Tracy Business Journal

Speaking-

Who are you? Oh....You're the Audience

Advice from Expert Speakers.

 

I had done my research, I had prepared my presentation, and I had practiced it over and over.  I knew my content backward and forward.   There was just one thing I forgot.   In preparing my presentation, I didn’t give much thought to my audience.  I was speaking on “seeking out your true passions” with respect to choosing or changing careers.  When I was introduced and stepped to the podium, I realized that 75 percent of the audience was of retirement age.  My topic wasn’t very relevant to my audience.

   When planning a presentation, one of the first things you should do is assess your audience.  To help you do this, you might consider holding a personal brainstorming session to help understand your audience prior to beginning your prep.  Here are some examples of questions you may want to answer:

  • Are they expecting a formal or informal talk?   A good rule of thumb is to dress up a notch from the audience.   For example, if the audience is dress casual, make sure you wear a suit.   Some say you should always wear a suit, but it may not be appropriate depending on your venue or your specific presentation.

  • What is the age range?   Be careful with phrases or slang that may not be familiar to groups of a specific age.   In addition, as I mentioned, make sure your topic fits with the age of your listeners.

 

 

  • Do they have common beliefs that you should be aware of?  This may help you avoid offending some or all of your audience.

  • Do they have common interests?  These can be used to personalize your presentation.  

  • How large will your audience be?  Your audio/visuals should be appropriate for the size of the group/room.  Make sure they are big enough to be seen from the back of the room.   In addition, you may need to adjust your speaking style to account for acoustics or outside distractions.

   These are just some examples of questions that you should ask yourself to assess your audience.  If you understand the perspective of your audience, you will be better equipped to “meet their needs” as a listener.

   Once you have assessed your audience, you might want to consider a dry run.   Find a trusted friend or two and brief them on the audience profile you have identified.   

   Have them listen to your presentation from that point of view.   They may be able to help you identify other aspects/characteristics of the audience that you may not have considered.  

   One good place to look for this type of help is at your local Toastmasters club.   It is a safe place to run through your presentations and get the bugs worked out before “game time”.   Whether it is at Toastmasters or with a friend, a dry run from this perspective is always a good idea.

    Now everyone has the benefit of 20/20 hindsight.   In my case, I certainly noticed the flaw in my preparation.   Had I properly researched and assessed my audience prior to planning my presentation, I could have still delivered many of the same messages.  I still could have spoken about “seeking out your true passions”, but rather than relating it to changing careers, I could have related it to travel or hobbies, for example.  

   Perhaps I could have even related it to choosing a second career after retirement.  But one thing is certain…I could have benefited from a proper assessment of my audience.

   When you’re preparing for your next speaking engagement, keep your audience in mind.   You’ll not only be making it easier on yourself, avoiding potential surprises when you step before your target audience, but you’ll be in the position to deliver a message tailored to the group. 

   These suggestions will help you retain their interest and ensure that your message sticks with the audience when they walk out the door.

Kevin Richter is an IT Manager for Robert Half International, Inc., and the Vice President of Public Relations for the Tracy Toastmasters. He can be reached through e-mail at kevin.richter@rhi.com or by phone at (925) 598-5535.

 

 

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