Cell Phone Manners and Etiquette for Tampa Florida
How many times have you overheard a complete stranger’s most personal details, loudly shared during a cell phone call? Or tried to watch a movie in a theater, only to be distracted by the flashing lights of text messages? Here are a few cell phone etiquette tips that you can use to stay politely connected:
KEEP THE FOCUS
When you are attending a meeting, church, school, performance or other event, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, it is important to put your phone on silent mode. It is important to focus on the activity at hand.
MAINTAIN PRIVACY
Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public places. You never know who may be close enough to hear you.
KEEP YOUR COOL
Don’t display angry outbursts during a public call. Emotional conversations should be held in such a place where they will not embarrass anyone or intrude on others.
SAY NO TO “CELL YELL”
Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People sometimes speak more loudly than normal on their cell phone and don’t realize how distracting and annoying that can be to other people.
A GOOD VIBE
Put your phone on vibrate or silent settings in public places such as restaurants, meetings, parties, or religious services so that you don’t disrupt your surroundings.
BE AWARE OF CELL PHONE RULES
Some places, such as restaurants, courtrooms, and airplanes prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.
FRIENDS ARE FIRST
Always remember that your first priority should be the friends that you are with, not the ones that call you on your cell. Talking on the cell phone, while in the presence of a friend, may lead them to believe that the person on the other end of the line is more important. The people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.
PLEASE EXCUSE ME
If you are expecting a call that can’t be postponed, especially if it is from a parent, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in.
TEXT TO SAVE TIME
Sending a text message is an easy way to communicate easily and quickly. Make sure that you don’t text while having a conversation with another person. It is important that you give others, especially clients and customers, your full, undivided attention.
DON’T TEXT AND DRIVE
Pull over if you absolutely must send a text message or wait until you have reached your destination. Don’t put yourself or others at risk!
LISTEN AND LEARN
Enjoy your movies, music and streaming video but, be sure to use your earphones to avoid distracting others in public places.
HERE’S TO HAPPY, POLITE TALKING AND TEXTING!
Leslie Jennewein, Certified Etiquette Instructor
Protocol School of Washington
The Manners Advantage
Link to Aspen and Lucy
