Section H: Comment on the method for handling the situation below. Decide on a course of action using one or more or the ethical guidelines highlighted in our text on p.12. The course of action must be both principled and realistic. Be sure to justify yourr answer.
Scenario: You are attending a speech in in a speech class at a local University. A student is giving a speech and decides to use vulgar terms, and foul language as his way of making his information vivid and memorable. Is it ever apprpropriate to use language that is obscene, or possibility offensive in a academic or professional setting?
Blog due at the beginning of the next class on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009.
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Does this action do the most good for the most people over the greatest period of time? The Utilitarian Rule is something that should always be thought about when doing anything in life. While this story may be more accurately depicted with vulgarity in the mind of that student, there are always better choices in words that can convey the same message. I do not believe that it is appropriate to use foul language, especially amongst unfamiliar faces or superiors. This sort of language can be offensive to some people and that will in turn hurt the message that you are trying to convey. If the audience does not respect the speaker they will stop listening and your speech will have had no effect on anyone and will have just been a waste of everyone's time.
ReplyDeleteYou can never take back what you say; no matter what condition you speak under, you are liable to whatever you allow others to hear from you. The public backlash the student in the story will undoubtedly face is the justification of the Golden Rule described above; some things are better left unsaid. Indeed, 'silence is golden' when you only have condescending remarks for your peers. In addition, the Publicity Test is the highest test of moral fiber one can take. Unless the student truly desired to be ridiculed by a wide audience, he should have been more discrete about his choice of words. When speaking, you should always put great care into what you say; those words will follow you for the rest of your life.
ReplyDeleteWhen speaking to a group of people you should always have pride in what you say. Therefore, i believe that The Professional Ethic should always be enforced when speaking. Cursing or using vulgar language may not bother some, but will turn many people away from what you are really trying to bring to your audiences attention. Cursing and vulgar language is never needed for any kind of speech, motivational or strategic. Your audience will not be concerned with the message you are trying to relay, but only in the way you attempted to relay it. In any speech, Professional Ethic's should be enforced, because that is what people respect.
ReplyDeleteWhen in an academic or professional setting, there is no need to use vulgar language. Even when among friends you also need to be careful what you say, but more importantly, how you say it. Just imagine if while listening to a keynote given by Steve Jobs, he throws in a few select words to drive the message home, or try to picture Donald Trump cursing. Both Trump and Jobs are great businessmen, and they both know how to convey a message while still selecting powerful, yet appropriate language. Referring to the Categorical Imperative, if everyone used foul language in professional and business settings, the levels of respect would drop for the person as well as the company.
ReplyDeleteSpoken word is slurred and garbled in regular, day-to-day conversations, just imagine the problems it would cause in the business world.
For the most part, vulgar language should be kept to a minimum in an academic or professional setting. Vulgar language is unnecessary and is simply unprofessional. Why use curse words when there are so many other beautiful words to choose from? Use of vulgar language would fit under The Categorical Imperative. Society will not be able to function if business people used vulgar language to do business. Our world has become much more diverse and other cultures could be offended. Some business people will feel disrespected if vulgar language is used in conversation. Cursing could be seen as disrespectful and a deal-breaker. The Golden Rule could also be applied here because people will not want to be treated this way while doing business or listening to a speech.
ReplyDeleteIn this scenario I believe the guideline stressing professional ethics denies this persons ethical behavior. The Professional Ethic stresses how an action would be judged by a professional setting. Speaking at a University is not only an academic, but a professional setting. By using vulgar and making inappropriate remarks ones actions would be looked down upon in this setting. Although some people may not take offense to this profanity, others may resulting in a bad opinion towards yourself and your topic. Its always important to act in a professional way wherever you have to speak.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to use words wisely when conveying a message. Using vulgar terms and foul language may distract listeners, putting the Utilitarian Rule into account. Listeners will concentrate on why the speaker used those choices of words, rather than take note of what the speaker is actually saying, taking away nothing from the speech. Many people may find it offensive. They will not listen to the speaker the next time he or she speaks. When I present my ideas to an audience I want them to pay attention to what I am saying, which applies to the Golden Rule. There are other ways of expressing thoughts and ideas in a lively and memorable way, such as humor and enthusiasm about the topic. Aggressive language should be avoided when in professional or academic settings.
ReplyDeleteUsing vulgar language during a speech shows that the person speaking doesn’t care about what they are speaking about. This student has just illustrated the Publicity Test at its finest. To get your point across with cursing gets you no where in a speech but backwards. I always felt that using the Golden Rule works every time because you will give and receive the same respect that everyone deserves. Although cursing can be apart in some students lives it should be used with your friends or on your own time, but never in a speech.
ReplyDeleteIt is very rare for obscene language to be appropriate academic or professional situations. If you follow the Categorical Imperative, then that would make it acceptable for everyone to use foul language. This would offend people resulting in relationships breaking down and productivity dropping. There is always another word that can be used to replace a vulgar one. I also think that the Golden Rule fits well because I would not want to hear foul language therefore I would not say anything vulgar.
ReplyDeleteWhen addressing an audience you should never use vulgar or foul language even if it will help to get your point across. When speaking in front of people you should always use the ethic of professionalism. If you were to start using vulgar language in front of your professional peers even if they are fellow students isn't appropriate. They will look down on you as a person because most people believe that using that type of language is unacceptable. You should also use the utilitarian rule when speaking in front of an audience as well. Using vulgar language doesn't set a good example and will not do people any good in the long run. Many people would frown upon using that type of language
ReplyDeleteI don't think that it is ever appropriate to use vulgar language when addressing an audience. The Professional Ethic should always be used when giving a speech. While some believe that cursing or using vulgar language helps grab the audience's attention, it could also just as easily turn them off to what you're saying. It is always better to be professional and reduce the risk of offending anyone in your audience. By doing so, you can ensure that your views can be judged for what they are, not for the way they are presented.
ReplyDeleteunder any professional setting, it's not appropriate to use obscene of offensive language. While you might think some language might not be offensive, it may offend others in which you are speaking to. When deciding whether this situation could be evaluated as ethical or none, you can look at the professional ethic guideline. This ethic is asking yourself whether your actions can be judged by an impartial jury of your professional peers. As far as using vulgar terms, and foul language as your way of making your speech memorable, it makes you think that that person has no other powerful communication skills to make his speech contagious, other than using obscene language.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think using obscene or vulgar language is appropriate in a professional setting, nor does it reflect respectable academia. Firstly, if a speaker used vulgar language in an attempt to convey a meaning to an audience, the audience would be taken aback by the cursing and perhaps not focus on the content of the speech because they would be focusing on the previous impropriety. I think the Golden Rule applies here, but with a twist. If the speaker using vulgar language (speaker 1) were to switch spots with someone from the audience and that person, (speaker 2), were to use foul language in a speech, surely speaker 1 would find the use of that language unacceptable and odd. With that realization, speaker 1 would hopefully become conscious of his offensive language and make an attempt to change it. Also, Professional Ethics applies because almost certainly, if a speaker were to use such coarse language, an impartial jury of professional peers would judge the speaker harshly and with conviction.
ReplyDeleteIt is never appropriate to use vulgar or foul language while giving a speech in an academic or professional setting. It is always important to keep in mind how your audience judges what is said. The use of foul and vulgar language will not enhance your argument because it will portray imprudence. Before any public appearance you should always ask yourself how the audience will view your professionalism. In any speech that I would I wouldn't want people to look down on me because of my use of inappropriate language. I would want my language to reflect my intelligence and my knowledge of the subject. The use of foul or vulgar language would distract the audience from my argument.
ReplyDeleteUsing obscene or vulgar language has absolutely no place in any professional setting. If a speaker wishes to use such inappropriate speech to make a point, he or she is going about it completely the wrong way. It may make a speech "memorable," but for all the wrong reasons. In any professional setting, using obscenities is wrong and intolerable. Ehtical guidelines are being violated in such an incident. The professional ethic states, how would such an action be viewed by an unbiased jury of professional peers? Cursing would be frowned upon in a professional setting without question. Even using the guideline known as the publicity test reveals this is unethical behavior. I am sure this speaker would feel very uncomfortable and embarrassed if the public was made aware of this speech either in print or on broadcast. There are plenty of proper methods to make a speech memorable and vivid.
ReplyDeleteThe usage of such vulgar language in a professional situation is very inappropriate. Someone using vulgar language is neither showing intelligence nor respect for their audience, in fact someone who swears allows me to conclude that they must not have a very wide vocabulary at all. The professional ethic guideline helps you evaluate yourself, by asking, “How would this action be judged?” The foul language will definitely get attention and the point will be made but the impression they leave behind will probably not leave the positive impression the speaker was looking for. It is never appropriate to use obscene language in a professional or academic setting; it is very offensive.
ReplyDeleteIt is never appropriate to use vulgar language in a professional situation. If a student giving a speech decides to use vulgar language, he or she is sending the wrong message to their audience. The Professional Ethic guideline helps a person evaluate their behavior by forcing them to ask themselves, " How would this action be judged by an impartial jury of my professional peers." Vulgar language would be deemed as inappropreiate by a jury of professional peers, which is why it is never apprpropriate to use language that is obscene, or possibility offensive in a academic or professional setting.
ReplyDeleteIn a professional or academic atmosphere, the use foul language is never justifiable. Not only does using inappropriate language violate "the professional ethic" guideline, but it would be frowned upon by professional peers. Also, "the Publicity Test" guideline would be ignored by using poor language, because the speaker would not be comfortable having an account of his or her actions broadcast. With obscene language being inappropriate and disrespected among one's peers, I feel like it would be especially embarrassing, unprofessional and immature to a public audience. Using obscene language is only detrimental to the speaker and should be avoided at all costs.
ReplyDeleteI believe that it is inappropriate and unnecessary to use language that is obscene in an academic setting. In order to get a point across to an audience, you must acquire their attention. This can be done in various ways such as having enthusiasm towards the subject, remaining calm, cool, and collected, and getting your point across clearly. Using vulgarity can offend the individuals listening to the speech and can also make the speaker look ignorant and unintelligent.
ReplyDeleteI believe that in certain situations, vulgar language when used to provide an accurate description can be acceptable. Especially when dealing with our own peers, certain language is apart of our everyday life and therefore may be deemed appropriate. However, the Utilitarian Rule along with the Publicity Test are the exceptions. Among professional peers foul language can send the wrong message and leave a negative impression. Therefore, even though using certain language may get your point across better at the time, it may leave a different impression that you did not originally intend for. Professionalism should always be considered when giving a speech for your ideas will be heard more accurately rather then possibly insulting the audience by your use of words.
ReplyDeleteIn this situation I believe this person has not behaved ethically, in the sense that if you use either of the guidelines like the Professional Ethic: “How would this action be judged by an impartial jury of your professional peers?” this person’s action clearly would not be judged in a favorable manor. Using vulgar terms and foul language is never seen as a favorable action amongst peers especially in a speech at a professional level. In a way you would be using foul language at each individual person considering you are communicating a point to each of them, thus Golden Rule would apply with being treated the way you are treating others. Really all the rules can be applied against the idea of using foul language and terms to get a point across or make the speech memorable in a professional setting. This should never be a use to make information vivid or memorable in any way, it is never appropriate to use language that is obscene or offensive in an academic or professional setting.
ReplyDeleteI do not feel as though this person has behaved ethically and there are several reasons why. The Professional Ethic would be the most related rule of thumb that would come into play. The student must consider the environment that he is giving his speech in. He is in a speech class which can be considered a professional or academic environment. That being said he must conduct himself accordingly. When the student uses fowl language and vulgar terms he is undermining the very institution of the class and establishment that he is apart of. While the student is using the language in order to distinguish himself from the group, he is only succeeding in distinguishing himself from the group in a negative connotation. The other rule that would most obvious come into play is the Golden Rule. While there is a great possibility that there are people in the audience who found this speech engaging and even entertaining. The problem is that there would be people in this professional audience who not only deem this speech unprofessional they would likely take offense to the speech. Many people are take it as an insult to hear that kind of language. That being said he clearly is not treating others as he would like to be treated, as he is not looking to be offended by others' speeches.
ReplyDeleteIn a situation such as this one, it is difficult to justify the use of vulgar or inappropriate language. An academic and or professional setting is not the place where one should act the same way they may around their friends. Professionalism is very important and if the student was trying to make their speech memorable, there would be other more formal ways of doing so. The categorical imperative is a principle that can be related to this example of profanity in a academic setting, because there are common codes and morals in our cultures towards behavior in a public professional and academic setting. If everyone acted as they did when they around their friends and in nonprofessional settings, then there would be no common ground for speaking in a serious believable manner. The professional ethic also goes hand in hand with this example, and according to our societies standards, an impartial jury of professional peers would find the vulgar language unbearable and certainly would not take the speaker seriously. So in conclusion, the difference in public and professional settings instead of private settings, are implemented for a reason and those guidelines are followed in order to establish the differences in each environment.
ReplyDeleteNo I don’t think that it is ever appropriate for someone to use vulgar terms and foul language unless they are talking about the negative effects of them or they are quoting someone that said these things and is defend the group of people who these terms are directed towards. It is very disrespectful for someone to talk about a group of people and use offensive language especially in a professional and respectable area such as a lecture hall in a university. School is a place for someone to learn and work and one person doesn’t have the right to ruin it for everyone by throwing in distractions such as these ones.
ReplyDeleteWhile giving a speech and using vulgar language to get your point across is unappropriate. While giving a speech you want to be in the most professional state of mind during the whole speech. Vulgar language goes against many ethical dimensions. Firstly, it contradicts the golden rule, which is treat others the way you would want to be treated. Nobody in their right minds would want to be talked to with vulgar comments in it; it just isn't professional at all. Secondly, it condradicts the utilitarian rule which states that the action does the greatest ammount of good for the longest period of time. Therefore vulgar statements won't get your point across in the best way possible. It might get the attention of a few people, but for the most part it will distract your audience. Thus, this will distract them from the true message you want to get across.
ReplyDelete-Eric B
I would have to say that using vulgar and foul language is embarrassing and unprofessional. It is very childish because a adult should be able to control himself in front of a group of people. Under Categorical Imperative ethical communication this kind of behavior would be unacceptable, because our society would not be able to continue to function. Also under the Professional Ethic, this kind of behavior would bring shame to the person or even possibly to the company depending on the rank of the companies associates. Personally if it was a relative or an associate of mine, i would be embarrassed for myself and the person. I know that once in while it is appropriate to use aggressive tactics in business but this would be over the border.
ReplyDeleteYaro
Before any speech given, you need to determine your audience. Now being that the audience is college kids in a classroom setting, it would be unacceptable to use foul language. Under the Professional Ethic guideline, foul language is not an option. The audience would not take you seriously and it would be embarresing. Using foul language will abolish any respect that the speaker had from the audience. This also breaks the Golden Rule of ethical communication. I personally would not want to be spoken to in such a manor. Using foul language may be ok to some people during daily communication with friends or relatives, but definately not in a classroom setting.
ReplyDelete