Cell Phone Etiquettes

When cell phones interrupt important proceedings and are used in the wrong place at the wrong time, it is unacceptable and makes us grind our teeth in despair at the users' rudeness and blatant lack of care and consideration for the people around them.

The following are some of the places and events where cell phones should be switched off or the ring tone muted. If it is vitally important to be reached in such places then the call should be kept brief and the voice low: -

- On public transport in proximity to other commuters

- In hospitals, restaurants and shopping centres

- At checkouts, cinemas and theatres

- Train stations, bus stops and airports

- Doctors' surgeries, churches and conventions

- Waiting rooms, libraries and lecture rooms

- At weddings and funerals

It's not the use of cell phones that is the problem; it's the loud and annoying ring tone. It's the shouting into the cell phone; it's the airing of one's private life on the cell phone in the presence of strangers. It's the endless verbal diarrhoea and ear bashing that one and all are subjected to without fear or favour that is the problem. Driving or walking on the street while talking on the mobile phone delays the reflexes and can shorten someone's life. It is bad cell phone etiquette to make a call whilst in the company of another person. In fact, it is downright rude. If you absolutely must make that call, apologize first, then make the call. Keep it very brief. Sending text messages in company is even worse. Once again, if you must, excuse yourself first and then be very brief. Share the message with those present as a courtesy to let them know that they are not the subject of the message.

It is unforgivable to talk on a mobile phone while 'dealing' with another person such as a checkout in a shop or bank-teller or greeting or fare welling someone.

Lastly, camera cell phones which are so useful and handy but we must be aware of privacy laws, the rights of others and charges of voyeurism if used inappropriately in the wrong places. Practicing good cell phone etiquette will not improve your popularity but it will certainly not make you unpopular. Importantly, you will not be contributing to cell phone rage.

SPEAKER PHONE ETIQUETTE

Speakerphone etiquette is to respectfully consider that the person at the other end of the line may believe that this is a private conversation. One must therefore observe proper protocol so as not to cause embarrassment to that person.
It could prove disastrous to all parties if the discussion is about a third person and that person happens to be present.
The caller would talk less freely if it was known that a third person could hear both sides of the discussion.
Speakerphone etiquette says - to always first obtain consent to put a person on to speakerphone.
Advise them of who else can hear the conversation and whether that person is going to participate in the conversation. Then it will not come as a surprise to suddenly hear a third voice talking to them. This applies to conference calls as well.
Speakerphones sometimes create an echo effect on the line which can irritate and distract a caller. This is another reason to advise them that they are talking on a speakerphone.
Speakerphones are a very convenient device which have the added benefit of hands-free operation. This enables the performance of other physical activities at the same time such as sifting through papers pertinent to the discussion.
Be warned, however that some activities will cause you to be listening with only 'half an ear'. This is not good telephone etiquette as the caller can often hear the activity and detect that you are being distracted.
Another speakerphone etiquette rule is - to have regard for anyone else that is present. This is irrelevant if you are home alone. But, in an office environment it can be a distraction to others present and even to the caller who would generally be able to hear other office activities such as phones ringing, people typing or just talking.