Proxemics and Personal Space in Communication

Proxemics (from the English word “proximity” – closeness) is a branch of psychology that studies the spatial arrangement of people during communication. The term was introduced by American anthropologist Edward Hall in the 1950s as he researched personal space in everyday human behavior. Proxemics refers to the distance people maintain between each other, which is a biological pattern. Hall’s work led to a new understanding of human relationships: every person has a certain territory they consider personal. Our behavior still reflects ancient territorial instincts. The distance we keep during interactions depends on many factors, including origin, culture, personality traits, and personal preferences. Too little or too much distance can cause discomfort or awkwardness.

In 1969, Hall published the book The Silent Language. It’s well known that many animals, birds, and fish establish and defend their own territories. Only recently has it been discovered that humans also have protective zones and territories. By studying and understanding these, we can better predict and interpret our own and others’ behavior during direct communication.

Main Zones of Personal Space

Personal space can be divided into four main zones:

1. Intimate Zone – from 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm).
   This is the most important zone, guarded as personal property. Only children, parents, spouses, lovers, close friends, and relatives are allowed in this space. It is characterized by trust, quiet voices, and physical contact. Research shows that invading this zone causes physiological changes: increased heart rate, adrenaline release, and blood rush to the head. Unjustified intrusion is always perceived as a violation of personal boundaries.
   There is also a subzone within a 6-inch (15 cm) radius, where physical contact is inevitable—this is called the super-intimate zone, accessible to very few people.
2. Personal Zone – from 18 inches to 4 feet (46 to 120 cm).
   This is the typical distance at official receptions and friendly gatherings. It’s used for everyday conversations with friends and colleagues, allowing only visual contact. People maintain this distance when visiting neighbors or friends.
3. Social Zone – from 4 to 12 feet (120 to 360 cm).
   This is the distance we keep from people we don’t know well, such as teachers, repair workers, mail carriers, or new colleagues.
4. Public Zone – over 12 feet (360 cm).
   This distance is maintained when addressing large groups, such as in lecture halls or at rallies. Both speakers and listeners find it easier to communicate and process information at this range. For example, a stage in a theater or a podium in a lecture hall is designed with this in mind. Breaking this distance can have different effects: if a performer steps off the stage, it creates interest, but if a teacher approaches a student, it may feel threatening.

Social Dynamics and Unwritten Rules

People stand closer to those they like. The distance between people reflects their relationship, and changes in distance can signal the intention to start or end a conversation. Crowded places like concerts, movie theaters, escalators, public transport, and elevators force people into each other’s intimate zones. Europeans, for example, follow unwritten rules in such situations:

• Do not talk to anyone, even acquaintances.
• Avoid staring at others.
• Keep a neutral facial expression—no emotions.
• If you have a book or newspaper, immerse yourself in reading.
• The more crowded it is, the more restrained your movements should be.
• In elevators, look only at the floor indicator above the door.

The choice of distance depends on relationships (people stand closer to those they like) and individual traits (introverts dislike close distances, while extroverts are more comfortable with them).

Proxemic Behavior and Seating Arrangements

Proxemic behavior includes not only distance but also the spatial arrangement of people. Friends often sit across a table corner, business partners side by side, and competitors directly opposite each other. The seat a person takes at a table also matters. For example, in European etiquette, women or respected guests are offered seats with their back to the wall for maximum psychological comfort.

Time as a Social Signal

Relationships unfold not only in space but also in time. How a person manages their own and others’ time is an important social signal. Respect is shown through punctuality. Making someone wait is a way of asserting control over the situation. Time is especially valued in societies where “time is money,” which explains the punctuality of businesspeople.

Seating Positions at the Table

The arrangement of people at a table during meetings can reveal their relationships. Consider four typical positions at a rectangular table:

1. Corner Position: Common for friendly, informal conversations. This allows for eye contact, gestures, and observation without a table dividing the participants.
2. Cooperative Position: Used when two people are collaborating on a problem. This is one of the best positions for discussion and joint decision-making.
3. Competitive/Defensive Position: Sitting directly opposite each other often creates a competitive atmosphere. The table acts as a barrier, and this position is common in confrontations or when one person is reprimanding another. It also signals hierarchy in an office setting. This position makes understanding more difficult and is less conducive to open communication.
4. Independent Position: People who do not wish to interact often choose this position, such as library visitors or people sitting on park benches. It signals a lack of interest and should be avoided when open discussion is needed.

When presenting materials across a table, place them in the center. If the other person leans in but doesn’t pull the material toward themselves, they are not very interested. If they do pull it closer, they are interested, and you may ask to move to a more cooperative or corner position. If they push it away, the conversation should be ended quickly.

Table Shape and Psychological Climate

The shape of the table also affects the psychological climate:

• Square tables foster competition among equals and are good for short business meetings or emphasizing hierarchy. The person sitting directly opposite will be the most resistant to your ideas, while the person to your right will be more attentive than the one to your left.
• Rectangular tables are common for business meetings. The seat facing the door is considered the most important.
• Round tables create an informal, relaxed atmosphere and are best for discussions among equals. They are also useful when one participant is very talkative and another is quiet, as the round shape encourages everyone to participate.
• Coffee tables make conversations even more informal. Offering tea or coffee sets a friendly tone.

In offices, tables are often arranged in a “T” shape. The higher the status of the manager, the larger the “T.” Visitors are seated at the head of the table, highlighting the host’s dominance. To avoid this, participants can be seated at the base of the “T” or at a separate table.

Choosing the right table shape and seating arrangement is important for creating psychological comfort, especially when inviting someone to a formal dinner at home or in a restaurant. It’s best to seat your guest with their back to the wall for maximum comfort.