A captive audience refers to a group of people who are unable to leave or escape from a particular situation or setting, and are therefore compelled to listen or pay attention to a speaker or performer. This term is often used in the context of marketing or entertainment, where individuals are deliberately targeted and confined in a specific space, such as a movie theater or a trade show, in order to promote a product or deliver a message. In a captive audience, the audience members have limited options and are essentially a captive of the presenter, making it easier for the presenter to capture their attention and influence their thoughts and actions.