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Achieving proper etiquette when using conference call services
April 8, 2006
By: Alice Osborn
With more and more businesses using conference call
services (according to the Houston Business Journal, usage
is growing at a rate of 60 percent per year), as well as
online conferencing, participants need to be briefed in
conference call etiquette. Doing so increases productivity,
good will and customer service.
The minimum etiquette calling standards
In order for companies to remain competitive, conference
call service etiquette should be practiced at all times.
Here are a few basic calling guidelines:
- Start the call on time and this pertains most
specifically to the moderator who should be connected
before the other participants.
- Introduce yourself and your organization before
speaking to the conference group. The conference leader or
moderator can also be responsible for introducing members
of the conference call. Smiling while speaking to the
other callers promotes enthusiasm and energy.
- Minimize noise and interruptions. Place the telephone
on mute if office conservations must take place and be
aware of extraneous keyboard typing or paper shuffling
sounds. Remember, everyone can hear you!
- Give your undivided attention for the entire
conference call.
- Make call connecting as user-friendly as possible so
the business at hand can be conducted smoothly while
ensuring that the connection is a secure one so that
outside participation is eliminated.
- Keep the calls short and interactive with the group.
Discourage callers who often interrupt other conference
participants or who dominate the conversation topic.
- Clearly state when the call will end and then confirm
all participants have disconnected so that irrelevant or
embarrassing conversations will not take place.
Other calling tips
In addition, it is important to have the right
teleconferencing equipment.
- Use a handset that is hardwired into the phone lines
- Turn off call waiting
- Create an agenda and stick to the schedule so that
participants’ time will not be wasted
- Try not to put the conference call on “hold” since the
hold music will play and become distracting to the other
call participants
- And absolutely no cell phones -- they cause static and
distraction
Ensuring these simple steps take effect will help lead to
more productive and positive teleconferencing experiences.
About the Author
Alice Osborn is a successful freelance writer and
contributor to Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com. Your definitive guide to everything you need to know about
audio driven communications, including audio conferencing,
conference calling services, and VoIP telephony for business
and personal use.
Also See:
[ How VoIP works -- busting
out of long distance rates ]
[
Audio and web conferencing meets the demands of the
marketplace ]
[ How to
find and evaluate cheap teleconferencing services ]
Home Page:
[ Audio-Conferencing-Guide.com ]
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