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that would be more suitable. Straighten your ence? This is a question all public speakers
back and inhale deeply with your chest. Look should answer when preparing the speech.
yourself in the eyes confidently. Let optimism When a speaker is preparing for an audience,
radiate from your face. Put on a light smile he or she usually starts by studying mainly the
so that you look determined to speak up. Start values, beliefs, and characteristics of the group
talking to your reflection. Make affirmative he/she will be facing. Speakers also consider
statements like these addressing yourself “I looking into the ages, gender, and class etc. of
believe in myself” and “I can”. Think about the group. It’s also a good idea to prepare a list
the things you want to speak and say that you of questions to understand the topics through
can do it, and there is nothing that can stop which an interactive mode can be imitated.
you from fulfilling them. Continue breathing
as deep as you can and develop only positive A speaker needs to be prepared to commu-
statements and thoughts. Go on like that for nicate to different types of audiences. Your
at least 5-10 minutes. Then move on to your audience must influence your decisions as a
subject of discussion. Watch your gestures in communicator.
between. Here are a few factors that define the audi-

Now what are the benefits of speaking to ence-
the mirror? f their understanding or familiarity with

Each time you practice the technique, you’ll the subject (e.g., a fellow from medical
give yourself self-esteem and a motivation background or a person in a manage-
boost. rial position in the company or a lay-
person),
You’ll be more positive and optimistic. f their task or role (what they will do
with the information from the speech)
You’ll start believing in your own capabili- f their position relative to the organiza-
ties and thus be ready to try new things. tion (whether the audience is a part of

You won’t have a sense of inferiority to any institution/organization/establish-
others anymore. ment)
f their position relative to the speaker
You’ll admire yourself for who you are and (whether the audience is peer, superior,
will accept your good qualities. or subordinate).

You won’t have fear to look people in the
eyes. To cut it short, in order to be more success-
ful in achieving your communication goals
You’ll be more firm and strong.
through public speaking, understanding the
You’ll set higher aims and will be more con- audience is very crucial. The following ques-
fident in your chance to accomplish them. tions will equip you to understand the nature
of the audience. They are:
You’ll have a greater opinion of yourself.
• How much do they already know about my
3�1�4 Understanding Your Audience topic of presentation?

How much do you understand your audi- • What do they think about my topic?

96 SGOU - FYUGP - SLM - English for Communication