Comments on: How to Avoid Being That Annoying Person at Your Next Conference

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 07:59:00 +0000

I’m always amazed by conference attendees who raze the tables of the vendors in the exhibits during the conference breaks. Grabbing as many free promo items as you can stuff in your free sponsor-logo tote bag is rude, unbecoming and reflects poorly on your organization. Professional dress and workplace manners are appreciated by your peers. You are not at a spa vacation or a Vegas buffet, so lose the yoga pants. Your conference ID tag shares your name and professional affiliation with everyone in attendance. Will you enjoy undoing the “first impression” you made when you were trying to see how many cheesecake brownies and cans of Diet Coke you could fit in your purse?

By: Elizabeth Campion

Elizabeth Campion — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:53:00 +0000

Kinetic learners learn better when their hands are busy while they are listening. They may look like they aren’t paying attention, but they may be taking in every bit as much information as you are.

By: essaytask | essay examples

essaytask | essay examples — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Everything mentioned is important. Shouting out loud something, even if it’s an important message, is rather rude. – http://www.essaytask.com

By: Michelle Young

Michelle Young — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 22:59:00 +0000

I absolutely cannot stand when people are knitting and doing other craft projects at conferences…fellow librarians, please stop this unprofessional behavior at conferences and meetings! I understand that you are talented enough to listen and make a sweater but truly, this is not the time or place. We struggle hard enough getting people to understand that our profession is dynamic, interesting, and that we are people with graduate degrees and this is not helping (please save it for your hotel room). Thanks.

By: Maigrir

Maigrir — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 10:42:00 +0000

Indeed some people destroy possibilities to network than they create. Everybody feel their intentions are fake.

By: Kenna Griffin

Kenna Griffin — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:45:00 +0000

How about just not attending the conference. I’m amazed at how many people go to conferences just to stroll around in their casual clothes, acting like they’re the end all, then going out at night. I go to conferences to learn. I’m serious about it. I get annoyed when others aren’t. I want them to just stay home.

By: Badescucosmin

Badescucosmin — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:40:00 +0000

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By: Rebecca Carranza

Rebecca Carranza — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Please don’t get up and walk out of the session in the middle or toward the end. It is reasonable to leave within the first few minutes if you find the topic does not suit you, but it is mighty distracting to participants and speaker to have people get up in the middle of a presentation and leave to get a good seat at the next break-out session or just because. If you have an engagement that makes it necessary to leave, either skip the entire presentation or sit quietly near the door and slip out.

By: Kamal Soan

Kamal Soan — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:12:00 +0000

Wonderful Post, new insights of learning “How to be Polite in a Conference”

By: Shama Kabani (Hyder)

Shama Kabani (Hyder) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Thank you so much for this insightful post. And, I am so glad you enjoyed the presentation! = )

By: ResuMAYDAY

ResuMAYDAY — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:40:00 +0000

There’s always the person that forgets to turn off their phone and the person who asks a completely off-topic question… As someone who is a speaker, I’ve experienced all these things (including the three from the article). While 99% of my presentation participants are delightfully engaged and ask inspiring questions, there’s always someone who asks that specific-only-to-them question, or a question that would take the presentation in a completely different direction. I’ve also been challenged by someone who disagreed with me and have come up with a few interesting strategies to counter-act those people, depending on the situation. A good speaker knows how to deflect all these things, and more. As far as people that hand their business card to me without conversation, I add their email to my email list and then toss the card.
Kudos, Ms. Lawlor! I’ve only seen articles on being a better speaker, never a better audience member. I applaud your perspective from the other side of the microphone!

By: Nanikekela

Nanikekela — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:39:00 +0000

There was a woman who made a joke about not hearing the instructions and as the speaker gave them again she turned to her neighbor and started another conversation. The people in the audience who think they’re part time comedians are annoying.

By: Mspamelabell

Mspamelabell — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:41:00 +0000

What about the person engaged in their own self-absorbed conversation while the speaker is talking. Disregarding the fact that their holding everyone hostage to their random non-related thoughts. How rude, disrespectful and irritating! Shut up so we can hear the expert, please!

By: mcase5622

mcase5622 — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:25:00 +0000

People coming in after the presenter had already started speaking, walking to find their seats while standing in front of others as those already seated were trying to see what was going on.

By: Jude

Jude — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:20:00 +0000

The one who “asks a question” that’s not a qestion but a run-on of self indulgence taking time from others who want to ask genuine questions. It happens a LOT!