Talk is cheap, but courtesy is priceless
Is there anyone who doesn’t have a cell phone? I’m beginning to think not.
I know most people today have a mobile phone because I often hear ringing phones and personal conversations while dining in restaurants, watching a movie, taking part in business meetings and even during worship services.
In fact, many people can’t imagine how they ever got along without a cell phone. Me included. As the lack of consideration has increased, many people are starting to complain about cell phone users loudly discussing personal matters in public places. They complain about people driving too slow, and not paying attention to where they are going because they are talking on a cell phone.
I got an ear set for my cell phone so I could walk around and talk hands free. Now, my co-workers think I’m loosing it! Everyone thought I was walking around talking to people who aren’t there.
At the Better Business Bureau, we’ve decided it’s time for some basic cell phone etiquette to go along with our professional business manners.
Switch It Off: Know when to turn the phone off or vibrate it. For example, meetings, movies, worship, seminars. Use vibrate mode when you can take a call without disturbing others.
Be Brief: When you get a call and you’re with friends, or dining out, keep the call short.
Permission: Often, it is professionally acceptable to inform others at the start of a meeting you are expecting an important call and ask their permission to excuse yourself to take the call.
Be Polite: Don’t talk so loud. We can hear you. Speak in a lower-than-normal tone. Your caller will hear you and the rest of us in the room won’t.
Ring Tones: Most cell phones allow you to select a variety of ring tones. Do you really need to hear the “William Tell Overture” every time you receive a call?
We need to mind our manners and use our cell phones respectfully. For more cell phone etiquette tips log onto www.cellmanners.com, a Web site promoting cell phone civility.