Final answer:
A captive audience attends an event or presentation due to external factors rather than choice, necessitating strategies to build common ground and maintain attention. This differs from a voluntary audience, which is characterized by self-selected attendance driven by personal interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
In differentiating between a captive and a voluntary audience, it is helpful to remember that a captive audience is one that attends an event or listens to a speech because of some outside force rather than their own choice. This stands in contrast to a voluntary audience, which is made up of individuals who attend out of interest or desire to be there. For example, students in a classroom may be considered a captive audience because they are required to be there, whereas attendees of a music concert typically come voluntarily, driven by their interest in the performer or genre. Knowing the type of audience you are addressing is crucial as it influences the way you craft your presentation and how much effort you may need to invest in building common ground.
Engaging a captive audience might require more creative strategies to maintain their attention, as they may not have an inherent interest in the subject matter. Considering the audience's demographics, cultural background, and personal experiences can help in developing presentations that resonate and connect with them, whether their attendance is by choice or not. Speakers should be aware of the context in relation to how they prepare their message and how they expect their audience to receive and engage with the presented material.