When discussing with a representative of your audience, what are the questions to which you should seek answers?

Answer 1

(i) Who is the audience and who requested the presentation?
General characteristics of the audience should be considered, as well as the extent of their knowledge and experience with the topic, attitude toward the topic and you as a credible speaker, anticipated response to the use of electronic media, and required or volunteer attendance.
(ii) Why is this topic important to the audience? What will the audience do with the information presented? How will the information benefit audience members?
(iii) What environmental factors affect the presentation?
(a) How many will be in the audience?
(b) Will I be the only speaker? If not, where does my presentation fit in the program? What time of day?
(c) How much time will I be permitted? Minimum? Maximum?
(d) What are the seating arrangements? How far will the audience be from the speaker? Will a microphone or other equipment be available?
(e) What are my technical requirements and will they be met at the presentation location?
(f) Will I have time to test my media before the presentation?
If not, how can I ensure that my presentation will go off without any problems or snags?
Answers to these questions reveal whether the speaking environment will be intimate or remote, whether the audience is likely to be receptive and alert or non-receptive and tired, and whether you will need to use additional motivational or persuasive techniques.