Abstract: A communication appliance is located to present predetermined information and is automatically turned on and off. A pair of switches are arranged to be actuated in sequence by a person approaching the communication appliance, and a control device responds to the proper sequence of operation of the switches to actuate the appliance to present the information to the person. The appliance can present an advertising message in a sales region or reminder messages to a person leaving a building. In one embodiment, there is a third switch, and a deenergizing tone is generated from a prerecorded tape.