Whenever I’m hosting a meeting, I always ask people to turn their cellphones to vibrate mode. This reduces distraction, but it doesn’t help when someone does receive a call: they have to answer it in furtive whispers as they scramble towards the door. Here’s a better way:
1. Incoming call, phone vibrates, callerid displayed.
2. Press key on the phone. This picks up the call, mutes the speaker and mic, and plays back a recorded message. Examples of messages:
“I’m in a meeting right now, but I do want to talk to you. Please stay on the line while I excuse myself and step out of the meeting.”
“I’m sorry, but I have guests and it’s not convenient to talk to you right now. Your callerID information has been saved. If this call is urgent, press 1, and my phone will page me. Otherwise, press 2 to leave me a voicemail message.”
Nokia? Ericsson? What are you waiting for?