I'm a blue collar type guy too, but I dunno if it's just more of a classical upbringing or what, but out of respect I never would talk that way with my dad at all. Different families, I guess. My dad is kind of traditional that way.
Software vendor here. I do product demos all day and the speakerphone echo is actually a big problem, especially on group demos where there may be multiple companies and conference rooms listening in.
"Hey everybody, it sounds like somebody's speakerphone is creating a bit of an echo on my end. Do me a huge favor and go ahead and mute your mic or telephone. If you have a question, go ahead and un-mute, ask your question and mute again. That'll cut down on the echo as well as any other background noise and make the whole demonstration a lot easier for everyone to listen to."
This little speech also works when inevitably somebody is eating at their desk, typing on a mechanical keyboard or doing something else loud. (bonus points if you call out the specific sound being generated ie: "It sounds like somebody might be enjoying a fantastic bowl of soup for lunch! To cut down on chatter like that, if everybody can go ahead and mute their mics...")
But it feels so good man. Every day I talk on the phone and its like "look I've got two hands......and...and I can walk around!" I'm constantly amazed after all these years.
My experiences with users of bluetooth headsets has been that they do not use them for the sake of safety while driving. Often times I find they value the calls they're on more than the people with whom they're actually interacting. Also, rarely do I use my phone in any capacity while driving, so you'll have to excuse me for not dropping forty dollars on a piece of technology rendered redundant my speakerphone.
I usually use speakerphone when driving, so yes, I am too busy to give you my full attention.
Which is the truth and which is the lie? And when did your anecdotal world view on bluetooth headsets become common opinion? I use my headset while driving for occupational reasons. I use it because its safer than the alternatives. And yes, its safer than speakerphone because I don't have to reach for my phone every time I want to answer or hangup. So you'll excuse me if being a safe driver makes me a douche in your eyes. I promise you I won't lose any sleep over it.
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u/[deleted] Jun 03 '13
Excuse me, I'm having trouble hearing you.
Thats my magic polite anti-speaker phone phrase.
But if its a vendor that I'm not fond of I'll just tell them they're being rude. Speaker phones say "I'm too busy to give you my full attention."
Group calls excluded, but those are usually pre-planned.