PSSN Code of Ethics

Ethics in public speaking, like most other professions, is essential for the credibility of all who share in this field. Communication and ethics should fit like a hand on a glove.

Public speaking and those who attain mastery of public speaking have both mores and ethics they must follow. Failure to follow these could cost their credibility and future ability to speak.

The damage a speaker can do because of not having their ethics in check means that the standards need to be even higher.

If you desire to join the PSSN or the Professional Speakers Society of Nigeria, you will have to meet such a high code.

The purpose of this Code of Professional Ethics is to establish and maintain our brand, reputation and public confidence in the professionalism, dedication, and integrity of not only the individual member of PSSN, but also of the Association itself. The characteristics of honesty, leadership and stewardship are integral to the success of both PSSN and the individual professional speaker.

Therefore, all members of PSSN subscribe to this Code of Professional Ethics as a condition of membership, with the strong belief that each member will strive to espouse the values, reputation and legacy of PSSN. By doing so, members recognize the necessity to preserve and encourage fair and equitable practices among all who are engaged in professional speaking.

Violations of this Code are determined in accordance with the constitution, policies and procedures of PSSN. Any disciplinary action instituted by PSSN shall be binding and final upon the PSSN member and without recourse to the Society, its officers, members of staff.

Truthfulness Representation

We advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of a public speaker. The PSSN member has an obligation to himself/herself and to PSSN to represent oneself truthfully, professionally and in a non-misleading manner. The PSSN member shall be honest and accurate in presenting qualifications and experience in the member’s communication and interaction with others.

Professionalism

The PSSN member shall act, operate his/her business, and speak in a most professional and ethical manner so as neither to offend nor bring discredit to oneself, the speaking professional or one’s fellow PSSN members.

Research

The PSSN member shall exert efforts to understand each client’s organization, approaches, goals and culture in advance of a presentation, in order to professionally apply one’s expertise to meet each client’s needs.

Intellectual Property

The PSSN member shall avoid using – either orally or in writing – materials, titles or thematic creations originated by others unless approved in writing by the originator.

Respect & Collegiality

The PSSN member shall maintain a mutual relationship with fellow members that is based on respect, professional courtesy, dignity and the highest ethical standards.

Confidentiality

The PSSN member shall maintain and respect the confidentiality of business or personal affairs of clients, agents and other speakers.

Business Practices

The PSSN member is obligated to maintain a high level of ethical standards and practices in order to assist in protecting the public against fraud or any unfair practice in the speaking profession and shall attempt to eliminate from the profession all practices that could bring discredit to the speaking profession.

Diversity

The PSSN member shall not participate in any agreement or activity that would limit or deny access to the marketplace to any other speaker, to a client, or to the public. This includes, but not limited to, economic factors, race, ethnicity, creed, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, or country of national origin of any party.

Caring & Mutual Understanding

 We promote communication climates of caring and mutual understanding that respect the unique needs and characteristics of individual communicators.

 No Distortion, Intimidation & Coercion

 We condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, and violence, and through the expression of intolerance and hatred.

In addition to the above, PSSN and its members:

  • Advocate truthfulness, accuracy, honesty, and reason as essential to the integrity of public speaking;
  • Endorse freedom of expression, diversity of perspective, and tolerance of dissent to achieve the informed and responsible decision making fundamental to a civil society;
  • Strive to understand and respect other communicators before evaluating and responding to their messages;
  • Condemn communication that degrades individuals and humanity through distortion, intimidation, coercion, and violence and through the expression of intolerance and hatred; and
  • Are committed to the courageous and fair expression of personal convictions.