How To: Master Cell Phone Etiquette

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proper manners

Using your phone's features isn't the only way to uphold good etiquette. There are things you can do to improve your conduct and not offend anyone.

Engage in private conversations
The days of having cell phones to impress others are over. For that reason, you don't need to astound the crowd with your animated discussions. First, when you get a call, head to a more private location to take it. And even then, speak softly. Networks are so sophisticated nowadays that you don't need to shout to be heard.

Keep conversations short
Keep the time you spend on the line brief. If anything, think about the fact that the longer you stay on the phone, the more money you'll owe your service provider. Reserve your extended diatribes for the comforts of home.

Warn others of possible calls
If you're expecting an important call that could possibly turn your corporation into a major world player, simply notify those in your presence that you're expecting an important call beforehand. Apologize in advance, but state that you need to take the call.

Talk to live people instead
This new era of impersonal communication leads many to favor it over actual human contact. But a true gentleman will always favor present company over a telephone call. So let your voicemail handle the call (unless, as aforementioned, it's a very important one) and focus your attention on the people in front of you.

Turn it off
Everyone will agree that the most exasperating aspect of mobile phones is their inopportune intrusions. Whether you're at a restaurant, concert hall, or movie theater, there's always someone who absolutely needs to answer his phone and disrupt those around him. If you're waiting for an urgent call, stay home. Otherwise, turn the contrivance off and enjoy your evening out.

Hide the phone
As mentioned above, people are no longer impressed to discover that you own a cellular phone, so don't leave it on the table at a restaurant, don't carry it in your hands, and don't clip it onto your pants. Ideally, you should keep it hidden from plain view.

Keep your number private
The best way to limit the quantity of incoming calls is by limiting the amount of people who have your phone number. If you start giving it to everyone or print it on your business card, your phone will be ringing off the hook. Restrict this number to those who need to contact you in case of emergency.

the price of progress!

As mobile phone technology keeps upping the ante on sophistication, so does the law. Unfortunately, some people tend to develop certain behaviors that are not very considerate, not to mention tactful.

Thus far, the state of New York has made it illegal to hold a cellular phone while driving, and a number of municipalities have done the same, fining people up to $1,000 for the infraction.

As well, new laws on mobile phone usage in public areas are being debated across the country. But if everyone would just practice good cellular phone etiquette, we could perhaps prevent lawmakers from legislating on a problem that can be resolved via common courtesy.


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