Who’s the audience?

What benefits do messengers have when they study and know their audiences?

1.  1   Messengers can make strong connections. If the messengers know the audience’s general lifestyle, personalities, hobbies, and surroundings they will have a much higher chance of getting their information across effectively. Because of culture, people get used to hearing words in a certain way that makes sense to them. The messenger can be the smartest person in the world, but if he or she doesn't study the people receiving the message, it will be a waste of time.  By knowing the audience’s background, the messenger can make important connections that allow the people listening to feel comfortable and accept what is being said.
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3. 2.    Messengers can be trusted. Trust between two parties develops as relationships grow stronger. Children trust their parents because they know their parents more than anyone. People trust their best friends because their relationship is strong. If the messenger is the audience’s friend, will they listen? Most definitely! People love listening to someone that they know and trust. They love this because the messenger has taken time to get to know them and has built a strong relationship.
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5. 3.      Messengers can know how people feel about the subject being presented. Knowing if the audience has negative or positive feelings toward what is being said is critical. If they are positive about it then the messenger can deliver the information in a direct approach. A direct approach is where the main ideas are given right up front. If the audience has negative feelings about the subject, then the messenger can use an indirect approach. An indirect approach allows the messenger to give facts about the main topic early and persuade the audience to accept the main ideas later presented in the message.

If messengers show genuine interest in getting to know the people they speak with, they will be much more successful and have a powerful reputation everywhere they go.