How to use cell-phones in public places
Lack of cell phone etiquettes seems to be a predominantly Indian problem. Actually, make that phone etiquettes. Especially in public places including offices. Many people do not even recognize that there is a problem with their phone etiquettes (or the lack of it). Some don't care. This article is not for them. It's for those who quite aren't aware, or have never thought about it. As we spend more and more time talking on phones, and in public places, these ettiquettes become essential personal habits.
I have bunched phone and cell-phone ettiquttes together, where it makes sense. But mostly it's about cell-phone usage in public. Here then is the list:
None of these are hard and fast rules. Most of these are common sense things, but one is appaled by the lack of such a common sense around.
Things You'll Need
- common sense
- ability to grasp people's irritation
- brain
Steps
Avoid loud ringers: Major pain point. Please switch to a silent/restrained profile when you enter: offices, theaters (movie/drama/even open-air), hospitals (above all!), schools, colleges, other people's homes, religious places of worships. It's easy to forget, but here is a nice tip: when some-one's phone rings loudly where it shouldn't, check your profile.
Do not speak in loud voice: Many times people forget their environment and talk too loudly. Again, most of the places mentioned above are relevant. Most of the time you do not need to shout. The person at the other end may be able to hear you clearly at much lower volume of your voice. Many a times we shout because we can't hear. It's natural thing to do when talking face to face. With phones, even if you are unable to hear the other person due to noise in your background, s/he might have no problem hearing you, even when you're speaking softly. Some Dos and Don'ts:
- Speak clearly
- Reduce speed of speech, if other person can't make you out. Volume isn't everything.
- Check the position of the mouthpiece.
- Cover your mouth and phone with your hand to dampen background noise (and also your noise).
- Ask the other person to move to quieter location, or move to a place where you are less problem for others, if possible (in offices, move to unused conference room or something).
Do not drive while talking on phone: It could earn you a hefty fine in some cities (well not in most, in India but this may change), it could/does cause accidents, and it does cause nuisance -- it's easy to lose track of where you are while talking on phone. People drive slowly, blocking traffic. People stop in the middle of the road while driving. It's appalling. Do NOT do it. If you have to take a call, indicate that you're turning and/or stopping. Pull to the side of the road (unless you're on expressway), and take the call. If in car, please have hands free handy. And even then, if you think it's going to be a long call, pull up to the side.
Do not leave cell phone unattended: Apart from losing it, and compromising some information (remember, your PDAs and smart phones have a LOT of information these days, that could be exploited or used against you), it's a huge pain when you're not on silent profile and the phone keeps ringing repetitively, when someone is trying to call you desperately. It's a NUISANCE in office. You've faced it. Don't force it on others! Be good. Remember to carry your phone with you.
Avoid crazy ring-tones: I know it's your phone. I know it's your taste. But unfortunately, it's not your home where it's ringing. Try choosing simple, soft ring-tones. For example, check the defaults that the cellphones typically provide. They're rarely crazy. Some wild dance music is NOT the thing you want to play (loudly or otherwise) in offices, religious places, hospitals and so on.
Remember your phone has a vibrator mode: Very useful for meetings, and for places where it's wise to keep a low profile (you know the list by now). Use it to be less obnoxious :).
Theaters are not places to have long conversations: Yes, I know it's very basic, but sadly, commonly ignored. If you have to take a call, softly tell the person where you are, and if it's urgent. If it is, go OUT and take it. You can use message.
Offices are not places to discuss your family life: Just because the desk phone is free to use in most companies, does not mean you should burden people around you with your family trivia -- what you kid did or did not eat today, how you fought with your mother-in-law, and so on. This is more commonly a problem with women in workforce, but men aren't completely clean on this either.
Missed calls are not nice, generally: Missed calls to make other people call you back or NOT a nice idea, unless you've previously discussed with the person (or emergencies -- you're on costly roaming, and have to speak with someone who wouldn't mind calling back). Missed calls are a nice trick to keep telephone companies from earning money while exchanging information through the network -- agreed upon protocols. But use them sparingly as a 'let him/her call me back' mechanism.
Tips
- Keep in mind: privacy is security: it is beyond etiquettes/niceties: remember information is power. Don't let it fall in wrong hands.
- Be aware of what you're talking on the phone in public places.
- Phone etiquettes are not everything, but they are an important social skill these days.
- Be responsible, be aware.
- Watch others -- and don't repeat what bothers you.
Comments
Every one with common sense
Every one with common sense should know this. I am really frustated by the constant loud ringing cell phones at my work. You won't beleive how much annoying it can get.
Nice Read. thanks.
Yes, everyone should learn
Yes, everyone should learn basic telephone etiquette, dealing with people is an important manifestation of respect for others
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