I never really thought about it before, but I guess Temperature does have an effect on communication. If I am hot and don’t want to be somewhere I
tend to listen and/or pay attention less. For instance when we are at the fair
and all the venders are trying to get our attention and sell stuff the last
thing I want to do is stop in the heat and listen to someone talk about
something I am not going to buy in the first place. In the same aspect if it’s
cold and all I can think about is getting home to my fireplace and cozy
blanket, I am not giving my full attention the teacher giving the lecture, or
the friend at school who wants to stop and chat for a moment. I wouldn't think about temperature as a
tension to contend with, but I think the book is right, and it is a distraction
and can cause irritability. We all have our vices and comforts, and even if we
don’t realize it, temperature is one of them.
Environment has a lot to do with communication. The only time I don’t mind communicating when I’m hot and sweaty is in a sauna, just because I’m in that environment for a reason. Conversely, if it is really cold, I’m more focused on warming myself up than I am in having a conversation with someone.
ReplyDeleteReading your post also made me think about other environmental factors when communicating. I hate talking to people when I’m in the restroom. I’m more focused on relieving myself than I am on the score of the game or how good/bad someone’s day is going. I find that I’m a better communicator when I’m in a comfortable environment and situation where distractions are minimized.
I just experienced the environmental factor myself last week when our office got particularly warm. I remember fanning myself to cool off and I couldn’t quite focus on my work that needed to be done. The warmer it got, the warmer everyone else got and the more irritable we got. Instead of our usual fun and witty banter, we all seemed to start bickering and lashing out at each other because we were miserable. Voices were raised and everyone was on the defense. Funny how temperature can make a difference!
ReplyDeleteI also agree that I am not one who likes to communicate in the restroom. I don’t like when people try to talk to me and I am irritated beyond belief by people who insist on talking on their cell phones in the bathroom. It’s disgusting and inappropriate!