Audience Contact in Public Speakers

This paper examines physical, emotional, and mental contact with the audience as a component of public speaking. A speech before a group is an exchange, although usually only the speaker is talking. Yet without effective interaction, communication does not take place. The speaker must be constantly aware of the different kinds of contact that are occurring with the audience, drawing cues from the audible, visual, and visceral reactions being stimulated among the listeners. Interaction is dependent on such basic elements as whether or not the speaker can be heard clearly or speaks with a discernable accent and on such complex issues as whether or not the message has been well designed to meet the needs, interests, and preconceptions of those in attendance. An effective relationship between speaker and audience can result in the powerful exchange of information, and it is the speaker's responsibility to make sure that all the elements are in place to facilitate such an exchange.

William R. Gondin and Edward M. Mammen (1981) observe, "Public speaking is an enlarged conversation" (p. 48). While the conventional view of a conversation is that of an exchange of words, a dialogue, public speaking is a more subtle version of the same kind of exchange. The audience usually does not speak (at least not during the speech itself) but nevertheless participates in the discussion by following the speaker's argument, agreeing or disagreeing, and thinking about the points being made.

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r group would not be likely to be accepted as an authority by members of that group; for example, Anita Bryant would not be the best choice to speak about gay rights to a predominantly gay audience, although she would probably be well received by a conservative group opposed to more liberal gay issues. The way in which the message is delivered is also important. If the audience cannot hear the speaker, has trouble understanding the speaker's accent, or is distracted by the speaker's delivery, an exchange is unlikely. Gary W. Hankins (1991, January 7) cites the example of the chief executive of an aerospace firm: "He continued in the same dull, distant monotone, even when he announced, 'If I sound enthusiastic, it is because I am enthusiastic'" (p. 42). The best speakers are good performers, using a variety of gestures, humor, energy, and rapport to establish contact with the audience. Hankins (1991, January 7) suggests, "Look at everyone during your presentation. This lets the audience know you are talking to them, not merely reciting something for your own benefit. It also enables you to judge audience reaction and tailor your remarks accordingly" (p. 42). Jaffe (1995) contends that the speaker-listener relationship is p

Category: Psychology - A