It can be annoying to others if you are constantly checking e-mail on a hand-held device throughout the course of a business meeting. Here are a few tips to follow if you have been guilty of this faux pas.

*If you must bring your mobile device to the meeting, use it with discretion. Set it on “vibrate” to minimize disturbances.

*Consider the other attendees. Staff members may be more tolerant of distractions than clients or customers.

*Respond only when it’s absolutely necessary. If a response can wait, let it.

*Step out of the room to send or receive urgent messages. Don’t make a big deal out of it.

Finally, if you expect to be checking your e-mail repeatedly during a meeting, you might do everyone a favor: Simply don’t go.