The Loudspeaker Rant: Aussie Comedian Sparks Widespread Debate on Public Phone Etiquette
A common, yet often infuriating, behaviour observed in public spaces has been brought to the forefront by a well-known Australian television personality, igniting a passionate online discussion about modern-day manners. Comedian Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann, a familiar face on popular programs like The Project and Utopia, has inadvertently become the voice of thousands who are fed up with the pervasive use of speakerphone in public.
Lehmo took to Instagram to share his frustration, detailing an encounter at a local café that left him utterly exasperated. While waiting for his takeaway coffee, amidst a small crowd of patrons, he witnessed a young man in his mid-twenties engaged in a phone conversation. What made this seemingly ordinary interaction so galling for Lehmo, and subsequently for a vast online audience, was that the entire conversation was conducted on speakerphone.
“Okay, am I old and grumpy or is this annoying for everyone?” Lehmo posed to his followers, highlighting the shared predicament of being subjected to someone else’s private chat. He described the scene: a group of people quietly waiting, each absorbed in their own thoughts, until one individual’s amplified voice shattered the peace. The comedian, with a touch of humour and evident annoyance, demonstrated the man’s posture, holding an imaginary phone aloft, emphasizing that the entire conversation – about weekend plans, no less – was broadcast for all to hear.
“Everyone could hear everything that was going on,” Lehmo stated, questioning the social acceptability of such behaviour. He admitted to not confronting the individual but couldn’t shake the feeling of being deeply irritated. His question, “Am I right to be annoyed?” resonated powerfully.
The comedian’s candid video quickly went viral, amassing over 280,000 views and triggering an avalanche of agreement. The overwhelming sentiment from viewers was that this particular brand of public phone use is not just annoying, but “mega rude.”
A Chorus of Discontent: The Public’s Shared Grievance
The online reaction painted a clear picture of widespread exasperation. Comments flooded in, echoing Lehmo’s sentiments:
- “I’m not interested in YOUR CONVERSATION!!!!”
- “I cannot stand that!”
- “It’s not OK.”
- “It annoys the s*** out of me too. It happens on the train a lot. Such bad manners!!!”
Many pointed out that this inconsiderate habit has unfortunately become a regular fixture in daily life. “It’s everywhere! It does my head in,” was a common refrain. Another commenter lamented, “This is one of my hugest pet peeves, people have forgotten the phone goes to the ear, especially in public.” The consensus was clear: the rise of speakerphone use in public spaces signifies a decline in social awareness and courtesy.
The Bold Response: Joining the Conversation
The sheer volume of shared frustration led some to propose rather unconventional solutions. A recurring theme in the comments was the idea of engaging with the speakerphone caller, essentially “joining in” on the unsolicited broadcast.
- “You should get involved in the chat, he’s inviting everyone by talking on speakerphone in public.”
- “Reckon we need to normalise joining in with conversations being held publicly on speakerphones – they obviously want us to know all about their business, so it’s only polite to join in,” one user suggested with a touch of humour.
Indeed, some individuals claimed to have put this strategy into practice with surprising success. One anecdote described a train encounter where the speakerphone user was discussing dinner plans. The witty passenger chimed in with a steak suggestion, only to be met with, “That was a private conversation.” The comeback? “Then why wasn’t it?”
Another clever tactic involved a person reading a book aloud at a volume matching a nearby speakerphone conversation, effectively drowning out the unwelcome audio and prompting the offender to take the hint.
Beyond Speakerphone: A Broader Etiquette Breakdown
The discussion naturally broadened to encompass other forms of disruptive phone usage in public. The loud playback of music, videos, and social media reels on device speakers was a frequent complaint.
- “To me, this goes hand in hand with people who play videos on their phones out loud on the train or in public places. Don’t be cheap, buy some headphones!”
- “I was on the train last week with a woman watching a TV show on her phone, with the volume turned up high enough for everyone to hear. Buy some headphones!”
One commenter contrasted this with their experience in Japan, praising the local custom of refraining from loud phone conversations in public, attributing it to a general respect for fellow citizens.
Expert Insight: The Undeniable Lack of Consideration
While the overwhelming majority condemned the practice, a small minority attempted to defend or rationalise speakerphone use in public. Arguments ranged from comparing it to two people talking nearby to suggesting it’s no different from an in-person conversation.
However, Australian etiquette expert Jo Hayes firmly debunked these justifications. Speaking with the Daily Mail, Hayes unequivocally stated that using a speakerphone in public demonstrates “a general lack of courtesy and consideration for those around you.”
“To the people who do this, a kind word from an etiquette expert: You’re annoying many people around you,” Hayes advised. “Always use earbuds or earphones in public. Your phone audio is for your ears, and your ears only.”
Hayes clarified that the digital cacophony of a speakerphone is distinct from the natural soundscape of people conversing. “Digital noise is very different from natural noise,” she explained. “Overhearing a speakerphone conversation is very different to having two people chatting nearby. It’s major noise pollution and demonstrates a supreme lack of self-awareness and social awareness.”
The Golden Rules of Public Phone Use
According to Jo Hayes, the guidelines for proper speakerphone etiquette are straightforward and universally applicable:
- No Loudspeaker Audio in Public: Any time you are in a public space, anywhere near other people – and certainly within earshot – you should not play any phone audio on loudspeaker.
- All Audio Counts: This applies to all audio emitted from the phone, whether it’s a conversation, music, video, or social media posts.
- Every Public Space: This rule extends to cafes, restaurants, public transport, airport lounges, and queues. Essentially, anywhere in public when other people are around.
Lehmo’s simple observation has tapped into a widespread frustration, reminding us that while technology advances, basic courtesy and consideration for our fellow humans remain paramount in navigating the shared spaces of our modern world.
