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Persuasive Speech on a statement of values. Ozzie Banicki. “Some people believe that it is better to be honest, regardless of the consequences.” “That idea is captured in the aphorism I drew today, ‘Honesty is the Best Policy.”
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Persuasive Speechon a statement of values Ozzie Banicki
“Some people believe that it is better to be honest, regardless of the consequences.” “That idea is captured in the aphorism I drew today, ‘Honesty is the Best Policy.” “I am afraid that I have to disagree with the aphorism. I believe the statement is false.” “I believe it is false for three reasons: (1) Some personal consequences are greater than the principle, (2) Privacy is a higher value than honesty, and (3) the truth can hurt a lot of people’s feelings.” Paraphrase the Topic Quote: Identify the Topic Quote precisely: State your Thesis: Overview your main points: Introduction:
#1 Reason Category of Examples Sports figures Chris Webber Alan Iverson Political Figures Bill Clinton Jesse Jackson Entertainment Whitney Houston Toni Braxton # 2 Reason—etc. Idea Development Name Explain Support Transition Body of Speech: N-E-S-T
Body of the Speech “First, sometimes, personal consequences are greater than the principle. We can find examples of this idea from public figures in our society, and secondly, I will add some personal experiences and to develop the point. Recently, Sacramento King power forward appeared on the Jim Rome show. He was asked if he intended to return to the team next season or seek free agency elsewhere. He said he didn’t know. Was that a lie? Perhaps it was. It certainly wasn’t in his interest or team interest to say yes before the playoffs of this year. If it was a lie, I think it was justified. Too many people would be hurt if he told the truth. Secondly, consider telling your mother that she is overweight—bad idea. She would be hurt, and you love your Mom; so you wouldn’t say that, unless of course it would help her heath.”
Body of Speech (cont.) My second reason for believing honesty is not the best policy is, Privacy is a higher value than honesty. Would you really tell the truth that would embarrass the family. I don’t think so. Former President Bill Clinton valued privacy over honesty, and a lot of Americans understood the value. You would do the same thing. In fact, my best friend told a lie to save the family name. He denied that his cousin knew a certain football player to cover up the rumor that she slept with him. I believe he did the right thing.
Body of Speech (cont.) Third, and finally, the truth can hurt a lot of people’s feelings. This is similar to the privacy justification, but it is just a mere factual statement, regardless to our right to privacy. The National Inquirer recently spoke about the visitors to the White House during President Clinton’s Pardon decision. It turned out to be true. But the information mislead some people to believe that it was conclusive evidence that a pardon deal was delivered by the President. It hurt. The truth in face of the wrong context can be very damaging. Pot smoking at a party you attended does not mean you were smoking, but you could be guilty by association and inference. In fact, a friend of mine was arrested for being at the right place at the wrong time. Etc.
I gave you three reasons to show that honesty is not always the best policy: (1) Some personal consequences are greater than the principle, (2) Privacy is a higher value than honesty, and (3) the truth can hurt a lot of people’s feelings. Three reason why the generalization honesty is the best policy is false Summarize Reasons Restate your Thesis Conclusion: