I haven’t yet mastered the art of walking and talking. It sounds strange to say that out loud but it’s true. When I’m out and about, especially in crowds, I tend to focus my attention on my surroundings and who is near me. When I receive a phone call that all goes to pot. My situational awareness is reduced. I try to find a place to the side, an alley or alcove, somewhere I can focus on the phone call while remaining aware of who is around me and who is listening.
Somehow both my attention to the caller and my surroundings is reduced. It’s worse if I continue talking. You shouldn’t use the phone while driving, and I definitely shouldn’t use one while walking. I lose half the conversation and get in peoples’ way.
The exception to this rule is when I’m in the countryside. With no one around I can enjoy both the walk and the conversation. With a hands-free kit the experience is even better.
I’m sure there is an art to walking and talking but I have yet to master it.