Know Who You Are Speaking To

Know who you're speaking to: A good talk starts before you open your mouth. It starts with one question: who am I speaking to?

Different listeners, different words: Children, students, elders, and neighbours do not need the same words. A talk for school children should be short and simple. A talk for elders should be respectful and calm.

Three questions before preparing: Ask yourself three things before you prepare:

• Who will listen — their age, and what they already know?
• What do they need — comfort, guidance, or a simple message?
• What will they remember — one idea, not ten?

Words that fit your listeners: When you know your listeners, your words fit them.

Key Terms

• Audience — the people who listen to your talk
• One idea — the single most important message of your talk

Example

One idea for elders after Maghrib: A young man is asked to speak at a community gathering after Maghrib prayers. The audience is mostly elders and parents. He does not use slang or jokes. He speaks slowly, with respect, and keeps his message to one idea: kindness to neighbours.

They remembered his one idea: The elders listen carefully. They remember his one idea because it was made for them.

Fresh diagram to be drawn: None needed. Simple text topic.