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CMNS 101 Fundamentals of Communication

Public Speaking Research Guide

Audience Analysis: Audience Adaptation

Upon completing the audience analysis, you must gather and analyze the data or responses to the survey questions to research and build your speech outline. Let’s examine how you can use this tool to create an engaging speech outline:

  • Identify Themes to Narrow Your Speech Topic: Analyze the responses to find common interests, concerns, and knowledge gaps. Select a speech topic that most of the audience finds engaging.
  • Adapt the Research to the Audience’s Knowledge: Share background information if your audience members are unfamiliar with the topic. Avoid sharing information your audience members already know to minimize loss of interest in the presentation.
  • Structure Your Speech and Build Engagement:
    • Introduction: Start your speech with an interesting fact or question about their interests. This technique will grab your audience’s attention.
    • Body: Use narratives and examples (real-life and hypothetical) that are relevant to the audience. This content will help your audience connect to your topic and maintain their interest.
    • Conclusion: Summarize the key points and tie back to the audience's interests and expectations. Write a closing statement that leaves the audience wanting to learn more about your topic or explains the call for action.