It's good to talk.

In our busy lives, sending a text or email or WhatsApp can be a great timesaver. But if you need detailed information about, say, learning to drive! You can't beat a good, old fashioned phone call. You know, talking to someone.

I regularly get texts asking if I have any free slots for lessons. No name, no detail about where they live or what their driving experience is. It's a wee bit insulting and I don't give them a lot of attention.

But if someone rings me, even if they're just looking for information about driving, I'll give them a lot more time. I don't answer the phone while I'm teaching. It's illegal and not very fair to the pupil that I'm teaching at the time. But if you leave me a message and number, I will ring you back as soon as I can.