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How not to annoy people with your phone – Metro US

How not to annoy people with your phone

Get more tips from Jacqueline Whitemore at EtiquetteExpert.com. Get more tips from Jacqueline Whitemore at EtiquetteExpert.com.

Even though you haven’t used your cell phone as a phone in two years, you’re probably still being annoying with it. In honor of July being National Cell Phone Courtesy Month, we got tips from National Cell Phone Courtesy Month founder and etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore.

Be polite by following her cell phone rules:

1. 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, turning your phone off may be the best solution.

2. 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.

3.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.

4. Learn to vibe
Always 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 do not disrupt your surroundings.

5. 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.

6. Follow the rules
Some places, such as hospitals or airplanes, 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.

7. Excuse yourself
If you are 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 are with should take precedence over calls you want to make or receive.