Etiquette for Mobiles Phones

Permalink: Etiquette for Mobiles Phones by Kathryn Lang

I had left a message for my doctor, but left my cell phone number since I had to run some errands. The nurse timed the return call perfectly. There I was, standing in the refrigerator aisle of the local supermarket (complete with stock boy) when my phone began to buzz. If I didn’t answer the phone, it might be several days before I had another chance to speak with the nurse.

Should I answer the phone and risk humiliation in front of the stock boy (who was starting to stare at the sound of the unanswered phone) or should I risk missing the opportunity to discuss the medical condition I called about in the first place?

What should anyone do that has to answer the cell phone in a public place or needs to have an “inappropriate” conversation outside the privacy of home?

Here are a few suggestions for handling awkward cell phone moments:

1. Always assume someone is listening in on your conversation. We all listen to those people who are gabbing away on the phone at the table next to us. Usually, it’s that conversation that sparks our own table talk. If you are talking in public – especially on the phone – you can rest assured that someone is listening intently to what you have to say.

2. Don’t answer if you don’t have to. Not every call merits an answer. If I’m in a situation where I should have turned off my phone but forgot, I simply hang up the call and turn it off then. If it’s not an emergency call (from the babysitter, the kid’s school, or the doctor that I called earlier), then let it go until you can get to a place that you can talk. If it’s important the caller will either leave a message or call back later.

3. Step outside, or into a bathroom, or maybe into a hall. Make yourself as private as the situation will allow. If you make an attempt to get into a private situation, even if others can still hear they will often honor that privacy.

4. Turn down the volume. There is no need to broadcast your end of the conversation to the world. Put your head down and speak in as hushed a voice as the reception of your phone will allow.

5. Keep it short. No matter where you answer the cell phone, don’t talk on it forever. This is no time for chit chat. Get to the point and then get off the phone.

There are times when a cell phone is a wonderful thing to have. Just keep in mind that if you have to answer your cell phone in public then what you say next will be open to all the ears around you.