Certified Travel Associate Practice

What is the communication distance that ranges from 4 feet to about 12 feet, typically reserved for formal settings?

1. Social distance

2. Public distance

3. Personal distance

4. Selective perception

The correct answer is: Social distance

The correct answer refers to social distance, which is defined as the communication space typically used in formal settings such as business meetings, professional interactions, or academic discussions. This distance allows individuals to maintain a level of personal space while engaging in conversation, making it ideal for environments where professionalism is key. In a social context, this distance fosters a respectful and polite interaction, where individuals can engage in dialogue without invading personal space, thus maintaining a formality that is often expected in professional environments. While the other options describe different types of communication distances—public distance is usually beyond 12 feet and is used for addressing larger groups, personal distance ranges from about 1.5 to 4 feet typically among friends, and selective perception does not pertain to spatial communication—the concept of social distance specifically captures the formal communication dynamics that are crucial within professional settings.