Overview
This lecture covers the fundamental principles of ethical public speaking, emphasizing the importance of being audience-centered and maintaining integrity throughout a presentation.
The Foundation of Public Speaking Principles
- A principle is a fundamental truth that serves as a foundation for behavior.
- Audience-centeredness and ethical conduct are the core principles for public speakers.
Six Principles of Ethical Public Speaking
1. Have a Clear, Responsible Goal
- Focus on what benefits the audience rather than personal gain or manipulation.
- Be transparent about persuasive intentions with your listeners.
2. Use Sound Evidence and Reasoning
- Support your main points with accurate data, expert quotes, or credible studies.
- Explain how your evidence supports your points through clear reasoning.
3. Be Sensitive and Tolerant
- Recognize that audience members may have diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.
- Avoid words or examples that could unintentionally offend listeners.
4. Be Honest
- Do not mislead or lie to your audience; credibility is easily lost through dishonesty.
- Clearly indicate when using hypothetical examples by explicitly stating so.
5. Don't Plagiarize
- Never present another's speech, phrases, or ideas as your own without proper oral citations.
- Academic and professional consequences for plagiarism are severe.
6. Speak Credibly
- Demonstrate your knowledge and competence on your topic in your introduction.
- Present confidently, with trustworthiness and the audience's best interests in mind.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Principle — a fundamental truth or proposition forming the foundation for behavior.
- Audience-centered — focusing speech preparation and delivery on the needs and interests of listeners.
- Oral citation — acknowledging sources aloud during a speech.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on your own upcoming presentations to ensure they align with these six ethical principles.
- Prepare at least one oral citation for your next speech.