How To Practice Proper Etiquette on a BlackBerry, Smartphone, or Other PDA

Use portable devices judiciously during a meeting. Nearly 90 percent of workers in a survey said it’s rude; half would ban them from meetings altogether. More important, your boss may think it’s disrespectful. Two-thirds of executives do according to a separate poll.

Don’t use your PDA while someone is speaking directly to you. If you’re expecting a crucial call or message, inform them you may be interrupted. When the call comes through, excuse yourself to answer it.

At a larger gathering, check messages discreetly; hold the device down low so it’s not in the speaker’s sightline, and be sure to turn off any keyboard clicks or beeps so you don’t disturb those around you.

Unless you’re expecting a call momentarily and need to be hands-free, remove your earpiece. Trust us: walking around with a gadget in your ear is not a good look.

Redefine the word “important.” How many messages is it really necessary to reply to immediately?

When signing off on e-mails, keep in mind that “xoxo” annoys 25 percent of people surveyed, and “cheers” irritates 13 percent of them.

If you find it impossible not to check your messages compulsively, leave it in the car or tucked into a deep pocket of your bag when something important requires your attention. Like any other addict who goes cold turkey, you’ll eventually realize you can live without your fix. At least for an hour or two.