Ch 3 Flashcards
Q: What role did public speaking play in ancient Greek society?
A: It was used to build community, facilitate self-government, and share important ideas.
Q: What is the First Amendment’s significance in public speaking ethics?
A: It protects freedom of speech but places some limits, such as on defamation and incitement to violence.
Q: Define ethics in public speaking.
A: Ethics refers to the standards of right and wrong behavior, including honesty, respect, and responsibility in communication.
Q: Why is the correct use of material from others important in public speaking?
A: It maintains the speaker’s credibility and avoids plagiarism, which harms reputation.
Q: What are the legal limits to free speech?
A: Threats, defamation, and incitement to violence are not protected by the First Amendment.
Q: How does the Golden Rule influence ethical communication?
A: It emphasizes treating others as you want to be treated, promoting honesty and respect.
Q: What is the “marketplace of ideas” concept?
A: It is the belief that truth arises from the free exchange and debate of ideas.
Q: What is “prior restraint” in terms of free speech?
A: It’s the government’s ability to prevent speech from being published, which is largely forbidden by the First Amendment.
Q: How does utilitarianism influence public speaking ethics?
A: It suggests that actions should promote the greatest good for the greatest number, influencing content choices.
Q: What ethical stance did Immanuel Kant advocate for in communication?
A: He promoted the Categorical Imperative, which means acting in a way that could be a universal law for everyone.
Q: How do cultural and religious values shape ethical communication?
A: They promote honesty, respect for individual rights, and adherence to social norms.
Q: What is the role of the audience in ethical communication?
A: The speaker must respect the audience by providing accurate and well-researched information.
Q: What is defamation, and how does it relate to public speaking?
A: Defamation is a false statement that harms someone’s reputation, and it is unethical and illegal in speeches.
Q: How does modern technology impact free speech?
A: It allows for wide-reaching communication but also complicates issues like defamation and incitement.
Q: What is pragmatism in public speaking ethics?
A: Pragmatism evaluates the consequences of communication, focusing on practical outcomes.
Q: Why is ethical responsibility important in a democratic society?
A: It ensures informed decision-making and trust in public discourse.
Q: How can a speaker avoid unethical speech practices?
A: By using well-supported facts, crediting sources, and respecting audience intelligence.
Q: What is the difference between personal and external standards in ethics?
A: Personal ethics are based on individual values, while external standards are influenced by laws, culture, and societal norms.
Q: How does Aristotle’s rhetoric relate to ethics in public speaking?
A: Aristotle argued that speakers must use persuasion ethically, avoiding deception.
Q: What is the ethical importance of presenting balanced information in public speaking?
A: It ensures that the audience receives a fair and accurate representation of the topic.
Q: What is ethos in public speaking?
A: Ethos is Aristotle’s concept of credibility, where a speaker’s character, wisdom, and trustworthiness persuade the audience.
Q: What are the four factors that influence a speaker’s credibility?
A: Similarity, character, competence, and goodwill.
Q: Define initial credibility.
A: The audience’s perception of the speaker before they begin their speech.
Q: What is derived credibility?
A: Credibility that evolves during the course of the speech based on the speaker’s performance.
