Personal Space

Have you ever started to feel uncomfortable when someone stands just a little too close to you? Well, I feel pretty uncomfortable when people stand too close to me. Just like body movements and facial expressions, personal space also communicates non-verbal information between individuals.

The four levels of personal space as described by Anthropologist Edward T. Hall are:

•  Intimate distance - 6 to 18 inches: Hugging, whispering, or touching.

•  Personal distance - 1.5 to 4 feet: Family members or close friends.

•  Social distance - 4 to 12 feet: Co-workers.

•  Public distance - 12 to 25 feet: Public speaking situations, talking in front of a class full of students or giving a presentation

The level of personal distance that individuals need to feel comfortable can vary from culture to culture. For example: People from Latin countries tend to feel more comfortable standing closer to one another as they interact, while those from North America need more personal distance.

Reference: John cloud, September 03, 2009 , Problem with close talking. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1919910,00.html