I MAY very well be in the minority here, and yes, I am over 50 years of age.

But I’ve seen a growing trend that leaves me saddened.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, mobile phones have become an indispensable tool, facilitating everything from communication to navigation.

They have slowly made their way into formal occasions, with speakers now opting to read their speeches from the very devices we use for everyday tasks.

While this may seem like a modern convenience, I wonder if relying on a smartphone for such an important role, undermines the gravity of the occasion?

At its core, a formal speech—whether it’s at a wedding or a funeral, a corporate event, or a graduation ceremony, deserves reverence.

The moment is often a milestone, marked by deep thought and emotional weight. To read a speech from a small, glowing screen sends an unintended message, that the significance of the occasion is somehow secondary to convenience.

It suggests an over-reliance on a device that is synonymous with distractions. After all, a mobile phone is the same gadget we use to scroll through social media, answer emails, and check the weather. Is this really the tool we want to represent our most heartfelt and important messages?

There’s a certain gravitas in seeing someone stand at the podium, holding sheets of paper, flipping through pages as they deliver their thoughts.

Paper has weight, both physically and symbolically. It shows that the speaker has taken time to prepare, to reflect, and to respect the occasion by giving their words a proper platform. A speech written and read from paper transforms the delivery into an art form, underscoring the importance of tradition, care, and a sense of occasion.

While we live in an age where technology often leads, some rituals should remain untouched. 

Using paper for formal speeches is not about resisting modernity, rather it is about honouring the significance of human connection, reflection, and respect.

Call me a grumpy old man, but I believe some things are sacred, and how we choose to express ourselves in pivotal moments should reflect that timeless truth.