Mobile/Cell Phone Etiquette
by Ronnee Ruselle
There are many common complaints made by people in relation to cell phone etiquette. By being aware of the following rules of etiquette will ensure that you and those around you have a good time and your consideration will be appreciated.
- Leave the room - If your call could disturb other people, then leave the room and go outside or to another room. Better still, use the phone features that are created for these situations such as text messaging answering services, call diversion and vibrate if you have to receive urgent calls.
- Use silent mode - If you are expecting an urgent call or need to keep your phone on for important calls, then use the silent or vibrate modes. Your ringing phone will disturb the enjoyment and concentration of those around you.
- Turn your phone off and check that it's off when asked to - In some places, people should never talk on a cell phone or send text messages such as: movies, stage shows, weddings, funerals, concerts, speeches, church, libraries, classrooms and lectures. In these situations, remember to check that your phone is off before you enter the venue. You can always check your messages afterwards.
- Keep your conversation private - Talking loudly when on a cell phone when around others infringes upon their personal space. The phone has a very sensitive microphone and will pick up your voice so speak softly. Sometimes it's better to divert the call or send a text message.
- Turn the phone off while driving - As it is such a dangerous distraction, unless you are expecting an urgent call, turn your phone off while you're in the car. If you have to take an important call, then pull over to do it. Some governments are considering banning even hands-free phones as it is a distraction to the driver similar to other distractions.
- Take advantage of your message service - If your phone rings at an inappropriate moment, send the call to voice mail or your answering service. You can usually do this by hanging up.
- Present company takes priority - If you receive a call while you're having a conversation with someone who is in your presence, send the call to your voicemail or answering service rather than answering. Your first priority should be to the person you are with. If you are expecting an important call, tell the person you are with before you get the call and excuse yourself politely before answering. If you have an earpiece, it's polite to remove it so that the person who is in your presence knows that your attention is not divided between them and the phone.
Often when in a store or restaurant, people will keep the person serving them and other customers waiting while they take a call. The correct procedure is to call the person back at a more appropriate time or not take the call. Your attention should be given to the person who is waiting to serve you. - Don't send inappropriate text messages - Sending a text, voice or picture message that is offensive or threatening is a criminal offence and can be used to identify you as the offender.
- Be selective about where you use phone cameras - Phone cameras should not be used in any area that is considered inappropriate to take a normal camera for example, toilets and change rooms as well as venues where the use of cameras is not allowed such as concerts. In cases like that, leave the phone at home as you may be refused entry.
- Ban the ring, not the phone: Wherever conversations are normally acceptable, venues can help by asking people to turn their phones to silent or vibrate mode rather than turning it off. This approach will help with compliance, especially for people who need their phone for important calls. Venues can also assist by reminding people to set their phones to silent mode, before they enter.
- Respect personal space - People don't want to know what your conversation is about so if you're in a location where you're close to others such as public transport, lifts etc, it's best to accept messages only and text your reply or call people back when you've alighted.
- Keep ringer volume down - The myriad of phone ringers that are available today means that at times, what should be a quiet room turns into a musical comedy with annoying songs and ringers going off all over the place. Some people love their ringtone and refuse to answer the phone immediately, thinking that it allows others to enjoy it too, but they don't. Others won't love your ringtone like you will so turn the volume down low enough that you'll hear it, but not annoy others, or keeping it on vibrate can often be a more appropriate option.
- Have an appropriate conversation - Conversations that contain information of a sensitive nature whether that be business or personal should be kept to the appropriate time and location for them. Many people have to suffer through phone arguments or personal conversations that others have and it's embarrassing and disruptive so arranging the phone the person back at a more appropriate time when you'll have privacy is the correct procedure.
- Don't multi-task - Communication with anyone deserves your attention. Finish your phone conversation first before attempting to 'juggle' other duties while talking or phone them back and finish what's in front of you before having a conversation.
- Don't leave your phone on your desk - When at work, if you leave your desk, take your phone with you or switch it off. It's annoying for others to hear a constantly ringing phone and it's embarrassing and inappropriate to expect them to answer it for you. This applies when you're visiting someone's home. They should not be responsible for your calls so turn the phone off or take it with you.
- Don't take your phone when relieving yourself - If you have reason to visit the mens' room or ladies' room, do not take your phone with you or program it to divert to messages. People know where you are and it's incredibly insulting to speak to them while you're in there.
- Leave a reasonable message - If you are recording a message on your cell phone, be mindful of the fact that people are paying per second for the call so keep it short and to the point, allowing people to leave the message they need to. If you are the one leaving the message, let the person you're calling know what the call is about so they can judge whether they need to phone you immediately from their cell phone. Cell phone calls are very expensive, so be kind enough to leave a landline number and time that they can call you as well as a mobile so that they can decide how much they can afford to spend on the call.