Preparation Worksheet

Worksheet Description

The “Adapting Speech” worksheet is an insightful educational resource designed to enhance students’ public speaking and communication skills. This worksheet prompts the learner to consider various aspects of a speaking engagement, beginning with the topic of discussion and the intended audience. By requiring the student to articulate not only what they will talk about but also to whom they will be speaking, the worksheet sets the stage for a deep understanding of audience adaptation. Further, it challenges the students to predict the impact of their message on the audience, fostering a forward-thinking approach to communication.

Subsequent prompts on the worksheet engage the student in strategic thinking about how to connect with the audience on both an intellectual and emotional level. Questions such as “How can you appeal to what this audience thinks about the subject?” and “How can you appeal to how this audience feels about the subject?” guide the student to consider the cognitive and affective dimensions of their message. Finally, the worksheet culminates in a critical reflection question, asking the student to identify the main adaptation they need to make for their audience and to explain their reasoning. This reflective practice not only helps students become more effective communicators but also more empathetic and responsive speakers, aware of the diverse needs and perspectives of their listeners.