What best describes public speaking?

Public speaking is best described by addressing an audience with the purpose of informing, persuading, or entertaining them. This definition captures the essence of public speaking, which is fundamentally a formal act of communication directed towards a larger audience. It involves the speaker engaging with listeners to share knowledge, influence opinions, or provide enjoyment through storytelling or performance.

In contrast, written documentation (the first option) focuses on the written word rather than the oral presentation aspect essential to public speaking. Casual conversations (the third option) are informal and typically take place without a structured approach or specific purpose to reach an audience. Private discussions in small groups (the fourth option) lack the broader context of addressing an audience as a public speaker does, which is key to distinguishing public speaking from other forms of communication. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the structured and purposeful nature of public speaking as a means of communication.