Cell Phone Etiquette

In hand with that concept, Etiquette Expert Ellen Reddick shares a few helpful (and polite!) reminders.

People are more frustrated than ever with loud ringtones, beepers, and conversations in what should be quiet places. Libraries, movie theaters, and even checkout lines are places that, perhaps, should be void of all distractions – especially distractions that aren’t necessary – like cell phones.

When we talk about etiquette and good manners, what we are really saying is, “It is important to be kind and gracious, to make people feel comfortable and at ease in our presence.”

We always want to make people feel like they are they only person in our life at that moment.

Being gracious and kind should be an intrinsic part of our behavior wherever we are and whatever we do.

That applies to our use of technology too!

We all know many people who have allowed technology rule their lives and
make them unpleasant and rude to be around.

Someone at every one of my seminars always mentions discourteous cell phone use.

There are very basic cell phone etiquette rules that everyone, no matter what age, need to follow. Appropriate cell phone use is a must to show respect and
demonstrate we are gracious and polite.

The basic rules are:

1. Do not subject others around you to your cell phone conversations.

When people cannot escape your conversations, you should spare them.
Places we should never use cell phones are in the presence of others:
elevators, libraries, museums, restaurants, cemeteries, theaters, dentist or doctor waiting rooms, places of worship, auditoriums or other enclosed public spaces, such as hospital emergency rooms, elevators or buses and public rest rooms.
Never have an emotional conversation in public — ever.

2. Be careful which cell phone ring you chose.

Don’t chose a ring tone that is annoying or that makes you look silly. Playing inappropriate songs or having obnoxious sounds emerge from your phone says more about you than maybe you really want people to know.
I was in a business meeting with several lawyers when one of the female lawyers
cell phone rang and it played “Girls just want to have fun”. She lost creditability and respect.

3. Don’t interrupt face-to-face conversations.

It is rude and disrespectful to give more attention to your phone than to the person you are directly interacting with,
give the person your full attention by turning your ringer off.

4. Watch the level of your voice.

People tend to talk louder on cell phones. Keep your personal information private. Many subjects are not appropriate to discuss in public places. No one wants to hear about your latest operation, your financial
issues or what you think about your boss.

5. Don’t talk or text while driving.

The University of Utah did a study that proved it was more dangerous to talk or text while driving than being intoxicated. Place your safety and that of others above a simple conversation.

When your cell phone rings remember:

Where you are: can you talk freely without making anyone else uncomfortable or
cause disruption?

What are you doing: is it safe to talk on the phone, are you with someone,
are you doing something that is more important than a phone call?

Taking your children for a walk, making a deposit at a bank, asking a salesclerk for help, each task and person deserves our undivided attention.

Just because you can, doesn’t always mean you should.

We all need to learn to mange our technology and not let it manage us.
Do not let technology make you rude and unpleasant to be around. Nothing is so important we should sacrifice being gracious and kind to each other.

Ellen Reddick is the President and owner of Impact Factory.