A speaker who asks audience members to cover their ears during part of a presentation about deafness is using which of the following methods to gain audience attention?

Inviting audience participation is the correct method utilized by the speaker in this scenario. By asking audience members to cover their ears, the speaker actively engages them in the presentation, creating a visceral experience related to the topic of deafness. This interaction fosters a deeper understanding of the subject matter, as it encourages the audience to imagine what it is like to experience hearing loss.

This technique not only captures attention but also enhances retention of the information being shared. When audience members are physically involved in the presentation, they are more likely to be invested in the topic, leading to a more impactful experience overall. Engaging the audience in this way effectively highlights the challenges faced by those who are deaf, making the presentation more relatable and memorable.

Other methods like imagining a situation, arousing audience suspense, or telling a story may engage audiences but do not involve direct participation in the same experiential way that the speaker's request does.