The Importance of Audience-Centeredness in Speechmaking

Audience-centeredness means that public speakers should- avoid choosing topics that are controversial – keep the audience foremost in mind throughout the speechmaking process- all of the above- use any means necessary to gain the assent of the audience

keep the audience foremost in mind throughout the speechmaking process

The correct answer is: keep the audience foremost in mind throughout the speechmaking process.

Audience-centeredness refers to the practice of keeping the audience’s needs and interests in mind throughout the entire process of preparing and delivering a speech. This means that the speaker should try to connect with the audience and engage them with the message they are trying to convey. The speaker should consider who their audience is and tailor their speech accordingly. This means evaluating the audience’s interests, knowledge, values, and attitudes, as well as any potential barriers to communication, such as language or cultural differences. By doing this, the speaker can create a speech that resonates with the audience and is more likely to be received favorably.

Avoiding controversial topics or using any means necessary to gain the audience’s assent are not necessarily good strategies for being audience-centered. A controversial topic can sometimes be very appropriate for a given audience, and using manipulative tactics to gain the audience’s approval is unethical and could backfire in the long run.

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