Introduction
Information is delivered to an audience, which is a group of individuals participating in an encounter. In some works of art, the audience is also identified as readers, listeners, academics, or players, based on the type of encounter. Depending on the kind of art, different types of the audience participate differently in some events requiring overt participation or only calling for self-effacing contribution or passive reception (Callison and Lamb 37; Markel 10).
When defining an audience, it is important to consider the age, exposure level, needs, literacy level, and expectations, particularly when providing information regarding financial issues (Markel 10). In this article, audience analysis is provided based on information about finances to different categories of audiences. The presentation methods used in availing the information, as well as their needs and interests, will be explored.
Second-grade students at a local elementary school
The audience in this group involves children aged between seven and nine. These children only have a basic understanding of financial matters (Melvin and Norrbin, 44). They depend on what their parents tell them about their financial needs and spending. As a financial expert, one of the topics to discuss with these children would be the identification of job opportunities in their community, recognition, and appreciation of how people work and live. In this regard, the expert needs to discuss the different sources of money.
He or she should state that money is earned and not acquired freely. Considering their elementary level of understanding of financial matters, the financial expert may present simple models of prioritization. Illustrations and charts may be used in presenting this information together with narration so that the students are engaged through their involvement.
Use of real-life examples ensures that the audience is interested. Also, the use of role-playing encourages younger students to participate more. Research has also shown that audience comprising young students could be more interested in presentations about financial matters by narrating stories of financially successful people across the world (Markel 15; Melvin and Norrbin 44).
High school seniors in May of their senior year
This audience is primarily composed of teenagers who clearly understand the role of money in the community. Considering their academic age, and that they are soon going to college, the financial expert requires to discuss financial issues relating to the role that income plays in an individual’s personal life, the effect that their education has on the lifetime earnings, as well as the importance of planning and prioritization when making financial decisions.
In the same group, topics highlighting the concepts of saving, the importance of credit facilities in personal finances, and the potential risks to personal finances would be discussed (Markel 15). Lectures characterized by presentations are ideal in presenting this information to the students.
Engaging the students in explaining different concepts in the topics highlighted and role-play of students as financial advisors will ensure total engagement and arousal of interest among the audience. The more the audience is engaged, the better will be the outcomes of the presentation (Callison and Lamb 37; Melvin and Norrbin 44).
Recent College Graduates
Recent college graduates constitute an audience group that has been managing their finances through college life. These are individuals in the early twenties and are about to get into formal employment. One of the best topics for this audience is how to live an independent life with personal finances. Secondly, discussing job opportunities relevant to their specialized fields and how to create jobs would be important.
In the same vein, the financial expert may discuss topics related to financial planning, budgeting, and living within their financial limits. The best presentation method for this audience is a PowerPoint presentation on the premises of the mode of teaching in institutions of higher learning. To involve the graduates, focused group discussions may be incorporated with the presenter posing open-ended questions about the perspectives that the graduates hold regarding life after college.
Also, providing some individuals with simple subtopics to discuss will ensure their open-mindedness is integrated into the discussion, leading to a better understanding of the laid down concepts. However, the concepts for discussion should be chosen based on the understanding of the students and the projected outcomes (Callison and Lamb 38).
New Parents
This group of audience constitutes mature people, probably recently employed or running their businesses, but entering into a new kind of life with dependants on the way. This category is made up of people in the late 20s and early 30s. It is important to recognize their financial needs to define the topics of concern.
The financial expert is required to discuss topics related to ways of investing for short-term and long- term goals, ways of improving their income levels, acquiring better employment opportunities, and improving their financial management skills to efficiently manage the available finances. In the same group, the financial expert may discuss concepts related to development planning, investment risks, credit facilities, and benefits and opportunities supported by effective investment planning.
Presentation of information to this group may be achieved through focus groups where individuals put forth their experiences about the topic (Markel 76). Furthermore, the narration of real-life experiences may be used to broaden the avenues used by different people about investment opportunities. This approach will ensure optimal audience engagement and realization of good outcomes about the aims of the presentation (Callison and Lamb 37; Melvin and Norrbin 75).
Recent Retirees
This group constitutes old people in the advanced stages of their life. Many of them could have been in formal employment or private businesses, and the continuous flow of money may not be present. The financial expert should discuss issues relating to the management of personal finances, financial stress management, business start-up opportunities, as well as working in the private sector.
Also, topics about staying out of debts, saving, the real cost of retirement and investments may prove to be very helpful to this group of audience. The presentation methods for this audience include an oral presentation with focused groups on real-life experiences to capture their interests (Callison and Lamb 39).
Conclusion
In conclusion, an audience is an important group when delivering some form of information or product. Considering the audience diversity, it is crucial to define the needs of the audience so that the right information could be provided to meet the needs.
When providing financial advice, it is important to define the level of understanding and expectations of group members in life. The use of excellent presentation methods correlates with excellent outcomes. However, the adoption of presentation methods that are not tested could result in poor outcomes.
Works Cited
Callison, Daniel, and Annette Lamb. “Audience analysis.” School Library Media Activities Monthly 17.1 (2004): 37-39. Print.
Markel, Mike. Technical Communication, 10th ed. New York, NY: Bedford, 2012. Print.
Melvin, Michael, and Stefan Norrbin. International money and finance. Waltham, MA: Academic Press, 2012. Print.