Are We Still Listening? - Mastering Modern Etiquette in a Disconnected World
A girl sits with wired earphones in her ears, her back turned to the people around her. Image: Canva
In a world where earbud and headphone sales are projected to soar over the next five years, the question of modern manners for young people has never been more relevant. As earbuds become an everyday accessory, we must ask ourselves:
Are we using them to enjoy the world around us - or to tune it out entirely?
At June Dally-Watkins Brisbane, we believe that etiquette training must evolve with the times. Our renowned personal development courses in Brisbane don’t just teach posture and poise—they teach emotional intelligence, social awareness, and how to truly connect in a digital world.
Earbuds: A Tool, or a Barrier?
Wearing earbuds in public can serve many purposes—listening to music, calming anxiety, and managing sensory overload. But when they become social armour, we risk losing the micro-moments that make us human: from a friendly smile to a barista, to a courteous introduction, all the way to the simple act of making eye contact in a lift.
As confidence coaching experts in Brisbane, we teach young people to recognise that good manners aren’t outdated—they’re simply the respectful art of being present.
“Get Curious, Not Furious.”
Psychotherapist Esther Perel reminds us to “get curious, not furious.” If someone keeps their earbuds in, don’t jump to conclusions—they may be overwhelmed or simply not ready to engage. But for those of us wearing them, we must also ask:
Am I open to connection? Am I aware of those around me?
This is the heart of our personal development programmes: to foster self-awareness, empathy, and confidence in everyday interactions.
At June Dally-Watkins, We Teach…
In our social etiquette workshops and professional presentation skills programmes, we equip students with the confidence to:
Greet others warmly and appropriately—even when earbuds are in
Understand when and how to remove earbuds during conversations
Navigate introductions with presence and polish (especially in job interviews)
Recognise how deportment and grooming affect first impressions
Use emotional intelligence in public and professional settings
Our training goes beyond “please” and “thank you.” It prepares students to enter the workforce with confidence and purpose.