Audience Analysis – Chapter 5 i.A survey in 1994 showed that only 16 percent of college freshmen discussed politics frequently. ii.Public speaking may be most valuable at just the time when it seems most difficult. iii.The audience-analysis aspect of rhetorical competence will be especially helpful here because finding our own voice often requires discovering what others think and want. 1.difference versus similarity despair3.opportunity vs. oppression.ii.Difference vs. Similarity1.Percentage of students describing their mother as a full-time homemaker declined from 31.4 (in 1979) to 12.9 (in 1994).2.90% of today’s married couples met in a relatively homogeneous social settings.3.The term “stereotype: entered the social-science lexicon during a period of time when America’s population was shifting from small towns to large urban centers. 4.Today’s public speakers will need to attune themselves both to the increase in sociological diversity and to the psychological urge for similarity.iii.Hope vs. Despair1.eight out of ten Americans are likely to respond that they have to attained or expect to attain the American Dream of freedom, equality, happiness, and financial security.2.Public speakers in the 1990’s will want to take note of the alternating mood of the public.iv.Opportunity vs. Oppression1.“The American Dream” brings to mind, people mention both desirable results and favorable personal circumstances. 2.Below the surface of America’s middle-class aspirations and expectations lurks concern that oppressive social conditions may hold back personal progress.3.Since the 1970s international competition and reorganization of the economy have brought a decline in the average person’s job security and real wages.4.All people like to think that they have a bright future; but in an era where change and diversity loom large, it also may be appealing to believe that our failures are ...
