Speakerphone etiquette

[OmegaNYC]

I have a friend who will consistently put me on speakerphone, even when I tell her that I find it uncomfortable. She will always put me on the speaker without asking me, usually in front of her friends or co-wokers. Even when I tell her that I find this rude, she will usually just keep it up. Am I the only one who finds this rude and annoying? Is there any way I can stop this without causing some sort of confrontation.

[Zephyr]

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Speakerphone Etiquette

Speakerphone etiquette is to respectfully consider that the person at the other end of the line may believe that this is a private conversation. Therefore, one must observe proper protocol so as not to cause embarrassment to that person.

It could prove disastrous to all parties if the discussion is about a third person and that third person happens to be present. The caller would talk less freely if it was known that a third person could hear both sides of the discussion.

So, speakerphone etiquette rule number one is – to always first obtain consent to put a person on to speakerphone. Advise them of who else can hear the conversation and whether that person is going to participate in the conversation. Then it will not come as a surprise to suddenly hear a third voice talking to them.

This applies to conference calls as well.

Speakerphones sometimes create an echo effect on the line which can irritate and distract a caller. This is another reason to advise them that they are talking on a speakerphone.

Speakerphones are a very convenient device which have the added benefit of ‘hands free’ operation. This enables the performance of other physical activities at the same time such as sifting through papers pertinent to the discussion.

Be warned, however that some activities will cause you to be listening with only ‘half an ear’. This is not good telephone etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/telephone-etiquette.html) as the caller can often hear the activity and detect that you are being distracted.

Speakerphone etiquette rule number two is – to have regard for anyone else that is present. This is irrelevant if you are home alone. But, in an office environment it can be a distraction to others present and even to the caller who would generally be able to hear other office activities such as phones ringing, people typing or just talking.



For related information please visit:

Answering Machine & Voice Mail Etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/answering-machine.html)

Cell Phone or Mobile Phone Etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/cell-phone-etiquette.html)

Tips on Telephone Etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/tips-on-telephone-etiquette.html)

Kids Telephone Etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/kids-telephone-etiquette.html)

Telephone Etiquette (http://www.a-to-z-of-manners-and-etiquette.com/telephone-etiquette.html)



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[stache]

She can bloody well call you. :cool:

[OmegaNYC]

Even if she calls me, she might put me on speaker without me knowing. That just grinds my gears!

[Ninjahedge]

Any time she does it. Tell her you can't talk on Speakerphone and hang up.

If she does not respect your feelings in a conversation, then you should not be conversing with her.

[stache]

^ What he said.

[GowanusGuy]

Whenever you are certain that you are on speaker phone and others can hear you, say something that really embarasses her. That will teach her!

[Ninjahedge]

Gowanus, that works great on sit-coms, but in real life it only gets a person mad at you and could backfire (revenge).

Also, if there is nothing truly embarassing, or noone listening, it kind of defeats the purpose.

So the only way that this long-dormant thread can really be solved is to play it strait. Tell them what is up and stick to your guns once you do. Don't plan revenge, don't cut them off with no explanation. Hopefully the message will be received and they will honor your requests, but if they don't... well.......


>click<

[Zephyr]

... So the only way that this long-dormant thread can really be solved ......



This "long-dormant thread" was active less than a month ago, and today was still on Page One ... :)