Not Too Far. Not Too Close

Not too far. Not too close.  That's what you have to remember when approaching and speaking to one or two people.

Of course if you stand too far away from people they tune you out as an odd ball but unless you know the people very well it would be better to remain at a comfortable distance outside the number social range of about two arm lengths away at first and if it is appropriate gradually move closer.

  Otherwise the other person might suddenly put a briefcase or other objects in front of her  or  back up -- a sign you are invading the other persons' personal space and he  feel threatened says body language expert  Carol Kinsey Goman.

So when you are off the stage and talking to people on a one to one basis or to small groups make sure you are not making them feel uncomfortable people invading their social and -- personal -- space which is normally reserved for close friends and family.

Start off by staying about 6 - 8  feet away  when speaking to strangers and gradually move closer as they warm up to you. And be extra careful when moving into a person's personal space, which about 2 feet all around them.  That would be rare.


Few people will suddenly start shouting, "Back off!. Back off!" as one man did when another person got too close to him when speaking but still most people will  be more concerned about what your intentions are than listening to what you have to say. You will sabotage your efforts to communicate with them.