Proxemics is the term coined by Professor Edward T. Hall to refer to “the study of how man uses space-the space that he maintains between himself and his fellows and which he builds around him in his home and office.”

Based on observation of human beings in social situations, Hall classifies the distances maintained by humans into intimate, personal, social and public. Not only is a vocal message qualified and conditioned by the handling of distance, but the substance of a conversation can often demand special handling of space. Spatial changes give a tone to a communication, accent it, and at times even counteract the spoken word stances. Each of these distances has a range from a close phase to a far phase.

• intimate distance for embracing, touching or whispering (15-45 cm, 6-18 inches)

• personal distance for interactions among good friends (45-120 cm, 1.5-4 feet)

• social distance for interactions among acquaintances (1.2-3.5 m, 4-12 ft)

• public distance used for public speaking (over 3.5 m, 12 ft)

Behavioral study indicates that individuals perceive a distance that is appropriate for different types of messages; they also establish a comfortable distance for personal interaction and non-verbally define this as their personal space. Research supports the hypothesis that the violation of this personal space can have serious adverse effects on communication. Thus, if an individual is to be mutually satisfied in a communication encounter his/her personal space must be respected. Should an intruder invade this personal space while also trespassing within territorial boundaries he places himself in double jeopardy and must compensate for the other's increased anxiety.

Within and across language groups, there are always occasions wherein loudness is not only allowed but also demanded. Thus, voice loudness, which is a sure variable to reveal distance involved between individuals engaged in communication with one another, is also an important nonverbal variable to communicate the mood of the speaker.

There are two principles that help explain the effective use of movement during speeches.

The first principle suggests that the physical distance between speakers and listeners affects their sense of closeness or immediacy. Changing the distance between speakers and listeners can convey a desire for intimacy, declare a lack of interest, or increase/decrease domination. It follows that the greater the distance between the speaker and the audience, the harder it is to achieve identification.

The second principle of proxemics suggests that the elevation will also affect the sense of closeness between speakers and listeners. Standing above seated listeners gives a “power position”. Speakers will preferably speak either without a lectern or in a less elevated stance.

<B>Dharamjeet BUCKTOWAR</B>