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| My view on Monday from the 'office' |
A lot of businesses today rely on being able to collaborate with the client, even when they cannot be in the same city (let alone the same conference room). There's no replacing the value of an in-person meeting. But business folk are making due with conference calls to meet with our managers, project teams, and clients.
But conference calls can be challenging. The average call is filled with awkward pauses, technical difficulties, and trouble focusing. Check out Conference Call in Real Life. It hilariously demonstrates the struggles that go into these virtual meetings.
So what's the trick to making a conference call as successful as possible?
1. Join early.
- It just makes sense to try and be on for the whole meeting. It's no fun to try and catch up if you miss a portion of the call. And let's face it.. it's already hard enough to focus on a conference call. Besides, do you really want to be the beep interrupting the conversation 5 minutes into the call?
2. Can you hear me now?
- Try and find a good spot to take the call from. A good internet connection or cell service can make all the difference. It could be a total waste of everyone's time if there's a poor connection.
3. Tell 'em who.
- Especially when on a call with people we don't talk very much, how often do you just know their voices? If you have something to contribute try and always start with "Hi this is _____." and then your idea.
4. Most importantly - Mute.
- This is a big one. Talk to anyone and one of the most annoying things that can happen on the conference call is a lot of unnecessary background noise. Don't be the one that forgot to mute their line.
What are your tips for communicating over conference calls? Comment below.
Oh my! Is this really how it is? Awkward!!!
ReplyDeleteHah! Yep, that pretty much sums it up. A lot of awkward silences and then everyone talks at once.
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