Mind Your Cell Phone Etiquette

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 job interviews. And I'm not kidding about this. A lot of people can attest to this sad fact. Executives, salesmen, doctors, lawyers, and priests know what I'm talking about.

From avenues to banks, from classrooms to boardrooms, from diners to churches, boorish cell phone users are anywhere. It seems that carrying a cell phone allows people to act like cavemen. I know a lot, and I mean a lot, of executives who have quite a few stories to tell about this attitude. One of my favorites is about a speaker who was in the middle of a presentation. When his cell phone rang, he just stopped right there and answered it! This is absolutely flabbergasting, and we need to put a stop to it.

In a recent poll, majority of Americans agree that the worst habit of cell phone users is carrying out loud conversations in public. Moreover, people get victimized by loutish cell phone users at least once a day. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Cell phones are not to blame for this one. 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 in 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.

Do not subject others to your phone conversations. We do not want to know the insipid details about your life. People around you should have the privilege of being spared. And remember to keep all conversations short and sweet.

Never use a mobile phone inside theaters, elevators, libraries, places of worship, churchyards, hospitals, restaurants, galleries, or any other enclosed public spaces. And also, never ever hold an intimate 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 those irritating ring tones that distract others and damage eardrums. There are a lot of better ring tones. Do try to be mature about this. Also, forget about multi-tasking with a mobile phone. Stop making calls while buying groceries, jogging, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you're now using improved cell phone etiquette, and encourage them to do the same. It’s very important.

Technology and 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.

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Azlan Irda is the co-founder of AgeComputer.com, your cell phone superstore. Visit our website to find all the cell phones and accessories you will ever need.