Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
Conference calls have become a vital tool for any company that has multiple offices and customers around the world. It’s a cost effective alternative to face-to-face meetings by integrating the internet, online presentation tools, and verbal interaction. Whether going over innovative marketing strategies, introducing new products, or to discuss successes/opportunities, conferencing calling is a clear way to reach multiple people at once from different time zones. However, it’s important to be prepared for these calls in order to stay engaged, participate adequately, and avoid disengaging moments like awkward silences.
- Be Prepared
There is nothing worse than not being prepared! Make sure you are organized. Having clear thoughts and structure will show your confidence and you will be able to answer questions with ease. Being punctual will ensure the meeting telephone number is correct, functioning, and therefore everyone is able to call in quickly and efficiently. Make sure to test out the sound to ensure you are being heard loudly & clearly.
- Create excitement
Crack a joke, tell a quick story, something that brings a human element to the call. Have an upbeat tone in your voice, and stay high energy! If you don’t sound enthusiastic about what your topic, how can you expect enthusiasm from others?
- Encourage Participation
Knowing your audience is key. If there are certain people you know will be on the call, reach out to them and ask how they’re doing, and don’t be afraid to make small talk to break the ice. Call on individuals to contribute to the topic at hand. You don’t want a mind-numbing monologue. Pause for questions and throw questions to your audience. A PowerPoint presentation will help to keep everyone on track and give them the ability to easily follow along.
- Don’t be a “Chatty Cathy”
A long winded, robotic voice is a conference call’s demise. Time yourself so you can stay on pace and you’ll know when to start wrapping up! Make it informative, but not too lengthy. Break out of the PowerPoint outline now and then to lighten the mood.
- Record the call
Afterwards you can listen back, make notes on what went well, and what could have been better. This will help you improve your strategies moving forward.
The end goal of your call is to effectively relay information, have others retain the information, and implement your ideas. Investing a little time and effort into making your notes clear and to the point, you will sound proficient and others will engage in the conversation. By following these few steps, you will undoubtedly see a positive transformation in the atmosphere of your conference calls, as well as the number of attendees and overall participation.
Co-contributor: Cara Gruen
