Why must people insist on letting their cell phone ring during a movie?
There simply is no acceptable excuse. Is it for the negative attention it brings? Do they feel empowered knowing that everyone is being affected by the disruption? I have no idea. (You can see that this has happened to me more than once? ;-)
Almost every phone manufactured in the last 5 years has the vibrate feature. Some people say they don't like using the phone in vibrate mode because they can't feel it when it is in their purse. Well no kidding! Take the phone out of your purse or pocket and simply place it on your lap or in your shirt pocket. I can guarantee you will know when you have an incoming call.
Should you answer the phone when a VIP, potential client or business contact calls?
More often than not you should immediately send the incoming call straight to voice mail while maintaining eye contact with the other person. Don't even think about looking at the caller ID. This will make the person you are with feel more important and will appreciate your professionalism. If you are expecting an important phone call during the meeting simply set the phone to vibrate mode and politely excuse yourself from the table to receive the call.
Is it OK to use your cell phone while in line or on public transportation?
In most cases I feel it is ok, as long as you can make your calls quick and to the point. You should also try and talk at a level that would be comparable to talking in person. Places where it is normally quiet, like when waiting inline at a bank or when you are going to have to place an order, I feel you should wait until after the transaction is complete to make or receive calls. If you happen to receive a call from a friend or family member you can always use the ?I?ll call you right back & hang-up? technique.
When with a friend or group of friends you should limit the amount of time you are on the phone. You should never make the live person you are with feel less important than the caller. This can be especially true when driving a friend or family member.
If anyone has anything else to add I would greatly appreciate your input!