The Iphone World

Posts Tagged ‘Etiquette’

Have you ever been seated in a restaurant, already to eat your dinner, when your cell phone rang? Do you answer it and talk to whoever is on the other line or do you reach out and mute it, not wanting to disturb anyone? The correct thing to do would be to turn your cell phone off when you go into a restaurant or another place where your phone calls may disturb others. However, if you forgot to turn it off and it rings, mute it so others do not have to hear it.
While cell phones have made our lives easier, they have also made it possible to annoy others. Many individuals think nothing of using their cells phones in public places, such as the subway, restaurant, or even a live performance. The most important thing to remember, however, is that it is not the cell phone that is causing these problems. It is the cell phone user. If you are the owner of a cell phone, you may want to consider getting to know the proper cell phone etiquette.
When you have a cell phone, it is very important to not talk on your phone when you are in restaurants, museums, libraries, or other places where quiet is expected. Such places include hospitals, churches, and waiting rooms. The fact is if you are in an enclosed public place, be safe and do not use your cell phone. If, however, it is an emergency and you must talk to on your phone, it is best to keep at least a ten to fifteen-foot distance from anyone else while you are talking. The most important thing to remember is to use common sense when you have a cell phone.
With the wide availability of ring tones for your phone, many people are often choosing those that are loud and unique. However, just because you like it, doesn’t mean anyone else will. If you are going to have your cell phone on in public, make sure you choose a ring tone that is not too loud and one that is not too annoying. It’s important to remember that while you may need to take a call, you don’t need to annoy anyone or disrupt someone’s concentration.
Another important thing to consider when using your cell phone is to keep your conversations short and simple. By telling the person on the other end that you are on a cell phone, they should understand you wish to keep the call short. You will also want to remember that if you are in a public place, you do not want to talk about your personal business or say things that others should not hear or that you don’t want repeated. You never know who could be listening in when you talk on a cell phone in public.
There are several countries, including Australia, Germany, and Japan that have banned the use of cell phones while driving unless you have a hands-free unit. Many states in the United States have banned cell phones when driving, as well. If you live in a state that does allow the use of cell phones while driving, make sure you take proper precautions to allow for your safety and the safety of others.
With the invention of text messaging, many find communicating with others in public much easier and definitely more private. However, there are certain guidelines you should follow when text messaging, as well.
First of all, you know that annoying little sound that states you have a new text message? The best thing you can do is to put it on mute. This is how kids in classes get away with texting during classes without getting caught. You can prevent yourself from annoying anyone by simply silencing your message alarm. With the advanced technology of the cell phone, you’ll find many are also able to download music and users can play their music anytime and anywhere. It’s important to remember that while you love a certain type of music, others may not.
Is it within proper etiquette to send someone a text message when you are in a public place such as a restaurant or library? Generally, you need to remember that if you are not bothering someone, don’t worry about it. If, however, you’re sitting in the front row of a lecture and you’re bent over texting someone on your cell phone, the lecturer may get a little irritated that you’re not paying attention and you may want to put your cell phone up and plan to text message someone later. If it is one that must be sent, gracefully exit the room and find a quiet spot to send it.
One of the worst possible things you can do when text messaging is to be driving. Believe it or not, there are people who try to make sure they are pressing the right buttons and completely forget they should be looking at where they are going. This needs no explanation to say what could happen.
The fact is text messaging is a great way to communicate and you do not have to bother someone when you communicate this way. No one has to listen to a one-sided conversation or be interrupted by someone yelling, “Can you hear me now?” Text messaging has definitely made life much easier for all.
While many states have issued laws regarding talking on your cell phone while driving a vehicle, there are cities and towns that are discussing the possibility of regulating cell phone usage in public places. Some cities have even gone through with these laws and while they are having difficulty enforcing them, they are placed there in case anyone wishes to pursue the matter of annoyance in court. However, if you are like many, you may not want your cell phone usage regulated. In order to stop this, you must take it in your own hands and practice proper cell phone etiquette and inform others to do so, as well.

Cell phones have made their way into all aspects of our culture in a, sometimes, rather invasive way. The constant use of cell phones has led many businesses to post signs stating that cell phone usage is prohibited in their location. Following a few basic etiquette rules about your cell phone usage will ensure that you never offend those around you.Restaurants
There is now a growing trend among restaurants to institute a no cell phone policy during dining hours. Before sitting down, you might want to check the restaurants policy on cell phone usage during the dinner service. If you absolutely have to be reachable during your dinner you can put your phone on vibrate so as not to disturb your dining companions. If you do accept a call, speak softly and keep the calls brief; letting the caller on the other end know you are trying to enjoy dinner.Movie Theatres
Before the feature attraction starts, almost all movie theatres display messages on the screen urging their guests to be courteous and turn off their cell phones for the duration of the movie. If you are waiting for an urgent message or phone call, turn your phone on vibrate and be sure to exit the theatre before answering the call. No one wants to be the center of attention for being the inconsiderate person who interrupts the movie.Restrooms
It may sounds unusual, but with the urge to be constantly reachable many cell phone users have extended their cell phone use to include the moments where they really should be considerate of the privacy of others! There are very few reasons to use your cell phone when you are in a public restroom, be considerate not only of the other people in the public restroom but of the caller on the other end.Zoos, Aquariums, Museums
Spending a day with your family at a zoo or museum is great for educational family time; however, spending most of the day glued to your cell phone is not only inconsiderate of the needs of your family, but also to others spending time in the zoos, aquariums, and museums. Spend the time with your family, not with your cell phone.School
Middle schools and high schools have restricted the usage of cell phones on their campus; often forbidding cell phone usage outright. However, the restrictions in colleges are a little more lenient. Be considerate of not only of the time of your lecturers but also of the time of your classmates; they are there to learn, not to listen to you telling your buddy all about your date last night.Social Functions
If you are attending a party or even something as informal as a backyard barbeque, it is just common courtesy to turn off your cell phone. If you are expecting a phone call that cannot wait until after the social function, let your host know that you are expecting a call. When you do receive the call be sure to excuse yourself politely to take the call; talking loudly on the phone while in someone else’s home is beyond inconsiderate; it’s rude.Hospital And Doctors Offices
Most hospitals post signs instructing visitors to turn off their cell phones; this is not necessarily because the phones interfere with sensitive equipment, even though often they do. It is more because cell phones can interfere with patients who have to listen to someone talking loudly and rudely. Turn off your phone while in a hospital or doctors office, for the consideration of those around you.
When you are in social situations, try to think of your cell phone as only to be used in case of emergencies. All other phone calls can be sent to voicemail for checking at a later point.

As cell phones have entered the lifestyle of the common people, many are being increasingly found to be breaking the rules that apply to the society we live in.
This article introduces you to a number of cell phone etiquettes that every cell phone holder must be aware of. You will be surprised to find that not many of us are even familiar with all the mobile phone manners that are considered a must-know. Following is a list of behaviors that the cell phone users must know about.
Be Polite To The People Around You
There are places that you can`t escape from very easily. Hence, you should not use your cell phones for talking to people there. For instance, talking to someone on phone while you are using a lift can be considered impolite. Similarly, places like hospitals, public transports, job interviews, museums, funerals, places of worship, airplanes are also situations where you should not consider using you cell phones to talk with others. Since it is difficult to mention all the places where you should apply your cell phone etiquettes, you should use your common sense to choose situations. However, a 10-feet distance is usually considered as a norm if your call is too important to turn down.
Keep Your Volume Down
Many cell phone users usually leave their cell phone on with loud and outlandish ring tones even at places where others might easily get disturbed. Worse, they talk very loudly on their cell phones. Usually, all standard cell phones have been designed in a way to allow the user hear even wisher of the voice and similar sounds. Hence, it is unnecessary to talk in a louder voice with others. Should you feel that your voice is not audible to the person at the other end, choose a place away from others to talk on your cell phones. As mentioned earlier, usually a 10-feet distance will do. However, sometimes, the voice becomes inaudibly low due to the cell phone network error. Cancel the call and try dialing again in such situations.
Keep Your Conversation Brief and To The Point
There are situations too formal to take calls on your cell phones, and there are some calls too important to turn down. In such cases, you should ensure that you shorten your call as short as possible. However, gently excuse yourself from others while you decide to take that urgent call. Alternatively, you can activate the voicecall option on your cell phone, say during a meeting, to allow your callers to leave their messages for you.
Turn Off Your Cell Phone During Public Performances
Although these places are too obvious too talk about, many cell phone users still leave their cell phones switched on thereby causing unnecessary disturbance to others. Places like cinema theaters, plays, and ballets are a place for public entertainment where people come to refresh themselves. Pay respect to them and keep your cell phone either switched off or on vibration mode. If you want to receive or make a call during the show, you should leave your seat and go away from the earshot of the audience.
Take Off The Earpiece While You`re Not On Calls
Many cell phone users continue to wear their wireless earpiece accessory even when they are not on calls. Apart from looking awkward, it often makes others feel that you are not giving your entire attention to the people interacting with you. Make sure you take off your wireless earpiece device after you are done with your calls.
Taking care of your cell phone etiquettes can be extremely useful in building up a healthy personality and fortifying your social relationship. Therefore, you must observe them yourself apart from reminding others if you fell they are breaking the cell phone etiquettes, taking others for granted.