LESSON 2 : COMMUNICATION ETHICS

Summary

This lesson delves into the significance of ethical communication, emphasizing its role in guiding our actions based on well-founded standards of right and wrong. It outlines the ethical principles as defined by the National Communication Association: advocating truthfulness, endorsing freedom of expression and diversity, condemning communication that degrades individuals, and accepting responsibility for the consequences of our messages. The discussion highlights the importance of ethical communication in maintaining relationships and the potential negative impacts of disregarding these principles, especially in the era of social media.

Takeaways

• 📚 Ethics are well-founded standards of right and wrong that guide human actions.
• 🗣️ In communication, ethics involve making judgments on the appropriateness of our statements, behaviors, and actions.
• 🤔 Ethical considerations are necessary before speaking, especially in sensitive situations.
• 🌟 The National Communication Association outlines key ethical principles for communication.
• 💬 Truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason are essential to the integrity of communication.
• 🌈 Freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent are endorsed to foster informed decision-making.
• 🚫 Communication that degrades individuals or humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, or violence is condemned.
• 🤝 Communicators should accept responsibility for both the short and long-term consequences of their communication.
• 🤔 The importance of ethical communication is heightened in today's social media-driven environment.
• 💡 Reflecting on the consequences of our words is crucial to maintaining positive relationships and avoiding harm.

Q & A

What is the definition of ethics as discussed in the script?

Ethics is based on well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do. It serves as a guide for action, helping individuals determine if something is the right or wrong thing to do before taking action.

How does the script describe the role of ethics in communication?

Ethics in communication refers to the judgment made based on how appropriate one's statements, behaviors, and actions are in a particular situation. It guides the approach and method of communication to avoid causing offense or harm.

What is an example given in the script to illustrate the application of ethics in communication?

The script provides the example of noticing a close friend has bad odor. Instead of impulsively commenting on it, one should consider the ethical approach to communicate this issue without offending the friend.

What are the ethical principles of communication according to the National Communication Association mentioned in the script?

The ethical principles of communication mentioned are: advocating truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason; endorsing freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent; condemning communication that degrades individuals and humanity; and believing that communicators should accept responsibility for the consequences of their communication.

Why is truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason important in communication as per the script?

Truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason are essential to the integrity of communication. They ensure that the statements and behaviors used in communication are factual, honest, and uphold one's integrity.

How does the script explain the importance of freedom of expression and tolerance in communication?

The script emphasizes that freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent are crucial for informed and responsible decision-making in a civil society.

What does the script say about communication that degrades individuals or humanity?

The script condemns any communication that degrades individuals or humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, violence, or the expression of intolerance and hatred.

What responsibility do communicators have according to the script?

Communicators should accept responsibility for both the short and long-term consequences of their communication, whether it is positive or harmful.

Why is it important to be ethical in communication today, especially with the presence of social media?

Being ethical in communication is important today because words are powerful and can either ruin or improve relationships. Social media amplifies the reach and impact of communication, making ethical considerations even more critical.

What question does the script leave for reflection at the end?

The script asks why it is important to be ethical in communication, especially today, and what the consequences are if we fail to communicate ethically with people around us.

What does the script suggest to support the claim about the importance of ethical communication?

The script suggests citing scenarios or first-hand experiences regarding the importance of ethical communication to support one's claim.