Depends cummunicating with who. Because either one-on-one or in a small group, I`d have to have something to say...and if I don`t, I`m going to feel awkward either way.
Does it matter whether it's a group of friends or strangers (small group)?
not really, no. As long as I have something to say, communicating it won`t be a problem. Ofcourse, with freinds it`s easier because I know them better, and i can initiate a conversation. But with strangers, friendly conversations may be difficult, unless it`s a common topic.
I asked because I notice that many people are comfortable talking in a small group no matter who it is, and others are actually more comfortable talking with strangers than friends or even family. I think sometimes, there's a fear that friends and family are going to judge while a stranger/temporary acquaintance is someone met in passing, and may never see again, so it doesn't matter what is said.
It always depends on who I'm talking to. If I'm with someone I really like then I want it to be one-on-one. I'm interested in what people are thinking, and why they are thinking it regardless of who is talking so one-on-one with people who will actually tell me is the easiest way to go about that. Besides, when you get into a one-on-one conversation you can open up avenues that group conversations can never bring out. People work in interesting ways, and I'm interesting in knowing why they work that way.
If I'm with friends that I don't talk about things in depth with then I want it to be in a group setting. That way I don't have to talk, and I don't feel awkward about not talking.