July has been designated as Cell Phone Courtesy Month—and not a moment too soon. You’d think with all the attention given to the use of mobile phones and all that has been said about the etiquette of cell phones, that people would get it by now. However, it is obvious on any given day, no matter where you are, that word has not reached enough people.
I was standing in line recently behind a very professional-looking woman. As she reached the counter and handed her credit card to the business owner, she asked, “Do you take American Express?” When he began to explain that he did not, she interrupted and said, “Oh, I wasn’t talking to you.” That took everyone aback before we noticed the ever faithful cell phone to her ear. It was confusing and awkward for the merchant, but didn’t seem to faze the customer who was engaged in two simultaneous transactions.
When did we decide that it was all right not to give our full attention to people in our business and personal interactions? When did we decide that our cell phones should take precedence over every thing else? The rule seems to be “If you have one, wear it; and if it rings, answer it.”
Please don’t misunderstand me. I believe that there is a place for cell phones. It’s just not everyplace.
If you are on call and have to be available instantaneously, rethink where you choose to go. Otherwise, most calls can wait until after the meeting, the concert or the meal.
If you are expecting a call that you have to take, tell the people you are with so they will understand. When the call comes in, excuse yourself to return it in private.
Resist the temptation to check caller ID in the presence of other people. You may think that you are impressing them with your good manners by using the vibrate mode. However, when you pause to see who called, you send a message that the caller could be more important than present company.
If you use your phone in public, lower your voice so that the people around you don’t have to hear your end of the conversation. There are some things no one else wants or should have to know about your private affairs.
If the connection is bad, don’t yell. It won’t help and makes you look silly. Wait until reception improves or find a landline.
Before heading into places where cell phone use is not appropriate, double check the device. How embarrassing is it when the offending phone turns out to be yours?
Everybody has a “Bet You Can’t Beat This” cell phone story. Your job is to not be the central character.
(c) 2009, Lydia Ramsey. All rights reserved. Reprints welcomed so long as article and by-line are kept intact and all links made live.
Author Resource:-
Lydia Ramsey is a business etiquette expert, professional speaker, corporate trainer and author featured in the Wall Street Journal and many other off-line and on-line publications. Lydia shares her business etiquette tips in her monthly e-zine and on Twitter. To register for these free services visit Manners That Sell today!
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