If you use your phone on loudspeaker when in public, can I ask why?

[Eastie77Returns]

I’m genuinely interested in understanding the mindset behind people who do this.

Yesterday on a packed train I stood next to a woman who conducted multiple calls on loudspeaker over the course of about 20 minutes.

The entire carriage got to hear her conversation with someone about an appointment to treat a Verrucah, problems with the cat, Gary’s laziness as he hasn’t moved the barrels yet and they’ve been there since yesterday…and various other things. She was shouting as the line was bad, redialling when the phone cut out and bellowing “I’m on a TRAIN…I keep cutting out when I go under a TUNNEL..can you HEAR me”

I find the whole thing beyond baffling. Why would you want strangers to hear your business. So, if you make or answer calls and go on loudspeaker when you’re on public transport is there a specific reason you do this?

I think some people are under the illusion that their life is very interesting and actually want to make sure that everyone can hear them.

Cos I only have an NHS hearing aid and funnily enough it doesn’t do that

My phone is broken and I can’t afford to replace it.

good idea!

Would over ear headphones not work? I’m really curious as it gives a different perspective to why people might do it.

Although, if someone must use loudspeaker on public transport, it should be for emergency only not inane rubbish chat.

Take calls when you’re not in public then

Again, don’t take calls in public then.

It’s not fair for everyone else to have to listen to your calls on loud speaker.

Sometimes it can’t be helped though. I’ve got a relative in a care home and they call a lot about various things, sometimes it’s urgent.

I don’t tend to leave the house much though so it’s not often that I’m out, and if I am, it’s only me and the dog in the woods.

Yup, this

No, but now I want to know of Gary has moved the barrels yet. I’m going to wonder about that from now on.

I’m disabled and sometimes need to call home for help. Not exactly something I do often. I don’t answer or call out if I’m out and about and I absolutely have to

Unfortunately 🤔 we are not the Kardashians so stop using your cell like that and put it to your ear

Yes me too. Impossible to hear and difficult even on speaker but through my Bluetooth hearing aid set up it is perfect

Well use earphones then if earaid doesn't work. They can go pretty high😅unless have problem which not caused by whether sound louder, then I'm sorry.

Unbelievable!

Really?

I do because my hearing isn't the best. If someone was on the train having a 5 minute pointless conversation on loud or playing videos/music i would turn my phone on full on play Rule Britannia, seems to really piss people off.

Yes, really! What is the difference between hearing two people conversing via speakerphone, and two people conversing in person?

Err…so people probably think YOU are having a pointless conversation. What’s the difference?

Oh come on, it’s a completely different sound and you know it. People on speakerphone sound tinny and it’s generally louder. You can hear it from some distance away on the train when it’s someone on speakerphone versus an actual conversation.

i just knew this thread would bring out the “but me! I do it because I have special reason” people.

People who do it are selfish and annoying as fuck.

Are you serious?

Mm, yes! I'd love you to explain the difference. I can't see it myself.

Well have a listen @CatSighs . People sitting next to each other talking are quieter. People on either end of a phone conversation speak a little louder and project and enunciate more, so that you can’t help hearing every single bloody tedious word they say. It’s more like sitting next to people rehearsing a play than people having a face to face conversation.

Thank you Renamed, for putting it so well! Are you listening @CatSighs ? People talking to each other are aware of others and modulate their voices accordingly. People on phones (generally) shout down the phone and the tinny voices come back and invades and imposes other peoples' space.

I'm confused...are we still talking about people using speakerphone? Or do you find that anybody talking on their phone (regardless of whether or not they use the loudspeaker) talks more loudly and with less awareness of others?