When considering topics for your speech, it is critical for you to keep your audience in mind. Not doing so will put your speech at risk of not corresponding with the information needs of your audience, and further jeopardize your credibility as a speaker. This chapter examined methods of conducting an audience analysis and five categories of audience analysis. In sum, this information equips you with the foundational knowledge and skill-set required to ensure that your topic complements your audience. And, after all, if we are not adapting to meet the needs of our audience, we are not going to be informative or convincing speakers. Show
Winston Churchill is credited with the origin of the saying: “Fail to plan, plan to fail.”[1] We, your authors, believe that if you have failed to fully consider the nature, make-up, and characteristics of your audience, you are—for all intents and purposes—neglecting the spirit of the public speaking exercise. Confidently speaking to audiences can be somewhat addictive. The experience, when properly executed, can be empowering and help you succeed personally and professionally throughout your life. But, you must first consider the audience you will be addressing and take their every requirement into account.[2] We are linked to, joined with, if not bound by, our audiences. Your main speaking ambition should be to seek identification with them, and for them to seek identification with you. Review Questions
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Audience analysis involves identifying the audience and adapting a speech to their interests, level of understanding, attitudes, and beliefs. Taking an audience-centered approach is important because a speaker’s effectiveness will be improved if the presentation is created and delivered in an appropriate manner. What should you avoid using as a speaker? Here are the top 10 public speaking habits presenters should avoid at all costs, along with their potential consequences and remedies:
Why should a speaker avoid stereotyping the audience?Why should a speaker avoid stereotyping the audience? It can lead to false generalizations. While creating a persuasive argument supporting Planned Parenthood, Kate decided to deal with any audience objections by first discovering their religious affiliations. Why should a lack of nervousness concern a public speaker? Why should a lack of nervousness concern a public speaker? It may cause a lack of energy in the speech delivery. What are some the problems a speaker faces when delivering an unacquainted audience presentation?Some of the problems a speaker faces when delivering an unacquainted-audience presentation is not knowing anything about the audience, therefore not knowing it the audience is or isn’t interested in the topic. How can a speaker establish credibility with the audience? The following strategies can help speakers convince their listeners that they deserve trust and respect:
What makes a speaker ineffective?Lack of Preparation Ineffective speakers are unprepared for the speech they need to give. Audiences will surely notice if you are not prepared. No one expects your speech to be flawless or perfect, but if you are fumbling with notes that you have not organized ahead of time, this will be noticed. What should a speaker avoid when using audience analysis? Be careful not to use jargon or “insider” language that will exclude listeners who aren’t “in the know.” If you approach audience analysis in haste, you might find yourself presenting a speech with no clear message. You might avoid making any statements outright from fear of offending. What should a speaker assess to help determine?risks losing the support and interest of the audience through role stereotyping. What should a speaker assess to help determine if listeners have any concerns or objections to the speech topic?…
What hinders one to be an effective speaker? Bad messages and/or speakers also present a barrier to effective listening. In terms of speakers’ delivery, verbal fillers, monotone voices, distracting movements, or a disheveled appearance can inhibit our ability to cognitively process a message. Why are taboos important in preserving culture?Taboos are very instrumental in preserving the culture of a people: Taboos are synonymous with culture. This means that taboos move hand in hand with culture. Each time someone breaks a taboo, he or she has gone contrary to the culture of the people. What are taboos and how common are they? Taboos are very common in various traditional communities around the world. In these places, taboos are customs which if broken attract certain sanctions which can range from being light to being very severe. For example, in so many traditional areas around the world it is considered a taboo for a woman to insult a man. Are taboos out of Vogue?While taboos seem out of vogue, they still play very important roles in so many traditional areas around the world. What would happen if there were no taboos in farming? In the absence of such taboos, people would farm any and anywhere and by so doing they would end up destroying virgin forest. Post navigationWhat challenges does a speaker face when delivering a speech to a multicultural audience quizlet?What challenges does a speaker face when delivering a speech to a multicultural audience? Different language, cognition, ethnocentrism, values, and communication styles.
What should a speaker avoid when using audience analysis?Avoid hateful words; refrain from language that disparages or belittles people. Be sensitive to the audience; know how audience members prefer to be identified (e.g., Native American instead of Indian, women instead of girls, African American instead of black, disabled instead of crippled) (Samovar & McDaniel, 2007).
What do the expressions on the faces of the audience suggest about the speaker?Facial expressions convey emotions and show the speaker's concern or enthusiasm. Facial expressions can reveal a speaker's true feelings or nervousness. Eye contact with individuals in the audience helps them feel a connection with the speaker.
Why should a speaker avoid stereotyping the audience?Why should a speaker avoid stereotyping the audience? It can lead to false generalizations. effective speakers try to make language choices that make all people feel included.
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