Should you text before calling? Phone etiquette expert explains the new rules – including NO voicemails
- Here are a couple of dos and don’ts of phone etiquette to keep in mind before texting or calling someone
Staring at your phone and wondering what is the best way to tell your friend that you won’t be able to make it to their brunch plans? An etiquette expert is here to help.
With Apple introducing video voice mails and new texting apps seemingly being launched everyday, the dos and don’ts of phone etiquette are becoming more complicated by the minute.
Here are a couple of things to keep in mind before you pick up the phone:
Always text before calling
Modern-day etiquette states that you should always text someone before calling to avoid catching someone in a sticky spot or them rejecting your phone call.
It’s a good idea to text someone a couple of minutes before you plan on calling them to ask if they are free to talk now, or if they can suggest a time they’d like to talk later.
A simple ‘Can I call you in 10 minutes?’ can go a long way.
It’s a good idea to text someone a couple of minutes before you plan on calling them to ask if they are free to talk now, or if they can suggest a time they’d like to talk later
One big rule is that the closer you are to someone, the less the rules apply to you and them
You can refuse to pick up a call without guilt
Phone etiquette isn’t just limited to the sender. There are some rules meant for the receiver as well. If someone is calling you at a time that is inconvenient to you, it is your responsibility to not pick up and let them know why.
Lizzie Post, etiquette expert and co-president at the Emily Post Institute told The Washington Post: ‘We all have control of our phones and can decide if it’s the right time to answer it. If someone interrupts you and you’re ticked off about it, guess whose fault that is? You’re the one who answered the call when you shouldn’t.’
If you’re worried about coming-off as a rude to the caller, just drop ‘I’ll call you back in a while’ in the text box.
A rule for the caller: If someone doesn’t pick up the phone, don’t immediately call them again unless it’s an emergency. If it is an emergency, text them or send them a voice message and tell them so.
If you’re making a call, whether it’s a regular one, a video call or even on your smartwatch, use good quality headphones or wait until later
Voice your emotions, text the facts
We’ve all been in a situation where our texts have been interpreted incorrectly by the receiver and caused quite a lot of confusion. Etiquette experts suggest calling before talking about something that involves expressing thoughts or emotions and texting when the information is simply facts.
Speakerphone is not for public use
We’ve all heard of the phrase, ‘Use your indoor voice’ when in a public setting. The same applies to phones. Avoid using the speaker button when you are in public to avoid disturbing other people.
If you’re making a call, whether it’s a voice call, a video call or even on your smartwatch, use good quality headphones or wait until later.
At times, using headphones isn’t enough because people can still hear what you’re saying. If you’re in a crowded place like an office or a store, remember to be considerate of others’ personal space and how loudly you’re talking.
If you need to move around or are walking while talking, switch to a voice call to avoid confusing the other person.
An etiquette expert explained that the only appropriate time to leave a voice mail is when the other person would be genuinely happy to hear your voice
Don’t keep moving on a video call
When you’re on a video call, it’s important to keep your face and body in full focus. Experts say that you should position your phone or camera upright and in a way that shows your whole face on the screen and to stay in one place until the call is finished.
If you need to move around or are walking while talking, switch to a voice call to avoid confusing the other person.
No voicemails in 2023
This rule may disappoint generations who once relied on answering machines, but voicemails are now a thing of the past. With a wide variety of text messaging apps now available, important information can be easily communicated in writing.
An etiquette expert explained that the only appropriate time to leave a voice mail is when the other person would be genuinely happy to hear your voice.
One final important rule to remember is: The closer you are to someone, the less the rules apply.
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