While reading through chapter 14, one thing that I found to be very useful to me was how the book listed out the different audience types for a persuasive speech and what strategy to use for each situation. The book listed five different types of audiences: Informed and negative about the speaker's standpoint, informed and positive about the speaker's standpoint, informed and divided, uninformed, and apathetic. When the audience is informed and negative against your stand on the topic, some of the best ways to persuade them is to establish credibility, find common ground, focus on the positive, and anticipate the audiences objections.
When the audience is positive towards your standpoint, reinforcing the topic to the audience would be a great strategy. Incorporate narratives when you can and suggest ways that they can take action.
When dealing with an audience that is divided on the issue, try to address both sides of the argument. Establish your credibility with the audience, and try to find common ground.
If the audience is not informed on the topic, first explain to them why it is relevant to them and be subtle in persuading them, and also show your expertise on the topic.
And finally, when your audience is informed and just does not care about the topic, start with a great attention getter and really hit the audience with why the topic is important to them. If you can get them interested in the topic, you'll be more likely to get them to think about your side of the topic.
I always knew that when someone is presenting a speech there will be people that already know about their topic, some might not like the information, and some will not agree with what the speaker is saying; however, this chapter really helped me in understanding better how everything goes. The five stages from the book made me aware of the audience and what I should do, so everyone can be satisfied. I really think if we all follow the information given all our speeches are going to have A+; moreover, no one is going to get board or become unsatisfied. I wish everyone good luck in two weeks!
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