How to Evaluate a Public Speaking Audience

In order to effectively deliver a speech, you have to emotionally tap into the audience. For that, you must first evaluate the audience you're speaking to. Evaluation can be done with a few subtle steps, but is one of the most important parts of the delivery.

Instructions

1. Consider the occupations of the audience members. If you're an expert in public speaking on the development in a specific area of manufacturing, unless you can make the speech relevant, a group of kindergarten teachers may not be your target audience.

2. Check age range of the audience. Most audiences have similar interests based upon age. If you're giving a speech that focuses on the new items that are on MTV and great new styles to wear, a high school group would be a better fit than a senior village. Adjust the speech for the senior village to "what's new for the kids."

3. Find out why they're at your speech. If it's a voluntary attendance, think about the interests that brought them there. Certain school functions are mandatory, and that fact alone makes your speaking job even more difficult. You'll have to work harder to maintain that audience's attention.

4. Eliminate inside jokes. There may be a trade joke that's hilarious if you're in the trade, but meaningless if you're not. Be wary of this if you see you're speaking to a group unfamiliar with your area of expertise or your product. The best way to find out familiarity is to ask. Open your speech with a question and wait for a show of hands.

5. Listen for the rustling of indifference. If you hear movement and whispers, you have lost the audience. They're either disinterested or have no clue what you're speaking about. Pause and direct a question back at them to check for understanding.

6. Check for educational level. If your audience members aren't responding perhaps you're talking over their heads. Pause after each technical term and use a common explanation. If they follow you, drop the technical terms.