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Can the speaker get a moment of silence? Apparently he or she may not. I have been to several on-campus assemblies for class assignments, out of my own interest or to cover them for the Campus Echo.
Almost every time I go, a rowdy group of students is using their phones or whispering.
This behavior is very disrespectful to the speaker. Maybe all incoming freshmen should be required to take a public etiquette course so they know what behavior is expected of them.
Maybe students should have to pay to go to all functions. Then they could appreciate the opportunities that are often available on campus for free.
Maybe that's extreme — but you get the picture. Whispering does excuse you for talking with the whole row of people in front of you, beside you, or behind you.
According to howstuffworks, an average conversation occurs at about 60 decibels. A decibel measures the volume and intensity of a sound.
A whisper is about 15 decibels. If four people are whispering amongst themselves, they create the equivalent volume and intensity of a normal conversation.
About five or six of these whispered conversations could be going on at any time during a school assembly.
Fifteen people whispering is equivalent to a rock concert or a jet engine. Students should be considerate of their classmates, the members of the press who are there to report what they have seen and heard, and the organizers of the event. You represent not only yourself but also N.C. Central University.
"I find [the noise at events] really frustrating," said April Simon, Spanish/family consumer sciences senior. "I would rather them not come than to make all of us look bad."
"It's irritating, the talking, the texting, and the standing up," said Crystal Cotton, mass communication junior. I agree with both of them.
"I took the time to come to campus. I want to actually get something from the program," said Cotton.
Here are some suggestions for students who are going to attend an assembly. If you know you are going to leave, please sit in the back.
If you are expecting a text message, please put your phone on silent and keep it in your hand.
If you must communicate, please whisper and keep it brief. If at all possible, maintain silence for the duration of the program.
Things happen; a student may have a number of reasons to use the phone or speak with someone nearby.
Just be mindful of your environment and your neighbors. No one likes a noisy baby in the theatre. Don't be a noisy baby at your own assemblies and functions. I am sure the person sitting beside you and the speaker will appreciate it.
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