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 audiences perception of reality is limited by previous experiences 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.

Your organization is volunteering one afternoon next week to the local Humane Society to solicit donations to help support the spay/neuter clinic. You have been asked to write the script that you and your colleagues will use when making calls to solicit donations. All of the volunteer solicitors from your organization will be using the same script for all calls.

Consider how potential donors will perceive the message you and your coworkers deliver. Which message opening would be most appropriate?

Greetings! I bet you want to help save the lives of dogs and cats everywhere.

Hi, my name is (your name). I am calling on behalf of the local Humane Society. May I have a moment of your time?

Hey, its (your name). Im calling from the Humane Society. Want to learn how you can save animals?

Which of the following audience characteristics should you consider when crafting your message for the Humane Society donation solicitation? Check all that apply.

Rapport

Age

Culture

When envisioning an audience, we use personal, firsthand knowledge or empathy to gain insight. When creating a picture of your audience for this message, which approach will you be using?

Empathy

Firsthand knowledge

How will envisioning your audience enhance your message?

It will make you a better listener.

It will permit you to address the receivers needs and concerns.

It will create a sense of shared belonging.