Cell Phone Etiquette

With more than 200 million cell phones in the U.S., inconsiderate cell phone habits are turning into an epidemic. A lack of basic cell phone etiquette at the office, the dinner table, and in the car is frustrating Americans more than ever, according to research by online retailer LetsTalk.com.

Remember the old “reach out and touch somebody”? Well now you can. The invention of cell phones makes us available 24/7. I’m one of those people that you will only be able to pry my Blackberry out of my hand when I’m cold and dead. But, I do believe in basic cell phone etiquette. Nothing is more annoying than that person engaged in “cell yell” in a public place. Honestly, I don’t care to hear about how last nights dinner upset your stomach and the “end” result of that dinner. Social contract forbids such things as shouting intimate details into a piece of plastic in a room full of strangers.

I was recently asked if I would develop a memo for employees regarding basic cell phone etiquette. Why? Well, members of the executive staff attended a 2 hour class on emergency management training. One individual consistently accepted phone calls and held conversations during the course of the training. No, the individual did not step away from the table at which she was seated. As the room was “hushed” we were all privy to her conversations. I was seated at the next table during the training and was astounded that the individual didn’t understand that her actions violated basic courtesy.

Cell phone retailers all provide a list of cell phone courtesy rules. So, here’s a few for your consideration:

Excuse yourself before taking a call.

1. Observe the 10-foot Proximity Rule. Maintain a distance of at least 10-feet from the nearest person when talking on a cell phone. No matter how quietly you speak, if standing too close to others they are forced to overhear your personal business.

2. Use Common Sense. Turn off your phone before a job interview, presentation, or meeting. Leave it off at funerals, weddings, or any place a quiet atmosphere is mandated, such as a courthouse, library, museum, or place of worship. Whether mandated or not, taking a call is inappropriate and extremely annoying to those around you. People go to libraries to read, think, and study in silence and “is under attack by people who refuse to disconnect from the outside world. Does the word SSSSHHHHH mean nothing to you? Take the call outside, before someone throws “War and Peace” or Stephen King’s “It” at your head.” To practice good cell phone etiquette, put the ringer on vibrate or silent mode and let the call roll over to voice mail. If it's an important call, step outside or to a secluded area to return the call. If that's not possible and you must take the call, keep your voice low and the conversation brief. Let the caller know you'll get back to them when you're able.

3. Change the ring tones on your phone to match the environment you are in. Use a loud ring for outdoors – but inside, use silent or vibrating options.

4. Give your client or associate your full attention. If you're serious about your business, you need to treat your clients and associates with respect. Good business cell phone etiquette requires you turn off your phone (and remove your earbud) while you are in your meeting. If you need to be aware of any calls you receive, switching your phone to vibrate is acceptable only if it is silent and doesn't call attention when it rings and is hidden from sight.

There’s a lot of debate about cell phone etiquette and the turf battles aren’t settled yet. . . .