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Communication Ethics Communication Ethics
Communication Ethics Communication Ethics
Communication Ethics Communication Ethics
Ethics in General
Ethics deals with the issues of right and
wrong in human affairs.
We are faced with ethical dilemmas
when we ask ourselves whether what we
do is fair or unfair, moral or immoral,
honest or dishonest, and just or unjust.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
Since communication is an everyday activity, it
should also observe ethical standards because
ethical communication gives rise to trust.
Only when people perceive us as ethical and
trustworthy will we be able to make them
believe in what we say.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
1. Be Truthful
• Truthfulness is fundamental to all forms of
communication.
• Communicators who are caught lying will lose
their credibility and the goodwill of the audience,
which are essential to influencing them.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
2. Show Respect for the Power of Words
• Words are powerful.
• They can make or break careers, launch
wars, or bridge peace, among others
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
3. Invoke Participatory Democracy
• Communication ethics is a joint
responsibility between the speaker and
the audience.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
3. Invoke Participatory Democracy
• For example, speakers should put
themselves in the shoes of the listeners
and see if they are treating the listeners as
they would like to be treated, with respect.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
4. Demonstrate Mindfulness of Cultural
Diversity
• Ethical communicators construct their
speeches being mindful of cultural
differences-- that means being careful not to
offend others with the things that they say.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
5. Treat People as Ends, Not Means
• The best interest of the audience should
be the ends sought by the speaker. We
should refrain from manipulating people
just so we can achieve what we want.
Enduring Understanding
Ethics in Communication
5. Treat People as Ends, Not Means
• The best interest of the audience should
be the ends sought by the speaker. We
should refrain from manipulating people
just so we can achieve what we want.
Enduring Understanding