Explain which elements you would examine in a demographic analysis of an audience. Explain how each element might affect the strategies a speaker might use in preparing and presenting a speech.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- A demographic analysis would include looking at audience size, heterogeneity, whether listeners are voluntary or captive, composition of the audience (age, gender, religion, ethnicity, educational level, and socioeconomic status), and whether the audience is physically present or on social media.
- In strategic planning for a speech, a speaker must make choices concerning each aspect of the audience's demographics.
* For example, if the audience will be large, will the presentation be more formal than for a smaller gathering?
* A speaker who will be talking to a more heterogeneous group will need to find examples and appeals that will be meaningful to all kinds of listeners.
* A speaker who will be presenting to a captive audience may find the audience less receptive than a voluntary audience, causing the speaker to work harder to interest listeners.
* A speaker needs to tailor his or her message to the composition of the audience members in terms of listeners' ages, gender, and so on.
* A speaker needs to be aware of constraints present when speaking to an audience who are listening over the Internet versus physically present.