Mobile Phone Etiquette - Evergreen Writing Services

Mobile Phone Etiquette - the do's and don'ts

By: Valerie Weber Hamann

We have reached an all time technical high. The invention of mobile phones have allowed us to communicate from almost anywhere in the world, and to conduct business at the most convenient, and inconvenient times.

Mobile phones are strapped to belts, and purses are carefully designed with special cell phone pouches for quick and easy access. With all of this convenience, we can only assume that we are not intruding upon someone else’s space when we choose to communicate in public places at various times.

Time is relevant to all, and below are a few tips of what constitutes good mobile phone etiquette.

Safety – the number one concern

Mobile phone usage is the number one cause for drivers being distracted. According to a report by the National Conference of State Legislatures, “Wireless communication technologies are rapidly becoming a significant concern in regard to highway safety.” Reference website and article: http://www.ncsl.org/programs/ESNR/2000cell.htm

The National Conference of State Legislatures concluded the following regarding the use of wireless phones: “Wireless telephones and other telecommunications technologies will continue to proliferate in motor vehicles. As use increases, state legislatures will be increasingly challenged to balance safety concerns against the obvious benefits. Already, state legislatures are considering measures to improve data collection, make drivers liable for crashes caused by mobile phones and other distractions, and restrict use of mobile telephones in motor vehicles.” The article also references which states are imposing restrictions on mobile phone use in moving vehicles.

When it comes driving a vehicle and talking on a mobile phone, safety should always be the number one concern and consideration.

Location – find a good place to talk

The convenience of being able to respond to business calls while traveling is a perk of having cell phone. The courteous cell phone user first picks a good location with good reception before placing the call. They understand that handling incoming and placing outgoing calls under good conditions are critical for good business practice. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to communicate with someone under poor conditions and a weak reception. Most often it is the impatient cell phone user that places calls in less than acceptable conditions, thereby frustrating the receiver at the other end of the line.

Being an unwilling participate of hearing a phone conversation in a meeting, or a public place is uncomfortable. By placing others in an uncomfortable position of overhearing personal details or business dealings is inconsiderate and should be avoided.

Accepting calls in a meeting or a luncheon appointment is also inconsiderate. If you must take the call, please let others know prior to the meeting or lunch, and be brief regarding your communication with the caller.

Courtesy – be considerate of others

Calls should never be taken in elevators, libraries, museums, restaurants, theaters, churches, places of worship, auditoriums, and waiting rooms of licensed professionals. The courteous cell phone user will either turn off their phone, or place it on vibrate when located in close proximity to others.

The Time & The Place – keep conversations private

Even though we are in a public place, we must respect our surroundings and the personal space of others. The considerate cell phone user understands this very well, and will not converse until they are at least 10 to 15 feet away from others.

Conversations should be kept private, and should not be overheard by those standing or sitting next to you. Being cognizant of where you are at, and considerate of those around you will avoid drawing attention to yourself.

Discussing private matters in public is not the right place to do so, as you may never know who will overhear your conversation. Most people really do not care to know about the details of your personal life or business dealings.

Service Counters

It is extremely rude to be on the phone when approaching service counters, and the smart cell phone user will disconnect beforehand. By allowing yourself to be free of phone conversations, you are then able to focus your full attention on the person servicing your needs. Think of how you would feel if someone did not give you their full attention!

Volume & Tone – how you speak is just as important as what you say

Most mobile phones manufactured today have an increased volume built into the phone. The technology of headsets and mobile phones has vastly improved, and allow for users to speak at a soft to normal level and still be heard.

The smart cell phone user will draw little attention to themselves and will not speak in loud overbearing tones in public places. They are sensitive and considerate of those around them and will take extra measures to make sure they are not making a spectacle of themselves.

About the Author:

Valerie Weber Hamann is the Founder and President of Evergreen Writing Services, LLC. Valerie has accrued over 10 years of sales and marketing experience, and is a member of the American Marketing Association. Read more insightful articles on sales, marketing, writing and marketing communications at http://www.evergreenwritingservices.com/marketing.html.