ok...I answered my own question....so I post it here for anyone else who by chance may run into the same problem. When you receive a call or connect on sending a call, there is an option on the touch screen to go to "speaker". I was looking for some button/tab, etc. which would let you go to speaker as you are making the call or before you accept an incoming call. You have to have the connection made to the other caller before you get the option.

ok..I know this is stupid but on the Samsung Intercept how do you activate the external speaker mode? The manual says you can use it, but doesn't tell you how to do it.The guide shows no tabs, buttons, etc. to press. I know I'm going to feel dumb when somone explains this. Thanks.