1. MAKING YOUR APOLOGIES COUNT DR. MISTY L. KNIGHT HUMAN COMMUNICATION STUDIES “Faux-pology”

2. Ben Roethlisberger NFL Quarterback, Roethlisberger apologized for “committing no crime” yet “falling short” of expectations of personal conduct. April 2010.

3. Tiger Woods Golfer, Woods apologized for extramarital affairs and “hurtful behaviors.” February 2010.

4. Kanye West Musical artist, West apologized for interrupting Taylor Swift’s VMA acceptance speech. September 2009.

5. Danica Patrick Race car driver, Patrick apologized for “poor choice of words” in a Sports Illustrated interview. June 2009.

6. Michael Phelps Olympic medalist and swimmer, Phelps apologized when a photo of him smoking marijuana is published in a tabloid. February 2009.

7. John Edwards Presidential candidate Edwards apologized for his part in an extra-marital affair in which details continue to emerge. 2008-2009.

8. Hillary Clinton Presidential candidate Clinton apologized for insensitive comments made during her presidential campaign. May 2008.

9. Eliot Spitzer New York Governor, Spitzer apologized when an extra-marital affair is publicized. March 2008.

10. What is self-defense rhetoric? Self-defense rhetoric, or apologia, is a strategy that is used to defend oneself after an accusation has been made. Rhetoric simply means persuasive speech. This particular form of rhetoric is designed to increase or preserve ethos, or credibility.

11. Common Characteristics in Apologia Denial Bolstering Differentiation Transcendence

12. What are the ethical implications? An apology is taking responsibility for a harmful act.

13. What is the motivation to apologize? There are two positive motivations to apologize:  To salvage or restore the relationship  To minimize the pain of the one harmed There are two negative motivations to apologize:  To escape punishment  To relieve oneself of a guilty conscience

14. What should a real apology entail? There are six basic steps: 1. Acknowledge violation of moral norms or relationship rules. 2. Specifically name the offense. 3. Accept responsibility. 4. Explain, not rationalize, motivation for the behavior 5. Make restitution 6. Express regret

15. Mel Gibson Actor/Director/ Producer, Gibson apologized for racist and sexist comments made during an arrest. August 2006.