Chapter 6: Analyzing the Audience, COMM 1010 CHP. 6, Chapter 6, public speaking chapter 6
An uncomfortable physical setting for a speech
can impair an audience's willingness to listen to or accept a speaker's ideas.
true
True or false: An audience's characteristic group membership is important because it can give clues about listeners' attitudes and interests.
An audience will be most likely to accept a speaker's message if they perceive the speaker as
competent.
attitude
What should a speaker assess to help determine if listeners have any concerns or objections to the speech topic?
Open-ended question
What type of question should Jessie use to discover why her classmates would not donate money to the local children's hospital?
size
the larger the audience the more formal; the size may also affect your language, choice of appeals, and the use of visual aids - class consists of 20 - 30 people while outside could be millions
In a classroom setting, the audience will ______ a fellow student speaker.
often have some set attitudes toward
overall demographic audience analysis
the aim is to find those traits clues about how your listeners will respond to your speech
Getting information About the Audience
- formal audience analysis questionnaire ; it helps giving information about the audience and helps in developing the skills of audience analysis
When preparing a speech, considering the general age of an audience can help you do which of the following?
Choose the kind of supporting material you need Identify your audience's values Consider the type of historical references to use
Keeping the audience in mind as you prepare your speech includes adjusting what you are saying to make it which of the following? (Select all that apply.)
Clear Appropriate Convincing
What approaches can you use to develop your audience's interest in your speech topic?
Display visual aids Provide provocative supporting materials Present an engaging introduction
He wrongly assumed that all Muslim women condemn homosexuality.
During his speech on gay rights, Peter avoided calling on anyone with a question in the audience who was wearing a hijab. Why?
A classroom audience usually expects the speaker to do which of the following?
Follow standards for taste and decorum Conform to time parameters Conform to the assignment
age
Gertrude, a returning student in her sixties, gave a speech to her classmates, who were traditional college freshmen. She focused on the qualities to look for when purchasing a fur coat. Partway through, she realized that most of the audience was not paying attention. What principal demographic trait did she fail to consider fully when preparing her speech?
Shelley is speaking at a hospital about volunteer opportunities. Which demographic trait should she focus on primarily?
Group membership
When Tomas gave his speech, the heating system was not working correctly. Knowing that his audience felt hot and cranky, Tomas began his speech by saying, "I know we are all very uncomfortable from the temperature. But I want you all to close your eyes and imagine the heat coming from the sun while you are lying in the sand listening to the waves at one of my favorite vacation spots, Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida!" The class became energized, and Tomas was able to keep his audience's attention. Why?
He used the physical situation to his advantage. He refused to be influenced negatively by the physical setting.
During his speech on gay rights, Peter avoided calling on anyone with a question in the audience who was wearing a hijab. Why?
He wrongly assumed that all Muslim women condemn homosexuality.
1. By opening the speech with a noncommittal position 2. By making their ideas clear, interesting, and persuasive to the audience 3. By considering the audience's backgrounds, interests, knowledge, and attitudes
How can speakers ensure they are being audience-centered?
talk at a basic level
If your audience knows very little about the topic of your speech, you should
often have some set of attitudes toward
In a classroom setting, the audience will ______ a fellow student speaker.
1. You should distribute a questionnaire. 2. You should get to know your classmates by conversing with and observing them.
In a traditional classroom, which of the following are the recommended ways to find out about audience characteristics?
audiences are often religiously diverse.
In general, a good speaker will consider an audience's religious affiliations during speech preparation because
formal
In general, the larger your audience is, the more ______ your presentation must be.
Which of the following statements are true of a situational audience analysis?
It considers the physical setting. It considers the size of the audience. It should be used in conjunction with demographic analysis.
fluidity
It is important for speakers to keep in mind ______ related to gender and sexual orientation to better reflect the full range of human experience.
What are the benefits of opening a controversial speech with a noncommittal position?
It is less likely to alienate members of the audience. It is a good way to ease into the subject.
The example would be relevant to many audience members' experiences.
Josh, a Marine, noticed that his audience did not seem enthusiastic during his speech on the uses of infrared technology for military applications and for mapping the earth's temperature. Glancing at his laser pointer, Josh suddenly realized his mistake, and he asked, "How many of you changed the channel on TV last night without walking across the room? Did you realize you were using infrared technology?" What is the best reason for Josh to add this example during his speech?
Assessing how audience members will receive the opinions or information you are going to present in your speech is important. What is this type of situational audience analysis measuring?
Listener attitude
Which of the following motivate people to listen to a speech?
Messages that address their own beliefs Messages that touch on their own values Messages that affect their own well-being
Which generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse in U.S. history?
Millennials
Suppose there are two speakers giving a speech about potty training. One speaker, Molly, has three school-age children and a lot of real-world examples. The other, Lola, has no children but is knowledgeable about all of the top potty training methods. Which speaker is the audience more likely to accept advice from?
Molly
Generate interest by finding ways to get your classmates engaged in the topic
People usually attend speeches because they are already interested in the subject of the speech. However, in the classroom, the audience is "captive," and the interest level for your topic may not be as high. What is the best way for a classroom speaker to handle this?
Rachel was the only person in her speech class who was a member of a sorority. For her demonstration speech, Rachel showed her class how to make a sorority paddle (a wooden decoration containing the name of a sorority). Although Rachel's speech was clear and thorough, it was met with glazed stares. What should Rachel have done differently?
Rachel should have thought about her listeners' experiences.
fixed alternative question
Ruby, the new mother of an adopted Korean infant, decided to explain the process of overseas adoptions to her speech class. Knowing that there were other parents in the class, Ruby was not certain how much the others understood about the process. What is the best type of question Ruby could use to find out whether or not her audience knows the steps in overseas adoption or is unsure about the steps?
When giving a speech for a school rally, what is the most important factor to consider for audience analysis?
The occasion
identify traits of the audience
The purpose of demographic audience analysis is to ______ to create a better speech.
Analyzing your audience's disposition toward your speech topic means considering which of the following?
Their attitude toward the topic Their knowledge about the issue Their interest in the subject
false
True or false: The larger your audience, the less formal your presentation should be.
Adapting to an audience before the speech means that speakers should do which of the following?
Understand the beliefs and attitudes of the audience. Anticipate how listeners might respond. Try to determine questions the audience might have.
After completing an audience analysis, what should a speaker do with what he or she has learned?
Use the information in preparing a speech
1. provide provocative supporting materials 2. display visual aids 3. present an engaging introduction
What approaches can you use to develop your audience's interest in your speech topic?
1. It is a good way to ease into the subject. 2. It is less likely to alienate members of the audience.
What are the benefits of opening a controversial speech with a noncommittal position?
They possess ideas, attitudes, and feelings.
What are typical characteristics of the members of a classroom audience?
1. Lighting of the room 2. Temperature of the room 3. Placement of chairs
What factors in situational audience analysis are related to physical setting?
1. You can respond to the audience's objections related to your topic. 2. You can address the concerns of the audience related to your topic.
What is the advantage to knowing in advance the attitudes of audience members?
Audience adaptation
What is the process of using what you learned during audience analysis called?
Egocentrism
What is the tendency of people to be concerned primarily with their own values, beliefs, and well-being?
the occasion
When giving a speech for a school rally, what is the most important factor to consider for audience analysis?
1. Identify your audience's values 2. Choose the kind of supporting material you need 3. Consider the type of historical references to use
When preparing a speech, considering the general age of an audience can help you do which of the following?
1. Choose appropriate talking points and support material 2. Choose appropriate language 3. Help create goodwill during the speech
When preparing speeches, speakers are advised to analyze group characteristics in order to do which of the following?
millennials
Which generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse in U.S. history?
1. What do I want them to know, believe, or do as a result of my speech? 2. What is the most effective way to compose my speech to accomplish my aim? 3. To whom am I speaking?
Which of the following are questions to keep in mind when developing an audience-centered speech?
1. Messages that affect their own well-being 2. Messages that address their own beliefs 3. Messages that touch on their own values
Which of the following motivate people to listen to a speech?
1. Cultural considerations are more important than ever because we have become a global society. 2. Cultural perspectives will affect listeners' attitudes toward a speaker's topic.
Which of the following statements are true about considering race, ethnicity, and cultural background while preparing a speech?
1. It considers the size of the audience. 2. It should be used in conjunction with demographic analysis. 3. It considers the physical setting.
Which of the following statements are true of a situational audience analysis?
1. It should be used in conjunction with demographic analysis. 2. It considers the physical setting. 3. It considers the size of the audience.
Which of the following statements are true of a situational audience analysis?
She wanted to anticipate emotionally charged and passionate reactions.
While creating a persuasive argument supporting Planned Parenthood, Kate decided to deal with any audience objections by first discovering their religious affiliations. Why?
risks losing the support and interest of the audience through role stereotyping.
While preparing an audience analysis, a speaker who classifies women as caring about issues regarding children and men as caring about issues of national security
attitude
a frame of mind in favor of or opposed to a person, policy, belief, institution, etc - you can adjust your speech to address their concerns or to answer their objections
During speech preparation, a speaker who analyzes the size of the audience and the attitude of the audience toward the subject, speaker, and occasion is said to be doing ______ audience analysis.
a situational
Gertrude, a returning student in her sixties, gave a speech to her classmates, who were traditional college freshmen. She focused on the qualities to look for when purchasing a fur coat. Partway through, she realized that most of the audience was not paying attention. What principal demographic trait did she fail to consider fully when preparing her speech?
age
Julie is a new 28-year-old manager at Bowers Envelope Company. Her first job is to give a "safety-first" speech to the press-production crew, most of whom have been with the company for 25 years or more. Other than gender, what is the most crucial demographic characteristic that Julie should consider when preparing her remarks?
age
Kenton decided to persuade his classmates to start savings plans for their retirement. What is the most important demographic trait that Kenton should consider when preparing his speech?
age
What should a speaker assess to help determine if listeners have any concerns or objections to the speech topic?
attitude
Demographic audience analysis
audience analysis that focuses on demographic factors such as age/gender/religion/sexual orientation/group membership / racial /ethnic /cultural background) - should always combine demographic audience analysis with situational audience analysis
Situational Audience Analysis
audience analysis that focuses on situational factors such as the size of the audience, the physical setting for the speech, and the disposition of the audience toward the topic, the speaker, and the occasion
In general, a good speaker will consider an audience's religious affiliations during speech preparation because
audiences are often religiously diverse
In general, a good speaker will consider an audience's religious affiliations during speech preparation because
audiences are often religiously diverse.
Fellow students should be seen as a(n) ..... (authentic/fake) audience.
authentic
stereotyping
creating an oversimplified image of a particular group of people, usually by assuming that all members of the group are alike
Sheri has chosen to speak about the Japanese practice of bonsai and the success she has had cultivating a small, potted tree. To prepare for her speech, she wants to determine her audience's ... toward the topic by considering the audience interest in bonsai, knowledge about it, and attitudes toward it.
disposition
Sheri has chosen to speak about the Japanese practice of bonsai and the success she has had cultivating a small, potted tree. To prepare for her speech, she wants to determine her audience's _____ toward the topic by considering the audience interest in bonsai, knowledge about it, and attitudes toward it.
disposition
According to a Brookings Institution report, racial ... may be "the most defining and impactful characteristic of the millennial generation."
diversity
According to a Brookings Institution report, racial _____ may be "the most defining and impactful characteristic of the millennial generation."
diversity or prejudice
audience adaptation occurs
during and after a speech
Speakers who consider different sexual orientations in their audience analysis and speech preparation do so because
effective speakers try to make language choices that make all people feel included.
Ruby, the new mother of an adopted Korean infant, decided to explain the process of overseas adoptions to her speech class. Knowing that there were other parents in the class, Ruby was not certain how much the others understood about the process. What is the best type of question Ruby could use to find out whether or not her audience knows the steps in overseas adoption or is unsure about the steps?
fixed alternative question
what are the three major types of questions to choose from when developing audience analysis questionnaire
fixed alternative questions scale questions open ended questions
It is important for speakers to keep in mind ______ related to gender and sexual orientation to better reflect the full range of human experience.
fluidity
In general, the larger your audience is, the more ______ your presentation must be.
formal
two steps in demographic audience analysis
identifying the general demographic features of your audience and gauging the importance of those features to a particular setting
There is often a direct link between a person's ______ a topic and his or her knowledge about it.
interest in
Speakers who consider different sexual orientations in their audience analysis and speech preparation do so because
it is best to make all listeners feel included
audience-centeredness
keeping the audience foremost in mind at ever step of speech prep and presentation - the purpose of speech making is all about getting a desired response from listeners
Your audience's ______ a topic will typically determine ______ of your speech.
knowledge about; the level of detail
Assessing how audience members will receive the opinions or information you are going to present in your speech is important. What is this type of situational audience analysis measuring?
listener interest
Which generation is the most racially and ethnically diverse in U.S. history?
millennials
what a good speaker does to get use to his audience
must submerge your own views so completely that you can adopt those of your listeners temporarily - must anticipate how your audience will respond
When beginning a speech about a controversial issue, it is best to start with a
noncommittal position.
open ended questions
questions that allow respondents to answer however they want; detailed responses but it they may not give the answer you are looking for
fixed alternative questions
questions that offer a fixed choice between two or more alternatives (yes/no/not sure) ; it can yield to superficial answers
scale questions
questions that require responses at fixed intervals along a scale of answers; good for getting at the strength of a respondents attitudes
When speaking before a classroom audience, effective speakers should
regard the audience as seriously as any other audience.
While preparing an audience analysis, a speaker who classifies women as caring about issues regarding children and men as caring about issues of national security
risks losing the support and interest of the audience through role stereotyping.
In addition to factoring in the audience size and physical setting of a speech, a(n) ... audience analysis also considers how the audience feels about the speech topic.
situational
In addition to factoring in the audience size and physical setting of a speech, a(n) _____ audience analysis also considers how the audience feels about the speech topic.
situational
every speech contains two messages
the one sent by the speaker and the one received by the audience
1. Your choice of visual aids 2. The formality of your language
the size of your audience may affect which of the following?
egocentrism
the tendency of people to be concerned above all with their own values, beliefs, and well-being
what. speaker says is filtered
through the listener's frame (the sum of his or her needs, interests, expectations, knowledge, and experience); people hear what they want to hear
She violated audience expectations about the purpose of the occasion.
At an Academy Awards ceremony, an award recipient took her Oscar, briefly thanked those who helped her earn it, and then made one statement in support of a particular presidential candidate. What was the biggest mistake she made?
How can speakers ensure they are being audience-centered?
By opening the speech with a noncommittal position By considering the audience's backgrounds, interests, knowledge, and attitudes By making their ideas clear, interesting, and persuasive to the audience
When preparing speeches, speakers are advised to analyze group characteristics in order to do which of the following?
Choose appropriate language Choose appropriate talking points and support material Help create goodwill during the speech
authentic
Fellow students should be seen as a(n) ____ (authentic/fake) audience.
Although there are exceptions, people tend to be interested in
what they know about.
Fellow students should be seen as a(n) _____ audience
authentic
Audience adaptation occurs
before and during a speech.
What type of question should Jessie use to discover why her classmates would not donate money to the local children's hospital?
Open-ended question
good public speakers are
audience centered
group membership
- Americans are very group orientated - groups affiliations can tell you a lot bout their interests and attitudes
sexual orientation
- acknowledge all sexual orientation - be wary of the words used
racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds
- adjust your remarks so they will be clear and suitable and convincing
Audience adaptation before the speech
- assessing how your audience is likely to respond to what you say in your speech - adjusting what you say make it as clear, appropriate, and convincing
physical setting
- do everything you can to control the influence of physical setting on your audience
overall what does the questionnaire
1. plan the questionnaire carefully elicit precisely the information you need 2. use all three types of question s 3. questions are clear and ambiguous 4. keep it brief
what do these psychological principles mean to you as a speaker?
1. they mean that our listeners will hear and judge what you say on the basis of what they already know and believe 2. they mean you must relate your messages to your listener people only understand things in terms of their experiences
1. Follow standards for taste and decorum 2. Conform to time parameters 3. Conform to the assignment
A classroom audience usually expects the speaker to do which of the following?
Use the information in preparing a speech
After completing an audience analysis, what should a speaker do with what he or she has learned?
competent
An audience will be most likely to accept a speaker's message if they perceive the speaker as
What is the process of using what you learned during audience analysis called?
Audience adaptation
before and during a speech.
Audience adaptation occurs
situational
In addition to factoring in the audience size and physical setting of a speech, a(n) ____ audience analysis also considers how the audience feels about the speech topic.
age
Julie is a new 28-year-old manager at Bowers Envelope Company. Her first job is to give a "safety-first" speech to the press-production crew, most of whom have been with the company for 25 years or more. Other than gender, what is the most crucial demographic characteristic that Julie should consider when preparing her remarks?
1. Convincing 2. Appropriate 3. Clear
Keeping the audience in mind as you prepare your speech includes adjusting what you are saying to make it which of the following?
age
Kenton decided to persuade his classmates to start savings plans for their retirement. What is the most important demographic trait that Kenton should consider when preparing his speech?
At an Academy Awards ceremony, an award recipient took her Oscar, briefly thanked those who helped her earn it, and then made one statement in support of a particular presidential candidate. What was the biggest mistake she made?
She violated audience expectations about the purpose of the occasion.
effective speakers try to make language choices that make all people feel included.
Speakers who consider different sexual orientations in their audience analysis and speech preparation do so because
In a traditional classroom, which of the following are the recommended ways to find out about audience characteristics?
You should distribute a questionnaire. You should get to know your classmates by conversing with and observing them.
knowledge about; the level of detail
Your audience's ______ a topic will typically determine ______ of your speech.
Disposition Toward the Topic
- interests - knowledge - attitude
Disposition Toward the Occasion
- listeners have define ideas about the speeches they consider appropriate - occasion should dictate how long the speech should be - in classroom situations there is a specific time limit and topic
Adapting to the Audience
- many people can identify the major characteristics of their audience but little know how to adapt their ideas to the audience
Why should a speaker avoid stereotyping the audience?
It can lead to false generalizations.
two major stage in the process of audience adaptation
1. occurs before the speech as a part of prep and rehearsal 2. during the speech itself
If your audience knows very little about the topic of your speech, you should
talk at a basic level.
gender
- take in account current gender attitudes and practices
religion
- people are more diversely religious - consider the religious orientations of your listeners
knowledge
- people tend to be interested I things they already know about - learn about subjects that interests them - audience's knowledge about your topic will determine what you can say in your speech
Audience Adaptation during the Speech
- serves as a problem for both in the class and out the class - you can modify your topic to mention the previous presenter; adjust your delivery to the size of the audience; you could condense your speech time - look at the audience emotions
The Psychology of Audiences
- speaker must make the audience choose to pay attention - auditory perception is selective
Your Classmates as an Audience
- speech class is for persuading and informing your classmates - respect your audience and present your best
Disposition Toward the Speaker
- the audience response to a message is colored by the their perception of the speaker
how to be audience centered
- to whom are you speaking with - what do I want them to do, believe, know - what is the most effective way of composing and presenting my speech to accomplish the aim think in advance about the audience's background and interests, level of knowledge, attitudes toward your topic
age
- whatever age we are the product of our world (same generation tends to like the same things) - age major component in audience analysis
Simon gave a speech about the benefits of working for the postal service. He mentioned that three of his relatives were mailmen and suggested that the audience members should consider becoming postmen. What mistakes did Simon make?
-He was being exclusive rather than inclusive by using gender-specific labels. -He was not being mindful of current gender attitudes and practices.
Analyzing your audience's disposition toward your speech topic means considering which of the following?
-Their attitude toward the topic -Their interest in the subject -Their knowledge about the issue
A classroom audience usually expects the speaker to do which of the following?
-conform to time parameters -follow standards for taste and decorum -conform to the assignment
Your audience's ______ a topic will typically determine ______ of your speech.
disposition toward ; the success
When Tomas gave his speech, the heating system was not working correctly. Knowing that his audience felt hot and cranky, Tomas began his speech by saying, "I know we are all very uncomfortable from the temperature. But I want you all to close your eyes and imagine the heat coming from the sun while you are lying in the sand listening to the waves at one of my favorite vacation spots, Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota, Florida!" The class became energized, and Tomas was able to keep his audience's attention. Why?
-he refused to be influenced negatively by the physical setting -he used the physical situation to his advantage
True or false: The larger your audience, the less formal your presentation should be.
false
can impair an audience's willingness to listen to or accept a speaker's ideas.
An uncomfortable physical setting for a speech
1. their knowledge about the issue 2. their attitude toward the topic 3. their interest in the subject
Analyzing your audience's disposition toward your speech topic means considering which of the following?
The size of your audience may affect which of the following?
The formality of your language Your choice of visual aids
Listener attitude
Assessing how audience members will receive the opinions or information you are going to present in your speech is important. What is this type of situational audience analysis measuring?
The purpose of demographic audience analysis is to ______ to create a better speech.
identify traits of the audience
Trying to hear the speech through the ears of your audience
Which of the following is recommended practice when preparing your speech?
interests
asses their interest and fix accordingly - arresting introduction, provocative supporting materials, visual aids and etc.
When preparing a speech, considering the general age of an audience can help you ...
-consider the type of historical references to use -identify your audience's values -choose the kind of supporting material you need
How can speakers ensure they are being audience-centered?
-making ideas clear, interesting and persuasive to audience -considering the audience's backgrounds, interests, knowledge and attitudes -opening the speech with a noncommittal position
What approaches can you use to develop your audience's interest in your speech topic?
-provide provocative supporting materials -display visual aids -present an engaging introduction
What are the benefits of opening a controversial speech with a noncommittal position?
-it is less likely to alienate members of the audience -it is a good way to ease into the subject
What factors in situational audience analysis are related to physical setting?
-temperatures of the room -placement of chairs -lighting of the room
What are questions to keep in mind when developing an audience-centered speech?
-to whom am i speaking? -what is the most effective way to compose my speech to accomplish my aim? -what do I want them to know, believe or do as a result of my speech?
1. Talking to the speaker from the previous year's event 2. Searching the food bank's Web site for information about its past donors 3. Asking for more information from the person who invited her 4. Attending a meeting of the food bank's board of directors
A news anchor at a city television station was asked by a rural food bank to speak at its annual fund-raiser. Even though the fund-raiser was being held in a distant town, she agreed and began trying to find out all she could about her audience. What are ways that she can discover her the specific characteristics of her audience?
A news anchor at a city television station was asked by a rural food bank to speak at its annual fund-raiser. Even though the fund-raiser was being held in a distant town, she agreed and began trying to find out all she could about her audience. What are ways that she can discover her the specific characteristics of her audience?
Searching the food bank's Web site for information about its past donors Attending a meeting of the food bank's board of directors Asking for more information from the person who invited her Talking to the speaker from the previous year's event
While creating a persuasive argument supporting Planned Parenthood, Kate decided to deal with any audience objections by first discovering their religious affiliations. Why?
She wanted to anticipate emotionally charged and passionate reactions.
group membership
Shelley is speaking at a hospital about volunteer opportunities. Which demographic trait should she focus on primarily?
1. He was not being mindful of current gender attitudes and practices. 2. He was being exclusive rather than inclusive by using gender-specific labels.
Simon gave a speech about the benefits of working for the postal service. He mentioned that three of his relatives were mailmen and suggested that the audience members should consider becoming postmen. What mistakes did Simon make?
Condense her speech to its most essential points and present them in the time available
Stacy had a 30-minute speech planned for a conference on the virtual workplace. When she arrived at the event, she was told she only had 20 minutes for her speech. What should she do?
Molly
Suppose there are two speakers giving a speech about potty training. One speaker, Molly, has three school-age children and a lot of real-world examples. The other, Lola, has no children but is knowledgeable about all of the top potty training methods. Which speaker is the audience more likely to accept advice from?