Compare public communication and mass communication. Discuss their differences, and provide an example of each type that you have experienced.

What will be an ideal response?

- In public communication, a message is transmitted from a person who speaks to a number of individuals who listen. The most widely used form of public communication is a public speech. Public speaking usually is more highly structured than the other types. It demands much detailed planning and preparation by the speaker. Unlike participants in other forms of communication, listeners do not regularly interrupt the speaker with questions or comments.
- Public speaking usually requires a more formal use of language and a more formal delivery style than the other types. The use of jargon, poor grammar, or slang is usually not accepted or tolerated in public speeches. The speaker must use language precisely and must speak clearly to ensure the message is heard and understood by the audience. This may require the speaker to eliminate distracting vocal and physical mannerisms usually tolerated in other types of communication. Public speeches usually have three purposes: to inform, to persuade, and to entertain. There are also speeches presented to introduce, to pay tribute, to accept, and to welcome.
- Mass communication generally signifies that professionals are communicating with or to a very large number of people via traditional media outlets such as radio, television, newspapers, and magazines. These channels constitute the means by which messages are directed to a large group (mass) of people.
- In mass communication, the professional communicator-news reporter, anchor, or book author-acts as the source. The large audience functions as receivers. Opportunities for feedback are often minimal, given the one-way nature of communication.
- Student examples will vary.