Proxemics and Power Gestures

Strategic management of personal space

Proxemics studies how we use physical space in our interactions and how this affects communication.

There are four "bubbles" or distance zones that we must strictly respect in order not to generate discomfort.

The intimate zone (up to about 45 cm) is exclusively for close affections; invading it without permission in a professional context is perceived as an aggression.

The personal zone (up to 1.20 m) is ideal for one-on-one conversations with colleagues.

The social zone (up to 3.60 m) is the standard for events and meetings with strangers, allowing interaction without physical contact.

Finally, the public zone is for speeches to audiences.

A common mistake in networking is to get too close to the interlocutor ("invading their bubble"), which activates instinctive defense mechanisms and blocks the receptivity of the message, ruining the first impression regardless of appearance.

Decoding of hands and body barriers

Hands are illustrators of speech. Showing open palms upward is a universal gesture of honesty and openness ("I have nothing to hide"), excellent for building trust.

In contrast, palms downward communicate authority or a desire to stop an action, and pointing with the index finger is perceived as an accusatory aggression.

Crossed arms or legs act as physical barriers protecting vital organs, subconsciously signaling a defensive, closed or disagreeing attitude.

While they are sometimes crossed out of coldness or comfort, in a negotiation it is a warning signal.

Gestures such as interlacing the fingers or joining the fingertips in a bell-shaped manner may denote restrained frustration or, in the second case, great intellectual security and superiority.

Reading the gaze and signs of interest

Knowing how to read whether our interlocutor is receptive is a crucial skill. Visual blocking", such as prolonged blinking or closing the eyes while speaking, is an unconscious attempt by the brain to "erase" the person in front of it out of boredom or displeasure.

The direction of the gaze also classifies the interaction: a gaze that triangulates between the eyes and forehead is perceived as "businesslike" and serious; if it moves down toward the mouth, it becomes "social"; and if it moves down toward the chin or body, it enters the "intimate" realm.

Identifying where a person's fee