This course examines the elements of an effective speech and identifies traits of the individual speaker and how these traits affect preparation and delivery. Additionally, this course demonstrates specific performance-oriented aspects of public speaking. The themes of information and ethics tie these elements together and are emphasized in every part of the course because they are vitally important to all communicators. Since modern societies have ever-increasing access to information, there are increased demands on the individual to effectively and ethically use information. For example, "The New York Times has more information in one week than individuals in the 1800s would encounter in a lifetime". This illustrates the challenges speakers face beyond the common stresses of public speaking anxiety. In spite of that, ethical communication means not only accepting responsibility for the information you present but also speaking up when others abuse their information platforms.