2. 22
Objective
By the end of the session, you will understand:
The purpose of Conference Calls
Basics of Conference Calls
Rules of Conference Calls
Do’s & Don'ts of Conference Calls
3. 33
What is a Conference Call?
A telephone call where more than one parties is
involved at different locations, to discuss/resolve
issues
4. 44
Why a Conference Call?
To overcome geographical barriers
To discuss/resolve an issue which cannot be
done in an email
More than one party is involved
5. 55
Purpose of Conference Calls
Share successes and challenges
Plan strategies to make improvements
Share learning
Get support
Discuss new ideas
Periodic updates
6. 66
Conference Calls
Who should attend
A Leader
All the relevant people with a ‘need to know’ from:
Client’s Team
Own Team
What to expect
Be prepared to report on progress, including tasks
you have completed and what is pending
Questions & Answers
7. 77
Rules of Conference Call Etiquette
There must be a clear leader/moderator of the
call
There must be an agenda
Keep the group as small as possible
Practice impeccable phone etiquette
Make sure you have a good connection
8. 88
Prepare for the Conference Call
Distribute a clear agenda in advance of the call
and stick to it
Send the dial-in number, pass code, and
instructions multiple times
Have a pen-paper handy
Take notes – they help you summarize the
action points
Set these ground rules and the beginning of the
call
9. 99
Beginning the Conference Call
Start the meeting absolutely on time
Get each caller to say hello and introduce
themselves
Discuss the agenda
Treat the conference call as if it were a meeting
10. 1010
Conference-Call Etiquette
Please keep background noise to a minimum
Mute your speakerphone when you are not
speaking
Speak close to the speakerphone or use a
handset
Always identify yourself before speaking
11. 1111
Conference-Call Etiquette
Speak one at a time and avoid interrupting
In case of a verbal collision, stop – apologize – let
the other person finish
Please do not call from a car or cell phone
Limit paper shuffling
DO NOT use HOLD (background music)
12. 1212
Ending the Conference Call
Always thank the participants for their time and
contribution
Summarize the action items
End the call on time
Close with clear next steps
13. 1313
DO’s & DON’T’s
DO’s DON’T’s
Speak loudly and clearly Don’t use cell phones or phones that pick
up background noise
Ask for input by using a person’s name Don’t assume everyone recognizes your
voice
Do learn to use the mute button Don’t allow the topic to wander
Do get comfortable with the fact you will be
talking in front of a group and receiving
no visual cues or feedback
Don’t shuffle papers; scrape chairs, pencil
tap, hum or other distracting, noisy
activities
Do use the right phone in a quiet,
undisturbed room
If you don’t have anything to add, don’t
add anything
Do make use of guest speakers Don’t leave the conference on MUTE and
go for short breaks