How to Have Proper Cellphone Etiquette

Chatting loudly on your cell phone for everyone in the gym to hear is rude.

Poor cellphone etiquette is a problem that crosses almost every spectrum of society, and a common complaint. A 2005 poll by the research firm Synovate indicated that about 70 percent of Americans witness poor cellphone behavior every day. There is no denying that mobile devices have made staying in touch more convenient, but your convenience could very well be disturbing to others. Instead of being one of the seven in 10 people who irritates those around them with their phones, stay connected while practicing proper cellphone etiquette.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Turn off your phone in public areas where a conversation could disturb others. This includes restaurants, theaters, museums and the office. If you absolutely must be available, set the phone to vibrate, and then excuse yourself to answer calls away from others.

2. Alert your companions or colleagues ahead of time if you are expecting an important call that you have to take. This should be reserved for emergencies; when the call comes in, discreetly excuse yourself and take the call in private.

3. Maintain at least a 10-foot buffer zone between you and others when you talk on the phone. If you can find a private area to talk, such as an unused office or conference room, that's even better. Create distance to maintain your privacy and prevent disturbing others.

4. Speak in a low, conversational tone of voice if you must talk on your phone in public. Those around you do not want to hear about your health issues, the argument with your spouse or the traffic on the interstate. If you can speak on your phone without everyone nearby staring -- and looking annoyed -- then you're speaking at an appropriate volume.

5. Place your call on hold if you need to interact with someone else. It's rude to continue speaking on the phone while you're checking out of a store, checking in for a flight or doing anything that requires you to interact with a person standing in front of you. Ask if you can call back in a moment, or use the hold function on your cellphone.

6. Stop and find a quiet place to talk if you are driving, shopping or running through an airport or train station. The person you're speaking with deserves your full attention, not a running commentary on what you're doing. Never use the phone while you're using the bathroom.

7. Set your ringtone to something simple and unobtrusive; a simple tone or classic ringing phone for example. Keep the volume low. A cellphone that blares the latest pop hit at top volume destroys both concentration and your professional reputation.

8. Notify the person on the other end of the line that you are using a cellphone. This prevents misunderstandings if the call unexpectedly cuts off, or if you need to cut the call short.

Tips & Warnings

• Etiquette rules extend to using your cellphone for text-messaging or sending emails. Do not send text messages while you're interacting with someone face-to-face, and never while driving.

References

• "Road & Travel Magaazine"; The Basic Rules of Cellphone Etiquette; Denise McCluggage
• Microsoft Business; Cell Phone Etiquette: 10 Dos and Don'ts; Joanna L. Krotz
• Etiquette Expert; July is National Cell Phone Courtesy Month; Jacqueline Whitmore
• Synovate; Snap Out of It! You Likely Annoy Others Daily With Poor Manners With Technology; July 2005