Phone etiquette?

Question

A lot of television shows and movies (predominantly American from what I've noticed) have characters that simply hang up the phone at the end of a conversation without signing off or saying good bye.

Just curious as to whether this is the norm in every day life as well?

Answer 1

No, Most normal American's do say Good Bye. When I first started seeing people signing of with out saying Goodbye. I was so frustrated and upset about that. I just don't understand why they did that. And thinking what world are they living in. All the people that I know in America "do not" do that. It is not a normal Everday life in America. It is just a thing that you see on TV. And a lot of things that you see in America TV are not normal for American's as well. I'm glad you answered this question to get it straighted out.

Answer 2

Not in my every day life. When I have a conversation both parties must some how signal that the conversation is over. What if one of us had something to tell the other? I like to make sure that each of us has said all we need to say. I don't want to have to call someone back because I forgot to tell them something and I don't want them to have to call me back for the same reason.

I think this is done on television because air time is so expensive. Think about how much advertisers pay for even one minute of television? Networks can't afford to have people hear the ends of 7 phone conversations a night. Besides, I think in many cases it is implied that the niceties are said.

Answer 3

In TV it adds to the drama - some issue is too important and time sensitive to justify civility. It also adds to the perceived importance of the characters - I'm so important, I don't need to be civil.

Then there is the real world where that's just plain rude. I hang up like that if I'm dealing with a telemarketer that berates me for having the gaul to not buy into the sales pitch.

Everyone else gets please, thank you, have a good day, it was nice talking to you, etc.,.... That's how everyone treats me as well. What you refer to is not a good example of how people actually talk on the phone.

Answer 4

I myself always make a point of saying good-bye, and waiting to hear the acknowledgment from the other person on the other end.
I could make you a list of all the rude and impolite things that people do today, that lack manners. I think it's just a different world, and dare I say it, some young people are influenced by what they see on t.v.
You just have to do what works for you, even if others may think you're an oddball. I say you have class!
And with that being said, I will properly now say "good-bye"!

Answer 5

Not saying goodbye at the end of a telephone call is like walking away without a word from someone you're having a conversation with in person.

Answer 6

When speaking to someone on an imformal level I say bye, love ya, or whatever, but when on the phone at work speaking to a vendor I am not that familiar with, I usually end it by thanking them then simply hangin up after that.

Answer 7

It's only television remember. It's not the norm. I always end of with a goodbye, see ya later, or something.

Answer 8

That is not normal. Most people always say something polite at the end of a phone conversation (unless it is a telemarketer) such as..."thank-you for calling" "have a good day" etc. and then "good-bye.

Answer 9

I try and let the person that phoned me first end the conversation. The gender of that person does not matter in this case. If the person that called talks too long and you do have to hang up first, just explain that you have to go and let them know you will call back as soon as you are able to.

Answer 10

What I want to know is why I feel awkward saying good bye on the phone and why I want to have the last word which leads to a string of a few byes