Friday, February 17, 2012
Techniques for speaking to a diverse audience
This week the topic I chose to discuss is techniques for speaking to a diverse audience. I think the biggest key to relating to a diverse audience is finding a commonality. It is especially helpful if you can find commonality amongst the audience pertaining to the topic of the speech. If the audience can relate back to the topic and all have a common interest the speech will likely be more successful. If I am speaking to a group at work for example, even though it is a diverse group, they have a commonality of working for the same company and industry. Regardless of the topic, I can use the commonality to tie into my speech to hold the interest of the audience. Additionally, having extensive knowledge of a topic will make you more credible when your audience is diverse. Some of them will have a lot of knowledge on the subject matter and others might have little. By doing your research and making sure you have the most up to date facts your audience will be more receptive of your speech.
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I agree that when addressing a diverse audience, you must find a broad topic that will appeal to the majority of the audience. Some topics that might appeal to most people include pets such as dogs and cats. Another appealing and interesting topic would be how to save more money per month, and how to buy groceries more efficiently. Nearly everyone is a dog or cat lover, and everyone is always looking for ways to buy more groceries for less. There are ways people can save more money per month by adjusting their automobile insurance deductible, or taking a hard look at their cable bill. The topics must be neutral in nature, and should not include any topics such as politics or religion.
ReplyDeleteI think you are totally correct about trying to relate to the audience. You could be addressing them on the most amazing topic, but if they cannot relate to you they are going to have a hard time paying attention and taking you seriously. I think the more important thing though is doing your research like you said later in your paragraph. Some people might know a lot or a little. It is very important that you do not assume that they know a specific amount you have to know for sure what is that average understanding of the subject so you can prepare a speech tailored to their knowledge.
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