I’ve been on a couple of conference calls this week both from airports and with individuals who are in airports.  Given this age of constant travel, I suppose that’s not too unusual.  What also is not unusual is the intrusive drone of the airport loudspeaker into those conference calls.

Outside of the times when a plane is boarding, is there really a reason for the airport loudspeaker? Does Darrell Wakeman really need a verbal reminder that his plane is boarding?  Do we need to be constantly reminded to watch our bags?  Or that the airport is smoke-free?  I somehow get through life going many places without having a loudspeaker tell me things like that.  Will I forget it all when I’m in a terminal?  Turn the thing off!

Conversely, isn’t communication technology well enough advanced to parse out the unmistakable sound of a loudspeaker?  Can I get an app for that?

Finally, think about all the times you are the airport loudspeaker.  How many times do you spout directives or adages that at best expose the obvious and at worst are tiresomely obnoxious?

When we speak, let’s be clear, concise and in an even mannered tone.  And let’s certainly have something worthwhile to say.