Final answer:
The statement is false. Speakers are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the statistics they present in their speeches. Ethical considerations and a duty to provide reliable information to the audience demand thorough vetting of all statistical data cited.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that a speaker who cites statistics in a speech is not responsible for checking the reliability of the statistics is false. Ethically, speakers must ensure that any statistical data they present is accurate and reliable. This responsibility is demonstrated by the case of Diederik Stapel, a researcher whose fraudulent activities were exposed due in part to his misuse of statistical data. In that instance, it was clear that others who were involved should have been alert to inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the statistical information provided.
Furthermore, the adage that 'numbers don't lie' is often countered by the reality that people can and do misrepresent data to support their claims. Therefore, it's crucial for speakers to conduct due diligence to provide reliable information to their audience, which requires verifying facts, statistics, and examples for accuracy and legitimacy.