Identify the role that each of the four spatial zones identified by Hall plays in interpersonal relationships. Use an example to demonstrate your response.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

- Allowing someone into our intimate zone suggests that we have or desire an intimate relationship with the other person. If this is not the case, such as in an elevator or fast-food line, we may feel uncomfortable and ill at ease if someone is too close to us.
- The personal zone is reserved for people with whom we have a close, yet not intimate, relationship: friends, family, and some acquaintances. If someone you don't know well invades this space on purpose by sitting too close to you, you may feel uncomfortable.
- Social space reflects a more formal or professional relationship. Most group interactions take place in this zone, such as how far apart coworkers sit from each other during a business meeting.
- Public space reflects relatively impersonal relationships. This zone of space is most often used by public speakers or anyone speaking to many people. For example, a speaker stands at the front of the room and is separated from the audience by several feet.
- Student examples will vary.