Page 134 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

standards that apply to all situations regardless of the individual, group, or
culture.
• Does the good of the many outweigh the good of the few? Utilitarianism is
based on this principle.
• How do specifi c situations affect ethics? Situational ethicists believe it is
sometimes necessary to set aside one ethical principle to fulfi ll a higher law
or principle.
• Do the ends justify the means? Speakers should seek ethical ends utilizing
ethical means, such as those found in the National Communication Asso-
ciation’s Credo for Free and Responsible Communication in a Democratic
Society.
Ethical norms for public speaking are:

• Be truthful.

• Show respect for the power of words.
• Invoke participatory democracy.

• Demonstrate mindfulness of cultural diversity where consistent with ethical
principles.

• Treat people as ends, not means.
• Provide good reasons.

Public speakers face special issues:

• Plagiarism—using words or ideas of another without attribution—is consid-
ered a serious ethical violation.
• Building goodwill and trustworthiness is essential to successful and ethical
public speech.
• Whether to reveal or conceal one’s intentions can present an ethical as well
as a practical dilemma for speakers.
• Giving a two-sided presentation is both ethically sound and pragmatically
more effective.
• Inducing fear can be ethically suspect if done to excess.

Listeners should adhere to the following ethical norms:

• Be civil.

• Take responsibility for the choices they make.
• Stay informed on the issues of the day.

• Speak out when they are convinced that a speaker is misinforming or mis-
leading people.

• Be aware of their own biases.
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