At every few corners in major urban areas, you used to see phone booths.

Before cell phones, they served a significant purpose, of course, providing telephone access to the multitudes.

But now that they’ve been disappearing, they’ve taken more than dedicated phone lines with them.

They’ve removed a significant semi-private space, as well.

The old phone booth, while seldom perfectly quiet, facilitated several significant things:

(1) It was quiet enough so we could compose ourselves before conversations, thinking through what we were going to say.

(2) It did muffle some outside noises, making it easier for us to monitor our own voices, and hear ourselves think.

(3) It made it easier for listeners to concentrate on our messages.

(4) And perhaps most important, it kept our conversations confidential.

I’ve never been comfortable talking business, surrounded by fellow passengers in an airport lounge, or when I’m sitting in a restaurant. I don’t want them to snoop, and I don’t want to intrude into their acoustical “space.”

What we need to do, as I see it, is build cell phone booths.

They won’t have a telephone—you’ll bring yours. But there will be a platform for placing documents, and for four quarters, you’ll be able to buy five minutes of peace, at a shot.

My conversations are worth it.

Are yours?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.