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BY RHODA GARZON CAMPILLAN
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Thursday, October 5, 2017
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PUBLIC speaking is one activity which tertiary students normally experience in their speech classes. I teach speech classes because I love to listen to different topics delivered by my students.
However, there are times when students are not aware of ethical standards in public speaking. They think they are doing the right thing when in fact they are not. Abulencia (2009) cited Verderber and his ethical standards in public speaking in his book Fundamentals of Public Speaking. Below are some of the guidelines that student speakers should consider in their public speaking activities.
First, tell the truth. Verderber stated that communication depends on a bond of trust between the parties involved. An audience that consents to listen to you is extending you its trust. Consequently, if people believe you are lying to them, they will reject you and your ideas. It is difficult to make stories up. And what is the point of telling a lie, unless you want your audience to be impressed? However, if they discover you are lying, your credibility will be at stake.
Are you willing to risk your credibility? Verderber emphasized that credible communicators do not twist facts. It feels good to speak about yourself truthfully.
Second, keep your information in perspective. As much as possible, avoid exaggerating facts just to make an impression. Sometimes too much exaggeration is tantamount to lying. As Verderber explained, a little exaggeration might be accepted as a normal product of human nature, but when the exaggeration is perceived as “distortion” most people consider it the same as lying.
Third, resist personal attacks against those who oppose your ideas. In short, do not use your speech as a vehicle to malign your enemies. Although now a days this is very common, especially during speeches of our leaders, specifically our President. In his speeches, you can expect expletives left and right. Based on this list of ethical standards, then I can somewhat say what our President is doing during his public speaking activities is unethical.
Student speakers should at least be careful with what they say in the podium. They are there to inform and motivate, not malign or degrade other people.
Fourth, give the source for all damning information. Aside from speech, I also teach research. And I always tell my students to cite all their sources especially in their “Review of Related Literature.” They should not plagiarize or steal information gathered by others. The same is true with public speaking; you must not give out information which are unverified, and do not forget to acknowledge the sources of your data.
Verderber stated: The “mention of wrongdoing brings communication to the edge of what is legally defined as slander. Speakers should be aware of the legal as well as the ethical pitfalls of withholding sources.”
Fifth, disclose the complete picture. Speakers can try to manipulate an audience’s perception by phrasing points in such a way as to ignore or put a positive spin on information that is damning to their case. In short, do not hide any information in your speech. Mean what you say. Do not beat around the bush and try to soften the impact, if there is any. You need to go back to your main objective. What is it that you really want to discuss? What is your goal? If you can answer these questions, then you are in the right path.
The guidelines stated above are solid bases for meeting legal and ethical responsibilities as cited by Verderber. As public speakers, you need to be responsible and accountable for all your statements. You should be very careful with what you say. Demonstrate respect for others to respect you too.
Speaking in front of many people is not an easy task. Hence, rigid preparation is needed and of course a technical knowhow of the ethical guidelines can help a lot. (rcampillan@usa.edu.ph/PN)
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