Business Communication

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Cell Phone Do’s and Don’ts during a Meeting

It’s hard to imagine a world without cell phones. But cell phones, connected as they may keep us, seem to have an amazing power to avoid face to face interaction. For example, why is it that during a meal or a meeting, people insists on taking every cal? Though we forget all about the person across the table as if they were invisible!

This violates the golden rule of interpersonal communication, which is to make the other person feel like the most important person in the world.

The following is a list of cell phone does’s and don’ts that will help us avoid embarrassing our self while still honouring the person across the table. Whether we are at lunch or in a one-on-one meeting, we can use these tips to overcome even the most enticing barriers that stand in our way of being an effective communicator.

DO… Be subtle Yet Accessible

The three possible locations to keep our phone are: bag, belt or pocket. Many people chose to keep cell phones in their bags because of pocket-less wardrobes. If this is the case for us, make sure to choose a vibrating or single beep ring that is audible, yet minimal so it doesn’t ring several times while we search through our bag.

DO NOT…Lay Phone on the Table

By putting phone on the table, it seems like we are so busy, and the place seems like very informal and that will give wrong impression.

DO…Take Emergencies

If you know ahead of time that an incoming call is a business or personal emergency, we should answer it. This is what cell phones are for. But other than an emergency message or a call that directly affects all people the conversation at hand.

DO NOT…Wear Phone Accessories during the Meeting

If we sit through an entire meeting wearing an earpiece, headset or any other hands-free...