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Know Your Audience

The Better Speaker Series

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Audience Variables

  • Age range
  • Gender ratio
  • Occupational and economic status
  • Education background
  • Political views
  • Leisure activities

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Keep Audience Attention

Learn about possible distractions:

  • Room acoustics
  • Seating
  • Lighting
  • Temperature control
  • Outside noise

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Keep Audience Attention

Consider

  • Time of day of your speech
  • Concurrent events/activities
  • Breaks for lengthy presentations

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Figure Out an Approach

  • What does the audience already know?
  • Scan publications or industry news
  • Consult relevant websites
  • Talk with another presenter or member of the group

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Common Speech Objectives

Fulfill the Audience’s Goals

  • Inform
  • Inspire
  • Persuade
  • Entertain

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Conclusion

Research in Advance

  • Knowledgeable
  • Confident
  • Positive energy
  • Speaker-friendly audience

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