developing an audience-Centered informative speech 15.6 339
might even wish to ask your sample audience the test question you developed
as your specific-purpose statement, to determine whether your speech is meet-
ing your learning objectives.
Deliver Your Speech
As we discussed in Chapter13, effective speakers continually look for ways to
adapt and modify their message as they speak. Such adaptation is especially
important in informative speaking. As you speak, watch your audience closely
for signs—such as puzzled facial expressions—that indicate that your listeners
do not understand something. Be alert, too, for signs of wandering attention,
such as fidgeting or lack of eye contact. Be prepared to adapt your message,
using the strategies discussed earlier in this chapter for enhancing listeners’
understanding and maintaining their attention.
Quick Check
Audience-Centered Informative Speaking
• Select topic: Consider who the audience is and their interests.
• Narrow topic: Find out what the audience already knows.
• Determine purpose: state specific audience actions that will show learning.
• Formulate central and main ideas: Make ideas clear and simple.
• Gather supporting material: decide what will help audience maintain interest
and learn.
• Organize: Match topic with audience needs.
• Rehearse: Get sample audience feedback.
• deliver: adapt delivery to ensure audience comprehension.