This document provides a 4-step process for running an effective conference call: 1) Start with a concise introduction, 2) Allow the main speaker to present while engaging the remote audience, 3) Include a Q&A session with guidelines for handling questions, and 4) Close strongly by thanking attendees and providing next steps. Key recommendations include sending a follow-up email and surveying attendees to ensure an excellent experience.

1. 4 STEPS
TO RUNNING AN AWESOME
CONFERENCE CALL

2. Running an important
call?

3. Preparation is everything.

4. (Major Key Alert)

5. Here’s how the pros do it.

6. Start the call with an
organized, concise
opener.
1

7. Start the call with an
organized, concise
opener.
1
Here’s an example…

8. “Welcome to the CALL TITLE. I want to welcome
LEAD SPEAKER, who has several updates on the
TOPIC. Also joining us today will be PANELIST NAME
1, and PANELIST NAME 2.
We will hold a question and answer period at the
end of the LEAD SPEAKER’s remarks, at which time
you may dial * and 5 on your touchtone phone to
ask a question. LEAD SPEAKER, welcome to the
program.”

9. Nicely done!

10. Now, dig into the
main presentation.
2

11. It’s the speaker’s turn to shine.
The key is to allow the speaker to present
their content in a way that the audience
finds engaging from a remote setting.

12. They can:
• Take and answer questions
• Share video or other media
• Poll the audience
• Encourage audience to raise hands
• Foster subconference/breakout sessions

13. Are you including a
Q&A session?
3

14. Are you including a
Q&A session?
3
Here’s one way to start

15. “At this time, if you’d like to ask a
questions, please press the * and 1 on
your touchtone telephone. You may
withdraw your question at any time by
pressing the # key. We’ll take our first
question from ATTENDEE NAME AND
LOCATION. Please, go ahead.”

16. Other things to consider include:

17. • What happens if an attendee has a
follow up question? Will you take it?
• What happens if you run out of time?
Let attendees know that you will answer
their questions offline at their
convenience.

18. Now it’s time to
close the call with a
bang
4

19. Now it’s time to
close the call with a
bang
4

20. Some examples:

21. “Thank you for joining us today.
Please attend our next call on NEXT
CALL DATE AND TIME.”

22. “For more information about our
program, please visit WEBSITE
ADDRESS or follow us on Twitter.”

23. “It appears we have no further
questions today. Thank you for
participating in CALL TITLE. You
may now disconnect from the call.
Thank you and have a great day.”

24. That’s it

26. Just don’t forget to:
• Send a follow-up email &
• Survey your attendees
to ensure an excellent experience.

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