Cell Phone etiquette Is the person with whom you are eating lunch, having a meeting, attending a conference, church, concert, or other event less important than someone who might call you on your cell phone? When you answer your cell phone without considering those around you, you send them the message that they aren t as important. Having a cell phone is not a status symbol; in fact it may be a rudeness badge. Cell phones are a modern technology convenience to allow us to keep on top of every business deal and to be quickly accessible to anyone who might have a question or need assistance But there is a price to pay for that instant availability When your cell phone is on you are at the beck and call of everyone who has your number You feel responsible to answer calls and take action, which distracts you from current projects. You risk being interrupted in meetings, at mealtime, and in the car. Cell phone calls can diminish your creative thinking time. You may be too distracted to drive safely when talking and driving Cell phones are most effective when used to call for help, to collect messages, and to make urgent calls while away from the office. If you are driving alone in slow traffic, a call may make efficient use of your time. Cell phone use is inconsiderate of those around you when you use it in enclosed public places such as restaurants, elevators, subways, airplanes, buses, and trains. Your call may be annoying to others in churches, synagogues, concerts, theaters, waiting rooms, courtrooms (you could be fined or asked to leave), or other quiet public places And remember, when you use your cell phone, make sure you don t say anything you wouldn 't want to be repeated or stated on a billboard I was disturbed by a man who paced the dentist 's waiting room and conducted a business call while I sat within earshot of every word. I was annoyed, as was the office staff. Such behavior is rude and inconsiderate. I imagine the person on the other end of the phone would not have been pleased if they'd realized their call was so public. It would have been better for the man to step outside or sit in his car for the time it took to transact the call Should I turn ofmy cell phone at the dining table? Yes. If you must accept a call, alert your host or guests when you sit down. When the phone rings, excuse yourself from the table and keep your conversation private and brief. Whenever you are dining in a restaurant even if dining alone, leave the room if you must talk on the cell phone to avoid disturbing other diners page 6 of 8page 6 of 8 Cell Phone Etiquette Is the person with whom you are eating lunch, having a meeting, attending a conference, church, concert, or other event less important than someone who might call you on your cell phone? When you answer your cell phone without considering those around you, you send them the message that they aren't as important. Having a cell phone is not a status symbol; in fact it may be a rudeness badge. Cell phones are a modern technology convenience to allow us to keep on top of every business deal and to be quickly accessible to anyone who might have a question or need assistance. But there is a price to pay for that instant availability. When your cell phone is on you are at the beck and call of everyone who has your number. You feel responsible to answer calls and take action, which distracts you from current projects. You risk being interrupted in meetings, at mealtime, and in the car. Cell phone calls can diminish your creative thinking time. You may be too distracted to drive safely when talking and driving. Cell phones are most effective when used to call for help, to collect messages, and to make urgent calls while away from the office. If you are driving alone in slow traffic, a call may make efficient use of your time. Cell phone use is inconsiderate of those around you when you use it in enclosed public places such as restaurants, elevators, subways, airplanes, buses, and trains. Your call may be annoying to others in churches, synagogues, concerts, theaters, waiting rooms, courtrooms (you could be fined or asked to leave), or other quiet public places. And remember, when you use your cell phone, make sure you don't say anything you wouldn't want to be repeated or stated on a billboard. I was disturbed by a man who paced the dentist's waiting room and conducted a business call while I sat within earshot of every word. I was annoyed, as was the office staff. Such behavior is rude and inconsiderate. I imagine the person on the other end of the phone would not have been pleased if they'd realized their call was so public. It would have been better for the man to step outside or sit in his car for the time it took to transact the call. Should I turn off my cell phone at the dining table? Yes. If you must accept a call, alert your host or guests when you sit down. When the phone rings, excuse yourself from the table and keep your conversation private and brief. Whenever you are dining in a restaurant, even if dining alone, leave the room if you must talk on the cell phone to avoid disturbing other diners