This manual is part of the BETTER SPEAKER SERIES.

1. Know Your
Audience
The Better Speaker Series
275

2. Audience Variables
Age range
Male / female ratio
Occupational and economic status
Educational background
Political orientation
Leisure activities
1

3. Keep the Audience’s
Attention
Room acoustics
Seating
Lighting
Temperature control
Outside noise
Other possible distractions
2a

4. Keep the Audience’s
Attention
 Time of day
 Concurrent events/activities
 Breaks for lengthy
presentations
2b

5. Approaching the Audience
 What does the audience
already know?
 Scan publications
 Contact local officers
 Consult references
 Talk with another presenter or
an actual member
3

6. Common Speech
Objectives
Fulfill the Audience’s Goals
Inform
Inspire
Persuade
Entertain
4

7. Conclusion
Advance Research
Knowledgeable
Confident
Positive energy
Speaker-friendly audience
5