Summary
In this step you will determine the following audience characteristics:
- Number of individuals present (i.e. sample size)
- Skill and knowledge level
- Educational level
- Organizational niche
- Cultural characteristics and possible biases towards training
- Attitudes and biases
- Ability to access or attend training
- Ability to purchase or otherwise access product
Notes: The needs assessment can also validate or demonstrate weaknesses in perceptions. This should be used to check critical characteristics.
Questions
How long have you worked with the audience?
How much variation is there within the audience?
Risks
Assumptions can backfire
Stereotypes don’t always work