Proxemics and why you want to know how to use it to your best advantage in your communication – Clear communication Part 4

Proxemics is the study of the human use of space within the context of culture. In Edward T. Hall’s 1966 book The Hidden Dimension he argues that human perceptions of space are created through our sensing (seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, feeling/touch) of the culture in which we live. He also states that the differing culture structures for defining and organizing space are internalized at an unconscious level and can lead to serious miscommunications and misunderstanding in cross-cultural settings.

In animals we see this space phenomenon through marking of territory. Animals are concerned with an imaginary ring, which marks a zone of threat. If another animal crosses that unseen line the animal will flee. Beyond that circle is an inner circle where that animal will defend against an intruder. If an intruder manages to penetrate that inner circle through deceit or speed most animals will instinctively attack.

Humans are similar. We mark our territory through walls and furniture. We have boundaries that mark our personal space. If an individual approaching is intimately related, they will be able to enter the space without harm to either party. Any over step of the boundary by another can cause distress or anger. Personal boundary zones vary from culture to culture. Even within cultures there are wide individual differences.

Judee Burgoon –(Arizona Communication professor) believes there is a culturally appropriate distance at which one should interact and any departure from cultural norms may be harmful or beneficial to our communication. In her Nonverbal Expectancy Violations Model she states that minor deviations in space from expected will tend to get lost in the shuffle of competing non-verbal cues. But, when the distance chosen by the transmitter does not match the one predicted by the receiver the violation causes arousal and distraction. Instead of being able to concentrate on the message of the transmitter the receiver will be wondering about the nature of the relationship. Physical closeness is translated into psychological closeness. This fosters a greater understanding, trust, attitude change and other positive payoffs that are often sought after through communication.
If a greater gap is created than expected by the receiver the receiver will search for social context for clues that will help create understanding of what the distance means. Both standing too close and too far away from another in a conversation will pull the attention away from the message.

Tracy Slotin, B.Sc., B.A., MBA (Leadership)
CEO and Grand Sandmaster
The Executive Sandbox® Change/Innovation Consultants
www.ExecutiveSandbox.com