" A MANNER OF SPEAKING " 1959 BELL TELEPHONE ETIQUETTE FILM MD10435

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“A Manner of Speaking” was directed by John Rich for Jerry Fairbanks Productions and produced in 1959 by Bell Telephone. This color educational film aimed at helping viewers improve public speaking and communication skills. Set in an office environment for a marketing company, it emphasizes the importance of clear communication and effective speech delivery. Specifically, the film follows as the communication pitfalls of Marketing executive Mr. Burton’s company cost them an important client. Using a combination of scripted scenarios and instructional commentary, the film highlights common mistakes in telephone communication and provides strategies to avoid them, such as managing busy telephone lines, controlling tone, and organizing thoughts for clarity. Directed by John Rich and written by Leo S. Rosencrans and John T. Kelley, the film features major film stars of the time like Fred Clark, Dan Tobin, Richard Erdman, and Dorothy Lovett.
Film opens; Credits play over drivers POV footage driving down streets of small town (0:07). Rain pours as 1956 Jaguar Mark VIII slows at stop sign, driver (Fred Clark, “Mr. Burton”) braves rain to check engine of car as it stalls (0:51). 1951 Chevrolet 3100 Pick Up gives Jaguar push to reach gas station (1:59). While car being serviced, Mr. Burton uses telephone booth (2:48). Busy office setting of Advertising firm, receptionist managing phone lines on telephone switchboard (Western Electric 551A PBX Switchboard), office requests, and files piled on desk (3:11). 1950s Bell Rotary Phone model on desk of Mr. Burton’s personal secretary speaks to Mr. Burton who gives her instructions over phone (3:50). Mr. Blackburn, marketing exec practices pitch in swanky office (4:44). Close-up of perhaps Western Electric 551A PBX Switchboard at receptionist desk (5:08). View of art department offices at marketing agency, artists hunch over drawing tables (5:17). Executive of chemical company speaks to receptionist on another line from office (5:57). Art department employees, Mr. Blackburn convene in art department offices to come up with new marketing pitch for chemical company (6:19). Mr. Blackburn’s secretary in typical 50s office attire, distracted by chewing gum and makeup compact relays confusing messages over phone to chemical exec’s office; Downstairs in art department one of the employees is using the phone for a personal call interfering with flow of business and costing the firm a big client (7:37-12:30). Chemical company exec takes phone call with Mr. Burton who is trying to remedy situation (12:38). Mr. Burton takes meeting with a Bell Phone Company representative, woman (Dorothy Lovett, “Ms. Rogers” offers to assist office with proper training on how to use phones (13:33). Ms. Rogers’ lessons in phone etiquette begins (15:43). “Answer Promptly” (15:47). “Identify Yourself” (16:12). “Transferring calls properly,” close-up as Ms. Rogers presses switch hook on rotary phone twice (16:37). “Keep pad and pencil handy” (17:08). “Leave a message when leaving the phone” (17:24). “Place and receive your own calls” (17:45). “List frequently called numbers” (18:00). “Finding out who is calling” (18:22). “If you leave the line explain why” (18:49). “Indicating understanding” (19:09). “Terminating calls” (19:26). First half of film revisited, this time scenario plays out vastly differently as Ms. Rogers’ phone etiquette suggestions are implemented (19:50-21:53). Another “replay” of scenario, this time Mr. Blackburn places call to chemical exec himself instead of his secretary; Close-up of phone rotary (22:20-23:45). Mr. Burton’s meeting with Ms. Rogers comes to a close (23:47-25:01). Office receptionist demonstrates newly learned skills with operating perhaps Western Electric 551A PBX Switchboard (25:21). Mr. Burton has meeting with chemical exec, exec tries to reach Mr. Blackburn over phone to test if company has actually improved (25:38). Closing credits (27:53). Film ends (27:57).
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