People should follow basic phone etiquette to show respect in both personal and professional conversations, according to etiquette expert Ms Nancy.
Speaking on TV3’s The Afternoon Show on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, she discussed appropriate and inappropriate ways to use mobile phones in everyday interactions.
Ms Nancy advised people to identify themselves clearly when making a call, especially when contacting someone for the first time. She criticised the practice of calling a person and opening with, “Do you know who you are speaking to?”, describing it as discourteous and inappropriate.
She said callers should instead give their name, explain how they obtained the other person’s contact details and ask whether it is a suitable time to speak.
The etiquette expert also urged people not to repeatedly call someone who does not answer. She recommended waiting a few minutes before trying again and giving the recipient the opportunity to return the call when convenient.
On workplace communication, Ms Nancy said professional calls should generally be made after 9am and before 6pm. She said this allowed people time to settle into their working day while also respecting their private time after work.
“After 6pm, if you are a boss, unless it’s an emergency, don’t be calling your subordinates,” she stressed.
Ms Nancy further addressed phone use during face-to-face conversations, saying people should put their devices aside and give the person speaking their full attention.
Continuing to use a phone while someone is talking, she noted, may be perceived as disrespectful. She also encouraged people to remove their earphones and put down their phones when approached, allowing the other person to see that they are being listened to.
