COMM 3: Fundamentals of Public Communication

Guidelines for the Audience Analysis Paper

Effective public speaking requires that a speaker consider the various characteristics of the
audience and utilize insights from that audience analysis during the development and
presentation of the speech. This paper provides an opportunity for you to conduct an analysis of
the audience for your speeches in this course and discuss the ways in which you might use
conclusions derived from that analysis in the development and presentation of a speech to them.
Although the focus of your analysis is up to you, all papers should meet the following
expectations:
The paper should provide 1) An analysis of the classroom audience (including a
description of selected, relevant characteristics and how those characteristics may affect
the audiences reception of the speech you are planning in COMM 3; 2) A discussion of
techniques you would utilize in the development and/or presentation of a speech to take
those specific audience characteristics into account; and 3) Some consideration of the
limitations or potential problems that might accompany the conclusions you have
reached during your analysis of the audience.
In addition to whatever other evidence you use to support your claims in the paper, you
must also make reference to the Fraleigh and Tuman textbook in the form paraphrases
or direct quotations. The textbook is the only source required for this assignment,
although you may include additional research if you wish. All paraphrases and
quotations must be accompanied by a citation formatted according to APA style manual.
The paper is to be written in essay form, with a distinct introduction (including a thesis
statement and a preview of the organization of the papers main points), a body, and a
conclusion.
The paper should be 1000 words (approximately 3-4 pages) in length, paginated, typed
in 12pt. font, double-spaced, single-sided, and conform to the other guidelines for
written assignments listed in the syllabus. Papers must include a title page and a
references page.
Due Date: The Audience Analysis Paper is due on Monday, September 21, 2015. You must
submit one hard copy to me and upload the paper on BlackBoard for submission to
turnitin.com.*
* You may opt-out of participating in turnitin.com. If you choose to do so, you must notify me
in writing by attaching your request to the paper.