Final answer:
A speaker needs to understand the relevant aspects of their speech topic, know their audience's demographics and background knowledge, and tailor the speech's tone and content accordingly. The speaker should create an outline guided by a well-defined purpose statement, whether for an informative or a persuasive speech. Option B is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before making a speech, a speaker needs to consider several key points to ensure their presentation is effective and engaging. Central to this preparation is having a deep understanding of the topic as it pertains to the speech (option B). It's not necessary to know everything about the subject but to focus on the aspects that are relevant to the speech's objectives. Understanding the audience's background knowledge on the subject and their relationship to the topic helps in tailoring the speech accordingly.
Identifying the audience, their demographics, and interests is crucial for crafting a speech that resonates with them. Whether you are giving an informative speech or a persuasive one, your purpose statement should guide the development of your script. If your purpose is to inform, such as revealing the impact of plastic waste on oceans, or to persuade, like compelling the audience to reduce plastic use, the content should align with these goals.
Lastly, the tone, diction, and mood of the speech should match both the subject and the audience. A speech at a political rally would be different in tone and content than one given at a business conference or an educational seminar. By considering these aspects and creating an effective outline, you can ensure your speech is meaningful, engaging, and delivers a powerful message.