Savvy Girl, A Guide to Etiquette by Brittany Deal, Bren Underwood Read Free Book Online
Authors: Brittany Deal, Bren Underwood
Tags: Self-Help, Etiquette, Manners, Entertaining, table manners, thank you notes, social etiquette, dating etiquette, thank you note etiquette, bridesmaid etiquette, maid of honor etiquette, how to shine as your best self, tech etiquette, modern manners, win friends, etiquette expert, proper social behavior, respect, social conduct, charming, etiquette advice, good manners, wedding etiquette, move on over Emily Post, polished, etiquette guide, build confidence, how to be your best self, guest etiquette, hosting, host etiquette, elegant, being a great guest, nice people, social media etiquette, the power of appreciation
phone. So, keep these tips in mind the next time you go to whip out your cell.
1. GIVE YOUR PHONE THE SILENT TREATMENT
Put it in your bag and on silent mode when . . .
• You’re eating with others.
• You’re at movies, concerts, and theatrical performances.
• You’re at a social engagement, such as parties and weddings.
• You’re at church or meditation.
• You’re in meetings and interviews.
2. RESPOND TO MISSED CALLS AND VOICE MAILS
Savvy Girls are busy girls. Returning every single phone call can be tricky to do between work schedules, hitting the gym, and attending social functions. Plus, sometimes you might not know what’s expected of you if, say, a friend calls but doesn’t leave a message. Was it an accidental dial or did she not leave a voice mail on purpose?
My take: It’s always important to follow up with those who have contacted us. So the next time you spot a missed call (or twelve) on your cell, follow these pointers:
• If someone calls but does not leave a voice mail . . . Although pocket dials are more rare with today’s smart phones, if you have a missed call and there’s no message, you can call someone back as a courtesy but don’t feel obligated. A text back to that person is also acceptable.
• If someone leaves a voice mail, can you text them back? If someone calls you and takes the time to leave a voice mail, it’s best to take the time to call them back instead of texting them.
[ BRITT: I know it’s easier to text someone back than to make time for a twenty-minute phone call, but if your friend called you, it’s probably because she wants to catch up. If you can’t make time for a phone call that day, shoot your friend a text and say that you got her voice mail and you will call her back the next day, or as soon as you get a few minutes. Even if you only have five minutes to talk, it’s better than no call back at all. ]
3. RETURN A CALL WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS
The exception? If you are traveling or dealing with personal circumstances. If that’s the case, return the call at your earliest convenience.
TO SCREEN, OR NOT TO SCREEN
I think we can all admit to screening our calls every now and then. Sometimes, hitting the Ignore button is all too alluring. Maybe it was a number you didn’t recognize, or you were in a situation where it would be rude to answer the phone, or you just got home from work and all you wanted to do was indulge in your favorite Bravo show. Of course you have the right to let a call go to voice mail. Just be sure to check the voice mail to see if it is urgent.
As for those who seem to be screening your calls: Leave a message when you call explaining that you need them to return the call, and hopefully they will. If it’s urgent, follow up with a succinct text. We’re all checking our voice mail less frequently these days, so instead of hoping your friend will listen to your message, shoot a quick text.
If you still don’t get a call back, e-mail your friend to let her know you’ve tried to call. You might also tactfully bring it up the next time you see her, saying something like “I know you have been so busy, but did you get the voice mail I left you last week?”
ETIQUETTE WHEN YOU’RE ON THE PHONE
When you were little, did your mom ever make you answer the phone with, “Hello, you’ve reached the [insert your last name here] residence?” Thankfully we don’t need to answer our cell phones that way, but there are still a few etiquette tidbits to keep in mind when you accept a call:
• ANSWER YOUR PHONE WITH POSITIVITY. Doesn’t it feel amazing when someone answers the phone in a tone that sounds like they could not be more thrilled to hear from you?
• END A CALL POLITELY. Have you ever been on a call with your friend (or your mother) and wanted to get back to doing the dishes but you didn’t know how to end the call nicely? No need to explain where you’re off to or what you need to get back to doing. A “thanks
1. GIVE YOUR PHONE THE SILENT TREATMENT
Put it in your bag and on silent mode when . . .
• You’re eating with others.
• You’re at movies, concerts, and theatrical performances.
• You’re at a social engagement, such as parties and weddings.
• You’re at church or meditation.
• You’re in meetings and interviews.
2. RESPOND TO MISSED CALLS AND VOICE MAILS
Savvy Girls are busy girls. Returning every single phone call can be tricky to do between work schedules, hitting the gym, and attending social functions. Plus, sometimes you might not know what’s expected of you if, say, a friend calls but doesn’t leave a message. Was it an accidental dial or did she not leave a voice mail on purpose?
My take: It’s always important to follow up with those who have contacted us. So the next time you spot a missed call (or twelve) on your cell, follow these pointers:
• If someone calls but does not leave a voice mail . . . Although pocket dials are more rare with today’s smart phones, if you have a missed call and there’s no message, you can call someone back as a courtesy but don’t feel obligated. A text back to that person is also acceptable.
• If someone leaves a voice mail, can you text them back? If someone calls you and takes the time to leave a voice mail, it’s best to take the time to call them back instead of texting them.
[ BRITT: I know it’s easier to text someone back than to make time for a twenty-minute phone call, but if your friend called you, it’s probably because she wants to catch up. If you can’t make time for a phone call that day, shoot your friend a text and say that you got her voice mail and you will call her back the next day, or as soon as you get a few minutes. Even if you only have five minutes to talk, it’s better than no call back at all. ]
3. RETURN A CALL WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS
The exception? If you are traveling or dealing with personal circumstances. If that’s the case, return the call at your earliest convenience.
TO SCREEN, OR NOT TO SCREEN
I think we can all admit to screening our calls every now and then. Sometimes, hitting the Ignore button is all too alluring. Maybe it was a number you didn’t recognize, or you were in a situation where it would be rude to answer the phone, or you just got home from work and all you wanted to do was indulge in your favorite Bravo show. Of course you have the right to let a call go to voice mail. Just be sure to check the voice mail to see if it is urgent.
As for those who seem to be screening your calls: Leave a message when you call explaining that you need them to return the call, and hopefully they will. If it’s urgent, follow up with a succinct text. We’re all checking our voice mail less frequently these days, so instead of hoping your friend will listen to your message, shoot a quick text.
If you still don’t get a call back, e-mail your friend to let her know you’ve tried to call. You might also tactfully bring it up the next time you see her, saying something like “I know you have been so busy, but did you get the voice mail I left you last week?”
ETIQUETTE WHEN YOU’RE ON THE PHONE
When you were little, did your mom ever make you answer the phone with, “Hello, you’ve reached the [insert your last name here] residence?” Thankfully we don’t need to answer our cell phones that way, but there are still a few etiquette tidbits to keep in mind when you accept a call:
• ANSWER YOUR PHONE WITH POSITIVITY. Doesn’t it feel amazing when someone answers the phone in a tone that sounds like they could not be more thrilled to hear from you?
• END A CALL POLITELY. Have you ever been on a call with your friend (or your mother) and wanted to get back to doing the dishes but you didn’t know how to end the call nicely? No need to explain where you’re off to or what you need to get back to doing. A “thanks
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