Lecture Notes: Audience Analysis for Public Speaking

Introduction

• Presenter: Ella Nika
• Series: Public speaking skills improvement by WWMI Public Speaking Skills
• Topic: Importance of audience analysis in presentation preparation

Key Points

Understanding Your Audience

• Crucial to know your audience regardless of group size
• Helps tailor your presentation to fit audience needs and interests

Steps in Audience Analysis

1. Identify the Audience:

   • Know who you are speaking to (e.g., company execs, managers, recruits, children, college students)
   • Determine the size of the audience (e.g., 600 people vs. a group of 6)

2. Assess Their Understanding:

   • Gauge the audience's current knowledge of the topic
   • Avoid talking over their heads or underestimating their knowledge

3. Demographics:

   • Consider age, gender, educational background
   • Identify any special characteristics relevant to your topic (e.g., parents, students)

4. Interests and Biases:

   • Determine why the audience is attending
   • Recognize any biases, especially for controversial topics

5. Environment:

   • Adapt presentation to the setting (e.g., large vs. small auditorium)
   • Consider comfort factors such as temperature and timing

6. Audience Needs:

   • Understand what the audience seeks from the presentation
   • Identify any prerequisites or expectations you have for the audience

Customization

• Use gathered information to tailor presentation content
• Adjust based on audience needs, interests, and demographic details

Managing Expectations

• Meet audience expectations regarding timing and content
• Clarify what you expect from the audience, such as forms or questionnaires

Conclusion

• Audience analysis is crucial for confident and successful presentations
• Customizing presentations based on audience analysis strengthens connection with the audience
• Encourages respect and appreciation from the audience

Closing Remarks

• Encouragement to conduct audience analysis for effective public speaking
• Presenter: Melanie from WWMI Public Speaking Skills
• Goal: Enhance public speaking skills through audience-focused presentations

Thank you for participating in this session on improving public speaking skills!