Being within five feet of
another person makes it likely that you will talk about topics
of mutual concern. At that close personal distance there
is no need to speak loudly enough that you can be
overheard. Your client or employee will have the
confidence that you want to hear what he or she has to
say. He is more likely to pay attention to what you say
if the personal space indicates that it is directed personally
to him.
Since people have varying
norms of personal distance, be careful not to crowd the person
you're speaking with. If you find someone backing off,
make sure you don't get any closer. On the other hand,
if you find the other person constantly trying to come closer,
don't keep backing off or they might think you don't want to
listen.
