Dear Jean:
I have a personal pet peeve – speakerphones. I can’t stand to listen to someone who is receiving my call on a speakerphone. It usually cuts off most of the first word and some of the last word, and the echoes hurt my ears. What is a tactful way to ask someone not to use the speakerphone with me?
Reply:
When I want to be tactful, I might say, “Will you please pick up the receiver? I’m having trouble hearing you.” When I am in an ornery mood, I might say, “Better pick up the receiver – I’m getting ready to say something you might consider confidential!”
