Tension

There are a number of elements that comprise any act of communication. One that is rarely, if ever, considered is tension. As an example, think of an innocent encounter between two individuals who pass each other in a hallway. One says "hello." As soon as that occurs, tension enters the mix. Will that other person respond with a similar "hello?" Will they say something else instead? Or will they ignore or not see the initial overture? Regardless of what they do, how will the person who gave forth with the first greeting respond? Will they simply keep walking or will they respond in a way that takes the exchange to the next level? And so it goes.


All acts of communication represent a step into the unknown. None of us know for sure how they will go. There is no guarantee whatever goals we might have for an exchange will be met. This includes a simple exchange of "hellos" between individuals. Such a reality makes any act of communication one not all that dissimilar than rolling a pair of dice. Obviously, saying hello to someone in a hallway is not as risky as rolling for "snake eyes" or a "lucky seven." Nevertheless, risk is present and with it comes tension. The result is communication calls upon all who do it or attempt it - that means everyone - to step, at least a little bit, outside their comfort zone.


The amount or degree of tension one feels depends, of course, on the individual as well as one what might be at stake. If millions of dollars are on the line, then obviously the level of tension is very high. On the other hand, if one fails to receive a "hello" from a person they see in a hallway, then the damage is not so great. Either way, however, tension is present. As we all are communicators, then, it is important to be sensitive to this reality. Such awareness enables us to be better tuned into those with whom we seek to connect. As any professional communicator will tell you, the more one knows their audience, then the better chances they have of communicating effectively with them. And it all starts with tension.