Audience Analysis

Audience Analysis

When giving a presentation people must consider many factors. People forget that there are many forms of communication. Nonverbal, verbal, body language, eye contact, gestures, and oral are some forms of communication. Another factor to consider when giving a presentation is the type of audience an individual is speaking too, the conversation style, tone, and pitch of the voice used when communicating. Communication is very important in business and in personal life, so learning how to communicate properly is essential to success. Giving a presentation to any company would include a person speaking in front of supervisors, managers, executives, and other stakeholders involved with company. When speaking, the presenter must be able to relate to the audience and make it easy for them to comprehend the topic. In this paper, it will explain the characteristics of the audience, what communications are appropriate, some consideration to keep in mind about the audience, and ensuring the message is effective.

Characteristics of the Audience

Understanding the different personalities of each culture is a plus when communicating to an audience of various diversities. For example, individuals from small towns and big cities have different personalities, and they live different lifestyles. In different parts of the world body language, and eye contact have very different meanings. Crossing of the arms is a sign of seriousness and respect if from a Swedish background, and to Americans it is a sign of boredom and disrespect. Eye to eye contact to people in North American is a sign of respect, acknowledgement, and confidence," but in many cultures, dropped eyes are a sign of appropriate deference to a superior" (Kitty O. Locker, Donna S. Kienzler). Japanese look at the neck of the individual because that shows respect by looking down at a person of superiority. In other countries such as Nigeria, it is disrespectful for lower- status people to keep eye contact with their superiors. Gestures are another sign to be careful with when using them while communicating. Thumbs up in the United States means good work, and in Greece it is an insult. Even choosing the right color of clothing can be an issue because certain colors mean certain standards in different cultures. Chinese associates red with good fortune, and Korean Buddhist use red to announce death." Black is joy in Japan and death in the United States" (Kitty O. Locker, Donna S. Kienzler). Knowing a little about the different cultures and values can help when people are communicating. It can eliminate mixed feelings or thoughts about people if everyone could understand where the individual is coming from. Unknowing offending an individual can create problems within the presentations, and it is worst when the individual do not know how or what offended the audience.