Whatever happened to decent telephone manners and etiquette?

Question

I've noticed more people over 30 that have the worst telephone manners I have ever seen. People don't say "May I speak to_____." They say "who dis?" Am I that old fashioned to think that people ought to use common courtesy?

Thank you in advance for letting me vent.

Answer 1

I work in a phone center, GODDESS.

Believe me, I feel your pain.

People of all ages eat, say, "Hah?" Use the bathroom, make some ugly snorting snot noise, and will call you everything but a child of God.

Others are very polite and articulate.

I don't think age has anything to do with it. It is upbringing.

Answer 2

Our ideas about manners change from generation to generation. It is a natural process in human society. There are always those who remember what it was like when they were young; they wonder how young people can be so rude. As parents, my husband and I do our best to teach our children that there are standards of behavior they should follow. Our teaching reflects our own priorities. For instance, do we believe that children should be seen, but not heard? Our grandparents did -- my father was not allowed to speak at the dinner table as a young child. The answer is "No, we do not." Our children have a sense that their ideas are important; they speak with confidence. When my parents visit, they have joked that my kids can be 'mouthy'... but, I wouldn't change a thing about them. So, I guess my answer is that manners are a matter of perspective and priorities. I try not to judge people's manners, except to point out when their behavior crosses the line and adversely effects those around them. Kindness, generosity, honesty, and similar virtues never go out of style. And I find that they provide good teaching points for my family and areas of commonality between generations. "Manners" and "etiquette" are no substitute for sound decision-making and consideration for the feelings of others.

Answer 3

lol - a daughter of one of the women in my office used to call and just say her mom's name when you answered... 'thank you for calling whatsit, may I help you?' "jane smith" and that was it. It was hilarious...she got the boss one day, and she said "jane smith" and he said 'no, mike jones' and she said "jane smith" and he said 'no, mike jones' - they did that for about 3 minutes before she hung up. Eventually he told 'jane' her daughter wanted to speak to her...and needed some phone manners, too. This is after the daughter called back, like 10 times, and hung up when he answered...she absolutely WOULD NOT say, 'may I speak to jane smith'! Snotty little brat.

No, you're not old fashioned, but I wouldn't hold my breath, either!

ummm, mekeygabriel; my friends' kids are all under 25, and ALL of them call me ma'am, hold doors for people, generally have excellent manners! And their friends do too. Only exception I know is the boss' daughter (lol!) and she is civil.

Answer 4

yes, young people are always texting and as a result have no phone manners or any manners for that point. I dare you to find a yourg person under 25 who will hold the door open for a lady or elderly person.

Answer 5

Yes you are right a lot of people are being rude -
and it's not because I'm of a certain age group, I'm 12.

Answer 6

Yeah it has gotten pretty bad in the rude department

Answer 7

I know, people call me I say Good afternoon and they just say, "put so and so on the phone" How rude!

Answer 8

I am so so sorry ;; I am over 30 and I always try to be kind and considerate.

Answer 9

Of course people should have common courtesy dear !!!!!

Answer 10

Okay, now I will advise whomever it is at Yahoo to, IN FACT, make you the OFFICIAL Answers Goddess.


WHO DIS? WHO YOU THINK? WHY YOU CALLIN'? WHERE SHE AT? SHE IS? WHY? WHO WITTCHOOO? UHH HUH. UUUH.....AYYYIGHTE!