Put Down Your Phone!

I walked into my spin class this morning. Most of us arrive at least ten minutes early to set up and warm up. Today I took a bike in the front of the room and turned around and was shocked!

At least 50% of the people in the class were typing, scrolling, or reading messages on their cell phones. Only a few were chatting with the others in the room. 

This reminded me of the first time I attended the Masters Golf tournament in Augusta in 2017. My husband warned me that I couldn’t bring my phone onto the premises. What would I do for eleven hours without it? I was pleasantly surprised that everyone chatted, shared stories, and was friendly. No one could escape into their phones. Every place you went on the property, people talked to each other. The days felt wholesome and fulfilling and I learned a lot from others. It felt like a turn back in time when we didn’t have electronic distractions. 

To be completely transparent, I am addicted to my phone! It’s often my go-to when I have a spare moment. Isn’t it ironic that a technology that helps us connect with family, friends, and colleagues from afar prevents us from connecting with those in the room? 

I thought about how we could manage without this life-changing technology. These questions came to mind:

• Do we still know how to use small talk?

• How do we begin the conversation?

• Can we read body language to determine if the person is approachable?  

• What are some questions we can ask?

• Do we make eye contact? Does our conversation partner? 

• How close do we stand to the person? 

• Do we shake hands, fist bump, elbow bump, or stay away?

• Do we listen to the other person?

• Do we still have the skills to communicate effectively without technology? 

Can we access the communication skills that truly connect with people? Let’s put down our phone to see who is in the room. 

To learn more about effective communication skills, reach out to me at LKWilner@successfully-speaking.com.