MARINE CORPS AIR STATION NEW RIVER, N.C. -- Marines asked about cell phone etiquette probably immediately think about the “no talking while walking” rule they adhere to while in uniform.
But let’s not forget the basics of cell phone courtesy taught to us before we signed on the line and committed to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
In 2002, Jacqueline Whitmore, an international business etiquette consultant and author, created Cell Phone Courtesy Month, recognized every July.
With the growth of cell phone usage and simultaneously the diminishing of phone manners, Whitmore said she felt the issue was an important matter to discuss.
“Every July I toot my cell phone courtesy horn,” Whitmore posted on her blog on July 16. “This year is no exception.”
While July 2013 has come to a close, cell phone etiquette is something we can practice for the remainder of the year.
Here are a few thoughts to help you on the path to become a polite cell phone user.
First, if you’re out at a public event you need to be mentally present, as well as physically present. Why bother coming to an important meeting or fancy shindig if you plan on hiding behind your cell phone the entire time?
You are sending the message that you do not care about the people around you or the material being discussed.
Second, if you must bother the general public with an important phone call, keep your volume down. Nobody likes the guy or girl in the waiting room screaming on their cell.
Finally, be careful of what you say over the phone line while in public. There are people out there who might take advantage of the fact that you just blurted out your credit card information in the middle of the grocery store.
These are just three of the many ways you can improve your cell phone manners out in public.
Take the time to improve your situational awareness for the next time you pull your phone out in public.