How many of us have gone to a theatre and in the middle of the movie, usually during a climactic scene, a cell phone rings? Not only that, but the owner of the cell phone answers the phone and carries on a conversation that the entire audience can hear. With the technological revolution we are now experiencing comes the availability of these new technologies to the masses. Nowadays, you can’t go anywhere without seeing somebody chatting on their cell phone. Kids as young as 10 and 11 have now begun carrying cell phones to school. With this new technology comes the need for new etiquette. What are some of these rules we should abide when using our own cell phones?
Every cell phone comes equipped with different ring tones, different volume ranges and the ability to put the phone on vibrate mode. In other words, instead of ringing, the phone will simply vibrate at intervals until it is answered by the user or by voicemail. One of the first things you must do when getting a new cell phone is to learn how to utilize this vibrate mode feature. This is because you will need to use it quite often. Whether you attend any meeting, theatrical production or class, you should always be polite and either turn the phone off completely or put it on vibrate. You wouldn’t start whistling or singing in the middle of a meeting, would you? Of course not, so why let your phone go off and distract those around you who want to listen?
Anytime you are about to interact with somebody who is physically in front of you, like a store clerk or waiter/waitress, get off the phone. It is fine to be walking around the store chatting on your cell phone while you are shopping or chatting while you are eating dinner, but be courteous and end the call or at least put that person on hold while you are ordering food or paying your bill or checking out at the grocery store.
Do not answer your phone while you are interacting with others. If you are at a meeting or sitting with a group of your friends at dinner, it is impolite to answer the phone and strike up a separate conversation with the person who called you. There are a few exceptions to this rule, of course. If you are expecting an important call, and by “important,” I mean a call from a doctor or a call by somebody who is taking care of your kids, then give advance warning to those you will be interacting with that you may receive a call you will have to take. Instead of answering at the table, however, excuse yourself and walk somewhere private. Otherwise, let your voicemail pick up the call and call that person back later.
Mind your volume while you are talking on a cell phone. For some reason, people think that since the person they are talking to is usually miles away, there is a need to talk louder for them to hear. Keep your voice at a normal tone when using a cell phone.
In short, be mindful of those around you at all times when using a cell phone. Just as you wouldn't want to hear somebody's personal business as they talk to somebody standing right next to them, others will not want to hear the details of your personal life as you gab on the phone. Keep these tips in mind the next time you pick up that phone and you will not disturb anybody around you.
