Which audience analysis method focuses on understanding the characteristics of different audience segments?

Demographic analysis is centered on understanding the characteristics of various audience segments based on quantifiable attributes such as age, gender, income level, education, occupation, and cultural background. This method is vital in public speaking as it allows the speaker to tailor their message to meet the specific needs, preferences, and values of different audience members.

Knowing the demographic makeup of an audience helps speakers anticipate how certain content may be received, thus enhancing engagement and effectiveness. For instance, a speaker may choose to use different examples, humor, or references that resonate more with a younger audience compared to an older demographic.

The other methods, while valuable in their own right, do not primarily focus on the characteristics of audience segments in the same way. Psychographic analysis delves into the psychological aspects such as values, attitudes, interests, and lifestyles. Situational analysis looks at the context in which the communication takes place, such as the setting, time constraints, and audience expectations. Segmentation analysis often refers to a broader marketing context where target markets are identified and categorized. Each has its specific focus, but demographic analysis is the most directly related to understanding audience characteristics.