No matter how much we rely on technology, it’s important to know when to put the phone down. How you manage your texting says a lot about you. Here are some texting etiquette tips:

• Beware of your surroundings. Don’t send a text message while you’re in a movie theater, at a performance, at a religious service or in a meeting.
• Put people first. When you’re with other people, put your phone on silent and keep it away unless the situation calls for it.
• Speak up. If you’re with someone who will not stop text messaging during your conversation, kindly ask them if they will put their phone away.
• Don’t use text messaging to give someone bad or sad news. Make a phone call instead.
• Keep it private. Don’t text any confidential or potentially embarrassing messages. Texts might end up in the wrong hands.
• Check before you send. Make sure you text the right person at the right phone number. It’s possible to send a text to the wrong person by mistake. If you do send it to the wrong person, apologize. Also, acknowledge wrong numbers. If someone sends you a text message by mistake, let him or her know that you aren’t the intended recipient.
• Always respond. When someone sends you a text message, respond with a text message, or a phone call or email if the message warrants a longer conversation.
• Introduce yourself. If you send a text message to a person for the first time, always state your name. Simply type, “Hi John, this is your co-worker, Jackie.”
• Be patient. If someone does not respond to your text message right away, don’t lose your cool. If your message is urgent, pick up the phone and call.
• Use emojis only when they enhance the conversation. They’re not always appropriate in business texts.

By Jacqueline Whitmore

Jacqueline Whitmore is an internationally-recognized etiquette expert, author and founder of The Protocol School of Palm Beach, and founder of National Cell Phone Courtesy Month. For more information, visit etiquetteexpert.com and jacquelinewhitmore.com.