Have You Ever Been Distracted During A Meeting?

By Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Trainer, Certified Maxwell Coach, Speaker, and Teacher
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 “Can you see me now? Can you see me now?”  “No, but we can hear you!”
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of attending and presenting at workshops and conferences across the country. Just when I think I’ve witnessed the full spectrum of meeting behavior, someone inevitably raises the bar on what not to do.

Take, for example, the sidebar conversation. You know the type. You’re in a session, fully engaged with the speaker, when someone behind you starts chatting with their neighbor—or even worse, takes a phone call. Perhaps they believe they’re whispering, but the truth is, their voices are loud enough to cause heads to turn and focus to scatter. Maybe they think that sitting in the back makes them invisible. Well, maybe we can’t see them, but we can definitely hear them. 

The last time this happened to me, I did something I don’t usually do. I turned around and, with as much grace as I could muster, politely asked the two individuals to stop talking. I explained that I—and others—were struggling to hear the speaker. To their credit, they apologized, and the talking stopped.
That moment was a reminder of something important: courtesy in professional spaces matters. Whether you're attending a large conference, a team meeting, or a virtual training, your actions affect everyone around you.
   Here’s the takeaway:

• Avoid sidebar conversations—they’re more disruptive than you think.
• Keep your phone on silent and step out if you need to take a call.
• Be fully present and respectful of the time, space, and voices of others.

Let’s elevate our etiquette and model the kind of presence that builds trust and shows professionalism. After all, it’s not just about being seen—it’s about being heard, appropriately.

   What about you?
Have you ever experienced distracting behavior during a meeting or workshop? How did you handle it? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
And if you’re passionate about mastering professional presence, communication, and leadership, be sure to check out my book:
📘 What is Business Etiquette Anyway? Key Strategies for Building Successful Working Relationships – filled with real-world insights and practical strategies to help you shine in any room.  https://a.co/d/eEyRMvh Available now on Amazon!
Book commercial: https://youtu.be/IImFigP-Ctw