Final answer:
Formal communication occurs in structured settings like work meetings and academic lectures, where there is an expectation of professional behavior and specific communication protocols to follow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Formal communication typically takes place in structured settings where clear organizational or social hierarchies are present and professional conduct is expected. The correct answer to the question regarding settings in which formal communication takes place is C. Work meetings and academic lectures. These are environments where interactions are governed by specific protocols or rules.
For instance, work meetings often have a set agenda, a predetermined list of participants, and a specific goal such as decision-making or information dissemination. Similarly, academic lectures involve a structured delivery of content by an educator to students who are expected to listen and learn within the formal setting of an educational institution.