I was sitting next to someone in traffic, we both had our windows rolled down, and I noticed that she was talking on her cell phone. Not only did I notice that she was on the cell phone, but I heard every word of a rather personal conversation with her daughter.
I’m sure both women would be really upset to find out that they’d confided their problems in a total stranger (who had not really intended to be part of this exchange!)
This caused me to give some thought to a common phenomenon – the convenience of cell phones often causes people to forget some key principles of etiquette.
In an amazing coincidence, when I got back to my office, I ran across a blog post from Jaimie Field (Enlightened Rainmaking)
I was recently on a New York City bound train at rush hour and couldn’t help overhearing the conversations of the people on their mobile devices. Of course I couldn’t help it – for some reason, when people are on their phones they lose the ability to modulate their voice levels. (It always reminds me of that scene in the first Austin Powers movie when they unfreeze the lead character who had been cryogenically frozen for 30 years.)
Now in this particular instance I was listening to someone speak of their Uncle Joe’s liver transplant and how this holiday season is going to be tough since he is not allowed to drink anymore. What do you think?  Too Much Information?
This got me to thinking about Attorneys and their cell phone etiquette (or in some instances, lack thereof). I have been at lunches where a phone call has interrupted a perfectly wonderful conversation. Then, I sat there while my attorney client had a 10 minute conversation right in front of me. It is important to add that there was nothing that I heard from their end of the conversation that couldn’t have been said at a later time.
We could write a list of etiquette rules for cell phone users, but it really boils down to common sense and a three key principles:
- The current situation (driving, conversing with people in person, checking out at the store, etc.) always take precedence over a cell phone conversation.
- In the event of an emergency (something you MUST handle over the cell phone) stop what you’re doing. Get out of line at the store, pull over to the side of the road, excuse yourself from the table or the conversation, and handle the emergency.
- Remember that no cell phone conversation is ever really private.
No related posts.
Paula:
Thank you for your kind mention in your post! I appreciate it tremendously.
Happy New Year,
Jaimie Field
twitter: @jaimiefield
http://www.marketingfield.com
blog: http://www.jaimiefield.com
You’re very welcome, Jaimie! I found your blog for the first time today and will be a regular visitor.
-Paula
There is a well known comedy program here in the UK called ‘The Fast Show’. One of the main sketches revolved around a character who had the loudest mobile phone conversations possible in public.
It always amazes me how many people seem oblivious to others around then and are intent on shouting to the world. Personally, I hate my mobile and would rather be without it where I can have a moments peace. I would turn it off but then I just have the messages to deal with later! I think that it is the expectation in business these days that you be contactable all of the time regardless of what you are doing.
I think that cell phone etiquette is very important nowadays, because the convenience of cell phones often causes people to forget some key principles of etiquette.
GVoice has changed my life. The features of it are amazing, for example the ability to listen in on voicemail messages. I have invites if anyone wants one. Also I hope that Apple rethinks the GVoice App, hwo could such an amazing program get denied by Apple?
I can’t help but feel that the cell phone has become the single most distructive tool in the last 20 years. As a small business owner I used to get around 50 calls a day from staff, suppliers and customers (my family were banned!) – it constantly interupted my work pattern and got in my way. Whats more I couldn’t relax. I’ve managed to change things around and now have less than 2 calls a day. I believe that these nusances should be regulated in many ways before they completely change the fabric of our society.
Hello. Very interesting Post. Not really what i have searched over Google, but thanks for the information. Can you email me back, please. Awaiting your Answer.
quite interesting article
Interesting article, but i think that people can be in different situations of life, when the rules of etiquette are not so important..
hi different & pretty good your article is………
I agree with Pop Up Stands, I think the majority of cell-phone calls are un-necessary. Given the choice, I would rather switch mine off at work but unfortunately I have to leave it switched on in case I need to be contacted in an emergency.
This topic seems to have gone quiet
Cell Phone – Literally funny. ^_^
I Really appreciate this post. Thanks for sharing this. It is very informative and helpful to all cellphone users. Proper way of using cellphone most especially in public must be given attention. I also agree that cellphone etiquette is very important to apply nowadays.
Cellphones have advantages as well as disadvantages. I think all elements in life has its positive and negative outcomes. Well, when some things that came with cellphones are absolutely unnecessary, but let’s admit it, we all have one of these that we’re using everyday for convenience…
Interesting article. I believe etiquette also depends in our culture. Since people came different culture, they also have different perspective on cellphone etiquette. So I guess it is a matter on how a person is brought up with good etiquette on different perspectives.
The worst is when you are at an eatery and someone is talking about medical conditions, doctors appointments, or, just anything at all. There are certain times where the phone should be used in private. We are becoming much more of a open-social-conversations, but even on Facebook and Twitter people go too far there as well. It’s not really the technology to blame, it’s probably the parenting!
Personally, I hate my mobile and would rather be without it where I can have a moments peace.
So true. Here in NZ they’ve finally banned cellphone use while driving. It’s just commonsense.
For whatever reason, many people talk at top volume when they are on a cell phone. Microphones are sensitive. The person you are calling can hear you. We don’t need to. Enough said.
I like this post! its an interesting and i also believe etiquette also depends in our culture. Since people came different culture, they also have different perspective on cellphone etiquette. thanks for sharing….
I like this post! its an intedresting and i also believe etiquette also depends in our culture. Since people came different cultdure, they also have different perspective on cellphone etiquette. thanks for sharingd
I like when I am having lunch at a restaurant & the idiot at the next table feels the need to talk on his Bluetooth like it’s a microphone and were all there for his key note. This seems to be the worst with sales people & the kind of business executive that everyone hates working for. I don’t care what’s going on in your business, I don’t want to hear about. It’s as irritating as screaming kids and the those lovely people who stand in the doorway while smoking.
Your list of cell phone ettiquite should be posted all over on billboards!!!! Remember people, especially parents..kids learn by example.
teach your kids good cell phone manners and for any other issues check out terrificparenting.com
Nowadays, phone etiquette is needed because it seems that people lost the essence of being respectful even if speaking on the line.
Harold
“Remember that no cell phone conversation is ever really private.”
>>though I totally agree with this line, I’m still curious on what to do with a cellphone conversation where you need to handle immediately but you’re on a public place (e.g., a train or bus). How can you excuse yourself? I think cellphone companies should develop models of cellphone that has earphones connected via bluetooth so that it won’t be a hassle at all.
Truly yours,
Daniel
The ShishaGuy
@Harold,
Yes, phone etiquette now a days. lots of people even older ones dont know how to use phone etiquette. We must teach the children on how to handle phone conversation the right way, right manners and polite words.
And yes, no cell phone conversation or message is secured and private.
Peter from Philippines
Webmaster, BestCoffeeMaker.biz
Cuisinart
“The current situation (driving, conversing with people in person, checking out at the store, etc.) always take precedence over a cell phone conversation.”
I agree with that. I find it annoying to be the recipient of so much information I did not
want, when being in a crowd of strangers. I need to think more about this with my own cell phone use.
I think people could have messages left or step outside if it is important. Many public places such as the post office I go to ask that cell phones be turned off when a person is being waited on.
Let us redeem what we have lost in the older days. Let us get back in to the place where good phone etiquette being practiced.
What happen to our young ones today? One thing I believe, the power of media changed their lives a lot. really, really, a lot.
I agree to most of you. Giving back the right way to talk over the phone is very important. Be soft when you speak with manners and proper words in receiving the call and ending the conversation.
In my home town, I saw a man walking on the street texting. He was hit by a motorcycle, and worst thing is, the motorcycle driver was texting also, driving one hand.
driving on a highway is not a joke. why people dont take heed to these lessons?
Thanks to this post, Paula… You do a good post. Keep it up.
Peter
Iligan City, Philippines
Webmaster, Food Dehydrator
“In the event of an emergency (something you MUST handle over the cell phone) stop what you’re doing. Get out of line at the store, pull over to the side of the road, excuse yourself from the table or the conversation, and handle the emergency.”
I wish more people would see that they need to withdraw from the line in the store, get off the road or not continue to set/stand in a group of people to talk on the cell phone at any time.
I don’t like being included in all the conversations when it is none of my business or I don’t want to know all the little details, but it gets out there to the whole group. There is a time and place…. usually not with a bunch of other people around.
Thanks for the post.