Various Articles

More and more people are forgetting about proper cell phone manners. I'm talking about the loud, boorish attitude that almost everybody carrying a mobile phone is becoming guilty of. The annoying ring tones and the incessant yakking spare nothing; not even baptisms, eulogies, and job interviews. You think I'm kidding? A lot of people can attest to this sad fact. Executives, salesmen, doctors, lawyers, and priests know what I'm talking about.

From streets to movie theaters, from clinics to conference rooms, from restaurants to churches, boorish cell phone users can victimize you. They practically forget the most basic of courtesies. A lot of stories have cropped up that authenticate this. My favorite so far is the one about a panel member who was in the middle of a presentation. His mobile phone rang and he immediately stopped and answered his phone! This is absolutely ridiculous, and we need to put a stop to it.

In a recent poll, majority of Americans agree that carrying out loud conversations in public is the worst habit of cell phone users. Moreover, deplorable cell phone etiquette is observed by almost everybody at least once a day. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Cell phones are not to blame for this one. People are. Cell phone sales are rising. So are the sound level and the rudeness. 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 mobile phonein 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. We don't want to know about the intimate details 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 talk on your cell phone inside theaters, elevators, libraries, places of worship, churchyards, infirmaries, cafeterias, museums, or any other enclosed public spaces. Try also not to hold an emotional phone conversation while in public. If you really have to, 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. Grow up! Stop trying to multi-task with your phone. Avoid making calls while shopping, walking, waiting in line or doing other personal business. Lastly, inform everyone that you're now adopting improved cell phone etiquette, and encourage them to do the same. It's very important.

Technology and good manners can co-exist. The same thing happened with the Internet, when email etiquette had to be observed. 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.