A formal presentation or discourse is known as what?

A formal presentation or discourse is best described as a lecture. In a lecture, an instructor or presenter imparts information to an audience in a structured format, typically focusing on specific topics within a field of study. This method allows for the dissemination of knowledge where the audience listens and takes notes, often without engaging in dialogue until the conclusion.

Workshops, seminars, and discussions serve different purposes within an educational context. Workshops typically involve hands-on activities, where participants practice skills rather than just receive information. Seminars can involve discussion but often focus on presentations from various participants, rather than a single speaker delivering information. Discussions are interactive and encourage multiple participants to share ideas, making them less formal and structured than a lecture.