“It’s For You”
Copyright 2005 by Suzy Wurtz
I am
the only columnist on the face of the earth who hasn’t done a rant about cell
phones— until today. Of course, YOU would never abuse others with poor cell
phone etiquette, but you can clip this out and mail it to those who do.
Anonymously, of course.
Don’t get me wrong; I love the convenience of cell phones. Our first mobile
phone weighed about four pounds with the battery. Now fifteen years later, they
are teeny and can hold a charge for days. They have much more capability than
my first computers. Some phones take photos, browse the Internet, and tell you
when you’re late for an appointment. I will go on record as saying that cell
phones are one of the greatest technological inventions for private
communication.
Did you read that word, “private?” A phone conversation is
not a public speech. (I actually work as a public speaker, so I’m a credible
source here.) A phone conversation is private speech. If you’re in private,
it’s none of my business if your ring tones demonstrate your poor taste. If
you’re in private, it’s none of my business if you holler into the phone. If
you’re in private, it’s none of my business if you discuss your love life,
schedule, or your latest doctor’s appointment.
But when you share a public space, friend, there are some
societal norms on this planet that we call “manners.” And yes, manners are still
in style.
I’m sorry I have to be the one to tell you, but your
conversations are not that interesting. Neither are your ring tones. I know
this is surprising news, but apparently, no one has had the guts to mention it
to you before. Here’s the straight story:
1) Phones should be turned OFF in a theatre, a church,
a restaurant, a classroom, a library, a museum, or any meeting (this goes for
the small town committee or the corporate boardroom). If you are a doctor on
call, please put it on vibrate. If you’re not a doctor on call, what makes you
think you’re so darned important? You’re not. Turn the phone off. Or stay
home. We won’t miss you.
2) Multi-tasking is a great concept, but don’t do it. If
you’re going to shop, then shop. Don’t talk on the phone.
3) If you do receive a call in a public space, speak
quietly and move to an isolated spot. Get out of the hearing range of others,
even if they are friends or family. And particularly if they are strangers. Ten
to twenty feet away please.
4) The cell phone microphone is quite sensitive. You
think you have to talk loudly because your mouth isn’t close to it, but in
reality, it’s powerful enough to transmit your whispers. If it’s so noisy in
the room that you have to talk loudly, you shouldn’t be trying to hold a
conversation there.
5) Don’t talk on the phone while driving unless you
have a headset. Your driving is already bad enough with two hands. Don’t press
your luck. And don’t endanger my family or me.
6) Be comfortable with yourself. Yes, you can stand
in a line quietly without talking on a phone. You can do it. Just breathe
deeply.
Two months ago, my
daughter and I took a weekend trip to Nebraska for my mother’s 80th
birthday party. My husband wasn’t feeling well, so he stayed home. My teen and
I decided to listen to some recent Broadway musicals on the trip, so we turned
off our cell phones for the morning. Around lunchtime, we listened to our voice
mail to find that my husband was on his way into surgery with a ruptured
appendix. We had already traveled five hours, but we turned around and came
home. Which brings me to my final cell phone tip:
7) Check your messages frequently.
|
Previous Column | |Next
Column |
Back to Top
