Cell Phone Etiquette

Although telephones are typically used in the office or at a place of business, cell phones are used more often in public, and therein lies the challenge. Today’s technology can both ease and complicate our lives. While these devices are designed to connect us to important clients, co-workers, employees and vendors, we sometimes forget that we are not the only person in the room.

Cell phones can be a lifesaver in an emergency. However, they can also be a real nuisance to the people around you. Eighty-four percent of Americans have cell phones, and 48 percent of those feel they have to answer a call no matter what. Please let me assure you that the simple ringing of your cell phone does not mean you must answer it! Please wait for the appropriate time and place.

There are many places and occasions when it is simply inappropriate to take a call or a text message from someone. Remember that a cell phone conversation in a crowded area is not private, and that no one else wants to hear your conversation, or be walking behind you while you’re talking or texting in an airport or crowded area, completely oblivious to other people.

Always turn off your cell phone in:
* Business meetings
* Elevators, or don’t answer if it rings
* Churches
* Restaurants
* Theaters, concerts and museums
* Planes, on a bus or a train
* Carpools, unless it’s okay with your fellow passengers
* Stores, or any establishment where there are people close by
* Sporting events, including your children’s activities
* Line at the bank or at a fast food restaurant – actually, in line anywhere

In general, anytime the use of your cell phone is going to disturb other people, either turn it off or move to a place where it won’t disturb anyone. Always be respectful of those around you.

To practice good cell phone etiquette, put the ringer on vibrate or silent mode and let the call roll over to voicemail. If it’s an important call, step outside or to a secluded area to return the call. If that’s not possible and you must take the call, keep your voice low and the conversation brief. Let the caller know you’ll get back to them soon.

It’s rude to take a cell phone call on a date, or during a social engagement with others. It’s also inconsiderate to take a call in the middle of a conversation. If the caller were present, he or she would likely wait to politely interrupt at a more appropriate time. Let the call roll over to voicemail and return it later.

Cell phone etiquette is just a matter of being considerate of others, which ends up paying off for everyone.

Even a basic cell phone model will allow you to correspond through text messaging. It’s a simple, discreet way to answer someone, whether you’re making plans for the evening or responding to a work-related issue.

You are the Master of Your Cell Phone – Not Vice Versa.

* If you really do need to take an expected call, let those around you know as soon as you arrive. If the call or text message comes through, quietly excuse yourself.

* Or, if you really must take the call, ask the people you are with, “Do you mind if I take this call?” and wait for their answer. Maybe they do mind.

* You can always tell the caller that you will call them back later at a more appropriate time or better yet, let the call go to voicemail and use a signal that vibrates to notify you that there is a message waiting.

Excerpt from Let’s Talk – Your Guide to Effective Phone Etiquette By Kim Maxwell

To start a discussion, please feel free to email me with your comments at: barbara@etiquette-leadership.net