What exactly are Proxemic Zones?

First of all, we would like to clarify what the term Proxemics means. Proxemics is the study of a person's use of space. It includes the way people use space in their conversations as well as perceptions of other people's use of space. 


More specifically, Proxemic Zones are the subcategories of Proxemics that are broken down into four different spatial zones. These zones are used for different reasons and in various situations. The four zones are:


Intimate Distance (0-18 inches): This zone is appropriately named "intimate distance" because it is the zone where people who have an "intimate relationship" spend their time. In this zone, behaviors range from touch, to being able to observe a person's facial characteristics. People often whisper in this zone. While this zone is comfortable for those who are in an intimate relationship, for strangers or people who are not fond of one another, this zone can be awkward and, sometimes, cause a troublesome situation. For example, when you step on an elevator full of people you do not know, those people invade your intimate space. You may begin to feel awkward, especially because you do not know the people who are standing so close to you.  


Personal Distance (18 inches - 4 feet): This zone is reserved for friends and family members; those who you have a "personal", but not an "intimate" relationship with. In this zone, behaviors encompass being as close as holding another person's hand, to keeping someone at arm's length away from you. Here, a normal speaking volume and pitch are used. An example of this zone includes holding hands with a close friend or walking through the mall with a family member. 


Social Distance (4 feet - 12 feet): This zone is reserved for more casual relationships and interactions, such as those between co-workers. In this zone, people have a larger space between them, which allows them to complete other tasks while having a conversation with someone, but also requires them to act in a more formal fashion and speak in a louder voice. Two good examples of this zone include co-workers who often complete various tasks while having conversations with one another, and people who attend a cocktail party, where is it common to remain further away from other guests, but continue to engage in causal conversation. 


Public Distance (12 feet - ): This zone is reserved for fairly formal discussions, such as the discussion between a Professor and a student. In this zone, people have somewhat of an interaction with one another, however, it is usually limited to a more "lecture-style" conversation, where one person is talking and the other is simply listening. A good example of this zone is in Theatre. Actors utilize this type of distance in their performances: one, to make the play more visible to the crowd; and two, so that the entire crowd feels as if they are part of the play itself. 


Burgoon, Judee. "Expectancy Violations Theory ." Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application. pgs. 131-133. Ed.  Michael Ryan . New York, New York : The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. , 2010. Print.