Which of the following best describes public speaking?

Public speaking is fundamentally about addressing an audience clearly. This involves not just the act of speaking but effectively communicating ideas, emotions, and information to a group of listeners in a compelling and understandable way. The essence of public speaking lies in engaging and interacting with the audience, which requires clarity of thought and expression.

While speaking in small groups may involve similar communication skills, it doesn't encapsulate the broader context of public speaking, which often refers to addressing larger audiences, such as in a conference or seminar setting. Writing speeches for others focuses on the preparatory aspect rather than the performance itself, and rehearsing presentations privately relates more to individual practice rather than the act of speaking to an audience. Therefore, the ability to convey messages clearly to an audience is the core element that defines public speaking.