July Is Cell Phone Courtesy Month

Recently, my husband Jon and I decided to take advantage of some miles we had and treat ourselves to a resort hotel on the Big Island of Hawaii. We were weary from work and the relentless stimulation of technology that accompanied it. Our plan was to spend a whole lot of time by the pool -- and very little talking on a cell phone, e-mailing or watching television.

By the second day, I could already feel myself getting into the rhythm of the islands as I sat ocean-side in the Jacuzzi, my head resting on a foam pillow, my hand holding a piña colada -- paradise found.

Like a scene out of a totally clichéd Hollywood movie, my eyes were closed and the sound of crashing waves washed over me. Then, a cell phone rang. The man next to me picked it up and began screaming at his stockbroker -- paradise lost.

My, how the times have changed. Remember the good old days when there was just a smoking or non-smoking section? Apparently, under the current umbrella of social correctness, you can't smoke at either pool (which I personally appreciate), but you can annoy your fellow vacationers -- at least one of them.

According to the ABC Web site, one ABC News "20/20" survey found that 87 percent of Americans said they have encountered people talking on cell phones in public places in a loud or annoying manner. Slightly less than 4 out of 10 often experience generally rude or disrespectful behavior, cursing, near-cursing or people interrupting conversations to use e-mail or cell phone.

Jacqueline Whitmore, author of "Business Class: Etiquette Essentials for Success at Work" and President of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, Inc., has made a career of helping organizations and individuals master the finer points of business etiquette.

In 2002, she officially founded National Cell Phone Courtesy Month with the intent of making cell phone users more respectful of their surroundings.

"Wireless phones and other electronic devices have become so important to keeping people in touch with information they want and need," says Whitmore. "It's important to educate people about the proper way to use these devices so that they're still in touch, but not annoying those around them." According to Whitmore, wireless phone users can take these steps to avoid offending others:

1. Be all there. When you're in a meeting, performance, courtroom or other busy area, let calls go to voicemail to avoid a disruption. In some instances, turning your phone off may be the best solution.

2. Keep it private. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid discussing private or confidential information in public. You never know who may be in hearing range.

3. Keep your cool. Don't display anger during a public call. Conversations that are likely to be emotional should be held where they will not embarrass or intrude on others.

4. Learn to vibe. Use your wireless phone's silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundings.

5. Avoid "cell yell." Remember to use your regular conversational tone when speaking on your wireless phone. People tend to speak more loudly than normal and often don't recognize how distracting they can be to others.

6. Follow the rules. Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, restrict or prohibit the use of mobile phones, so adhere to posted signs and instructions. Some jurisdictions may also restrict mobile phone use in public places.

7. Excuse yourself. If you are expecting a call that can't be postponed, alert your companions ahead of time and excuse yourself when the call comes in; the people you are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.

8. Send a message. Use Text Messaging to send and receive messages without saying a single word.

9. Watch and listen discreetly. New multimedia applications such as streaming video and music are great ways to stay informed and access the latest entertainment. However, adjust the volume based on your surroundings in much the same way that you would adjust your ringer volume. Earphones are a great way to avoid distracting others in public areas.

10. Alert silently. When using your phone's walkie-talkie feature, send the person you're trying to reach a Call Alert before starting to speak. If you're around other people, turn off your phone's external speaker and use the vibration setting to minimize any disturbance and to respect your contact's privacy.

Please note that this article is copyrighted by Karen Leland. If you would like to reprint any or all of it on your blog or website you are welcome to do so, provided you give credit and a live link back to this posting.

Karen Leland is author of the recently released book Time Management In An Instant:60 Ways to Make the Most of Your Day. She is the co-founder of Sterling Consulting Group and its subsidiary Sterling Marketing Group. For questions, comments or to book Karen to speak at your next event, please e-mail [e-mail].

Follow Karen Leland on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Karenleland

Comments

[lz1]

From # 4:

"Use your wireless phone's silent or vibration settings in public places such as business meetings, religious services, schools, restaurants, theaters or sporting events so that you do not disrupt your surroundin­gs."

I don't consider a vibrating cell phone at a theater or church service to be very polite or considerate. Others can hear the phone vibrating and/or feel the vibrations if the phone is in a bag set on the floor. In those situations, I believe the proper thing is to turn the phone off.

[Karen Leland - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Iz1;

I take your point but I think in some circumstances - the kids are home alone, or with a babysitter, you're mom is in the hospital, you're waiting to hear about an important job etc. it may be necessary to be contacted. I think at those times, the most important thing is don't answer it inside, but go outside.

[lz1]

My feeling is that if being in contact is truly that imperative, what is one doing at a play or at the movies? After all, it's only in the last ten or fifteen years that everyone had a cell phone, and people certainly had sick parents or left children with babysitters before then.

[chicgogo]

I think we have gotten to where we can't stand to be alone with ourselves and have to be connected via some device at all times. There is nothing more rude to me than someone yammering away on a cell phone when they are checking out at a store. They are being inconsiderate to both the clerk and the person they are talking to as they are giving neither their full attention, not to mention they are annoying the rest of us in line.

I hope the word gets out about July being the month for cell phone etiquette. It would be nice, even for just one month, to grocery shop without being annoyed by one half of a loud, obnoxious conversation.

[JScott]

And don't forget food service counters in restaurants.

[commonsenselives]

OMG, yes.

I used to work as a cashier and when someone would come up to me talking on their phone, I would be very obnoxious with my greeting. "HELLO!!! HOW ARE YOU TODAY?!!!!DID YOU FIND EVERYTHING OK?"

They usually got the hint.

[txkayrose]

I confess, I do tend to talk on my phone while I am WAITING IN LINE at the grocery store, especially if there are several customers ahead of me. But, as soon as my groceries start hitting the belt, the phone goes away. As you say - otherwise, it's rude to the person waiting on me AND the person I'm talking to.

[styleexpert]

Thank you for bringing to our attention the importance of cell phone etiquette. National Cell Phone Month is a fantastic idea. -LV

[Laserbeam]

I don't own a cell phone.

As a bus rider, they are terribly annoying. Some people will talk for an hour non-stop, oblivious to those around them, at a high volume. I think if they are going to force me to listen to them, I will act the part of someone who is terribly interested.

I go sit next to them and stare at them, nodding my head where appropriate to show I'm paying attention. Eventually they get the idea and hang up, usually saying, "I'm on the bus..."

[marmmalou]

Karen, how does a polite person deal with a thoughtless cell phone user who is very disruptive and speaks loudly on their cell in a public place? I don't want to hear about what he had for dinner last night, or about his girkfriend It seems like people are less and less considerate of others and surprisingly, don't care about sharing too much Personal information while others are present (including children)

[mltmama]

When this has happened to me, I whisper to them "We can hear everything you're saying in case you forget and say something personal." This usually works. Of course, I live in the south where you can do things like this and not get shot or beat up.

[Mnemanth]

I just invite myself into the conversation. I mean, really, by their actions I'm involved anyway, so they must not mind. Right?

[TanzaniteDiamonds]

lol! I'm adding that one to my list.

[TanzaniteDiamonds]

I say "TMI" (Too Much Information) , or "Volume Down Please", or "You're telling 'all of us' this because___­_______???­"

One of those is bound to work. They've never failed me yet.

[Karen Leland - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Marmmalou;

That is an excellent question. To be honest - I'm not sure. I struggle with that one myself. I think that would make an excellent column. I'll get on researching that right away and get back to you.

[Halsey]

does Hallmark make a card yet for Cellphone courtesy month? if so...I'll buy a gross...