Which term describes a form of communication that occurs among a small group of individuals in close conversation?

• A. Interpersonal
• B. Public speaking
• C. Mass communication
• D. Written communication

Answer: (A)

Interpersonal communication focuses on the direct exchange of information and feelings between a small number of people in close, often face-to-face, interaction. This setting emphasizes two-way feedback, awareness of context, and the use of nonverbal cues like facial expressions and tone, which are all hallmarks of small-group or one-on-one conversations. The option that targets a larger audience in a formal setting—public speaking—doesn’t fit because the interaction isn’t just with a few individuals. Mass communication involves reaching a broad audience through media, not a close, personal dialogue, and written communication centers on text rather than spoken exchange in real time. So, for a form of communication that occurs among a small group in close conversation with immediate feedback and relational nuance, interpersonal communication is the best fit.