Which of the following would most likely help establish a speaker-audience-topic relationship?

The option that most effectively helps establish a speaker-audience-topic relationship is to state the importance of the topic. Communicating the relevance of the topic directly addresses why the audience should care about what is being presented. It creates a connection by linking the subject matter to the audience's interests, needs, or experiences. When the audience understands how the topic is significant to them, they are more likely to engage with the content, making it easier for the speaker to build rapport and credibility.

While complimenting the audience and asking questions can also enhance engagement, they do not directly communicate the significance of the topic itself. Identifying the goal of the speech, while important for clarity of purpose, does not inherently establish a relationship between the audience and the topic. In contrast, explicitly stating the topic's importance provides a foundation for a meaningful speaker-audience connection.