For those of you who are familiar with Friends, here’s one particular scene which I thought was very apt as a lesson for all of us. This is with regards to knowing your audience. As we all may have heard/read/remember, the degree of success as a speaker depends on how well you know your audience.

Context: Rachel and Phebe had to pit against each other to become Monica’s bridesmaid. They got Ross and Joey to be judges. To win, the girls have to convince them that one of them is much better at handling the hypothetical scenarios of Monica’s wedding.

Ross: The one who give the best maid of honor speech will win and become Monica’s bridesmaid. Rachel, you go first.

Rachel:
I met Monica when we were a couple of 6 yrs old. I became friends with Chandler when he was 25… although he seems like a six year old. (chuckle from judges) I have known them separately and I have known them together. But to know them as a couple is to know that you are truly in the presence of love. So I would like to raise my glass to Monica and Chandler, and the beautiful adventure they are about to embark together. I can think of no two other people better prepared for the journey…(joey and ross about to cry)

Ross: Ok, Phebe’s turn although I don’t quite see the point…

Phebe:
(Raise glass) I cannot believe they are getting married. I remember talking about this day with Rachel while we were showering together……naked. (silence from judges)

Joey: And she is back in the game!!!

Friends, as you can see, it really pays to know who you are talking to.

This entry was posted by Erick C. Vice, on Saturday, January 20, 2007. You can leave your response.