Written by Unfortunately, cell phone etiquette is not the kind of thing that a student learns in high school—although, with the number of teenagers using portable phones, it might not be a bad idea to hold cell phone etiquette classes in school. Increasingly, store owners, restaurant servers, and ordinary customers are complaining about the rudeness of some cell phone users. The trouble is, many cell phone enthusiasts may not realize that they’re being inconsiderate at all.
All of us could probably use some lessons in how to use our cell phones in a considerate matter. As a result, here are some things to think about the next time you pick up your cell phone:
What You Should Never Do:
1. Never pick up a ringing cell phone during a job interview, staff meeting, or other business meeting. In fact, it’s best if you turn your phone off entirely when you are conducting business. That way, you won’t even be tempted to accept an incoming call.
2. Never talk on the cell phone inside a church, synagogue, or mosque—particularly when a service is going on. Such phone calls can be extremely distracting to other worshippers.
3. Never place or accept a cell phone call in a restaurant. While it can be quite tempting to talk on the phone during your meal, other patrons are likely to consider it to be quite rude.
4. Don’t conduct any highly emotional, sensitive cell phone conversations in public. You’ll be creating a scene and, because you may be deep in thought, you might not be aware of the disturbance you’ve caused.
5. Never speak on your cell phone while within the physical buffer zone of another person. This buffer zone is usually defined as ten feet in distance. In this way, you’re ensuring that your conversation does not intrude on someone else’s space.
What You Should Always Do:
1. Always keep your cell phone conversations short and to the point. While your cell phone contract may give you unlimited minutes during a certain period each day, the cell phone user you’re talking to may not have that advantage. Therefore, every minute you spend on the phone may be costing the person on the other end a great deal of money.
2. Always let the person you’re calling know when you’re calling from a cell phone. That way, he or she can brace for interruptions in service or other distractions.
3. Always use an earpiece when you are using your cell phone in a particularly noisy place. The earpiece will allow you to hear how loud you sound on the phone so that you can adjust your voice accordingly.
4. Always keep the volume on your ring tones low. That way, your ringing phone is less likely to disturb other people.
5. Text message whenever you can, giving your voice a break—and giving a respite to the people around you who may be tired of hearing your phone conversations.
By using proper cell phone etiquette, you will be showing your respect to the people within earshot of your calls, whether they be family members, co-workers, or fellow shoppers. And, as an added bonus, your good manners may rub off on other people, making the entire practice of cell phone use more enjoyable for everyone.
