Joann Baney cofounded the Professional Development Company, Inc., a firm that offers consulting services in the field of communications. Additionally, Joann Baney coaches others on strategies for success in workplace communications. One important workplace communication area focuses on how to give an effective presentation.
The ability to reach others and convey an idea clearly to a group of people is an important skill in a work environment. However, to communicate as well as possible, a person should prepare and consider how he or she will present the main ideas. Audience analysis makes up a key part of this preparation and should inform the presentation strategy.
At the rudimentary level, the presenter should consider who the members of the audience will be. Pertinent audience member details include level of expertise on the subject matter and their likely attitude toward the ideas being presented.
From there, the presenter might consider more in-depth factors related to the audience. Such considerations can include what type of supporting materials the audience might require, as well as their likely expectations for the presentation. Even factors such as the timing of the presentation are important. For instance, audience members might have just listened to another speaker, a factor that could influence their receptiveness toward subsequent presentations. By taking all this into account, a presenter can develop a plan for persuasive and effective communication.
