Page 191 - Communication across Cultures

Chapter 6 Non-Verbal Communication

discussions.
Social distance: This zone extends from about 4 to 12 feet (1.2 to 3.7 meters) and
is suitable for formal or professional interactions. It is often maintained in settings like
business meetings, classrooms, or public events.
Public distance: The outermost zone, ranging from about 12 feet (3.7 meters) and
beyond, is typically used for public speaking or situations where the individual’s rela-
tionship with others is primarily impersonal or formal.

Table 6.1 Personal Spaces
Zone Distance Description Voice
Private situations with people who are emotionally close. If
Intimate Touching to 18 inches Whisper
others invade this space, we feel threatened
The lower end in handshake” distance—the distance most
Personal 18 inches to 4 feet Soft voice
couples stand in public
The lower end of the distance between salespersons and
Casual 4 feet to 12 feet Full voice
customers and between people who work together in business
Situations such as teaching in a loud voice in a classroom or
Public Greater than 12 feet Loud voice
delivering a speech.
It’s important to note that cultural and individual factors influence how people per-
ceive and use these spatial zones. Different cultures may have different expectations
regarding personal space and the appropriate proximity between individuals in various
social contexts. Proxemics is an interdisciplinary field that incorporates elements of an-
thropology, psychology, sociology, and communication studies to examine how space
influences social interactions and the dynamics of human relationships.
Understanding the distinctions between fixed features, semifixed features, and per-
sonal space is important in designing spaces, analyzing social dynamics, and respecting
personal boundaries in various contexts.

6.5 Sounds and Silence

How often have we listened to someone speak and wondered what the speaker re-
ally was saying? We may agree intuitively with the words, but in the back of our minds
we feel that there is more to the message than the words. We may even come to the
conclusion that the speaker means the opposite of what he or she says. We may base
our judgment on an evaluation of tone, intonation, emphasis, facial expressions, ges-

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