thebradleys's Blog

As a nation we are sitting back, diddling our thumbs, and bemoaning the rather unpleasant shifts in our society.  We moan about things just great; but what are we individuals actually DOING about it?

Well,  I for one have had quite enough thank you.

Today's rant is on Telephone Etiquette

RING RING

"Hello?"

"Hi, I am John Smith of XYZ  Company calling for Mr. Jones.  Is he available?"

This CLASSIC opening allows for intelligent exchange.

 

YESTERDAY'S SCENARIO

RING RING

"Hello?"

"Who's this!"

(My standard response as the callee at this point is to explain to the caller that since it is they who called me perhaps it would behoove them to identify themselves before demanding information about me.  Yep, a frosty superior-than-thou Southern accent comes out - if you are that arrogant, I can match you bit for bit.)

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As a CALLER, you set the tone. 

Would you DARE walk up to a stranger on  the street and demand to know who they are, just out of the blue?  No introductions from yourself forthcoming?  No hand held out to shake?

Folks hide behind their phones, figuring if they cannot be seen they can pretty much say whatever they damn well please.

This ain't peek-a-boo and you ain't coming up behind someone and putting your hands over their eyes saying "Guess who?"  It ain't cute.

We live in a  world that has a lot of folks with ex-spouses and other potentially vengeful sorts.  Ever hear of restraining orders?  We are taught to be self aware and protect our identities.  When you call my home, you are INVADING my space.  Have some respect when you do so. 

We teach our young, and were taught ourselves, DO NOT TALK TO STRANGERS. 

YOU are the stranger when you do not identify yourself.

Use common sense:  IF you would not behave a certain way FACE TO FACE IN PERSON, don't do it if you are connected electronically.