RETREATING

Imagine this: A presenter is speaking in front of a group of individuals. She is confident, charismatic, witty, and well-spoken. But something appears off. She subconsciously—or consciously—takes a step or two backward when she feels she is too close to the audience.

The decision makes sense. She does not want to encroach on her audience. Invading personal space can be uncomfortable for the speaker and her audience—especially in small speaking environments like a classroom or a meeting space. A large auditorium, complete with elevated stage, poses the hazardous and humiliating risk of falling into the audience.