A portable telephone which includes a directional antenna is provided. The directional antenna is designed such that it can be positioned for use so that its beam is substantially parallel to the direction of received electromagnetic energy, thereby increasing the efficiency at which electromagnetic energy is transmitted to and received from the base station(s) as well as reducing the levels of electromagnetic energy transmitted into the body of the portable telephone user. In another embodiment, two directional antennas are provided for use with a diversity receiver and can be positioned for use to provide directional diversity, space diversity or both, thereby providing added immunity against fading.