Part 1:
In previous modules, we discussed knowing who an audience is in terms of the people who physically make up an audience and some of the best ways to reach them. Another important factor when considering your audience is determining what they need from your communication. For this discussion, you will consider one of the audiences listed in the scenario for the Module Five short paper on determining audience needs. Choose one of the following audiences:
- Research and development (R&D)
- Manufacturing
- Sales and marketing
- Technical support
- Finance/accounting
- Human resources
- Customers
- Distribution partners
- Component suppliers
- Subcontractors
In an initial post, respond to the following:
- Which audience did you choose?
- Complete a brief demographic analysis; answer at least three audience analysis questions for this audience. Explain how you came to these conclusions.
- Complete a brief disposition analysis; answer at least three audience analysis questions for this audience. Explain how you came to these conclusions.
- Complete a brief knowledge analysis; answer at least two audience analysis questions for this audience. Explain how you came to these conclusions. Use the questions in Article: Audience Analysis to guide your discussion.
In your responses to your peers, compare and contrast your findings to theirs in order to gain a deeper understanding of audience needs analysis.
Part 2: Determining Audience Needs (Module Five)
As the new corporate communications manager, you have developed a good idea of the various internal and external audiences for communications across the enterprise. You have learned that IG is organized into six main areas, and each area has its own structure:
? Research and Development (R&D): New Product Development and Product Enhancement teams
? Manufacturing: Detroit, Shanghai, and Purchasing teams
? Sales and Marketing: U.S. Sales, U.S. Marketing, European Sales, European Marketing, Partner Management, and Online Sales teams
? Technical Support: the exception, as there is only a single team handling this function
? Finance/Accounting: Corporate Finance and Corporate Accounting teams
? Human Resources: Corporate HR team with ties to HR representatives at each work site
In addition to the internal departments, IG staff interface with a wide range of external entities and individuals, including customers (large accounts, individuals via web sales), distribution partners, component suppliers, subcontractors (design and occasional manufacturing). IG also contracts with Amazon to handle all its product logisticswarehousing, packaging and shipping, and returns. IG will soon launch a new accessory for the OfficeDrone: Speaker+. Speaker+ attaches to the OfficeDrone and allows the person controlling the OfficeDrone to have a voice conversation with a person near the OfficeDrone. The Corporate Communications team is responsible for developing communications for all stakeholders to announce the launch of this new product.
Write a memo to your communication team that uses specific details to address the following:
? Analyze IGs internal and external audiences.
? Recommend how the new product announcement for Speaker+ can be tailored to the needs of each of IGs audiences
