Most of us are always within arms reach of our phones, but few of us are enthusiastic for our ringtones to go off- and even fewer want to listen to a voicemail. With Apple introducing video voicemails with the new iOS update, etiquette expert Lizzie Post is telling the Washington Post in an interview some of the “new phone etiquette rules” we should follow.
First- Always text before calling. Post says that wording and context are important. Instead of texting “call me”, consider texting something along the lines of “Are you free for a call in 10 minutes?” or offering them to suggest a time they are available for a call. Post says that if it’s someone that you call regularly, find out when their ideal time to talk is.
Second- Voicemails Are Out! If information needs to be articulated in an accurate timely manner, Post says to send the recipient an email instead of leaving them a voicemail. She also notes that since most phones transcribe voicemails that most recipients are reading the message instead of listening to it anyways. There is an exception to this rule- and that’s your close friends and family members who would love to hear your voice.
Also… Your speakerphone is NOT for public use! Post says that if you’re making a call in public, use good-quality headphones, or wait until later. Post also notes that a call in public might not be ideal even with headphones as what you say can still be heard by others around you.
Read more of Post’s suggestions for phones from The Washington Post
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