A few weeks ago I was at a meeting for a professional organization I belong to, giving a talk about privacy breach response, and the audience was great; around 40 in attendance, all visibly listening and interested and participating. I love to look and see everyone’s faces as I am talking; seeing if they are confused, in agreement, or otherwise are reacting to the ideas and recommendations I am talking about.
I was around 20 minutes into my talk when someone’s cell phone started ringing…playing a John Phillip Sousa march. LOUDLY. I kept talking, and everyone was still listening…trying to listen…but the darn phone kept playing! People then started looking around…and finally I stopped and said, “Does someone need to get that?” One of the folks then reached down and answered it; and then left the room. Quite an unnecessary interruption.

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