The cell phone is undoubtedly one of the greatest inventions of all times. The handy gadget has simplified many lives and made connecting and staying in touch with other people a lot easier.

One may think that conversing on the phone is as straight forward as talking in real life, but the reality is, there is a great difference between the two.

Phone calls may cause things to go sideways very quickly, especially if you don’t know the basic telephone etiquette rules.

Here is how you avoid being caught committing cellphone crimes! Continue reading to understand etiquette rules and how to avoid being rude and annoying when using your phone.

Put your phone away at the dinner table

Many of you may have been caught in breach of this cellphone etiquette rule. Though this phone etiquette rule may seem obvious, because it’s rude, many individuals often get carried away with their cell phones and are guilty of dining with phone in hand.

Being courteous in public to both your dining partner and other diners is important.

Etiquette experts agree that if your phone should ring at the dining table and you must answer it, explain to your dining companions the situation or otherwise ignore it.  

It is also recommended that, when at the dining table, phones should be placed on silent or airplane mode.

End phone conversations when paying for purchases

Often you’ll strike up a conversation on your phone and you just want to keep going, but all good things must come to an end.

Just because you may not know the cashier or store clerk doesn’t mean you should keep talking away while they’re assisting you with your purchase.

Unless it’s an emergency, it’s considered rude to stay on your phone right in their presence.

Plus, being on your phone while making a purchase can be a big distraction, so get off the phone and stay focused

Never shout when talking on the phone

Can you hear me now, are you hearing me? If they can’t, that’s a clear indicator that you should hang up and call them back later.

A good phone etiquette practice is to try not to raise your voice while on the phone, especially when you are in a public space.

The truth is, no one else needs to hear your personal conversations – or your arguments. So, experts advise you keep it on the low.

Never text or talk while drive

Here is another obvious one – avoid using your phone while driving. You see it all the time, bus drivers talking on their phone while driving and, of course, if you dare object, they will have you know they have been driving for years.

No matter the great multitasker you may be, it is never wise to text and drive. Not only is this act dangerous, it’s also unwise.

If you or someone you know are always texting, scrolling or talking on the phone while driving – this may be a warning sign that you could be a cell phone addict.

“Avoid using your phone while driving,” is a message that has been preached by the National Road Safety Unit, but drivers still commit this crime on a daily basis.

Here is what you do, according to experts – make all your phone calls before you start driving. If while driving you receive a call, pull over when you get the chance to do so and return the call or wait until you have arrived at your destination.

Avoid using your phone in work meetings

Sometimes it just seems as though those phone calls come in at the worst time. If you are in a meeting at work, you don’t want your colleagues to see you on the phone and completely ignoring matters at hand.

Avoid using your phone in settings of this nature and focus your attention on what’s happening in the room.

Most experts suggest placing your phone on silent or do not disturb mode when you’re in situations like these.