Which two factors are the most important when determining the outcome of a speech?

The selection of speaker and audience as the most important factors when determining the outcome of a speech highlights the fundamental relationship between those who convey the message and those who receive it.

The effectiveness of a speech largely depends on the speaker's ability to engage and connect with the audience. The speaker's knowledge, charisma, credibility, and delivery style influence how the message is perceived. Similarly, understanding the audience's demographics, interests, and emotional states is crucial, as it shapes how the message is tailored and presented. If the speaker does not resonate with the audience or fails to address their needs and expectations, the speech is unlikely to achieve its intended impact.

Other factors can certainly play significant roles in public speaking. However, preparation and presentation, while essential for effective delivery, do not negate the fact that without an appropriate connection with the audience or the necessary credibility from the speaker, even the best-prepared speech may fall flat. Similarly, attitudes and expectations can be important in influencing how a speech is received, but they are inherently linked to the interaction between the speaker and the audience. Lastly, credibility and ethics are crucial for establishing trust and integrity, but they are less tangible than the dynamic of the speaker-audience relationship that directly influences the speech's success.