Speaking Appropriately and Ethically

Page 312

Objectivity is not the only ethical consideration you must bear in mind when delivering an informative speech. Because communication is a powerful instrument for influencing people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, we must consider the implications of our actions (Sides, 2000). As we’ve discussed throughout this book, an ethical speaker has a responsibility to provide an audience with information that is relevant and reliable in a way that is respectful of both the audience and the subject. The types of supporting material you offer (or do not offer) and your motives for speaking on a particular subject reveal quite a bit about you as an ethical speaker. Ethical speakers must also avoid plagiarism by orally citing sources and providing a complete list of references at the end of a speech outline. If your speech misinforms your audience in any way, you are not offering an appropriate or ethical informative speech.