When speaking to an audience, you have to do your homework about the audience members beforehand, explains Carl Prude Jr., an author, speaker, and president of The Work Life Company. Find out what is important to them and what their needs are. You will be more effective by understanding your listeners, because they will want to really hear what you have to say. The Work Life Company, which hosts workshops and seminars, avoids disappointed audiences by finding groups that match what the company has to offer. The company goes to where receptive listeners can be found.