Confronting the Embarrassment: Dealing with Unwanted Noises in Meetings

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the social dynamics and etiquette in meetings when faced with unwanted noises, particularly those caused by bodily functions. Participants share their reactions and thoughts on how to handle such situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus during critical discussions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario where a noise disrupts a meeting, prompting a discussion on appropriate responses.
  • Another suggests that playing games on a cell phone might be a way to cope with the distraction, although they later clarify the meeting's importance.
  • Several participants propose that the individual causing the noise should have excused themselves to avoid embarrassment, with one humorously noting the dietary choices that may have led to the situation.
  • A participant recalls a professor who exhibited similar issues during class, highlighting a lack of acknowledgment of the disturbance.
  • One participant expresses a desire to simply endure the meeting while contemplating revenge on a fellow attendee, indicating frustration with the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the individual causing the noise should have taken action to excuse themselves, but there is no consensus on the best approach to handle the situation during the meeting itself. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most appropriate response to such disturbances.

Contextual Notes

Participants express various assumptions about social norms and personal reactions in professional settings, but these are not universally shared. The discussion reflects personal anecdotes and opinions rather than established protocols for handling disruptions in meetings.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in workplace etiquette, social dynamics in professional settings, or those who have experienced similar situations may find this discussion relevant.

wolram
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On a serious note, you are in a meeting, nine people sat round a table one
standing explaining some thing on a white board, and you hear a noise, of
course every one looks, the chairs are covered in leather so may be hmm,
then the noise comes again and you are in no doubt this time as to what
and whom it is, the meeting goes on every one trying to concentrate on the
speaker, but in the space of five minuter four or five of these noises occur,
what do you do??
 
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Continue playing games on your cell phone because the meeting was useless anyway?
 
you think to yourself...thank GOD its not me...then wonder if everyone else thinks its you.
 
moose said:
Continue playing games on your cell phone because the meeting was useless anyway?

No, it was an important meeting, about reorganizing the factory and brining in
new machinery, the details were very important as the factory produces 24/7
and any delays in reorganizing would loose customers.
 
The poor person should have excused himself to the bathroom.

Lesson learned - don't eat beans the night before an important meeting.
 
Last edited:
Evo said:
The poor person should have excused himself to the bathroom.

Lesson learned - don't eat beans the night before an important meeting.
:smile:
Should some one have suggested he excuse himself ?
 
Evo said:
The poor person should have excused himself to the bathroom.

Lesson learned - don't eat beans the night before an important meeting.
Perhaps the person giving the presentation, upon noticing that everyone was distracted from his talk anyway, could have decided it was a good time to take a 5 min break before continuing the discussion so the poor fellow in "distress" could run to the restroom!
 
There's a prof at Harvard in the applied math dept (maybe he's retired now) who had no control over his gas during class. Ripped some while we were taking our final too. Acted like nothing happened.
 
wolram said:
what do you do??
I pretend to listen so I could get the meeting over with and kill franzbear when I get home
 

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