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As cell phones began gaining popularity as far back as 10 years ago, many authorities have expounded on the rules of cell phone etiquette. Despite all this common sense, there are still many people who break the cell phone etiquette rules daily. Fortunately, when these events occur, there are ways for bystanders to respond and demonstrate they disapprove of the rudeness and they won't tolerate the disrespectful behavior any longer. These tatics are: 1. Make the rude cell phone user uncomfortable. 2. Ask a third party user to intervene. 3. Directly confront the cell phone user.

What's worse than a screaming baby at the next table while dining at an exquisite restaurant? A rude cell phone user who insists on "staying connected" during the most inopportune times. Whether a person keeps the cell phone ringer on during group meetings or talks so loudly into the phone the entire establishment can hear the conversation, such a lack of courtesy can grate on the nerves of even the most tolerant people.

As cell phones began gaining popularity as far back as 10 years ago, many authorities have expounded on the rules of cell phone etiquette. As a result, such phrases as "Turn off your ringer during meetings" and "Pull over while talking on the phone and driving" have become as popular as "Don't chew with your mouth open" and "Keep your elbows off the table." Unfortunately, as is the case with all etiquette rules, not everyone adheres to them regularly.

The fact is abiding by cell phone etiquette rules is just as important as adhering to business meeting etiquette rules. just as no salesperson would walk into a prospect's company and "hi-five" the buying decision makers prior to making a sales presentation, no cell phone user should allow his or her modern day convenience to inconvenience others.

Despite all this common sense, there are still many people who break the cell phone etiquette rules daily. They allow their incoming cell phone calls to interrupt business transactions and they force all those around them to hear their "private" conversations. Fortunately, when these events occur, there are ways for bystanders to respond and demonstrate they disapprove of the rudeness and they won't tolerate the disrespectful behavior any longer.

1. Make the Rude Cell Phone User Uncomfortable

While two wrongs never make a right, sometimes people need a dose of what they're dishing out to others in order to understand the consequences of their actions. Since the rude cell phone user is making others in attendance feel uncomfortable, annoyed and even put out, use some subtle tactics to make the cell phone user feel the same way. Intently stare at the person as he or she loudly talks on the phone, stand close to the user and pretend to listen to the conversation, or even make a loud verbal comment to someone in your party about the proper rules of cell phone etiquette and cite your nearby rule breaker as a prime example. all these actions allow you to get your point across without directly confronting the cell phone user. Very often when people feel uncomfortable or as if they're being singled out, they will stop the annoying behavior.

2. Ask a Third Party to Intervene

When you're at a public location, such as a restaurant or a seminar, there are usually authority figures present who can assist with stopping inappropriate behavior. If displaying rudeness is not your style, politely ask the wait staff, restaurant manager, seminar facilitator or other authority figure to speak to the cell phone user and request the improper behavior be stopped. This approach sends a clear message that public places are no place for breaking cell phone etiquette rules.

3. Directly Confront the Cell Phone User

If no authority figures are present and the cell phone user is oblivious to your stares and comments, the last resort is to directly confront the person. When you do this, choose your words carefully. Rather than saying, "You're being rude by using your cell phone now" or "Please stop talking so loudly," consider phrases like, "When you answer your cell phone during our meetings, it makes the group feel unimportant and that we don't have your full attention" or "Your conversation sounds rather private. Maybe you shouldn't be discussing it in front of so many strangers." These take the blame off the person and focus on the negative aftereffects instead. For those who don't feel comfortable verbally confronting someone, consider pass a note to the cell phone user saying similar sentiments.

Before our society can regard cell phones as an unobtrusive daily necessity, everyone using them must adhere to etiquette rules. Unfortunately, those who break the rules often don't realize they are doing so. The next time you encounter an impolite cell phone user, let the person know such behavior is no longer acceptable. Your simple actions can guide people to appropriate cell phone use.