Which of the following ethical theories encourages public speakers to speak truthfully and use sound, supporting evidence?

The correct choice emphasizes the importance of credibility, which is essential in public speaking. Credibility-centered ethics focus on the integrity and trustworthiness of the speaker, highlighting the necessity of presenting truthful information and backing it up with reliable evidence. When a speaker demonstrates credibility, they build trust with their audience, making their message more persuasive and impactful.

This approach aligns with the ethical obligation of speakers to honor the principles of truthfulness and accuracy, crucial for fostering a respectful and informative discourse. In contrast, other ethical frameworks may not explicitly prioritize truthfulness in communication; for instance, ends and means might justify unethical behavior if the end result is perceived as positive, and situation ethics can lead to moral relativism, which may overlook the importance of honesty in favor of context-dependent decisions. Social utility considers the greatest good for the greatest number but may not directly address the necessity of truthful communication as a personal ethical standard. Thus, the focus on credibility ensures that public speakers maintain ethical standards that bolster their authority and responsibility to their audience.