How to look good on a conference call
Even if they can’t see you on a conference call, your professional image is showing.
Just like a face-to-face meeting, attendees are evaluating your leadership style, etiquette and professionalism. This blog post we decided to give some tips for conference call leaders or hosts. (We have a link at the end for some phone meeting participant tips.)
7 Tips for Hosting a Conference Call
Tip 1 – Timing is Everything
Different Time zones can make conference calling challenging. Try to schedule when it suits most people on the call, especially the clients.
Tip 2 – Hidden Agenda?
Don’t run the meeting off-the-cuff. Create an agenda and forward in advance to ensure everyone comes prepared. This also keeps people on track and timely.
Tip 3 – Delegate
Assign a minute taker as it’s difficult for the Host to lead and take notes. (Don’t always assign the same person and definitely not always a woman. Contrary to some men’s beliefs, women don’t possess a special minute taking gene.)
Tip 4 – Short and Sweet
Start the phone meeting on time and end it on time. The host should be on the call at least 5 minutes prior to the formal start so you are not wasting people’s time with setup etc. And wrap it up before you lose people’s attention.
Tip 5 – Roll Call
Have everyone briefly introduce themselves (first and last names and position). Remind them to preface their comments with their name.
Tip 6 – House Keeping
Provide info on how participants should notify leader if they run into technical difficulties and can’t get through, (email, cell phone, etc.) Also remind people to use the mute button (pressing *6 will mute most phones).
Tip 7 – Recap
Follow up on the call by email, recapping decisions that were made or actions to be taken. This clears up any confusion about assignments and it’s also nice etiquette to thank everyone for participating.
Other Articles:
Posted by Joanne Blake – the Canadian business etiquette expert and conference call etiquette maven
For more conference call tips check out my interview with Wendy Cuthbert of IE – Investment Executive
Yes, you’re right about the agenda being essential. Anything that keeps the conversations on track is prime.
These are great tips for those hosting conference calls and I especially agree with the agenda portion. While those who are on a call may know what to expect, sending over an agenda provides an outline that not only refreshes one’s memory but keeps the conversation on track.
Writing notes is good way to focus a long video conference call. Because all discussion cant remember in mind when conference call is on, so its better to keep journal or notepad with you.