Final answer:
Phil Donahue was the first TV talk show host to include audience participation, revolutionizing the format and influencing future talk shows.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first TV talk show host to include audience participation was Phil Donahue. Donahue's approach to daytime television programming was pioneering, as it invited audience members both in the studio and at home to participate in discussions. This format was groundbreaking at the time and led to the participatory style of talk shows that became popular in later years. Phil Donahue's show laid the groundwork for many other hosts and programs that followed his lead in audience engagement.