PUT DOWN THOSE PHONES………………..In case you didn’t know it, I am here to shout from the rooftops that the Month of July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month!
Jacqueline Whitmore is an etiquette expert who founded this celebratory month and according to her blog, the stats show that 91% of all Americans own a cell phone which comes to an astounding total of some 285 cell phones in the U.S. alone. Jacqueline is just one of many (myself included) who believe cell phone irresponsibility which includes rudeness, cursing and disrespectfull behavior is on the rise and we are sick of it.
Because of this behavior, she founded the official Month back in 2002 with the hope of raising consciousness and making individuals more respectful of their surroundings, but alas, it seems to have only gotten worse over the years. If you wish to join this cause and bring people back down to earth, off their phones and in touch with reality again, I suggest you read the following tips straight from Jacqueline’s blog:
- 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, it’s best to put your phone on silent mode.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 don’t disrupt your surroundings.
- 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.
- Follow the rules. Some places, such as some restaurants or courtrooms, 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.
- Excuse yourself. If you’re 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’re with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.
- Send a text message when you want to send a quick message. But remember not to text while having a conversation with another person. It’s important to give others, especially clients and customers, your full, undivided attention.
- Watch and listen discreetly. Multimedia applications such as streaming video and music are great ways to stay informed and access the latest entertainment. Use earphones to avoid distracting others in public areas.
- Don’t text and drive. Don’t put your life or those of others at risk. Pull over if you absolutely must send a message or wait until you reach your destination.
- …..and a personal final one from me – it’s not all about you!! this world functioned just fine before cell phones became a “necessary” form of communication – most of the conversations (and I wish there were stats I could refer to) are a bunch of gabby nonsense and not the crucial life and death or have to reach connections. Wake up America – put the phone down – you don’t need to look that important! Meet your call recipient in person and have a nice conversation on me!!!!
