Cell phone usage is getting out of control. I’m talking about the loud, boorish attitude that almost everybody carrying a mobile phone is becoming guilty of. No event is safe from the omnipresent ringing and annoying yakking; not even baptisms, funerals, and conferences. And I’m not kidding about this. Just ask a lot of salesmen, executives, doctors, lawyers, and practically anybody. They’ll know what I’m talking about.
From streets to movie theaters, from clinics to boardrooms, from diners to churches, rude cell phone users are anywhere. They practically forget or totally abandon the most basic of courtesies. A lot of stories have emerged that can prove what I’m talking about. One of my favorites is about a panel member who was doing a demonstration. His cell phone rang and he immediately stopped and answered his phone! It’s about time that we lay down the law about proper cell phone etiquette.
In a recent poll, majority of Americans agree that the worst habit of cell phone users is carrying out loud conversations in public. Furthermore, poor cell phone etiquette is observed by almost everybody at least once a day. But let us be clear on one thing. Cell phones are not the issue here. People are. I think it’s the right time to seriously think about proper cell phone manners. Here are some dos and don’ts.
Don’t take a personal call using your cellular phonesin the middle of a business meeting. This rule also includes meetings with co-workers or subordinates, and job interviews. You’ll be surprised to know how many job applicants flunk this one.
Keep a 10-foot zone away from people when you use your cell phone. No one needs to know the banalities of your life, really. Inform all your callers that you’re talking on a cellular phone, so they’ll know to expect distractions or disconnections. And keep all conversations short and sweet.
Do not hold a phone conversation inside auditoriums, elevators, libraries, churches, churchyards, infirmaries, cafeterias, galleries, or any other enclosed public spaces. And also, never ever hold an intimate phone conversation while in public. If you really must, use an earpiece in noisy locations, so that you can control the volume of your voice.
Don’t use annoying ring tones that distract others and damage eardrums. There are a lot of better ring tones. Do try to be mature about this. Stop trying to multi-task with your phone. Avoid making calls while buying groceries, walking, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you’re now using improved cell phone etiquette, and ask them to do the same. It’s very important.
Technology and good manners can co-exist. Just ask the millions of Internet users, who’ve adopted the rules for email etiquette. You can always use the vibrate function, use voice mail, or go to a secluded area before making a call. All it takes is a little bit of consideration.
Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.AgeComputer.com, your cell phone superstore. Visit our website to find all the cell phones and accessories you will ever need.
- Azlan Irda
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