FROM THE FILES OF POLICE SQUAD! When you are participating in a telephone or video conference: MUTE YOUR MICROPHONE! (COVID-19/Coronavirus).

What not to do during oral arguments before the Highest Court in the Land!

We can all learn how to conduct better telephone- and video- conferences from the Wednesday, May 6th, 2020, SCOTUS oral arguments: Mute your microphone!

Wednesday was the Court's third oral argument day to be conducted virtually by phone. It looks like they have not worked out all of the kinks just yet. The Court has requested parties mute their phone until it is their turn to speak. But issues still arise:

Reminiscent of a scene with Frank Drebin from the Police Squad movie, someone toward the end of one party's argument apparently flushed a toilet - a handle jiggle and water swirl to be heard live around the world! Additionally, one Justice had to be skipped when it was their turn to speak due to tech issues at their own end. And Justice Ginsburg, to whose credit (regardless of your political/personal opinion of her) conducted her questioning from a hospital bed, was apparently caught off guard when she was unexpectedly called on sooner (due to the previous Justice’s tech/phone issues) and could be heard rustling papers. The point remains the same: Keep your mic off until/unless you are the one speaking.

Keeping your mic muted when you are not talking prevents you from sharing noises that may be going on around you. Whether you are at your "brick and mortar" office or your home office, you don't need to share everyday and unexpected noises: People making noise around you, dogs barking, a knock at your door, your other cell phone or computer going off, etc. Just be ready to speak when it is your turn by having your finger next to the unmute button.

Granted, this simple tip won't prevent the audience from hearing those "noises" when you are speaking; but at least you'll show the courtesy of not interrupting other speakers (especially when a judge’s speaks!). 👍