Conference Call Tips: A Common Sense Guide

No matter how often you speak on conference calls, a simple reminder or look at do's and don'ts can assist you with your next conference call. These conference call tips have been proven to eliminate annoyances and help you to convey the professionalism you desire. We will take a look at some conference call mistakes and how to avoid them.

1.Never use a cell phone to join a conference call. The only exception being if you are inside a car and everyone on the call knows you will be joining from the road.

2.Make sure the phone you are using has no static or other interference. There's nothing more distracting than someone's phone emitting strange noises, detracting from the year end review.

3.If you are a work from home employee, plan on immobilizing yourself for the duration of the call. Don't wash the dishes while the boss is detailing the fiscal year finances. It can really dry up your career potential if they hear that water splashing.

4.Know your devices. If you're using a speakerphone, know what buttons to push to mute the speaker. In fact, use the mute button to eliminate the chance of your coffee spilling onto your laptop and the explicative flying from your mouth. If you're using a headset, become accustomed to it before doing your first conference call. Know how the mute button works and test it out. It's better to be prepared then telling everyone how miserable you are on the call, when you thought only your coworker would hear.

5.Know the times and agenda for each meeting before calling in to the call. This conference call tips will help you to stay focused throughout the call and not talk about something unrelated, when you believed you were involved on a different call.

6.Take notes, but try to do it on paper, not with the clacking of the laptop keys resounding in the speakerphone. If you must use your laptop, mute the microphone until you need to be heard. After all, you can't take notes while you're speaking.

7.If there are a lot of people on the conference call, introduce yourself when you speak. It can be done without much formality, but its better they know who is sharing the golden idea, before someone else slips in to take credit.

There are many conference call tips that can assist you in dealing with behaviors and appearances. It is important to remember to use common sense. The best conference call tips come from knowing yourself and your own limitations. By being professional, courteous, and insightful on the conference call, the rest will just fall into place.

Now, Setting Up A Reservationless Conference Call and Web Conferencing Is Easier Then Ever

Participating in a conference call is "easy peasy lemon squeezy". All you have to do is call up a number, and sometimes enter in a pin code, and bingo, your connected. However, setting up a conference call requires a bit more thinking and planning, as well as some money from your wallet, in most cases. There are different services that companies offer, and you have to consider those when planning out your conference call. The three basic types of conference calls are reservationless conference calls, operator assisted conference calls, and web conferencing.

The most common type has to be reservationless conference calls. This type of service does not require a lot of details nor hassle. You will give the company the information they ask for and in return, you are given a phone number and, usually, two access codes. If you are ready to start the conference call, simply call the number given to you and enter your pin code, which would be the first code. Since this is reservationless conference, people will have to call up themselves and use the other pin code, which should have be given to them by you, via email or some other method. Of course, you will be the first to arrive, so just wait patiently until others start calling in and joining the call.

Operator assisted conference calls are another option you may wish to consider. This service will allow you the option to have an operator call each participant at a specific time and manually add them to the call, rather than you doing it. During the call, the operator may be consulted if you have any problems or requests. They will monitor the overall call and record it if you deem necessary. This type of service is much more expensive then a reservationless or web conference, but its still an excellent choice for people new to conferencing.

Web conferencing is probably the most popular way to hold a conference. These days, everyone has a personal computer with internet access, so don't be too worried about leaving people out. The only problem with this method is that you may need some software in order to host the call. In some cases the software may be expensive, yet in others, the cost may be minimal. It basically depends on the company/software. Problems may arise with the software during the conference, so you may need to have technical support on hand as well, which will usually cost more. Although there can be issues with web conferencing, its still a great way to communicate with others.

Now you know the type of conference calls you can create and be a part of, Congratulations! You are now ready to set-up a conference call yourself. Its natural to be a bit nervous about hosting a conference for the first time, but don't worry. Most companies will walk you through the entire process step by step and answer any questions you might have.