Audience and Purpose

This section explains knowing your audience and purpose of your speech. When preparing for any speaking or listening situation, it’s essential to consider both your audience and your purpose. Understanding these two factors helps you choose the most effective style, tone, and content for your communication. Whether you're giving a presentation, having a conversation with friends, or taking part in a formal debate, the way you speak will vary depending on who you are speaking to and why.

Who Are You Speaking To?

The first step in deciding on your style of speaking is to consider who your audience is. Different audiences will require different approaches. For example, if you're talking to a group of friends, your language and tone will likely be informal, relaxed, and perhaps even humorous. On the other hand, when speaking in a formal context, such as a business meeting or public presentation, your tone and vocabulary will need to be much more professional and respectful.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• Who are you speaking to? Are they friends, colleagues, teachers, or a general audience?
• How old are they? Your approach to a younger audience (e.g., children) will differ from an older audience (e.g., adults or seniors).
• What matters to them? Consider their interests, values, and concerns. For example, if you're speaking to a group of environmental activists, they may be more concerned about sustainability than a group of local business owners.

Example:

• Speaking to friends: "Let’s grab some lunch; I’m starving, and this place has the best burgers!"
• Speaking to a formal audience: "Good afternoon, distinguished guests. Today, I will be discussing the impact of environmental sustainability on local businesses."

Why Are You Speaking to Them?

Once you know who you’re speaking to, it’s equally important to think about why you are speaking to them. What is the purpose of your communication? Are you trying to persuade, inform, entertain, or give instructions? Your purpose will directly influence the structure, tone, and language of your message.

Key questions to ask yourself:

• What do you want your audience to do or feel? Do you want them to take action, such as signing a petition or buying a product? Or do you want them to simply understand your point of view or enjoy an entertaining story?
• Why should they listen to you? Are you an expert in the subject? Do you have a unique perspective that will interest them?

Being Clear About Your Purpose

Your purpose will help you determine the best approach to take when speaking. Here are some common purposes and the style of speaking that would suit each:

• To persuade: When persuading, your goal is to convince the audience to take a specific action or change their opinion. You would use persuasive language, clear arguments, and emotional appeals to motivate the listener.
  • Example: "We must take action to stop littering in our community. Not only does it ruin the beauty of our environment, but it also harms wildlife. If we all commit to keeping our streets clean, we can make a significant impact."
• To convince: If you're trying to convince your audience that your point of view is valid or reasonable, your focus will be on presenting well-reasoned arguments, backed up with evidence and examples.
  • Example: "It’s clear that renewable energy is the future. With the technology now available, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change."
• To entertain: When entertaining, your primary goal is to engage the audience with humour, interesting anecdotes, or exciting stories. The tone will be light, and the language might be more casual and conversational.
  • Example: "So, there I was, lost in the middle of a massive shopping mall, with only one shoe on, when—"
• To inform: Informing your audience is about providing clear, factual information. This might be in the form of a report or an explanation. The language is straightforward, and your focus will be on clarity.
  • Example: "The water cycle is the process by which water circulates between the earth’s oceans, atmosphere, and land. It involves precipitation, evaporation, and condensation."
• To give instructions: Giving instructions requires clear, direct language. Your purpose is to help the audience understand a process or task, so your speech will be practical and easy to follow.
  • Example: "To set up your new phone, first turn it on by holding the power button for five seconds. Then, follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi."

Preparation and Practice

In formal speaking situations, such as presentations or debates, it’s essential to prepare your speech in advance. This includes outlining your main points, deciding on your key vocabulary, and determining the appropriate tone. Practising beforehand in front of a mirror or with a friend can also help you refine your delivery and build confidence.

Tips for preparing for speaking situations

• Know your audience: The more you know about your audience’s interests, concerns, and expectations, the better you can tailor your language and approach to engage them effectively.
• Plan your content: Organise your speech or presentation into clear sections—an introduction, main points, and conclusion. This will help keep your audience focused and ensure your message is clear.
• Rehearse: Practise your delivery, especially if you’re nervous. Focus on pacing, tone, and body language to ensure you come across as confident and clear.
• Seek feedback: If possible, practice in front of others and ask for constructive feedback. This will help you improve your delivery and make adjustments before the actual event.

Summary

When preparing for speaking and listening tasks, it’s crucial to consider both your audience and your purpose. By understanding who your audience is and why you are speaking to them, you can adapt your language, tone, and approach to ensure your message is delivered effectively. Whether you aim to persuade, inform, entertain, or provide instructions, being clear about your purpose will help you communicate in a way that is engaging and convincing. Finally, always plan and rehearse your speech to maximise your chances of success.