What to Leave In; What to Take Out

When it comes to public speaking, are there ethical dilemmas? Does the ends justify the means? Many students, and professionals, feel ethics is unimportant. This feeling is even greater among individuals when you are specifically talking about a persuasive speech. The fact is, however, ethics need to be considered every step of the way. One ethical decision that needs to be made by the speaker is to decide what information to include and what information to leave out of the speech.

I try to make this point to my students by talking about poker. I explain to them that I play in a friendly game and when a new player comes along, who does not know how to play, it is up to me to explain to that person what beats what in a standard, non-wild card poker game. I tell my students that I have a set speech I gives these new players and I explain that a pair is better than just a high card, that three of a kind is better than a pair, a straight beats three of a kind, a straight flush beats a straight and a royal flush is the highest hand you can have and it beats everything else. I do explain what each of the hands just mentioned means. I then ask my students if I lied.

Some may try to tell me I did, but I counter with, "Did I say anything that was untrue?" My students admit that I have not lied. I then asked my students if I have acted ethically. Those that play poker quickly agree I have not been ethical since I left out some of the hands in between, such as explaining that a flush beats a straight. The point I make is that ethically it is just as important when you decide what to leave out as it is when you decide what to put in.

As you work on that speech, it is important to think of what you must include. Obviously if you are trying to persuade someone to your way of thinking, you need to include the most persuasive arguments, as long as they are accurate and you are not ignoring or biasing facts. It is also a good idea to actually include some arguments from the opposing point of view. This way it shows you are not ignoring them and it allows you to discuss why you think those arguments are not as strong as yours, or what the fallacy or weakness is of those arguments. And, you will get brownie points for not being afraid to discuss the opposing side.

Of course, in any given speech, you cannot tell your audience everything. First of all, this would take too long. Secondly, the audience would find it boring. Of course you need to leave out some information. You may even leave out some important information if you feel the rest of what is included is more important. Still, it is important to think about what information you are including and for the speaker to believe that his or her speech is ethical. If they believe it is ethical and can explain to someone who might question them why it is ethical, then you should proceed with your speech.