Audience Analysis

Bobcat Speech & Debate

How we Think

n  There are 2 types of thinkers l Sequential thinkers – are practical

and think in terms of what is. l Random – are thoughtful and think

in terms of what could be.

Effective speakers are able to appeal to both types of

thinkers.

How we Listen

n  There are 4 types of listeners l Concrete Random l Abstract Random l Concrete Sequential l Abstract Sequential

Concrete Random Paradigm

n  They think “Big Picture” n  Open to Possibilities n  Will entertain leaps of logic n  They don’t demand all of the

details n  They ask “What if?” n  They are interested in the long

term impacts

Dreamers

Abstract Random Paradigm

n  “People Person” n  Influenced by an experience n  Concerned with feelings n  Respond to emotional appeals n  Asks “How will this help people? n  Interested in the speaker’s personal

connection with the topic n  Universal Importance of the topic

Caregivers

Concrete Sequential Paradigm n  “Hands On” person n  Kinesthetic Knowledge n  Practical Thinker n  Step by Step explanations n  Asks, “Will it work?” n  Interested in the nature of the

problem n  Needs to know how the solution will

work

The Do-ers

Abstract Sequential

n  Logical Appeal n  Use of Reason n  Fosters Intellect n  Looks for Organization n  Facts & Statistics are important n  Theoretical is good

The Thinkers

Questions the Dreamer needs you to answer n  The are all about possibilities

l What does this mean for the long-term, the future, our children’s children?

l Explain the Big Picture - how will I, my community, the world be different?

l What will be the end result? l  Is it Worthwhile?

Questions the Caregivers need you to answer. n  This listener is about emotional

involvement l Why is this topic important to you? l Why should this topic be important

to me or others? l  Is it Meaningful?

Questions the Builder needs you to answer n  This listener is most concerned

with practicality l What is the nature of the problem? l How will the solution work? l  Is it Practical?

Questions the Thinker needs you to answer n  This listener wants to know they

are getting the facts! l What does the evidence say? l What are the facts? l What do the experts say? l  Is it Logical?

Appeal to the Dreamer - Verbally

n  Present information about the effects of the problem if left unsolved

n  Talk about the ramifications of the problem

n  Provide illustrations to help the listener understand how the issue affects people

n  Make use of literary devices (i.e. analogies, allegories, metaphors, etc.)

Appeal to the Care-Giver - Verbally

n  Provide personal examples n  Tell the stories of actual people n  Use humor n  Talk about your involvement or

connection with this topic

Appeal to the Builder - Verbally

n  Provide practical analysis n  Explain how to apply the

information you provide in a real-word context

n  Explain the solution step in detail n  Speech organization is critical

Appeal to the Thinkers - Verbally

n  Provide plenty of factual information

n  Include a variety of credible oral citations

n  Organize your points in a logical sequence

n  Include expert opinion n  Use precise terminology

(language)

Appeal to the Dreamer - Physically

n  Gestures should include unique elements that show your individuality

n  Gestures should be open and positive

n  Delivery should be high-energy n  Extraordinary

Appeal to the Care-giver - Physically

n  Show personal warmth – Smile! n  Maintain eye contact throughout n  Relaxed posture n  Conversational tone n  They should feel as though you

were talking directly to them

Appeal to the Builder - Physically

n  Movement should always be motivated and purposeful

n  No random gestures, foot movement, eye-darting, etc.

n  Demonstrate physical control n  Stand steadily, avoid bouncing

or swaying n  No absent or repetitive gestures

Appeal to the Thinker - Physically

n  Clear articulation n  Exact pronunciation n  Paralanguage is critical ~ rate,

pitch, volume, tone n  Gestures and movement should

support verbal message directly

Effective Speakers…

n  Provide elements throughout their speech which appeal to all listener types

n  Combined needs of the listener form the foundation of good speeches

Go forth and speak well!