Assignment: Adaptation Strategies

Assignment: Adaptation Strategies

Assignment: Adaptation Strategies

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Advance preparation will help you avoid last-minute surprises about the speaking environment and the physical arrangements for your speech. Table 4.4 provides a list of essential questions you should ask when preparing for a speaking assignment, as well as several suggestions for adapting to your speaking situation. A well-prepared speaker adapts his or her message not only to the audience but also to the speaking environment.

Also keep in mind that when you arrive to give your speech, you can make changes in the previous speaker’s room arrangements. For example, the purpose of the speaker immediately before Yue Hong was to generate interest in a memorial for

TABLE 4.4 Analyzing and Adapting to the Speaking Situation

Questions to Ask Adaptation Strategies

Time

What time of the day will I be speaking? If your audience may be tired or not yet fully awake, con- sider increasing the energy level of your delivery.

Where will I appear on the program? Audiences are more likely to get the strongest impressions from those who speak first or last. If you are in the middle of the line-up, you will need to be very dynamic in your delivery and build repetition into your speech, to aid your audience’s memories.

What are the time limits for the speech? Most listeners do not appreciate speakers who exceed their time limit. Unless you are a spellbinding speaker, don’t speak longer than your listeners expect you to.

Size

How many people will be in the audience? Smaller audiences usually expect a more conversational, informal delivery; larger audiences usually expect a more formal presentation.

Will the audience be so large I’ll need a microphone? Make sure you understand the mechanics of the micro- phone system before you rise to speak.

Location

How will the room be arranged? If you want a more informal speaking atmosphere, con- sider arranging the chairs in a circle. In a large room, con- sider inviting people in the back of the room to move closer to the front if necessary.

What is the room lighting like? If an audience is in the dark, it’s more difficult to gauge their nonverbal responses. If you need to use presentation aids, make sure the room lighting is easy to adjust so people can see your images clearly, but you can also see your listeners.

Will there be noise or distractions outside the room? Before the speech begins, consider strategies to minimize outside noise, such as closing windows and doors, adjust- ing window blinds or shades, or politely asking that people in nearby rooms be mindful of your presentation.

You must proofread your paper.