Proxemics, Paralanguage

Nonverbal Communication: Proxemics and Use of Space

Ms.Deepti Sharma

Overview of Proxemics
The study of humankinds perception and use of space. (Edward T. Hall) The term ``proxemics'' was coined by researcher Edward Hall during the 1950's and 1960's and has to do with the study of our use of space and how various differences in that use can make us feel more relaxed or anxious

Ms.Deepti

Cont

Proxemics comes in two flavors,

physical territory, such as why desks face the front of a classroom rather than towards a center isle, and personal territory that we carry with us, the "bubble" of space that you keep between yourself and the person ahead of you in a line.

Ms.Deepti

Invisible Boundaries (Bubbles)

(cont)

Each persons invisible bubble of space expands and contracts. Size depends on

their relationship to those around them their emotional state their cultural background, and the activity they are performing.

Ms.Deepti

Zones of Interaction

Distances people try to keep between themselves and others at different occasions. 1st Zone: Intimate Distance 2nd Zone: Personal Distance 3rd Zone: Social Distance 4th Zone: Public Distance

Four Zones of Interaction

Ms.Deepti

Zones of Interaction

(cont)

1st Zone: Intimate Distance

From

physical contact (touching) to about 18 inches (45 cm) Adults usually do not use this zone unless they are in a crowded elevator, bus, or similar situation.

2nd Zone: Personal Distance

From

18 inches to 4 feet (45 cm to 120 cm) This distance is used at parties when two or three people are talking together. If they want to talk about something more personal they will move closer together.
Ms.Deepti

Zones of Interaction

(cont)

3rd Zone: Social Distance

From

4 feet to 12 feet (120 cm to 4 m) This distance is often used for doing business, and for talking with strangers.

4th Zone: Public Distance

From

12 feet to the limit of our voice and hearing (4 m to ) This distance is rarely used by most people. Generally only used by people such as teachers, ministers, politicians, public speakers, etc
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Ms.Deepti

Possible Communication Failure

Different cultures set distinctive norms for closeness (for example in speaking, business, and courting), and that standing too close or too far away can lead to misunderstandings and even to culture shock. Not knowing the correct distances for particular kinds of communication can result in partial or complete communication failure.

Ms.Deepti

Example

Take Saudi Arabia for example, you might find yourself almost nose to nose with a business associate because their social space equates to our intimate space. You would probably find yourself backing away trying to regain your social space while your associate persues you across the floor trying to maintain his.

Ms.Deepti

Example

If, on the other hand, you were visiting a friend in the Netherlands, you would find the roles reversed, you would be doing the chasing because their personal space equates to our social space.

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Ms.Deepti

PARALANGUAGE
Para means Like. Paralanguage is a systematic study of how a speaker verbalizes. It refers to the volume, pitch ,tone, modulation and rate of speech.

Through these factors we can judge people;s age,sex, level of confidence in the voice.

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Ms.Deepti

Cont..
Paralanguage includes: 1. Quality: The voice quality depends on the action of vocal chords. Voice quality affects our presentation.

2. Volume: Degree of loudness or softness of the voice.Adjust voice acc to the number of the audience.

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Ms.Deepti

Pitch: degree of highness and lowness in the voice. The faster the sound waves vibrate ,the higher is their pitch, the slower they vibrate, the lower is the pitch.

Speaking Speed :speed at which speaker speaks.If matter Is difficult then delivery time should be more and if it is easy then it calls for fast delivery.
Ms.Deepti

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Cont
Pause: A speaker should know where he has to give pause in the speech. At the opening of speech, make sure that the audience has settled down. The emphasize the important points or concepts. Before the expectations of applause from the audience.

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Ms.Deepti

Thank you

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Ms.Deepti