Essential Etiquette Tips for Effective Conference Calls

Have you ever attended a teleconference call where there was background noise which made it difficult to enjoy the call? Have you been on a call where participants are talking over each other or someone is speaking and you have no idea what their name is? Maybe you could never contribute because every time the facilitator asked a question, there were one or two people who always jumped in and didn't stop talking, and the facilitator didn't have control of the situation.

For a conference call to be a pleasant and professional experience, participants need to know how to use teleconference technology. As people register to participate, immediately send an email that gives guidelines and logistical information for the teleconference number and passcode, the correct time, day and time zone. Include information on technical support in case of technical difficulties. Let participants know how to disable call waiting or the implications of answering their second line while on the conference call.

After everyone is aware of the etiquette that is required for a conference call, handle any issues as they arise. You should mention the rules again at the start of the call itself, to reinforce them.

Here's an example: "There are a few teleconference etiquette tips which have to be followed to make our call pleasurable. A few of these conference call etiquette tips will help making our call enjoyable to everyone. The foremost thing is to be alone in the room, if possible. A quiet room is the best place to make a conference call. Dogs, children or adults can divert your attention. If you urgently need to speak with someone, you can do that by pressing the mute button on your telephone. Or you can mute yourself on the conference call by pressing *6.When you are finished with your other work, you can speak again by just pressing *6 another time. If you start speaking and we don't respond to you, then you'll know that you are still on mute and we can't hear you.

Please give the teleconference your full attention. When answering my questions or giving ideas say your name before you talk. I would appreciate if you join right in at any time as I will be asking for your opinions. Also, please speak clearly so everyone can understand you.

Finally, do not be embarrassed by silence on the line. Some participants require some time to consider their words before responding. It is important to allow ample time for all participants to share their views. Are there any questions regarding teleconferencing etiquette?

The meeting facilitator might say that or something similar. Those guidelines should then be enforced tactfully for the call's duration. If there is obvious noise in the background, pause and inject a comment such as, "We're picking up a good bit of background noise. It sounds like someone is cooking dinner. There's not enough for me, is there?" A little fun is certainly permissible! If a dog is barking, for example, you might say, "Sparky seems to approve!"

Occasionally, one person will dominate a call, and if you do not respond tactfully, your professional reputation might suffer, and other parties might want to end their participation. Keep in mind that you only get one chance to make a first impression. And while this adage is accurate enough in a situation that involves face to face contact, it could prove even more viable in a virtual environment. Without body language to interpret, unhappy teleconference colleagues can stop participating, or even hang up, damaging your relationship with them.

Daiv Russell is a management and marketing consultant with Envision Consulting in Tampa, Florida. To learn more about conference call etiquette, check out audio-conference-calling.info. While organizing your team check out our Team Building activities.