Question

What should a speaker do if the target audience members are strongly opposed to the speaker's speech goal?

a) The speaker should consider a proposition that moves the target audience to act on it.
b) The speaker should only expect that the opinion of the target audience members will move a little bit in his or her direction.
c) The speaker should change the goal of the speech since the target audience members are unlikely to change their minds.
d) The speaker should use a strategy like the one that is used when the audience is neutral to the speaker's views.

Answer 1

A speaker should propose a convincing proposition with effective reasoning and strong evidence, respecting the audience's views while addressing specific problems and offering actionable solutions.

Step-by-step explanation:

When addressing an audience that is strongly opposed to the speaker's speech goal, the speaker should consider a proposition that moves the target audience to act on it. This approach involves acknowledging the audience's stance, providing effective reasoning, and presenting strong evidence for both the need for change and the benefits of the proposed action. It is critical to respect the audience's existing views and to show understanding of their concerns while still making a compelling case for your viewpoint.

It's important not to oversimplify complex messages but rather to make them clear and relatable. Using real-world examples and reliable data can support the speaker's argument. Moreover, tuning in to audience expectations is vital; the speaker must address specific problems the audience cares about and offer actionable solutions, potentially building upon work the audience is already familiar with or proposing a new direction.