Cell Phone Etiquette
Watch your volume and get reacquainted with your voice mail if
you don’t want to be a cell phone pest.
Volume The number one complaint against rude cell phone users is
that ‘they are so loud.’ There was a time when a phone
conversation was a private thing, but cell phones have made our
private conversations public. If you find yourself in any public
arena, find a quiet or private corner to carry on your cell
phone conversation. Also, turn down that ringer. Some people
turn it up so loud that they can hear the phone ringing from
another state. If you are so far out of range that you cannot
hear your cell phone ring on medium, or lower, take it with you
and you won’t miss your call.
Eye Contact Please The only thing that scares people more than
too much attention is being ignored. If you are having dinner, a
light lunch or even chatting with friends at home, resist the
urge to answer every call. If it’s not an emergency call, you
can return it at the end of the meal. Pay attention to your
guest, or the clerk helping your find your books, or your
friends. Leave your cell phone out of the equation. Your guest
will be amazed at your politeness and probably return the favor.
Remember Voice Mail? In our 24×7, on the go society, many people
seem to forget that we still have voice mail. There are rumors
of an ancient ritual where you allow the voice mail to pick up
when you’re busy and then return the call later. If you think
long and hard, you might recall it.
Your Cell Phone, Company Time Sure, you’re paying for your flip
phone with text messaging and 1000 minutes. Wait a minute,
you’re on company time. Unless you are self-employed, your
company will expect and demand your full at work. They will
frown upon hour long conversations replaying your date, your
incredible weekend or that juicy piece of gossip for all your
friends.
Anytime you bring your cell phone into a public arena, remember
to be respectful and courteous. Pretty soon, you’ll find that
the people around will do the same.