Public relations professionals live on their cell phones. They call; they text; they chat; they email; they pitch; they take and distribute photos; they post on social media; they search the web – all with greater frequency than any other profession.

PR folks rely on their phones for most everything they do except eat and sleep. But they’re likely to be on their mobile phones even when they eat – with the phone held under the table for privacy (and maybe to conceal the activity). Possibly, some have figured out how to be active on their cell phones even when they sleep. (Let us know if you have.)

Here’s just a guess: Most PR folks never turn off their cell phone, though they may occasionally turn off the ringer, like when they sleep. As convenient and useful as mobile phones are in PR, they can cause some awkward and embarrassing situations, especially when they ring at inopportune times. What’s the proper etiquette when an important client calls during a meeting with another important client? Or during an interview with a reporter? When is it rude to do texting or web searching? Is it proper to work on your cell phone for a client when you’re on another client’s “clock?”

Socially acceptable cell phone use depends on the circumstances. Most people believe using a phone is socially unacceptable in settings such as a business meeting or a family dinner, but using a cell phone on public transportation or while waiting in line is fine, according to a survey by Pew Research. Women and those over 50 are more likely to be annoyed at cell use during social gatherings.

Cell Phone Etiquette Depends on the Situation

Although most adults surveyed believe using a cell phone is not socially acceptable in the midst of a social gathering, 89% of cell phone owners say they used their phone during the most recent social or business gathering they attended. Most used it to send or read messages or take photos or videos, but 52% said they received an incoming. Another guess: Probably 98% of PR pros did so, with the highest level of PR executives accounting for the 2% who don’t use cell phones in social settings.

Most said they used their phone in a way that was related to the social or business group, such as to post a photo or video, share something with the group or get information they thought would be interesting for the group.

Still, 30% admitted they turned to their phones during gatherings to disengage from the group. They either were no longer interested in what the group was doing, wanted to connect with people outside the group, or wanted avoid participating in what the group was discussing.

PR pros can conclude that people who look at their phones during a meeting send a signal that they’re not interested in the group’s discussion.

Cell Phone Etiquette Guidelines

Etiquette experts agree that taking a phone call during a private social engagement is impolite. They offer this advice to phone users.

• In a small group or individual meeting, put the ringer on silent mode or vibrate unless you are expecting an emergency call.
• Avoid “reading under the table.” Even if you’re not talking on a phone, texting or checking email during group meetings is impolite.
• If a call cannot wait, apologize for the interruption, excuse yourself and find a secluded place to take or return the call. Besides being considerate to others, it helps protect private information.
• Keep your phone in your pocket, handbag or brief case during business meetings. It should not be part of the place setting.
• Try to keep your voice low and the conversation brief in a public area. Yelling into a cell phone is usually not necessary. Today’s phones can typically pick up soft voices and block background noise. Arguing or airing dirty laundry in public is poor cell phone etiquette.
• It’s advisable to stand at least 10 feet from the nearest person when talking on a phone. If you’re standing too close, they can hear you even if you’re talking softly.
• Loud, distinctive ringtones can be disruptive. Low or moderate volumes and subtle, professional ringtones, such as the sound of bells rather than the latest pop song, cause less interruption.
• When at work, take personal calls in a private place, and keep personal calls to a minimum avoid the appearance of being inattentive to your work.
• Avoid phone use in restrooms. People consider restrooms areas, not places to share private information.

One last caution: Don’t talk on a cell phone while standing under a building arch. Persons at the other end of the arch – no matter how far it is – will be able to hear every word you say. Example: the arches in the Oyster Bar Restaurant in New York’s Grand Central Station. While eating lunch a few years ago, I heard every word of a business conversation that included insider information about a Fortune 500 company. It’s also worth noting that voices reflect off of hard surfaces. Facing a wall while talking does not guarantee privacy.

Bottom Line: Although cell phones are vital communication tools, using them at the wrong time and place is considered rude and reflects badly on the person doing it. Even if it’s only texting, using a cell phone shows disinterest during meetings and other social gatherings. If you’re “reading under the table” when meeting a client, the results could be disastrous.  Adhering to cell phone etiquette guidelines can help avoid a serious faux pas – and still let PR folks pretty much live on their phones.

Glean.info grants permission to republish this article provided that the republished version contains a link to the original article on the Glean.info Blog.

William Comcowich

William J. Comcowich founded and served as CEO of CyberAlert LLC, the predecessor of Glean.info. He is currently serving as Interim CEO and member of the Board of Directors. Glean.info provides customized media monitoring, media measurement and analytics solutions across all types of traditional and social media.