Did you know that 45 percent of workplace meetings take place via conference call?
However, despite the fact that conference calls take place on a regular basis, many people still have terrible conference call etiquette.
In fact, Inc.com reports that more than half of employees mute their conference calls, and 1 out of 4 employees have taken conference calls in the bathroom!
Clearly, a lot of us could use a refresher on conference call etiquette. Check out this guide to learn everything you need to know about it.
Call in Early
As they say, on time is late, and early is on time.
This saying holds true for conference calls. In general, you should try to dial into the conference call a couple of minutes early. This is especially the case if you’re going to be speaking on the conference call.
The last thing you want is to be the reason a conference call gets held up, so make sure to set appointment reminders on your phone so you’re never late for a call.
State Your Name Before Speaking
It can sometimes be difficult to decipher who’s who on a conference call. This is why, before you speak, you should always state your name.
To make it easier for others to understand the context of your comments, it’s also helpful to state your role, location, and company.
This is especially relevant if you’re on a conference call with others who haven’t met you face-to-face.
Keep Background Noise to a Minimum
It’s very important that you’re not making yourself a distraction to other callers.
During your conference call, you should avoid standing outside, eating and drinking, typing, talking to your kids, and having side conversations.
Find a quiet location where no one will disrupt the call.
And, if you do need to make noise, make sure to put your phone on mute so you don’t disturb others.
Also, make sure you have a good system that allows you to make an instant conference call without any static or bad reception.
Designate a Call Leader
Designating a leader will help keep your conference calls on track and organized.
It should be the leader’s responsibility to email out the agenda for the conference call, direct the conversation, and make sure everyone stays on topic.
It’s also their responsibility to send out follow-up emails and additional meeting invites.
At the beginning of the call, the leader should introduce themselves so everyone knows who they are.
Speak Loudly and Clearly
When speaking on a conference call, you shouldn’t talk in the same way you’d talk to a friend on the phone.
Chances are, people are going to be taking notes on what you’re saying, so speak loudly and slow down your speech.
Conference Call Etiquette: Are You Ready for Your Next Conference Call?
By following these conference call etiquette tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your next conference call.
If you liked this article, be sure to check back in with our blog for more workplace tips and tricks.