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Cellphone Etiquette

Rosalind Rawls - Contributor

Question from viewer:

"What is proper etiquette when talking on the cell phone?"

Cellphones are everywhere and we live in a microwave generation where people demand an instant response. Although, there are circumstances that may require your immediate response, most calls can be returned. If you are expecting an important incoming phone call; express this expectation after greeting your guest. “Good manners are just a way of showing other people that we have respect for them.” – Bill Kelly

To avoid being annoying or rude here are a few tips:

• Be aware of when you should answer the phone – use mobile features to control your phone

• Be mindful of the voice tone used when in public – avoid being too loud, no one wants to hear your conversation

• Give the presenting occasion your undivided attention - whether you are in a meeting, restaurant, banquet, theater, etc.

• When to text – when you are not driving, meeting with or entertaining others

• Do not eat or chew gum when on the phone

• When asked to turn your cell phone off, always check your phone to make sure it is off or silent

• Do not use the speaker feature when in public.

• Remember, texting makes a permanent record, send means it does not come back.

• Make sure all sound features are off when texting.

Have you ever been talking to someone and all of a sudden they say something you don’t understand and when you ask them to repeat the statement, they beacon or point to the phone (in other words, I’m not speaking to you)! This can be judged as very disrespectful.

Cellphone Etiquette

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