Associate Level Material
Appendix B

Audience-Focused Communication Matrix

Use the matrix to complete the information. Write 3-4 sentences for each item.

• What are some audience characteristics you need to consider? • What communication channels would be appropriate and why? • What would you do to ensure your message is effective? • What are some considerations you must keep in mind given the diversity of the audience?

|Audience-Focused Communication |
|Audience |Audience Characteristics |Channels of Communication |Strategies to Ensure Effective |Audience Diversity Considerations |
| | | |Messages | |
|Managers |Commonly the manager would be the |There are many options to communicate in |Keeping things on the short side, time|With the many different management positions|
| |audience, however they need to make |business these days. One main one would be |wise is important, no matter whom it |in our world it’s just needed to think about|
| |sure they are portraying a leadership |oral communication; most managers are able |is a long drawn out message may get |what they are managing. For instance some |
| |position to the audience. The manager |to communicate clearly this way or should. |ignored. Getting your facts straight |careers have less PowerPoint and more pre |
| |would also be looking at most of, if |Slide presentations are another great |and being able to answer any questions|shift meeting with coworkers. Also it |
| |not all of the messages going through |visual and oral tool. Another way for a |from employees. Having an open |depends on what is being sold by that |
| |an office. Keeping close attention on |manager to communicate would be a simple |communication with employees will help|salesperson and the amount of training |
| |anyone who would be presenting to make |email or memo. |you as a manager to get the |received to present to the customer. And |
| |sure they know they are heard. | |information you need when needed. |finally the customer will be different and |
| | | | |possibly with door-to-door, not very happy |
| | | | |so you may not always get a pleasant |
| | | | |reaction from them. In general its best to |
| | | | |be open minded about communication will make|
| | | | |any audience more comfortable. |
|Salespeople |Salesperson’s will be getting and using|Many options in this field as well, getting|Again, wanting to keep things short | |
| |the information from a presentation to |a clear knowledge of what is needed is |and manage time wisely you don’t want | |
| |impact their direct work. Knowing the |important. There are PowerPoint |it to drag on. Knowing the information| |
| |different information from the previous|presentation, oral communication and even |on the products being sold and | |
| |quarter or how much more is needed to |handing out pamphlets or notes for the |answering your audience or bosses | |
| |be sold is crucial to a successful |audience to be more engaged. |questions is important. Reviewing and | |
| |sales career. Taking notes and making | |testing your own products is a great | |
| |sure attention is focused. | |way to do that. | |
|Salespeople |Making sure you are generally informed |I may be confused with this assignment, but|Listening, that is a lot of what | |
| |about the topic that is being |I believe they would be mostly asking |customers do during a presentation. | |
| |presented. Keeping track of information|questions to the presenters, so oral |That can be a difficult thing if you | |
| |of the products that is being told to |communication would be the main way. Also |are distracted at your own home when a| |
| |you via presentation. Taking notes to |jotting down questions to ask after the |salesperson comes to call. Also | |
| |make sure you are hearing everything |presentation would be a great way to stay |getting to know what you may be | |
| |you want to. |on track. Being a customer you are the one |interested in buying may help. | |
| | |spending money so never be afraid to ask | | |
| | |questions. | | |
|All |Knowing the topic and keeping yourself |Staying current with technology is a |Listening and being able to provide | |
| |informed on whatever that topic or |perfect way to make sure you are able to |feedback to those presenting. Keeping | |
| |product might be. Listening and being |understand the different channels of |track of all of the information that | |
| |able to ask questions is another key |communication. There are tools that are |is being provided is important. | |
| |part of effective communication. |constantly being updated and being in the |Keeping an open mind and others | |
| | |loop with things like twitter and other |knowing you are open to new ideas no | |
| | |social media outlets will make that easier.|matter who you are will help. | |