$3.$ Step $3$: Envision the Audience

Differences in perception often cause confusion in communication. Therefore, it is important to analyze your audience and its point of view before crafting a message. To craft effective messages, you must understand the characteristics, expectations, and needs of the audience.

Perception influences the way a message is received. An audience$$s perception of reality is limited by and their attitudes toward the sender of the message.

Audience characteristics help define how that audience will perceive your message. Which audience characteristics should you consider when envisioning your audience? Check all that apply.

Culture

Needs and expectations

Physical attributes

Occupational background

Read the scenario, and then answer the corresponding questions about envisioning your audience.

Jaylaani Carr is the superintendent of a large county school district with $10$ high schools. One of Jaylaani$$s yearly rituals is to call the parents of each high school valedictorian to congratulate them on their child$$s achievement and to thank them for investing so much in their child$$s education and future. This year, Jaylaani wants to change the greeting. Last year, too many parents thought Jaylaani was a phone solicitor. Jaylaani$$s previous message began, $$Congratulations$!$ Your child is valedictorian!$$

Consider how the parents of this year$$s valedictorian will perceive Jaylaani$$s call. Which greeting would be most appropriate?

Hi there! Your child is a real success! This is Superintendent Carr.

Superintendent Carr, here. I$$d like to inform you that your kid is valedictorian this year!

Hi$,$ this is Superintendent Carr calling to congratulate you on your child$$s success!

Which of the following audience characteristics should Jaylaani consider when crafting a message to congratulate the parents? Check all that apply.

Culture

Rapport

Expectations

When envisioning an audience, we use personal, firsthand knowledge or empathy to gain insight. When Jaylaani is creating a picture of the audience for a message to parents, which approach will Jaylaani use?

Firsthand knowledge

Empathy

How will envisioning your audience enhance your message?

It will reduce value conflicts.

It will address the concerns you have regarding your purpose.

It will simplify the task of organizing your message.

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