Use Your Inside Voice

I was given what I thought was a strange compliment while standing in the line at the grocery store the other day. I was on my cell phone and when I was done, a gentleman in line behind me said, "I hope this doesn't sound strange, but I couldn't hear a word of your conversation". My face must have shown my confusion because he continued, "That's a rarity. I'm used to hearing everything everyone says on their cell phones, but standing just a few inches away from you, I couldn't hear a thing".

Cell phones are great tools for life management and keeping in touch with friends, family and business colleagues, but…do people have to hear every word of your conversation? This is especially true when I find myself "trapped" in a small space with no way to exit-mainly an airplane. I was recently on a flight and there were two people seated behind me, both "business people" as evidenced by the multiple references to deals, deadlines and projects. From the airport waiting area, where, they paced and talked and talked and paced, through the tunnel and until they reached their seats, they talked-loudly. While we waited for the plane to taxi down the runway-they talked-loudly. As soon as the plane landed and the announcement was made that we could once again use our cell phones, they started again-loudly. Now, I'm not saying that it's not their right to conduct business wherever and however they please, but it would have been nice if I and the entire plane did not have to hear about the deals that fell through. Please, let's all remember to use our "inside voice".

Dr. DClutter™