Generations ConnectedPhone Etiquette

By Alanna C.

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Phone Etiquette 101

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Generations Connected:

A project designed to close the generational gap between seniors, teenagers and children through workshops based on art, technology, and communication.

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ObjectiveThis presentation was designed as an aid to learn about phone etiquette with the objective of connecting generations specially the younger tweens and teens to the older generations like their parents and grandparents.

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Agenda

● Etiquette Definition● Phone Etiquette

○ Safety○ Answering phone○ Making phone calls

● Cell Phone Etiquette Tips● Role Play● Contact Information

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Etiquette Definition

Etiquette is a code that delineates expectations for social behavior within a society, social class, or group.

Courtesy Manners – demonstrate one’s ability to put the interests of others before oneself; to display self-control and good intent for the purposes of being trusted in social interactions.

6Boy Helping Girl Cross The Fence - IllustrationPhoto credit: istock by getty images

Phone Etiquette: Safety

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● Never give out personal information over the phone

● Never say that parents are not home. Alternate safe answers are:○ my mom (dad) is busy at this time, can I take a message?○ my mom (dad) is busy at this time, please call back later○ End the call promptly, don’t engage in additional conversation with

strangers ■ Politely say: Please call back later, Thank you and hang up phone.

● Don’t give out specifics of personal whereabouts

● Emergency numbers should be displayed near phone for easy access

Phone Etiquette: Safety

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● Bullying is never an acceptable behavior. If you witness any bullying, report to an adult, parent or teacher.

● Don’t have inappropriate conversations over the phone or text● Send or receive inappropriate images - Report to an adult, parent or teacher

any inappropriate behavior or suspicious activity● Follow policies regarding cell phone use at school or public places ● Talk or text while driving● If you are a minor and have a lock screen code, your parents need to have

your code access. Parent must respect privacy unless suspicious behavior is present.

● Parents should assist minors with privacy settings and safe internet browsing● If you are a minor, never buy or answer online ads without your parents

consent.

Phone Etiquette: Answering Phone

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● Always speak softly and clearly

● Discuss with your parents how to answer the phone, such as:○ Hello, this is Bella. May I ask who’s calling please?○ Hello, this is the Clark’s residence, may I ask who’s calling please?

● Don’t give out specifics of personal whereabouts such as:○ My mom is in the bathroom!○ Safe answers:

■ my mom (dad) is busy at this time, can I take a message?■ my mom (dad) is busy at this time, please call back later

Phone Etiquette: Answering Phone

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● Never yell into the phone - to call parents or siblings as an example○ “One moment, please”, put the phone down and go find

mom/dad/siblings

● Keep a pen and notepad near phone to write messages○ Ask caller their name, number, and a brief message

● End the call politely, saying Thank you and hanging phone softly

● If a family member calls or a friend, it is Ok to answer the phone more casual. ○ Example: Hi Grandma, this is Bella.

Phone Etiquette: Making phone Calls

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● Always speak softly and clearly

● When making phone calls, always introduce yourself○ Hello, this is Bella. May I speak to James?

● If the person you want to talk to is unavailable, offer to leave a message○ Message should be simple and clear○ Please tell James that Bella, from Spanish class, called to discuss this

week’s homework. My number is 908-XXX-XXXX○ Please tell James that Bella, from Spanish class, will call later tonight to

discuss this week’s homework.

Phone Etiquette: Making Phone Calls

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● Always call at reasonable hours○ Best to call after 9:00 AM○ Best to call before 9:00 PM

● End the call politely, saying Thank you and hanging phone softly

● If your are calling a family member, it is Ok to be more casual. ○ Example: Hi Grandma, this is Bella. How are you?

Additional Etiquette Tips

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Etiquette Tip #1

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Lower your voice when taking phone calls at home or in

public

Etiquette Tip #2

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Be Present, no one likes to be ignored...

Image Credit: Speedbump by Dave Coverly

Etiquette Tip #3

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Silence your phone in theaters, libraries, restaurants, and churches.

If you must answer, keep a 10 feet distance from the nearest person and avoid personal topics when

others can hear you.

Image Credit: Speedbump by Dave Coverly

Etiquette Tip #4

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Have to ever felt you are playing phone tag? It happens to all of us.

Phone tag occurs when two parties attempt to contact each other, but are unsuccessful.

Both parties leave messages, and request to call back.

If a phone tag occurs for more than 2 or 3 times, it is within the boundaries of proper etiquette.

At this time, it is recommended to end the game and stop calling.

An option would be to try to reach the person a different way, such as e-mail.

Image Credit: Speedbump by Dave Coverly

Etiquette Tip #5

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Avoid looking at your phone or texting while having a face to face communication.

If you are on the phone, keep your focus on the conversation and avoid distractions such as

texting.

Image Credit: Walsh

Etiquette Tip #6

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Establish and discuss clear rules with family members of phone-free zones such as: the

dinner table

Image Credit: Pottery Barn

Etiquette Tip #7

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Always keep a notepad in your home office to write down messages - a good rule of

thumb is to include caller’s name, number, and a brief message.

Image Credit: Pottery Barn

Role Play21

Role Play

Let’s practice and test your knowledge!!

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Works citedhttps://www.safesearchkids.com/cell-phone-safety-tips-for-tweens-and-teens/#.WelGqWhSyM8

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Contact Us:

Website: generationsconnected.wordpress.com

Email: generationsconnectednj@gmail.com

Facebook: GenerationsConnected

Instagram: generationsconnected

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