Have you ever been in a class or a workshop where you really wanted to get the maximum benefit possible?  Well, I have attended quite a few in the last few years and each time I felt short changed.  Now don’t get me wrong the classes and workshops were very informative - it was the attendees that caused my dismay!

I was beginning to think that this was something that would only occur once in a while, but I found this not to be so.  Every meeting, seminar or workshop that I have attended lately has caused distress, not only to me, but to other attendees whom I will not mention by nameJ.  In these settings I have witnessed people behind me talking in a normal tone with no regard for the speaker.  You would think that everyone in attendance would be there to get as much information as possible, but I am beginning to think that some folks attend for the snacks and to promote their own personal cause or business.

One of the first rules taught in school is not to talk while the teacher is speaking and to raise your hand when you have a question.  In regard to questions, please stay on the subject of discussion; if your teacher is teaching math, you don’t raise your hand and ask a question about your class trip.  This is rude behavior and I am seeing more and more of this behavior with teaching and attending classes.   There have been occasions when I attended a seminar and had to follow up with the instructors at a separate meeting because there was not enough time in the scheduled seminar, due to the off topic questions and remarks.  I recently witnessed such rude behavior at a workshop that I was blown away.  There was loud talking, people standing up and speaking about topics that had nothing to do with the seminar and some making rude comments.  I found myself screaming on the inside, please be quiet and please let the speakers speak.  I always try to control my facial expressions and remain lady like but, I think my eyes may have begun to cross at that meeting!   I am not trying to be a stick in the mud, and I believe that jokes and a little laughter keep things interesting, but we must remember to respect the speaker and the other attendees.  Let’s just keep in mind, when attending a class it’s not just about you, respect your fellow attendees! 

So, let’s try to follow the rules we learned when we first attended school.    

* Pay attention
* Be respectful of yourself and others

* Do not talk while the Teacher or Speaker is talking

* Raise your hand when you have a question

* Stay on the subject

* Turn off your cell phone or set to vibrate