is crucial for a democratic society.

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Respecting Diversity

Ethical speechmaking involves respecting the dignity of diverse groups in society by avoiding language that reinforces prejudice and discrimination.

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Truthfulness vs. Deception

Even though telling the whole truth isn't always feasible, intentionally misleading or lying to an audience is unethical.

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Impact of Words

Words can have a lasting impact on people's psyches, even if they don't cause physical harm. Abusive language can lead to psychological scars and reinforce harmful attitudes.

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Ethical Communication and Inclusion

Ethical communication fosters a safe and inclusive space for the exchange of ideas. It promotes respectful dialogue and avoids silencing opposing voices.

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Ethical Dilemma

A situation where two conflicting options raise ethical dilemmas, requiring careful consideration of the potential consequences and choosing the option that aligns with moral principles.

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Truthful Communication

The ethical responsibility of speakers to present accurate information, avoiding intentional deception or distortion of facts, even if it weakens their argument.

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Plagiarism

The practice of quoting or using the ideas of others without proper attribution, violating academic and ethical principles.

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Proper Attribution

The ethical obligation to acknowledge the source of information used in a speech, ensuring transparency and avoiding misrepresentation.

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Accurate Representation

Presenting information that is factually correct, avoiding exaggeration or misleading claims, and maintaining a neutral and objective tone.

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Misrepresentation

The act of using misleading or biased information in a speech, potentially deceiving the audience and compromising the speaker's credibility.

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Respect for Diversity

The ethical principle of respecting the beliefs and values of the audience, even when disagreeing with their views, and engaging in respectful discourse.

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Hate Speech

The ethical imperative to avoid using speech to incite hatred, violence, or discrimination against individuals or groups based on their identity.

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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.

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Ethics and Public Speaking PDF

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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.

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