![]() When people are focusing solely on your voice, it’s important to make sure that your background noise is kept to a minimum. Sure, you may be used to the sound of the snow plows barreling down your street, but your co-workers on the conference call aren’t. ![]() ![]() Something like, “If anyone has questions, I’m happy to answer them.” 7. Be clear and concise (practice ahead of time if you’re nervous) and then confirm with the group that what you’ve said makes sense. Talk about important projects you’ve been working on, or your recent successes or accomplishments. Have notes in front of you, and clear your computer screen of any unnecessary tabs that might prevent you from navigating to the information you need to access. So prep for a conference call just as you would any other meeting. Getting called on during a meeting only to be caught unprepared is not only bad conference call etiquette, it’s a missed opportunity. And, when you’re gone, no one is asking you a question then thinking you’re having technical difficulties when you don’t answer! 6. That way, you have an opportunity to make your points and share your updates first. Just like in a face-to-face meeting, let everyone else know at the start of the meeting that you have to leave early. However, just because you can sneak out early doesn’t mean you should. The other fantastic thing about conference calls is that it’s easy to sneak out (just hit “end” and no one’s the wiser!). The fantastic thing about a conference call is that with a little bit of flexibility, you can be present for some of the meeting. Sometimes a meeting just doesn’t fit into your schedule. And, just like the video above says, allow extra time to download and install those unexpected updates! 5. There should be a way to test your video and audio before the meeting starts, so take advantage of that time and make sure you can fully connect to the meeting.Īfter the first meeting, future ones should be a snap. Just because the platform says you’re connected, doesn’t mean you are. If you’re using your computer, try to connect via a wired connection over wifi.Īnd, make sure your speakers and microphone work, too. If you’re calling in from your cell phone, make sure you’re someplace with a strong signal and no interference. No matter how you connect to the meeting, make sure you can connect. Being mindful of time is key to conference call etiquette. Otherwise, save it for an email or a smaller meeting. If you’re not sure what to keep and what to eliminate, a good rule of thumb is that you should only talk about a topic if it involves, or is important to, at least three members of your meeting. Limiting what you discuss gives everyone a chance to talk about whatever is important to them and helps caps the overall time the meeting takes. In larger meetings (say, anything over eight people), prioritize what you will and won’t talk about. This way, even though you aren’t there, you aren’t holding things up! And if you have important updates but can’t be present, communicate them to a trusted team member. A quick text or chat message should do the trick. If you know you can’t make the meeting, let someone else in attendance know. However, those few minutes can quickly add up if people aren’t careful. Sometimes conference calls are held up because everyone is waiting “a few more minutes” for more attendees to arrive. ![]() They let attendees know what to expect, estimate how long the meeting will take, and gives them the chance to prepare their talking points. A brief outline of what topics the meeting will cover is usually good enough. This sounds obvious and yet, bears repeating: if you’re the one running the meeting, set an agenda.Īgendas don’t have to be long, involved, or even particularly detailed. So, whether you use video, audio, or the old-fashioned phone call, here are etiquette tips for conference calls to ensure that you and your team are productive. But, the truth is more often than not, conference calls-no matter how you participate- are far more like that video than we might like to admit. If that makes you laugh, good, that’s the point. That’s why it’s vital that work-from-home and remote employees use proper conference call etiquette.Ĭonference call mistakes and blunders are common. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t have meetings, especially with the variety of easy-to-use technology available for web conferencing and conference calls. Remote employees often relish the ability to work independently, away from office distractions. ![]()
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