Conference Calls

Ever watch people gathered around a table when someone calls into a meeting?

The phone sits in the middle of the table and those in attendance look at the phone while the remote attendee talks. It's only natural to look where the voice is coming from, but isn't it odd? There's no eye contact. No positive body language. It's numbers and wires.

This situation is even more ridiculous with a smaller group, say two in the room with one person on the call. It's uncomfortable for the two people in the room to stare at each other, so the easy out is to fix your gaze on the phone. But the person on the other end has no idea you're giving him or her your full attention.

If picture phones ever delivered on their promise, it wouldn't be an issue. But it's only a phone. Yet people stare.

It's just weird.

Comments

[adamg]

Polycom is my friend! :-).

[Dan]

True, Adam, but you have to admit it's an odd communication ritual when you study the group dynamics.

Dan

[Mosaic]

why they are to stare each other?? or can give any idea?