Audience Analysis

Audience Analysis

COM/285

Audience Analysis

If a presenter does not know his or her audience, it will not matter how well he or she presents the information; the audience will still be lost. In the following essay the characteristics of the audience that must be considered when giving a presentation is addressed. Explanations of the communication channels that are appropriate are also given. Some considerations that should be kept in mind concerning the diversity of the audience are addressed. Last, knowing how to ensure the message given is effective is also addressed.

Characteristics of the Audience

Each audience has its own characteristics; however, some characteristics are universal to every audience. Knowing the psychological profile of the audience is of value as it will form the message. This profile may consist of the audience’s beliefs, values, attitudes, and even possible behaviors in particular situations.

Situational factors such as time, audience size, location and occasion of the talk also can be characteristics associated with the audience that will affect the way the audience receives the message. If the audience is used to an early shift then it may be more alert in the morning. Attentiveness to the lighting, temperature, sitting arrangement, and general mood of the audience can affect how the audience will receive the message (Pearson, 1995-2010).

When organizing a presentation regarding sales data to a group of managers, salespersons, and customers; attention to the diversity of the group needs to be well thought-out. The amount of technological knowledge and comprehension among the groups vary so this involves the skill to create a presentation that will communicate the information to each individual within the group that is easily comprehensible. The presentation also needs to maintain the capability to entertain the audience and hold the attention of each of them. Individual characteristics of the various groups within the...