What method can a speaker use to assess their audience's prior knowledge on a topic?

Using surveys or informal questions is an effective method for a speaker to assess the audience's prior knowledge on a topic. This approach allows the speaker to engage directly with the audience and gather insights about their familiarity and understanding of the subject matter. By posing questions before the speech or distributing surveys, the speaker can gauge the level of knowledge and adjust their presentation accordingly to meet the audience's needs. This technique not only facilitates a more tailored delivery but also encourages audience involvement, making the presentation more interactive and relevant.

The other methods listed generally serve different purposes and may not effectively gauge audience knowledge. For instance, reading articles during a speech does not provide any feedback about the audience's prior knowledge; rather, it merely presents information without interaction. Ignoring the audience disregards a crucial aspect of effective communication, as understanding the audience's knowledge is essential for relevance and clarity. Reviewing past presentations might help in preparing the content but does not directly assess the current audience's knowledge. Thus, utilizing surveys or informal questions stands out as the best method for assessing audience familiarity with a topic.