Mobile Phone Etiquette – The Proper Conduct When Using Your Mobile Phone

by Bernard Sinai · Published August 14, 2011 · Updated March 20, 2017

Mobile phone etiquette

The mobile phone has shifted from being a luxury item to a necessity. Nearly everyone in the city has a mobile phone and it is probably the most used device ever, however, not everyone knows how to conduct themselves when using mobiles. In this article, I will be giving the basic etiquette for using a mobile phone in public. The list below is categorized in into 2, the business and personal etiquette.

Using the mobile phone to conduct business

Always answer your phone with a greeting and state your name. This is especially important when you are using a company mobile. The initial greeting sets the pace and feeling the caller will have with you and providing your name is a courtesy letting the person know who they are talking with. For example, “Hello, Bernardo speaking.”
Always switch off your phone when you are in a meeting. It would be downright rude and unprofessional if your mobile interrupted the meeting halfway. This also ensures that you do not read your text messages (SMS) which sends a very bad image to the others.
When discussing business matters in public, always be discreet. Business details and other important details should always be discussed in private.
Always ensure that the ringtone you set for a particular contact is appropriate. The ringtone also gives others the impression you have of them.
Don’t text a client unless you both have agreed to this.
Turn your ringtone down when in the office.
Don’t lend your work phone to wantoks and family to use.

Using your mobile at home

Avoid taking calls when in a queue in places like the bank or when behind the checkout counter. If you have to, then always make it short and sweet.
Talk – don’t shout or raise your voice when talking on the mobile.
Talk with minimal action. You’ve probably noticed some people like to make gestures when talking on the phone. This does not help in any way when talking on the phone. The person on the other hand cannot see you – they can only hear!
When you are with friends, in a restaurant or at the bar, always take your calls outside or away from the group.
Switch to vibrate when you are in public places like a restaurant or cinema. Ringtones will only disturb others.

I hope the list provides a guide we can use when using the mobile phone. Remember; always consider the people around you when using the mobile.

You can find out more about mobile phone etiquette by visiting the sites listed below.

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