A courteous way to place a phone call is to first send an email or text. "Are you able to take a call?" is a nice way to check a busy person's availability and be assured that the timing is good.

This approach sets the caller apart from the unknown and unwelcome solicitations that announce their arrival with Caller Unknown or a city that you might never visit even in your thoughts. When I see a call coming in from Green Bay, Wisconsin with no name attached, I let it ring. I don't know anyone there. Chances are I'm missing a rare opportunity for a carpet cleaning or a new roof, and passing on hearing a breathless script that leads to the inevitable close: Would you like the premium package or the standard?

Funny how the phone has assumed a new role as email and text messaging have emerged.