June 30, 2005
July is Cell Phone Courtesy Month
Since 2002, Sprint has rallied the nation for Cell Phone Courtesy Month in July. But are things getting better?
“Unfortunately, no. Cell Phone Courtesy Month doesn't work if cell phone users aren't aware that they are not being courteous in the first place,” says etiquette expert Barbara Pachter. “A better idea would be to institute Cell Phone Jerk Assertiveness Month."
People need to stand up for themselves if they are disturbed by cell phone jerks—but they need to do it in the right way.
Here's Pachter tips to help people confront cell phone jerks:
1. KEEP YOUR COOL. If you can give a cell phone jerk the benefit of the doubt, you're less likely to lose your temper when dealing with one.
2. BE POLITE AND POWERFUL. Say something like, “Can you please lower your voice, your conversation is disturbing us.”
3. KEEP YOUR BODY LANGUAGE IN CHECK. You can say “Please” and “Thank you,” all you want, but don't clench your teeth or wag your finger.
4. USE A CPEG CARD. If you don't know what to say, or don't feel comfortable speaking up, hand the person a Cell Phone Etiquette Guideline (CPEG) card that says something polite and powerful like, “Hi. Can you please put your phone on vibrate? The ringing is disturbing us.”
5. LET IT GO. If it's a minor and passing annoyance, consider letting it go. If you're ever concerned for your safety, let it go.
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