Cellular Phone Etiquette

In a recent study, “…70 percent of Americans surveyed identified loud talking in public places as a major irritant.” Source: The Etiquette Advantage in Business. The convenience of new technologies, such as cellular phones, create a whole new set of rules’ regarding what is appropriate. Some states and communities have gone so far as to establish laws against distracted driving habits that include the use of a cellular phone while driving.

Understanding the appropriate behavior or etiquette for a particular situation can actually free us from an endless stream of bureaucracy, but because so few individuals chose to follow common courtesy we are now subjected to law after law to enforce basic common sense. As a wise man once told me, “The problem with common sense, Denise, is it isn’t too common.”

President Bush at one point ordered staffers to switch off ringers on their portable phones when in his presence, especially during meetings. Source: U.S. News and World Report, August 2000. Various restaurants in Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles have special rooms for placing and receiving cellular phone calls so that nearby diners are not subjected to rude patrons. This is all in an effort to remind individuals not to replace convenience with basic courtesy.

Here are a few tips to recall when using your cellular phone in public:

1. Avoid taking or using your cellular phone at a restaurant, movie, church, or meeting. If you must, be sure to place the phone on silent, or the vibrate feature.

2. Limit your conversation on a plane or in close quarters. It may be seen as intrusive, and you never know who is listening.

3. Use a quiet voice. Many individuals feel the need to talk loudly, or scream into their cellular phones. Remember, company secrets and personal information can easily be overheard by those nearby.

4. Do not provide credit card numbers or personal identification information over a cellular phone; use a land-line for additional security.

5. Do not let your phone ring where it can create a disturbance; be sure to try to answer the phone on the second ring.

6. Do not allow a phone call to interrupt the presence of a “live” person. You are telling the person you are with that they are not important and that the call is more valuable than their physical presence. Return the call at a more appropriate time.

7. Refrain from using a cellular phone while driving. Many states and communities now have hefty fines for individuals talking on their phones while driving. Pull over to the side of the road or a near-by parking lot to jot notes and make lengthy conversation. Safety first.

These are just a few of the reminders that should be considered when using your cellular phone. Courtesy and safety should always be remembered. The few exceptions include emergency situations, and relaying urgent information. Enjoy the convenience of modern technology but avoid the pitfalls of inappropriate behavior.