Yesterday, Rudy Giuliani's speech to the National Rifle Association was interrupted by a cell phone--his cell phone.
He stopped his speech, took the phone out of his pocket and said, "Hello dear [the caller was his wife, Judith]. I'm talking to the members of the NRA right now. Would you like to say hello?" Presumably she told him no and he then said, "OK, goodbye, sweetheart, I love you."
What complete lack of respect for the audience. They weren't there to hear him take a phone call. Perhaps this was a glimpse of the famous Giuliani arrogance showing through. Regardless, it was tacky. Or perhaps just plain rudey.
Lesson: Respect your audience. Turn your cell phone off or on silent (not vibrate) before you get up to speak. (And hope the audience members give you the same respect.)
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