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1. Think what your ringtone says about you? 

Think about what your ringtone says about you: head-banging rocker, fashion-conscious teenager, gamer, sci-fi nerd, smooth seducer, tv addict, 'invisible' (default)... Can you live with it? 

If you're embarrassed by your ringtone in certain situations (trains, office, when you're visiting your mother) it's almost certainly the wrong choice. Try again. 

Monitor the volume of your ringtone; if it blares out and heads turn it's too loud. 

2. When in doubt use vibrate 

Remember there's always vibrate. It may surprise your companions when you lurch - seemingly unprompted - to answer an invisible, silent phone, but at least they'll be spared the ringtone. 

3. Take notice of who is around you 

Ensure that your mobile phone conversation is not disturbing other people. Intimate conversations are never appropriate in front of others - try and respect your own, and other people's, privacy. 

4. Watch your language 

Don't use foul language, have full-blooded rows, or talk about money, sex or bodily functions in front of witnesses. 

5. Respect quiet zones 

Don't use your phone in 'quiet zones' on trains. Even if you're not in a designated zone, be aware that your voice will distract a peaceful carriage of newspaper-reading commuters. If the line is bad and conversations inaudible, explain that there's a problem and hang up. 

6. Never shout 

Your mobile phone is not a megaphone, so don't shout... 

If you lose reception, live with it. Refrain from shouting into a dead device, and ring the other person back as soon as you regain it, even if it's only to say goodbye. 

7. People with you deserve more attention than those at the end of a phone 

People in the flesh deserve more attention than a gadget, so wherever possible turn off your phone in social situations. 

If you are awaiting an important call when meeting someone socially, explain at the outset that you will have to take the call, and apologise in advance. Otherwise, excuse yourself and withdraw somewhere private to make or receive calls. Do not have a mobile phone conversation in front of your friends. It is the height of bad manners... 

8. Step away from the phone at meal times 

Don't put your phone on the dining table, or glance at it longingly mid-conversation. 

9. Don't carry on mobile phone calls when in the middle of something else 

Don't carry on mobile phone calls while transacting other business - in banks, shops, on buses and so on. It is insulting not to give people who are serving you your full attention. 

10. Think about where you are calling from 

Don't make calls to people from inappropriate venues; a call from a bathroom is deeply off-putting. 

Switch off your phone, or turn it on to vibrate, when you are going into meetings, theatres, cinemas and so on. 

Only make or take calls in the car using a hands-free head set. 

Visit Debrett's for more etiquette advice.