Top 10 smartphone etiquettes

New Delhi: Our phones, be they Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, or Windows Phone, are among the most important things in our lives. We take it everywhere, meetings, meals, and even the bathroom. Probably, it is most used technology device for the whole day. A smartphone is truly a great tool to keep in touch with your loved ones and share life events efficiently. The rise of the smartphone has strengthened our connections to people around the world—and complicated our relationships with the humans sitting right in front of us.Here are a few tips for using your smarts when communicating with your smartphone.Having an 'untasteful' ringback toneRingback tones are not for professionals. It gives a bad impression. Suppose you are calling a senior executive and all you hear is a silly Bollywood song. It may leave that person wondering about your taste and preferences. No “Typed with Smartphone” signature excusesSince everyone is using an iPad or a smartphone to sent an email or to convey a message, so it really isn't necessary to advertise an email was sent from your mobile device. In addition make sure what you type uses proper spelling and a polite tone, even amongst friends.Don't fool around on your phone whenever you have a spare momentIf you use every spare moment (sitting in the car, going in for a meeting, standing in a lift, standing in a line at the grocery shop and more) then don't take it as a excuse to check your Facebook account or the SMSes you received. Do not use “instant message” for something that is not instant Use e-mail instead. In addition, don't use IM if you are really slow at typing. Turn the smartphone on vibrationA vibrating smartphone is a distraction and everyone can see that. Keep your device on silent and put it in your pocket while you are in a meeting. If you are expecting an urgent call, excuse yourself and take the call in a private place.Do not engage in lap reading on your smartphoneHaving your head lowered and getting engaged with your smartphone is a sign that you look disengaged. It prevents the eye contact and it don't give a good impression. Leaving long-winded messagesDon't leave long, complicated voice messages where you speak so fast that the other person can't understand it. The best way is: “Hi, I need to talk to you about so-and-so. Please call me back.' Then leave your number and hang up…simple as that.”Putting someone on an extended hold Do not put someone on hold for a long period. A moment should be a moment. Given that working executive are busy, it is better to tell them that you will call them back and give them an exact time; it is the courteous thing to do.Talking in front of othersDon't have conversations in front of other people at all, especially professional conversations. It is incredibly inconsiderate to the people around you.Turning your friends into enemies with videos of themSmartphone with high-resolution cameras are so common nowadays that it is potentially bad news for those people you hang out with, as you hold in your hands a recording device that can humiliate them forever.