Want to make an impression? Will it be a good one or a bad one? Check your perception of cell phone etiquette.
Ten simple rules for good manners with your cell phone and its ringtones.
Cell Phone etiquette has become a hot topic as more of us become inseparable from the small plastic object which keeps us in touch with our own little part of the universe. Unfortunately when we are in public and away from our private area, the very province of the cell phone, the priorities of individuals will not coincide.
For example, I am having a quiet meal in an expensive restaurant with my partner. It's a special occasion and we are 'splashing out'. My cell phone is switched off - anyone who knows me, knows where I am and anyone who doesn't can wait; it's simple. You, on the other hand are having a business client for dinner. You want to impress with your efficiency and are conducting a multi-party deal from your table - mostly via your cell phone.
To me, you are a nuisance and completely lacking in good manners. Why should I have to suffer your incessant jabbering?
Would the correct etiquette be to turn the cell phone off every time you go into a public place and not to take or place any calls while you are there? There are many who would advocate such a ruling.
Going back to our restaurant scenario, why don't you have the cell phone on mute and only pick up calls which are absolutely necessary answering them in a low voice and as discreetly as possible making it clear to the caller that you will be very brief. If you need to make a call or receive a long one, leave the main restaurant for a few moments. Sit in the waiting area or at the bar, perhaps.
The thing to bear in mind above all else is that it is not the cell phone nor its ringtone nor even the callers who are the problem, it is the owner of the cell phone and, like a man with a dangerous animal, it is up to you to control it. Before you consider operating one in a public area, put yourself in the position of the other users - how would you feel?
Here are 10 hints for good cell phone manners when in public. How many do you regularly break?
- Keep conversations short if it is an incoming call - someone else is paying.
- Don't carry on loud or long conversations in public. If you must speak, limit it to a terse few words spoken in a low voice.
- You may think your ringtone is cool but it will not be to others in a space which is expected to be quiet. Consider switching to a very conventional tone and keeping it on minimum volume.
- Better than 3, switch your cell phone onto 'mute' and, instead of irritating us all with your chosen ringtone (which we've heard 5 times in as many minutes) let it vibrate in your pocket.
- Allowing yourself to be overheard discussing private business on a cell phone is at best seen as showing off and, at worse could give away important personal data.
- If you really have to make a long call, it is good manners to excuse yourself and do it in a non-quiet area.
- Texting is a better option if you have to communicate while out. Try to switch to that if you can.
- Sitting at a table (eg in a bar or restaurant) and placing your cell phone in front of you makes you look silly.
- Never operate a cell phone in an area of radio signals like hospitals and air ports except where designated permissible.
- Do not use anything other than a hands-free phone when driving
Good manners and etiquette maketh the cell phone! 
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