Using Cultural Beliefs as Assumptions. There are probably few topics that the audience has not been culturally influenced about. So dont neglect cultural analysis regardless of your specific topic or audience. Evaluate each of the cultural beliefs listed below in terms of how effective each would be if used as a basic assumption by a speaker addressing your public speaking class. Use the following scale:

A = The audience would accept this assumption and would welcome a speaker with this point of view.

B = Some audience members would listen receptively and others wouldnt.

C = The audience would reject this assumption and would not welcome a speaker with this point of view.

a. A return to religious values is the best hope for the world.

b. The welfare of our country must come first, even before our own individual interests.

c. Sex outside of marriage is wrong and sinful.

d. Winning is all-important; its not how you play the game, its whether you win that matters.