Whether you’re hosting a conference call or taking part, these tips will help you make the most of your virtual meeting.
- Dial in on time or a few minutes early, if you are the organiser. A lot of conference calls waste the first 5 minutes with constant beeps and interruptions from latecomers. Try InstantMeeting from Plantronics.
- Think about your background noise. If you can’t take the call from a quiet place, use a noise-cancelling headset for when you are speaking and put it on mute when you are not.
- The power of your voice. Stand up for important discussions, this will help to project your voice.
- Don’t ever put your phone on hold. You will probably subject the rest of the call to your hold music or beeping.
- Remember to un-mute your headset when you want to talk!
- Send a pre-call email to all participants outlining the agenda, dial in details and any material they need to read.
- Keep to the agenda and on time as much as possible
- Participants should keep contributions as concise as possible. No one appreciates a rambling monologue!
- If you want everyone to follow the same presentation – try screen sharing.
- Focus on the conference call. It is easy to be distracted with emails/Facebook/online shopping, etc.
- Close the call with a clear summing up of next steps and follow up with an email with action items for participants.