Rudely expecting free help

Bournemouth, England
March 4, 2017 11:34am CST
I teach public speaking. Companies, councils, charities and individuals pay me to teach presentation skills. I am also sometimes paid by people starting out as speakers to give them advice on marketing themselves, passing auditions, etc. But I also pass on some advice for nothing. I get emails from speakers with queries, usually about what to charge certain types of organisations, and I am usually happy to give them a few free tips. Public speaking is a huge, enjoyable part of my life and I want others to enjoy it as well. Many of these speakers are very polite in their enquiries and afterwards. One of the most appreciative was an ex-prisoner who gives highly acclaimed motivational talks. And then there are those who never express any gratitude, possibly because I have pointed out that there are no fortunes to be made. I suppose it's a variation on shooting the messenger! Two weeks ago I got an email headed 'Cost message'. It contained just two sentences. The first began what can I charge' and the second mentioned the type of talks they give... And that was it. No 'Hi Nick', no signature and absolutely nothing remotely resembling a 'please' or a 'thank you'. Furthermore, the subject matter of their talks suggests that this is someone old enough to know better. I didn't reply, of course, and I am now awaiting the nagging, equally rude follow-up. And then they will get both barrels (but not the info!) Have you ever had anyone demanding your help without any manners? Have you ever given help but received no gratitude?
8 people like this
7 responses
@shaggin (71663)
• United States
5 Mar 17
I have run into a lot of people who seem very entitled. As I was reading this I was thinking how I would not even respond to that email if I were you and then that is what you said so we were thinking along the same path. I loathe rude people!
2 people like this
@shaggin (71663)
• United States
9 Mar 17
@asfarasiknow lol no I am sure they are just plain rude
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
8 Mar 17
I did think did they accidentally delete a second part of the email, the polite bit?' But no, I don't think they did!
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
4 Mar 17
The best advice you can give in this instance is probably no advice. Helpfulness can be misconstrued at times - that makes me feel like throwing the hands into the air and walking away...
1 person likes this
@pgntwo (22408)
• Derry, Northern Ireland
4 Mar 17
@asfarasiknow I don't suppose we'll ever know. I sometimes wonder if Instant Messaging (SMS, Twitter, etc) and the "need" for short and pithy comments is not partially responsible for the curtness seen so frequently in other media today.
3 people like this
• Bournemouth, England
4 Mar 17
@pgntwo I think so, and also for a lot of misunderstandings.
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
4 Mar 17
I think the internet has encouraged a freebie mentality. I just wonder how courteous this person would be when soliciting bookings or when they turned up to one.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (49098)
• United States
7 Mar 17
Yes I have and it's not a good feeling. Some people can be so rude.
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
9 Mar 17
But you can hold your head up. You did nothing wrong, they did with their ingratitude.
• Midland, Michigan
7 Mar 17
Many times on the latter, nothing comes to mine on the first part of your question. Sometimes I don't expect gratitude, but when people do know who the giver was they should show their best manners. Some people missed the manner and golden rule class. Not sure how.
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
12 Mar 17
I saw a wonderful quotation from the British actor Christopher Eccleston. He said that manners are an admission that others have feelings.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
5 Mar 17
Yes, mostly from girls that I wanted to go out with!
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
5 Mar 17
Did they sense a an ulterior motive?
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43421)
• Denver, Colorado
5 Mar 17
@asfarasiknow - That, and I think they just didn't like me very much to begin with.
1 person likes this
• Agra, India
4 Mar 17
Many times...at times I retaliate and at times go ahead
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
4 Mar 17
By 'go ahead' do you mean you still help them?
1 person likes this
• Agra, India
4 Mar 17
@asfarasiknow yes at times
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
4 Mar 17
@amitkokiladitya That's more than many people would do.
1 person likes this
• Preston, England
4 Mar 17
I give talks too - generally well thanked though rarely paid. I hate ingratitude, even if helping someone pick up dropped items or holding a door open for someone ho just flounces off without thanks is irritating
1 person likes this
• Bournemouth, England
4 Mar 17
And it costs them nothing.