Speech: Audience

Speech: Audience

General Public

• A speech can often be aimed at the general public. These are people from various backgrounds, with different interests and ages. The language used should be accessible and easy to comprehend for everyone.

Specialised Groups

• For speeches addressing specialised groups, such as industry professionals, academics, or enthusiasts, the presenter may employ specific jargon and reference specialised knowledge. It’s crucial to understand the audience’s level of familiarity with the subject matter and adjust the speech accordingly.

Advocacy Audiences

• If the speech is designed to advocate for a certain cause or issue, the audience could be advocacy audiences. These might be people who are already passionate about the cause, or those who need convincing. The language and tone of the speech should inspire action and commitment to the cause.

Peer Groups

• Speeches may be given to peer groups, such as classmates, or colleagues. These speeches often create a conversational and informal atmosphere, making use of shared experiences and familiar language to engage the audience.

Decision Makers

• The audience may constitute decision makers for speeches intended to convince or persuade. This could include company directors, policy makers or voters. Speeches aimed at this subset of listeners should be structured to highlight key points, support them with evidence and aim to influence the decision-making process.

Conference Attendees

• A speech in a conference setting often targets conference attendees. These could include experts or peers in a specific field, or people with an interest in the subject matter. The speech should be enlightening, informative, and stimulate meaningful discussion.

Youth or Children

• When addressing youth or children, the speech should be engaging, interactive, and easy to understand. The use of simple sentences, visual aids, and stimulating activities can greatly aid the engagement of this audience.