Audience, Stage & Group Dynamics for Speakers
Public and Stage Considerations
Key elements to consider regarding the audience and stage setup for any speaking event.
Audience Analysis
The audience is the group of individuals who will receive a speech, lecture, or presentation on a specific topic.
Elements to consider about the audience:
- Age
- Socio-cultural level
- Education
- Profession
- Audience Type (Homogeneous/Heterogeneous)
Audience Types
Heterogeneous Audience: Composed of individuals with diverse socioeconomic characteristics, tastes, interests, and needs. Use clear, accessible language, potentially colloquial or informal, with commonly understood words.
Homogeneous Audience: Composed of individuals sharing specific traits or characteristics, creating uniformity. Specialized language (e.g., scientific or technical jargon) may be appropriate.
Stage Setup
Items to consider for the stage or speaking environment:
- Sound: Ensure clarity and no interruptions. Maintain a moderate volume suitable for the venue. Check equipment beforehand (e.g., microphone, speakers).
- Lighting: Must provide adequate illumination and clarity to see the venue, speaker, and any visual aids (e.g., using spotlights, general lighting).
- Visual Support: If using aids (slides, props), ensure they function correctly to avoid distracting the speaker and audience.
Group Dynamics Techniques
Round Table
A group gathers to study a determined issue or problem primarily through discussion. Participants listen to others’ views and debate them to reach recommendations or agreements, rather than delivering individual speeches.
Panel Discussion
A group of experts (typically 4-6) discusses a topic in a dialogue format before an audience, usually for about sixty minutes. Each member is specialized in a relevant area, and a coordinator leads the discussion.
Debate
An oral activity involving the discussion of a subject by two opposing groups: proponents (defenders) and opponents (attackers). Each side presents arguments supporting their stance.
A debate typically includes:
- A moderator or coordinator who convenes the session, introduces the topic, manages the discussion, and concludes it.
- Two opposing teams.
Phillips 66
A group work technique (sometimes called “Discussion 66”) involving an exchange of ideas in small groups. The larger group is divided into subgroups of six people who discuss a specific topic or problem for six minutes. A moderator (often the instructor) chooses the topic beforehand or selects one that arises during a meeting.
Seminar
A meeting where a small group collaborates on a systematic study or research of a chosen topic. The goal is to achieve comprehensive and specific knowledge.
Characteristics:
- Typically composed of 5 to 12 members.
- Larger groups (like a class) can be divided into smaller seminar groups.
Forum
A technique where several individuals discuss a specific issue before an audience. It often involves an exposition of a subject, typically performed by a small group (e.g., four people: one moderator/maintainer and three speakers). The main topic is often divided into sub-themes. The number of speakers and subtopics can vary. A forum is essentially a group presentation followed by audience interaction.