DISTANCES IN

MAN
By Edward Hall

Presented by: Ralen Faye P. Villaseñor

Dynamism of Space
• Human’s sense of space and distance is not static
• Human senses distance as other animals do
• Human’s boundary doesn’t just begin or ends with the
skin
• Not every effect has a single and identifiable cause
• Most of the distance-sensing process occurs outside
awareness
 Four
Distance Zones
Intimate Distance
Close Phase
● Physical contact is in awareness of both persons
● Reduced use of distance receptors (except olfaction
and sensation of radiant heat)
● Body parts communicate
● Vocalizations that do occur are largely involuntary
● Love-making, wrestling, comforting, and protecting
Far Phase
● Six to eighteen inches away
● Distortion of visual system
● Very low level of voice
● Detection of heat and odor
● Not considered proper in public
● Non-universal
Personal Distance
Close Phase
• 1 ½ to 2 ½ ft. away
• Ability to hold or grasp other people
• No apparent visual distortion
Far Phase
• 2 ½ to 4 ft. away
• Limit of physical domination
• Outside easy touching distance
• Moderate voice level
• Olfactory bubble
Social Distance
Close Phase
● 4 to 7 ft. away
● More involvement in impersonal business
● Communication has a domineering effect
Far Phase
● 7 to 12 ft. away
● More formal character
● Communication needs visual contact
● Behaviors are culturally conditioned and
entirely arbitrary
● Louder voice level
Public Distance
Close Phase
• 12 to 25 ft. away
• Exhibits evasive or defensive action
• Loud voice but not in full volume
• “Formal style” in text
Far Phase
• 25 or more ft. away
• Used in public occasions
• Exaggerated or amplified voice and facial
expressions
• Gestures and body stance
Thank You!