You know that speech they give at the beginning of the flight where they talk about how to fasten the seat belts and how to operate the oxygen masks, and that the seat cushion can serve as a flotation device?
It's a marvel to look around the cabin as she gives that speech. People are reading, gabbing, ipodding, resting. Definitely not listening to the stewardess. Why not?
Problem #1: Defective Message
1. The message is stale. There's exactly one way to fasten a seat belt. It's a skill we've all mastered long ago.
2. The message is unbelievable. Who really believes that if we crash, we'll have a chance to use our seat cushions for a flotation device?
3. The message is irrelevant. Don't need to listen because what she's describing will never happen.
Problem #2: Defective Listeners
A lot of people will be completely surprised one day, and they'll wish they had paid attention.
Problem #3: Defective Presenter
Sometimes I think they try to make their presentation as perfunctory as humanly possible.
This is a parable. He who has ears, let him hear.
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2 comments:
Problem #1 point 4. The message isn't aimed at the listeners. It actually accomplishes its real aim quite well - protecting airlines from lawsuits. Much like McDonald's "this coffee is REALLY hot" warnings.
Problem #3 - Not every flight attendant could pull off the delivery, but the announcements can be done right. That probably has every legally required word, yet enough attention-grabbing additional content is added that the passengers actually pay attention.
Parable-esque kickers: one really should talk to whom one seems to be talking to, yes? And one's delivery matters... perhaps one should even practice to get it right. Even change how it is said, to respond to apparent effectiveness or lack thereof.
A whole 'nother takeaway might be that people who truly enjoy the task at hand are highly effective.
Great comments, Jake. They make a good addition. And the steward In your link did a nice job of livening up the spiel.
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