Just a Pause, Not Farewell

The term is winding down and coming to a close. I have enjoyed being able to give my voice life by writing weekly about strategic communication methods. Everyone has an opinion, and blogging allows us to share in a judgment-free zone. As much as I have enjoyed bringing you my informal thoughts open to conversation, I will not be posting as regularly.

I look forward to coming back renewed with new ideas and comments. 

The Pandemic and the New Normalcy of Education

 Having a baby when the world was on the cusp of setting down because of a pandemic was one thing. And having another after the virus surged the first time and a new variant was going rapid is another. I wish I had another hand because having a school-age child during the pandemic posed other challenges for us parents.

My oldest son was in the second semester of kindergarten when everybody and everything was sentenced to quarantine. My son went from bringing home worksheets for practicing writing skills and alphabets to a device ensuring he could complete the year virtually. Kindergarten is very crucial in child development. In addition to improving academic performance, full-day kindergarten enhances pupils' social and emotional development. Parents have access to better learning and care for their children, and instructors have more time to work with and get to know their pupils as a result of this. He is now in the second grade, and to this day, he is not a fan of writing. He grew so accustomed to clicking and using a stylus to write on the flatscreen of his chrome notebook.

Because of the pandemic, teachers had to quickly create methods for remote education in response and work to alleviate grave disparities. Their mission was not one of returning to normal but embracing the new normalcy. This way, reinventing education and building a better society. Education has undergone a radical change as a result of COVID-19. It completely altered the way we approach education. Public schools that were previously bustling with children are now empty, and all extracurricular activities have been put on hold. The education industry completely embraced remote learning due to the requirement for educational institutions to find a way to continue the academic year. Online education turned out to be a divisive topic as some educators and learners ultimately rejected the format, while others could not help but applaud the idea of virtual schools. But one thing is certain: the prevalence of digital learning in students' curricula will only increase.

The coronavirus epidemic is changing how people learn. It changed education in more ways than just moving classes online. It put to the test fundamental beliefs about teaching, testing, attendance, financing, the use of technology, and the ties that bind the education industry as a whole. Many educators believe there may be a chance to rethink what schools can be in light of the transformation brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic. When it comes to disseminating standardized tests, online learning has shown to be quite effective, and competency-based learning benefits from it. We refer to educational systems of instruction, grading, assessment, and academic reporting that are competency-based learning when they are predicated on students proving that they have acquired the skills and information they are supposed to develop as they advance in their education. However, the epidemic has also made socioeconomic disparities like those based on race, aptitude, and money worse. Questions concerning mental health and how even primary school pupils might experience psychological stress have been raised in response to the COVID-19 epidemic. While instructors who have chosen virtual learning are discovering a variety of online resources to enhance their pupils' learning, public schools with inadequate ventilation systems are presently placing pressure on the Minister of Education. As was already said, it is a busy time for the education industry right now. The coronavirus pandemic's turmoil has a productive potential, nevertheless. Keep reading to learn more about how the epidemic has affected schooling.

The greater emphasis on students' mental health is the most important difference we've noticed. Young children had feelings of isolation and alienation, as well as an increase in depressive symptoms as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic. Unfortunately, schoolchildren's challenges with mental health will outlive the outbreak, and schools' attempts to address this urgent need should make too. Students' ability to maintain discipline was much required by digital learning. Millions of pupils need help to catch up intellectually and process the trauma before considering introducing future, high-tech educational systems. Many instructors believe it will take several years for this process to be completed. Many students lost interest in school and needed to be persuaded to return, despite the fact that many of them flourished in a remote learning environment. Policymakers are expected to commit to long-term transformation rather than the patching up of a failing system over time that has been done in the past. Without structural and infrastructural changes, even the most evident benefit of the coronavirus pandemic—increased student access to technology—will be ineffectual.

Teachers now understand how crucial it is to use technology in the classroom in order to engage their pupils and educate them more efficiently. They have improved their usage of internet instructional materials, including podcasts, blogs, videos, and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Thanks to this, they are now more knowledgeable about recent advancements in their area. Classes that have already been recorded provide students the chance to learn at their speed and enable customized learning. For example, because of the physiological changes that occur throughout that crucial stage of development, the vast majority of teens require more sleep. It is preferable to start later and when the body is fully rested rather than having to be ready for school at six in the morning.

The idea of hybrid education is fairly ground-breaking for the field of education. Public schools have long complained that there are too many pupils in each classroom to offer sufficiently individualized education. The ability to alternate between in-person classes and online education is now more accessible than ever because of remote learning's success. Even while it is relatively straightforward for instructors to switch to their laptops and reach out to their pupils digitally with a load of assignments and lectures, it is feasible to wonder if snowstorms will ever again be associated with "no school today!". The importance of private and public schools was not fully appreciated by society until they were closed in March 2020. Preschools and elementary schools proved their importance in the child-care ecosystem in addition to the academic stimulation and enrichment they offer pupils. As soon as schools and their numerous programs were suspended, parents, particularly women, were forbidden from engaging in their professional vocations. Schools provide breakfast and lunch to millions of children, and many also provide vital mental health counseling, medical care, and child abuse case identification. Due to the coronavirus epidemic, a broad network of services for kids and their families also shut down when schools stopped. But this is a story for another day.

Reimers, F. (2020). Leading Education Through COVID-19: Upholding the Right to Education. New York: Liberty Publishing.

Personal Branding in Ten Easy Steps

The process of creating a personal brand might seem difficult. One of the simplest ways to become lost is to not know where to start. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey went through a number of style changes on a tiny local program before finding her voice and developing into one of the most influential personal brands in the world. Given the meanwhile, in our look-at-me culture and altering the work market, it's beneficial and essential to stand out whether looking for a job or beginning your own business. A personal brand is also suitable for (almost) everyone. Therefore, as I've demonstrated here, there are ten essential guidelines for creating a captivating, distinctive, and warm personal brand.

Therefore, personal branding is a conscious attempt to establish and shape public opinion of an individual by setting them as an authority in their field. In a nutshell, it also helps individuals develop more control, stand out from the crowd to improve their careers, broaden their circle of influence, and make a more considerable effect. Discovering your uniqueness, building a reputation for the qualities you want to be known for, and allowing yourself to become known for those qualities are all part of personal branding. The final objective in this situation is to create something with a message that can be made into a product. On the other hand, a personal brand is a publicly known and broadly consistent perception or impression of an individual based on their experience, skills, abilities, activities, and/or successes within a community, industry, or market. Additionally, personal brands might be deliberately changed to recreate a public presence. This could be done to recover from humiliation in front of others or to reappear from obscurity. The public's perception of authenticity usually determines success in rebranding.

For you to promote your skills to the rest of the world, personal branding is essential. In a world that is ever more competitive, having a strong personal brand is essential. Unquestionably, personal branding helps people convey their value to potential customers. Additionally, it establishes your unique identity and places you as a priceless gift to the world.

•      Create and publish material on your digital platform that you are passionate about in order to start your digital legacy.
•      When inspiration leaves you and uncertainties overtake your daily life, it will be your passion and purpose that will keep you going.
•      Choose your social networks carefully; Slideshare, Google+, and even a customized Flipboard magazine offer appropriate venues for showcasing and disseminating your information.
•      Create targeted content - This is something a photography blog may have. Fashion photography, landscape photography, lighting advice, and camera gear.
•      Build tribes - To help you with crowdsourcing your content distribution, start gaining fans on social media right away.
•      Network - Nimble, Xing, Topsy, and Explore B2B are platforms and tools for locating influencers and encouraging online networking.
•      Write a book—this is essential. It is not necessary to use "War and Peace." That book is 1,000 pages in total. Writing a ninety-page book would be sufficient.
•      Learn how to communicate effectively in written, verbal, and visual forms.
•      One-on-one conversations, workshops, and keynote speeches are all examples of offline communication.
•      Work together to help people and expand your network. After that, you'll begin to understand which of those you can work and collaborate with to leverage your brand.

Everyone is working on creating their personal brands, from small business owners to successful entrepreneurs to students in middle school. But those who are serious about personal branding—both individuals and companies—understand that starting a blog is one of the best ways to advance their brand. Any successful content marketing strategy must include blogging. This is a method of maintaining contact with existing clients and supporters. It's a tactic for attracting new customers and supporters. Additionally, it's a tactic to increase ROI and sales.

Making money isn't the only goal of blogging. Additionally, it entails establishing authority, which promotes the growth of brand recognition. With more people spending more time online, long-form content offers a significant opportunity to build your personal brand. Compared to social media, personal branding blogging enables you to more precisely define your voice. This implies that your potential client can learn more about you, which will help to build trust and grow your online presence (and business). The creation of distinctive content, blogging, and personal branding are demanding careers.

Personal branding is an intentional effort to position an individual as an authority in their field, increase their credibility, and set them apart from the competition in order to create and shape public perception of them. Your personal brand, when appropriately developed, can help employers determine whether you'll be a good fit for a particular position. Your personal brand needs to communicate the unique qualities you bring to your current (or desired) industry, build trust, and highlight your skills.

Your personal brand is who you are, not just a slogan. It is the process of identifying and defining the traits that set a person apart from others. Personal branding is a wise move for those who are ambitious and trying to start a new career or advance in their current one. A personal brand is a representation of who you are, what you do, and why you require a warm, inviting online identity.

Keep in mind who you are and why you are here as you develop your personal brand. Too frequently, we forget to be true to ourselves because we are so preoccupied with what other people think of us.

I get it; creating a personal brand can be completely overwhelming. You want your best self shown at all times. If you keep that in mind when creating your content and writing, there is less for you to be concerned about. A personal brand is now a requirement rather than a luxury. Learn how to use personal branding to advance your professional presence and reputation, whether you're a professional aiming for higher career heights, an entrepreneur starting a blog or business, or a small business owner trying to stand out in a crowded market.

Come back next week for more.

Johnson, H. (2018). Brand You! Reinvent Yourself, Redefine Your Future. New Jersey: Florentine.

Springer, K. (2020). I Am My Brand: How to Build Your Brand Without Apology. New Irvine: Bloomberg Publishing.

Tombrakos, J. (2019). Getting Your Personal Brand Story Straight: Ten Exercises to Help. New York: Caress Publishing.

Let Me Convince You to Use Social Media to Advertise for Politics

 Political advertising has changed as a result of social media. Now, both incumbents and up-and-coming candidates can talk to their supporters about their platform and pressing issues. Some people use social media sites like Twitter to share their daily updates, voice their opinions, or even just to reveal their lunchtime meal. Politicians used to communicate in different ways, such as through television appearances or speeches at public events. These days, they will broadcast live on Facebook, Instagram, or their YouTube channel to update their constituents. Political advertising is a type of electioneering that enables candidates to speak to people directly and shape the political conversation. Candidates may increase their name recognition, bring attention to crucial topics, and expose the flaws of their rivals by placing advertisements across a variety of media platforms, which enables them to reach viewers who might not otherwise have been following the race.

As one of the most widely used social networks, Facebook may be a valuable tool for increasing your voter outreach. You may utilize Facebook for the tactical placement of political advertising, from delivering your message to increasing visitors to your political campaign's website (Marshall, 2020). The "Go Live" function on the platform enables you to hold virtual town halls for Q&A in addition to giving speeches to residents from your office. You may create a Facebook page just for your campaign and communicate with your target audience there by posting your ideas, messages, updates, and solutions. Facebook's capacity to tailor your advertisements based on different demographics is its most robust feature for political advertising. You may target specific voters with political advertisements. For instance, you might tailor Facebook Advertisements to show these ads to Gen Z voters if your political platform calls for a more assertive educational policy. Based on the voters' age, gender, occupation, race, religion, hobbies, etc., you may tailor your political ad campaign. Facebook may be used to promote your campaign as a digital source as well. Encourage the voters to spread the word about your postings and back your campaign. You must, nevertheless, take the initiative to address people's queries, worries, and complimentary remarks. Voters will value the fact that you are paying attention to them. Last but not least, Facebook provides integrated free charitable giving tools that assist political candidates and parties in planning fundraisers and requesting donations from supporters. To increase attendance, you may organize Facebook fundraising events and request that your supporters invite all of their contacts. Again, you may alter their fundraising efforts based on a variety of demographics.

Twitter is primarily a social media communication tool that enables political parties and candidates to engage informally with their supporters (Prodromou, 2021). Long postings can be Tweeted, but it's always a smart move to share short links on other social networking sites, YouTube channels, and the campaign's official website. You must employ pre-determined Hashtags in order to guarantee that your political tweet advertisements show up in the appropriate searches. The proper hashtags can make your Tweet trend, which can then increase organic traffic to the website and Facebook and Instagram pages for your campaign. Always respond to supporters' remarks quickly since doing so will make them feel important. Be mindful of negativity, though, since certain Tweets may draw criticism from the public, particularly from trolls who favor the other candidate or party. Do your best to avoid provoking somebody or joining a Twitter debate that is already going on. When running for office, it's crucial to have a good reputation. Share only uplifting news concerning your political campaign. Promote your ideology and the issues you support while tweeting reassuring messages for your followers.

Instagram is an image-centric social networking site, as opposed to Facebook and Twitter. Use compelling and motivational images to visually communicate your ideas and thoughts. You may post pictures with inspirational phrases and thoughts. Promoting forthcoming town halls, speeches, and fundraising events may be done with the use of visuals. Even better, you may link your Instagram account to your Facebook and Twitter accounts. You may do this to simultaneously upload an image from a political advertisement on all three sites. You may target a wide range of supporters in your constituency or on a national level, including children, working adults, and celebrities. You may upload brief video tales on Instagram that will be accessible to all followers for the next 24 hours. You may give online speeches, respond to live queries from supporters, or simply communicate with your fans about the status of your campaign by using Instagram's "Live" function. Use appropriate hashtags to reach your target audience. Your Instagram political advertisement will be seen in pertinent hashtag searches, posts, and pages if you do this. Like Facebook, Instagram enables political candidates to advertise their campaigns to a demographically diverse audience.

Everybody, from corporations to political organizations, is maximizing YouTube's reach. Politicians do not need to rely on media coverage and news outlets. Users choose online news and information sources more, and YouTube is one of the most popular ones. The best way to launch political advertising campaigns is by creating your own YouTube channel. You may quickly build an organic following, and it is free. You may record a message for your supporters on your smartphone, or a party volunteer can record an entire event to publish later on the channel. However, working with a good videographer will enable you to create effective political messaging and advertisements that reflect the campaign's image.

I love creating and using hashtags when posting social media content. Being a social media strategist would be a dream job for someone that already knows their way around platforms. This knowledge also includes knowing when to select one social media platform over the other. In politics, three heavy-hitting social media platforms can provide efficient and effective advertising avenues for a campaign. One wrong, harmful, or less favorable response from a potential voter could be detrimental to the campaign. Using social media to advertise political campaigns is more than a catchy hashtag. It takes someone or a team to monitor all camp posts and replies diligently.

 

Marshall, P. (2020). Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising. Irvine: Entrepreneur Press.

Prodromou, T. (2021). Ultimate Guide to Twitter for Business. Irvine: Entrepreneur Press.

What Are You Going To Believe

 Let's play a game called put a finger down. As you read this, hold up both hands with extended fingers. I am going to ask a series of questions, and I want you to put a finger down for every action you have done. Additionally, put a finger down for every statement or question you find to be true. Have you ever read a story, blog, or article on social media? After reading that story, did you find any inconsistencies? Have you seen a story about a celebrity on a blog? Have you ever conversed with another person about the story you read? After reading the information, have you seen or heard an interview from that celebrity giving their truth? At this point, you should only have one hand up. I know I do. This game's end is to show how easy it is for people to read a story on social media and believe it to be confirmed with no other questions asked.

I do not only rely on social media as my primary source of information. Diving a little deeper makes you ask more questions. Why does one become a victim of fake news stories? Why can't one easily spot fake news when they encounter it? You would think that people would fact-check since so much information is readily available on the world wide web at our fingertips. One of the reasons fake news is a problem is that it confuses people, and pointing out the facts does not solve the problem. And that is quite unfortunate. It is not a question of gullibility. It is due to a characteristic of human thinking known as cognitive bias. Cognitive biases are detours or shortcuts in thinking, remembering, or evaluating something that may lead to an erroneous conclusion (Forman, 2020). Cognitive biases also impact the manner in which we use information.

When it comes to fake news, four types of cognitive biases are particularly relevant: First, people tend to focus on headlines and tags without reading the linked article. Second, social media popularity signals influence our attention and information reception. Third, fake news takes advantage of a very powerful reflex: partisanship. And the fourth is persistence. There is a strange tendency for misinformation to persist even after it has been corrected (Banaji & Greenworld, 2016). The first of these biases is our tendency to rely on attention-grabbing signals sent by fake news without overvaluing the information that accompanies these signals. Unfortunately, many people give their opinions without reading the news article. Another bias relates to message popularity. The well-known "follower effect" occurs when many other people seem to like something, and we are more likely to support it as well. When it comes to fake news, the bandwagon or follow effect happens when we see how many times something has been shared or liked, not because of the content itself (Forman, 2020). Belief is also influenced by how many stars a story gets or what percentage of people rated the story positively. Particular popularity allows us to bypass data evaluation. If thousands of other people shared the news, surely someone else confirmed it, right? Unfortunately, as we've already learned, sharing and liking can often happen without anyone reading what's being shared. In addition, the apparent popularity of fake news can also be increased by bots whose sole purpose is to make certain news stories frequently read and recommended. Popularity perceptions have the power to affect both our attention and conduct. We appear to enjoy what other people like, and we also want to be liked and look well with other people. Whether internet news is accurate or incorrect, we also utilize other people's remarks as a reference on how to understand it (Forman, 2020). Human psychological impulses to fit in with the group cause us to speak what we believe those who are similar to us are saying (Banaji & Greenworld, 2016). Social media comments have an impact on how we judge the material as well, and we frequently reflect the opinions expressed in the comments on the subject, especially when we identify with the commentators. Partisanship, which results from our current political affiliation, is a third sort of prejudice. Regardless of its veracity, what we quickly believe or reject in the news depends much on one's identity as a Democrat or Republican, as well as on how liberal or conservative they perceive themselves to be. As difficult as it may be to believe, a wealth of data demonstrates that people regularly reject news that is at odds with their political ideology and are more likely to embrace news that does. Last but not least, cognitive biases can be problematic because of how persistent they can be and how they make it difficult to disprove mistaken ideas (Forman, 2020). It would be lovely if all that needed to be done was to alert individuals when the information they are consuming is wrong. Sadly, that isn't the case. The lack of those warnings may have a more significant effect than their existence, even if there were some kind of correction on false news reports that would advise consumers to take them with a grain of salt.

Fake news actually helps social media networks financially since these sensationalized tales boost user engagement, shares, and likes. Social media platforms naturally encourage and widen the dissemination of false information due to popularity indicators and the capacity of automated systems to artificially enhance the perceived authority of postings through likes, comments, and shares (Banaji & Greenworld, 2016). For a number of reasons, social media platforms are the ideal "home" for fake news. Low entrance fees apply. For purveyors of fake news articles, using social media platforms to disseminate false information online is essentially "free." It can be challenging to discern the actual source or reliability of news stories due to the digital look and style of social media platforms.

Whew! That was a lot of words to say; the next time you read an article on a social media platform, turn off your biases and make sure you fact-check.

Banaji, M. R., & Greenworld, A. G. (2016). Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People. New York: PressMedia.

Forman, J. (2020). Cognitive Biases: A Fascinating Look into Human Psychology. Jakarta: Primasta.

Is There a Difference Between an Influencer and Brand Ambassador – Social Media Edition

Back in the day, before television shows and movies were streamed, we had those interruptions in our regularly scheduled programs for commercial breaks. The commercial breaks were typically created in thirty-second intervals, or it seemed. However, the actual length of commercial breaks varies by the station but is usually 2 – 3 minutes. These commercial breaks include advertisements from outside companies as well as the station's own promotional materials. Often, these commercials and even today use celebrities to help promote products or services. The first celebrity endorsement dates back to the 1760s when the term brand had not even been coined, and royal endorsements were used as celebrity branding (Berland, 2014).

Now that we have had that brief history lesson about television commercials let us move into the now normalcy of influencers and brand ambassadors. From 2015 to the current, we have seen an increase in companies using influencers to promote or advertise their brands and company campaigns. Also, with this increase, we have seen companies complain that some of those influencers or ambassadors have not kept their end of the bargain. This complaint makes you question if there is a difference between an influencer and a brand ambassador. Although influencer marketing has been around for hundreds of years, it was not until social media started gaining momentum in the early 2010s that the term influencer became popular. This is one big history lesson. So, that is when influencers became popular, but what exactly is an influencer? An influencer is a person with the ability to influence or persuade potential purchases of products or services by promoting or recommending items on social media (Hennessy, 2018). TikTok is a sea of influencers, also known as content creators. I immediately click the influencers' bios looking for the links to the product they are recommending. Let's say my Amazon cart is packed and waiting for checkout. Back to the topic at hand.

With an influencer, you get their opinion or experience of a product, which can be either positive or negative. Influencers are not bonded by contract or required to comment positively about a brand. In my opinion, that is where the chief complaint mentioned earlier comes from. Companies send their products to content creators and expect them to give only positive reviews. In reality, content creators receive hundreds of products to review. If and only if the influencer likes something about a company's product, they will check it to leave a comment. In any situation, spoken or unspoken agreement, management teams must research to ensure the product they send is to the right influencer. You would not want to send a coffee product to an influencer to review just because they like coffee. The influencer could leave one hundred comments that are left on blind eyes all because their followers do not like coffee.

You may still wonder what the difference between an influencer and a brand ambassador is. Simply put, a brand ambassador is an employee for the company of the brand, product, or services they are advertising for. Here is a more technical definition. A brand ambassador is someone that is hired to promote on behalf of a company, endorses its products, and embodies the company's corporate identity through words and actions. Brand ambassadors are experts when it comes to speaking for and about brands online and offline (Miler, 2017). The chief complaint I keep referring to is valid as it pertains to a brand ambassador. If a company hires a person to endorse its brand, the endorsement is usually exclusive, and the ambassador is expected not to use or wear any other products. For example, Nike endorsed LeBron James. Nike exclusively makes his sneaker. Nike has contracted and expects LeBron James to only wear Nike products. How would it look if LeBron James made a video discussing how much he like a pair of New Balance shoes? LeBron James, as an influencer, can give positive reviews for any sneaker brand he likes. He can also leave negative comments. However, the brand ambassador, LeBron James, signed a contract only to endorse a particular brand. Raymond Weil, a Swiss luxury watch brand, chose Charlize Theron as its brand ambassador. Of course, the relationship came with a contract that stipulated she could not be seen wearing any other watch brand. Charlize, at the time, was also hired to endorse Christian Dior. Yes, brand ambassadors can be hired to endorse brands simultaneously. She was spotted wearing a Christian Dior watch, a breach of contract with Raymond Weil. Needless to say, Charlize Theron was sued by the luxury brand owner. Brand ambassadors have also been released from their contracts because their actions and beliefs do not align with the company they are promoting.

There is a significant difference between social media influencers and brand ambassadors. As with any difference, there are some similarities. In both capacities, it is essential to build a relationship. There should be established objectives and end-result goals for the company as well as the person the company is partnering with. Back to the differences. Influencers or content creators have many followers, and these relationships are normally short-term. Content creators can charge for the number of times they post about a product or based on the number of followers they have. Think of brand ambassadors as being there for the long haul. These relationships are more long-term and are less transactionally based. Brands often reach out to influencers who have never heard of their company. Ambassadors are typically someone interested in becoming the company's brand ambassador. They know the company's mission and are already endorsing the products in some form. Outside of brands approaching or soliciting celebrities, some ambassadors come to a company and inquire about being their representative. With this method, this person showcases a company's brand in a place of real interest and authenticity.   

To be honest, I would love to start content creation. The more content you create, the more followers you will get and the more influential you can be.  

Come back next week for more.

Berland, T. (2014). Breaking into Commercials: The Complete Guide to Marketing . West Hollywood: Silman-James Press.

Hennessy, B. (2018). Influencer: Building Your Personal Brand in the Age of Social Media. New York: One Time Publishing.

Miler, D. (2017). Building a Brand: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen. Nashville: HarperCollins Leadership.

Mind Your Manners When Using Your Cell Phone

Some go to the grocery stores weekly. Some even go to the malls and other outlets as a weekend getaway for friends and family. When we visit doctors, we have to wait until our names are called in the waiting area with others. In all of these different public places, one thing is common. Most people have a cell phone or some smart device with them. And most of them can be seen with their heads down, ears plugged, and eyes glued to the mobile device's small screen. On the other side of this, some have no problem with having full-blown conversations in public using outside voices. We have become so accustomed to staying in constant contact with a phone which is a debate or discussion for another day's blog.

I am the mother of three boys under the age of eight. To be exact, my oldest just turned eight this past Tuesday. I have a three-year-old, and my youngest son will be one in March. I remember the days of sitting in the waiting area at the doctor's office while I was pregnant, and those around me had their phones in their hands. Let me be the first to say I am not an exception. I made sure to charge my phone the night before to catch up on television shows while waiting. I would also pack a snack and charger in case my phone died. This one day, in particular, I had an extended wait because my doctor was running behind due to complications in surgery. Next to me was a young lady on her phone. No problem there. Wrong. She was using her outside cheerleading voice with her smartphone on speaker. She and the caller were in a heated argument. I am sure you already know where this story is going by now. I was already frustrated that I had to wait and to add insult to injury, I was forced to listen to this couple argue. The problem was not that she was using her phone. The problem was not that she was having a heated conversation. The issue was that she was extremely loud and completely disregarded those around her. She basically robbed us of our peace and quiet. I remember pausing the show I was streaming on Netflix because she was so loud I got invested in her conversation. There is a time and place for everything.    

Parents instill good manners into their children at an early age. We are all familiar with the saying that "please" and "thank you" is the golden rule. There are rules, regulations, and etiquette for everything you can imagine. There is an etiquette for sitting at a formal dinner table, in a classroom, in a workplace, in a church, and social settings. There is even etiquette noted for using a mobile phone. Yes, there is an etiquette for using your phone. Now some would say that's just a matter of using common sense. It is much deeper than common sense. There is almost a science built around manners and phone etiquette in various settings.

Let us dive in and see what having phone etiquette is all about. There are some general rules about mobile phone etiquette. Then there are rules about mobile phone etiquette when you are on a date.

In the story I mentioned earlier, it is best to postpone having a conversation in public surrounding personal matters. Others that are in earshot are not interested, nor do they want to hear the details. Also, speak using soft tones. I remember being in elementary school, and the teacher would remind us to use our inside library voices. The same goes for using your mobile phone in public places. The following general rule regarding mobile phone etiquette I am guilty of doing. We should not text, accept, or make phone calls while holding face-to-face talks or interactions. Can you even believe there is a rule that you should be careful about which picture you save for a person's contact photo on your phone? Of course, we know we are not supposed to talk or text and drive. Now that most cars are equipped with Bluetooth, texting and talking while driving is hands-free.

Another general rule I learned while reading for class this week was that we should not fact check in the middle of a conversation. I am notorious for doing this. I had no clue that I was being rude. I am more so trusting but verifying. This next rule, when broken, actually irks me. iPhone users know that if a call is dropped, we hear a tone on our end of the receiver. We should stop insinuating that it is the other person's fault the call dropped.

Ring tones can be annoying in public settings. If it is not already being done, we should make it a habit to put our smart devices and mobile phones on silent mode. Before I purchased my Apple Watch, I did not use silent mode, but I would lower the volume on my phone while at work. You would be amazed at how sound travels, disturbing others concentrating on their daily tasks.

Who loves a game of phone tag? Not me. In this day and age, everyone has caller ID. In the same way, I saw I missed a call, and so did the person I called. It is a consensus that the phone tag game should end after four attempts. I want to add to this rule. Please do not text someone that you tried to call them. Reminder, they have caller ID. Even if they use a focus setting or have their phone on 'Do Not Disturb,' they saw the call and will return it at their convenience.

There are rules, regulations, and protocols for any and everything. Manners are essential and are not limited to being used at the dinner table. When using your mobile phone the next time you are in public, be mindful of your surroundings.

Come back next week for a new and exciting read. 

Brooks, M. (2019). Phone Scripts. New York: Wiley.