Final answer:
A speaker should assess the audience's prior knowledge to tailor the oral presentation appropriately, ensuring clarity and engagement for all audience members, regardless of their background understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
When delivering an oral presentation, it's crucial to understand your audience's level of familiarity with the topic. Assessing the audience's prior knowledge is essential to determine how you should approach your presentation. If the audience members have limited knowledge, then indeed, your presentation should aim to include enough background information to bring them up to speed. Conversely, if the audience is well-versed in the subject, this allows you to dive deeper into more complex discussions without spending much time on basics.
If your audience is diverse, with varying degrees of understanding, your presentation should still aim to be inclusive, ensuring that no member is left behind. A good practice is to cross out topics that may not be relevant to the intended audience to maintain focus and relevance. More importantly, creating a script outline that appeals broadly without oversimplifying the content for more knowledgeable audience members is a balancing act that requires careful consideration.
You should also consider the demographics of your audience. Doing so will help you craft a message that resonates with them culturally and personally. Moreover, tailoring your media, like visual aids and examples, to be clear, concise, and engaging, enhances the effectiveness of your message. Ensuring that all elements of your presentation cater to the needs and expectations of your audience will contribute to a more successful communication experience.