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Cell Phone Etiquette

Written by: Gloria Starr

Article Overview: Good manners and cell phone etiquette

Cell Phone Etiquette


There are some hard, cold truths to the way we use our cell phones, but they’ve become commonplace to the point of forming an accepted, unwritten code. We screen calls we should otherwise answer. We reply to missed calls with texts. We hope to reach voicemail on calls we have to (but don’t want to) make. When we call someone and they don’t answer, and they may have looked at their phone and made a decision to not take the call. The following are guidelines of cell phone etiquette and courtesy:

One: Screening Calls
It’s important to screen calls with a fine touch. It may be acceptable; you just can’t do it too often.

Two: The Missed Call
Occasionally we legitimately miss a call. If it’s a call we wanted to take, we’ll return it immediately. Replying to a missed call with a text is acceptable. Sending a text is a great way of indicating that yes, you saw the call, and you wanted to take it, but you just couldn’t.

Three: Intentional and Unintentional Dropped Calls
Intentionally dropping a call when a conversation is inappropriate in length or content may occasionally be necessary.

Four: The Challenge of Poor Reception
Poor reception is one of the under-appreciated gems of the cell phone. You may hit dead spots where others have no problem. The inconsistencies are so consistent that we don’t even question them. No one even doubts a person’s sincerity because it happens, even on calls you don’t intentionally end.

Five: The (IM and SMS) Personal Text Message
(IM) Personal Texts are like BCC’s on email. Texts are perfect for their convenience and they take a little effort to write.

Six: Speaking in Public
There are several inappropriate places to talk on your cell, but none worse than the gate at an airport. If you need to use your phone please cover your mouth and the speaker of the phone with your other hand. Don’t talk on your cell phone in elevators, buses or trains. Texting is a great option and should be used whenever possible. It’s unobtrusive and quiet. Using your cell phone while driving in some states is illegal. You may be able to use your speaker phone successfully.

Seven: Phone Tag
If a game of phone tag goes on for four calls (that is, both parties make two calls that go unanswered), it is within the boundaries of proper etiquette to end the game and stop calling.
In placing two calls each, you’ve both sufficiently said your hellos, and by the voicemails you’ve left, the purpose of the call is clear. Please leave a specific time you can be reached.

Eight: Lengthy Voicemail Messages
If you reach voicemail, please speak slowly, be specific, say your name and phone number at the beginning of your message and at the end of your message.

Nine: Ring Tones
A ring tone is humorous the first time it is played and after that it becomes annoying. At that point you either need to select a new ring tone, or put your phone on vibrate.

Related Articles
  Mobile Manners – Cell Phone Etiquette Tips From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach
  Mobile Call Forwarding
  Ten Tips for Cell Phone Courtesy
  Sales Training Ideas on Mobile Cell Phone Use
  Who Invented the Cell Phone

Article Tags: cell phone etiquette, Gloria Starr, phone etiquette



Related Forum Posts
How do i answer the phone? - I learned this technique from a successful businessman who earns over a million dollars a year. He just uses his name like this... Phone rings... " This is Dwayne..." It kind of throws people off who have a preplanned script and gets right into it. Phone rings... " This is Dwayne..." No Hello, no good morning/afternoon/evening Phone rings... "This is Dwayne..."
Re: Can you read body language and convert it into a sale? - I can definitely read their mood by how they speak on the phone. You can usually also tell by the way they respond to the things you are saying. Phone sales aren't as easy as when you see them in person, but I still believe their tone can tell a lot.
Re: Making Money in 2010 - What's Next? - Mobile contents will sell more this year. Cell phones are now replacing our laptops and PC. You can do virtually all thing you do on your pc on your cell phone now or smart phone.
Re: America's 9 Most Stolen Products - Hey Evan, I'm pretty surprised by some of the items on the list. Cell phones and small electronic gadgets are the normal items to get stolen in my area that I hear about. Food, especially meat and stuff, seems odd, but the reasons are understandable as Michelle pointed out. Meat is rather expensive these days, and I'm sure many have a hard time affording the meat they would really like to have. Those excuses are hilarious.
Re: Can you read body language and convert it into a sale? - [quote="mbrand2222":3738chdj]I can definitely read their mood by how they speak on the phone. You can usually also tell by the way they respond to the things you are saying. Phone sales aren't as easy as when you see them in person, but I still believe their tone can tell a lot.[/quote:3738chdj] Hi Mary, Would you have a specific example you could share with us on how you cab turn an unfriendly tone (from a client) into a positive one or even a sale?


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