05/22/2026
Today’s PSA
Yes, speaking on speakerphone in public is widely considered rude and inconsiderate. It turns your private business into noise pollution for everyone else, violating personal space and forcing bystanders to listen to both sides of your conversation.
The Etiquette Consensus
Etiquette experts and the general public agree that you should avoid speakerphone in shared spaces. This rule applies to:
Public transit (e.g., trains, buses, or subways)Waiting rooms, lobbies, and checkout lines
Restaurants, cafes, and shared workspaces and Laundromats
Why It's Frowned Upon
Privacy: Your caller may share sensitive information (medical, financial, or personal) that nobody else wants to overhear.
Disruption: It distracts others and often makes it difficult for people around you to focus or relax.
What to Do Instead
Hold the phone normally: The most straightforward approach is simply holding the phone to your ear.
Use headphones: If you are hands-free or need the audio louder, plug in a pair of earbuds or Bluetooth headphones.
Step away: If you absolutely must use the speakerphone (e.g., a conference call), step outside or go to a private area.
