I’m back on the topic of proxemics. As a reminder, proxemics is how we use space to impact communication, social interaction and behavior. Today’s focus is furniture and how that impacts our interactions and the vibe in the room. We often think of a podium as the place to set our notes and hold a microphone; however, it’s much more. A podium is one of the ways we keep distance between ourselves and the audience. It’s creating a shield for you and a sense of safety because there is a physical object protecting you from the audience.
You often see presenters use podiums in formal settings such as commencement speeches in which there will not be a two-way interaction between speaker and audience. If the room you are presenting in has a podium ask yourself what type of interaction you want to create with your audience. If you want engagement and conversation then step away from the podium and eliminate the barrier between you and the audience.
The same concept holds true in an office. A large desk especially one with an extended overhang does the same thing by putting an object between you and the person on the other side. In some conversations you want to create that formal and distant approach. If you want a more open engaged conversation then use a side chair so you only have a small corner of your desk separating you from the other person. Better yet, move to a round table where there is no obvious chair that symbolizes the head of the table (aka the position of power).
Once you know the level of interaction you want with the audience, you can use furniture to create the best experience for everyone.