Initial speaking distance as a function of the speakers’ relationship

Abstract

Distances between individuals were recorded at the moment conversation began. The distances were then related to the relationship between the individuals and to their sex, age and race. Groups differing in these characteristics were found to differ reliably in initial speaking distance. Student experimenters were approached more closely by their friends than by their parents whose approach was similar to that of strangers. Speaking distance was suggested as part of an operational definition of interpersonal relations. © 1966, Psychonomic Press. All rights reserved.