First off- my apologies if I come off as rude but this article is the result of having being scarred by many many events – and yes maybe I am standing on my soapbox and venting! So gather up that salt and read on…

I say this from having experienced both sides of the story. As an event manager/organiser and as a moderator. So whatever I say may sting ( I hope to the right people !) and make sense to others… and I do hope create a more mindful and respectful audience.

I have found off late people just do NOT want to live in the moment and are buried in their phones. The line from the song Hotel California could not ring more true… “we are all just prisoners here of our own device.”

 

But take a step back … remember before the mobile phone – the unbridled joy of immersing yourself in a movie, a play … music ?! To let the art take you to another plane, another dimension… where has all that JOY gone ?

Our brains are truly being rotted by the mobile.

Now don’t get me wrong – I KNOW you’re the world’s busiest person.. No problem.. Please lead your busy life… just don’t come to my event to do it..

Some real life experiences:

I sat next to a woman at an event who was constantly on her phone – she did not ONCE lift her eyes up to look at the stage. Ok texting during breaks is still ok( I mean not even ok but I will give u that in a – break!)  – but she was answering calls

 

Be courteous : If it is so very important to answer your phone – step outside and do it

Event planners: Please run through everything – don’t be shoddy! People who have taken time to be there –  care about what they are going to see or hear

I went to an event where the PPT screen was a hastily hung up bedsheet !  A chaddar (bedsheet) yaar – so undignified… eeeks!

Another event I went to – when the speaker started her presentation the sound tech guy was called on stage to connect her laptop – I mean seriously, have you not heard of sound checks (testing 1, 2, 3 … sound familiar?) Even willing to hear the typical Indian microphone goonj/ shriek to save that happening on stage.

Punctuality:  The event has a time for a reason. It should begin at the said time ( again planners do take note!) and if you are late- yeah I know only YOU got stuck in traffic , and your winged eyeliner was not just so.. Please enter from the rear of the venue and try to be as quiet and respectful about it. Some of us took the effort to be here and get good seats so let us enjoy the experience

It’s not your drawing room!: Chatting during events and carrying on your own conversation – Ohh please people – you have come to an event to hear these two people speak and converse about a certain topic… please RESPECT their time and their views and listen in. I know as a moderator I do a lot of research and put in a lot of effort into my questions so it’s kinda insulting if you’re gonna be in the audience and then are immersed in your mobile phone.

Social Media: This is the biggest evil of all- UFF!  I know there are people who will jostle, shove and leap over you to get that picture for the ‘gram. But really … is it worth it? I hope so for you.

Isn’t it better to just enjoy that time and feeling of seeing your favourite author or celebrity. Take a video of them and rewatch that… it would be better for all concerned

It’s not about YOU darling: We are all very accomplished people , however at an event where there is a celebrity present- please save the self praise and keep your intro to just your name. I have often seen others trying to share the limelight – please do that on your own time and not at an event where you are the guest( guest being the operative word here)

Event execution is no joke. However a few things I observed recently

  • Have someone patrol the back of the hall/venue. Back benchers are notorious and this is where they lurk. Gabbing away and being the loudest!
  • Please also check that your back speakers are loud enough (for larger events)
  • Do brief the hotel or convention center staff to maintain silence. They don’t realise an event is on and are merrily banging pots and pans and dragging chairs!

At the movies once we had a couple who were clearly on a date – hey don’t get me wrong – I am all for romance and I have done many a date in the cinema. But dude you can not keep whispering and like planning your future life together when we’re trying to hear what Tom Hanks is saying.  Just snuggle up, get cosy and …. Whatever.. But do not talk!

Have people forgotten what and where silent mode is on their mobiles. It’s called silent for a reason guys – It vexes me no end when I can hear the constant whatsapp ping of someone’s phone whilst trying to concentrate and enjoy the conversation.

The long and short of this is … please

  • Be courteous and respectful – The time and effort of all involved is valuable
  • Put away your mobile phone or at the very least put it on silent mode!
  • However if you really can’t let go – don’t go to events
  • Live in the moment – it will expand your brain and also relax it

About the Author:

 

Upasana Mahtani (an ex-event planner for GurgaonMoms) and a current event host in Chennai. She loves books, movies and food! As you may have gathered she is a stickler and says it like she thinks it! Her instagram is https://www.instagram.com/thebookreporter/.