Author:
OER Librarian
Subject:
Public Relations, Communication
Material Type:
Module
Provider:
Ohio Open Ed Collaborative
Tags:
  • Communication Models
  • Ethics
  • Free Speech
  • Ocm0132
  • Public Speaking
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, eBook, Text/HTML, Video

    Public Speaking Today Resources

    Public Speaking Today Resources

    Overview

    Public Speaking Today

    There are many important reasons to study public speaking. This opening section explores public speaking in the modern age as well as the many benefits associated with becoming a competent speaker.  This section also explains the process of public speaking and the different models of communication. Ethics is explored as well as the ethical choices public speakers and listeners must make. Last, this section introduces the National Communication Association’s Credo for Ethical Communication as well as the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in relation to free speech.

    Learning Objectives

    • Understand the importance and relevance of public speaking today

    • Understand the many benefits associated with becoming a competent speaker

    • Understand the foundations of communication 

    • Understand and apply ethics in the context of public speaking

    Recommended Textbook Resources

    Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking

    Chapter 1 - Why Public Speaking Matters Today

    Section 1.1 Why is Public Speaking Important?
    Section 1.2 The Process of Public Speaking


    Chapter 2 - Ethics Matters: Understanding the Ethics of Public Speaking

    Section 2.1 The Ethics Pyramid
    Section 2.2 Ethics in Public Speaking
    Section 2.3 Free Speech

    This collection of chapter sections discusses the basics of public speaking today as well as the ethics of public speaking. These sections were selected by the team for their comprehensive topic coverage; clear, engaging language, thorough supporting sources from some of the leading scholars in the field; and of course, the publisher’s commitment to open educational resources.

    Stand Up, Speak Out: The Practice and Ethics of Public Speaking

    Chapter 1 - Why Public Speaking Matters Today

    Section 1.1 Why is Public Speaking Important?
    Section 1.2 The Process of Public Speaking


    Chapter 2 - Ethics Matters: Understanding the Ethics of Public Speaking

    Section 2.1 The Ethics Pyramid
    Section 2.2 Ethics in Public Speaking
    Section 2.3 Free Speech

    This collection of chapter sections discusses the basics of public speaking today as well as the ethics of public speaking. These sections were selected by the team for their comprehensive topic coverage; clear, engaging language, thorough supporting sources from some of the leading scholars in the field; and of course, the publisher’s commitment to open educational resources.

    Supplemental Content/Alternative Resources

    End of Section Review

    Topic Summary

    There are a variety of personal, professional, and societal benefits associated with becoming a competent public speaker.  From developing critical thinking skills to helping reduce the fear and anxiety of public speaking, studying public speaking is a worthwhile endeavor.  The models of communication explored in this section provide a useful foundation for understanding communication and its basic concepts. Last, the National Communication Association’s Credo for Ethical Communication helps speakers understand the role of ethics by presenting core ethical principles to consider during the public speaking process.


    Key Terms

    1. Verbal Communication
    2. Nonverbal Communication
    3. Source
    4. Channel
    5. Receiver
    6. Message
    7. Encoding
    8. Decoding
    9. Feedback
    10. Context
      1. Physical
      2. Temporal
      3. Social-psychological
      4. Cultural
    11. Ethics

      1. Intent

      2. Means

      3. Ends

    12. Plagiarism

    13. Distortion

    14. Free Speech


    Review Questions

    1. What are the benefits of studying public speaking?
    2. What are the most common types of public speaking?
    3. Explain the transactional model of public speaking
    4. How can the four dimensions of context influence a speech?
    5. What are the principles of dialogic theory?
    6. Identify and define the three concepts of Tilley’s (2005)ethics pyramid.
    7. What questions does Tilley (2005) suggest you should you ask yourself when thinking about the ethics of a particular behavior?
    8. What is the Latin root of the word plagiarism and what does plagiarism mean today?
    9. What are the three main plagiarism traps?
    10. Explain distortion and its relevance to ethics in public speaking.
    11. What is “free speech” and how does it relate to the U.S. constitution?


    Critical Thinking/Discussion Questions

    1. What does it mean to be a competent communicator?
    2. In your opinion, what is the most important benefit of taking a public speaking class?
    3. In what ways can studying public speaking help you develop critical thinking skills?
    4. Compare and contrast the models of communication.
    5. How would you define “ethics” and was does it mean to make ethical choices as a public speaker?