Thursday, September 19, 2013

Metiquette Rules

September-19-2013
Amber R. Hiles


1. Interrupting a conversation to accept a mobile call or text message

-One should only take a call during a conversation if the call was expected. In this case, the cell user should notify their guest ahead of time that a call is expected. A text should never interrupt a conversation. In most cases, people will call in the event of an emergency, and a text message can wait.

 

2. Checking email on a mobile device while a meeting is taking place

- One should never interrupt a meeting with any device or form of communication. Full attention to the meeting and the information from the meeting is imperative and shows respect and professionalism.

 

3. Screaming your dismay into the phone while you are waiting in line for the bus

-Raising your voice in public should be avoided unless the person on the other line cannot hear you. Even then, telling them you will phone back when there is less noise is the best option. Screaming in public is a harsh display, and it is a poor display for adults to this in front of children and it interrupts others.

 

4. Taking a phone call or answering a text message during a meal at home or at a restaurant

- Phones should not be brought to the dinner table in any case. Important calls should be scheduled at a time that will not interrupt meal time. It is especially rude at family get-togethers and holiday events.

 

5. Cell phones during class

-Never. The instructor and classroom should always have your respect and attention. If you are a parent, checking your phone once to make sure you haven’t missed a call from a daycare provider is acceptable, but prolonged use is not acceptable. Abide by the rules of the instructor.

 

6. Cell phone use while behind the wheel of a vehicle

-One should avoid any distractions when behind the wheel in the interest of the safety of the driver, passengers, and other drivers. If a phone call or text “must” be made, pulling over and parking in a designated parking spot is the best choice. Avoid using the phone to text at stoplights: this will only cause profuse honking by the people behind you when you miss the green light.

 

7.  Cell phone use while at work (including social media)

- Daycare and family should be notified of your work number so that they can reach you that way. Using a cell phone during work hours is not acceptable. One should always throw themselves into their work and avoid outside distractions. Employees are being paid for a task, not to connect and socialize with friends and family. It is a waste of company time and shows disrespect for the employer.

 

8. Cell phone use while conducting business or shopping

- Do not approach a desk, counter, or check-out lane while on the phone. As a sign of respect, one should always give their full attention to the person they are conducting business with.

 

9. Cell phone use while in labor

- When in the hospital giving birth, it is best to give your phone/devices to your husband, boyfriend, partner, mother until after recuperation time. Distractions are not going to help that baby come out, and the constant Facebook posts and photos are inappropriate for younger crowds.

 

10. Cell phone use at a Doctor’s Office

- Doctors recommend that you do not have you device on during visits. It is a distraction, and their time and your time is valuable. Using your phone during waiting time is permissible, but I assure you, we all know how long doctor’s waiting times can be; you don’t need to post this to Facebook. Think first before sharing with the world all of the gory and nasty details of your recent visit.

 

11. Texting while walking on campus

-Do your fellow classmates and professors a favor and avoid texting and walking. If you need to connect with someone, it is faster to call between classes. If you need to text, stop first and make sure you are out of the way of traffic. Texting while walking slows foot traffic and is a hazard to yourself and others. There are many cases of bumping into other and objects while walking and texting, so it should be avoiding if possible.

 

12. Using cell phones during an informal visit

- Avoid using your cell phone in other people’s homes unless it is absolutely necessary. Ringtones and message tones constantly going off during a visit is rude and disrespectful. The person you have gone to see should have your full attention, unless you both have a mutual friend that is being included in the conversation via text, call, or Skype. If you are visiting someone and your phone rings, silence it and return the call later. If it is an emergency, excuse yourself from the room and step outside to take the call. Having a personal conversation in another person’s home should always be avoided. Never answer a text while visiting, or excuse yourself to return a quick message.

 

13. Using a cell phone in a public bathroom

- Though this can cause some confusion, using your cell phone in a public bathroom is generally okay. Don’t expect privacy, and be careful what you touch.

 

14. “Selfies” in the bathroom

-Bathroom “selfies” are distasteful and should be avoided. If you are wanting to display how obsessed you are with yourself and share how good you happen to look that day, find another avenue. Choose an artistic approach, and stop giving the bathroom so much social media time.

 

15. Camera phone use

- Never use your camera phone at a funeral, accident site, or emergency situation. Remember that the people that have died or have injuries are people too, and viewing them only as something to share on your social media sites is inhumane. Avoid using your camera or video recorder in these situations especially when driving past a scene. This could cause another accident. Taking photos of people in distress, unless asked to, should be avoided. Additionally, explicit photos should never be posted to social media sites, as there are children present in these places. Before choosing the “share” option, always take a second to consider how many people you are sharing this photo or video with, and be tasteful and professional.

 

16. Cell phone use on a date

-Never use your cell phone for anything on a date unless it is to send little love notes to your significant other. There are some things you shouldn’t say out loud in public, and the cell phone offers an opportunity to get a little personal with your date. Photos can also be fun to send back and forth during a date, but always check to make sure you have the correct number before sending a text or photo. If you have the wrong number, it could have a disastrous and embarrassing consequence.
NO!!
 

17. Cell phone use at the movie theater

-Movie theaters run a segment before the feature that reminds movie-goers to turn off their cell phones before the movie begins. Avoid doing anything that could interrupt the experience of those around you. If your silent phone buzzes in your pocket or purse, checking it discreetly is the key. If a call must be taken, walking quietly out of the screening is the best option. Find a quiet area to accept the call and speak quietly.

 

18. Cell phone use at a concert

- Using your cell phone at a concert robs your experience, and does not allow the mind to disengage enough to truly relax. Anything that is very important should be taken care of before the show begins, and anything else can wait until the show is over. Do not start talking loudly into your phone in large crowds. It is rude to the person on the other line, and unpleasant to those around you.

 

19. Answering  your phone when children are yelling and demanding attention

- No one wants to hear screaming when they are expecting to hear a normal greeting. Call the person back when you are in a quiet place and will not be interrupted for a minimum of five minutes. You will want to give the caller your full attention and plenty of time to convey their message to you.

 

20. Answering your phone in bed

- Dedicate time in bed to sleeping. Your body needs rest, and any stimulation from phones, computers, or mobile devices will prevent you from getting needed sleep. Additionally, answering a phone late at night could wake others. If you are staying over with friends of family, mute your phone at night so you don’t disturb your host or hostess.

No comments:

Post a Comment