How's Your Mobile Phone Manners?

More and more people are forgetting about proper cell phone manners. I'm talking about the loud, rude attitude that has seemingly pervaded all of the mobile phone-carrying society. The irritating ring tones and the incessant yakking spare nothing; not even meetings, funerals, and presentations. And I'm not kidding about this. Just ask a lot of salesmen, executives, doctors, lawyers, and practically anybody. They'll know what I'm talking about.

From avenues to movie theaters, from classrooms to conference rooms, from restaurants to churches, boorish cell phone users can victimize you. They practically forget the most basic of courtesies. I know a lot, and I mean a lot, of people who have quite a few anecdotes to tell about this attitude. My favorite so far is the one about a speaker who was in the middle of a presentation. His mobile phone rang and he immediately stopped and answered his phone! It's about time that we lay down the law about proper cell phone etiquette.

In a recent poll, majority of Americans agree that the worst habit of cell phone users is carrying out loud conversations in public. Moreover, atrocious cell phone manners is observed by almost everybody at least once a day. But let me make one thing perfectly clear. Cell phones are not the issue here. People are. Mobile technology is being abused all around us. It's time to take a stand against it. Here are some dos and don'ts.

Don't take a personal call using your cell phonein the middle of a business meeting. This rule also includes meetings with co-workers or subordinates, and job interviews. You'll be surprised to know how many job applicants flunk this one.

Do not subject others to your phone conversations. We do not need to know the banal details about your life. People around you should have the privilege of not listening. And remember to keep all conversations short and simple.

Never hold a phone conversation inside arenas, elevators, libraries, places of worship, memorial parks, infirmaries, lunchrooms, galleries, or any other enclosed public spaces. Try also not to hold an intimate phone conversation while in public. If you really must, get an earpiece, so that you can control the volume of your voice.

Don't use annoying ring tones that distract others and destroy eardrums. Do we really have to listen to this nonsense? Do try to be mature about this. Stop trying to multi-task with your phone. Avoid making calls while shopping, walking the dog, waiting in line or doing other personal business. And one more thing. Tell everyone that you're now using improved cell phone etiquette, and ask them to do the same. It's very important.

Technology and good manners can belong. The same thing happened with the Internet, when email etiquette had to be observed. You can always use the vibrate function, use voice mail, or go to a secluded area before making a call. All it takes is a little bit of consideration.

Azlan Irda is the co-founder of http://www.AgeComputer.com, your cell phone superstore. Visit our website to find all the mobile phones and accessories you will ever need.

- Azlan Irda