Proper Cell Phone Etiquette
Anywhere you go today you will see people talking on their cell phones. They
literally are everywhere. People flipping out their cell phone, usually not
following any level of etiquette with them. Cell phones like other aspects of
dealing with people need to have a level of respect for others when using
them.
We have all seen the notices before a show, asking people to turn
off their cell phones. Theaters are not the only place where such actions should
be taken. Restaurants, public meetings and other such gatherings where the sound
of a cell phone might interrupt one's enjoyment of the activity should all be
treated with such respect. If you are expecting an important call most cell
phones have a vibrate setting and you can excuse yourself from the room politely
and quietly, so when it goes off so you are not interrupting others train of
thought.
When talking on a cell phone in public, try to remember that you
are in public and others can hear your conversation. People so often seem to
forget that they are not at home when they talk on a cell phone. They use
profanity openly in places where it can offend others. They will talk about very
personal issues in front of strangers, when normally they would be embarrassed
to speak of such things around others. No one wishes to hear strangers talking
about such personal issues on their cell phone. When talking on your cell phone,
remember that you are in public and don't focus as to who is around you. Watch
your language and think about what you are talking about while on your cell
phone. Consider if you would be talking about such things so openly if not on a
cell phone.
There are times when the task at hand needs to be of higher
priority than talking on the cell phone. Driving is a great example of this and
is very often over looked in favor of talking on the cell phone. If your focus
needs to be on something important, such as driving, then you need to not use
the cell phone. If talking on a cell phone hampers your ability to focus on your
driving, please don't. Cell phones keep track of who called, so you do not need
to answer the phone when it rings while driving. You can call the person back
once you get where you are going. If you really need to answer then do it
quickly and explain you are driving and will call them back. Safety is more
important than having a conversation after all.
Proper cell phone
etiquette involves using a cell phone and thinking of how you are treating
others while using it. If you are in a check out lane at a store and are talking
on the cell phone instead of addressing the cashier, you are showing a lack of
respect and are not giving the person the attention they deserve. This holds
true with any kind of service your getting. It is simply showing a lack of
respect to talk on a cell phone while interacting with people in public. Show
respect to people and give them your full attention instead of talking on the
phone. Be polite and think about others. Cell phones are a great convenience for
society today, if used the right way.
