Workplace blunders are\u2026well\u2026part of business.\u00a0 They’re bound to happen.\u00a0 May as well laugh when you can and learn from the mistakes! \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\nNow that 2016 is over, we thought it would be fun to share 3 of last year’s top\u00a0conference call etiquette bloopers<\/strong>\u00a0that made us here at MeetingOne wince.\u00a0 But we couldn\u2019t leave you without some expert advice.\u00a0 We also offer a few remedies, so you avoid these mistakes and others in 2017!<\/strong><\/p>\n2016’s Top 3\u00a0Conference Call Etiquette\u00a0Bloopers<\/span><\/h2>\n#3. Would you like fries with that conference call?<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Fries-with-that-292x300.png\")
<\/a>Many of us have struggled through calls where it seems like everyone\u2019s forgotten to mute their phones.\u00a0<\/strong> It\u2019s a fairly common occurrence.<\/p>\nBut when a member of a digital marketing team forgot to mute her phone while ordering fast-food, everyone had the pleasure of hearing her order.<\/p>\n
Extra cheese with that burger?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/h3>\n#2. Say it to my face
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Gossip-_for-shame-300x284.png\")
<\/a>During a pre-webinar conference call, a member of an engineering team\u00a0(let\u2019s call him Joe) was griping about another member of that society (Bill).\u00a0 Bill typically facilitated the society\u2019s calls, just not on that day.\u00a0 Assuming Bill wasn\u2019t present, Joe complained about how little he liked Bill’s hosting.<\/p>\nLo and behold, Bill was on the line the entire time; he\u2019d just been in the background, not speaking.<\/p>\n
I bet we can all guess who\u2019s going to be on mute during the next call.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/h3>\n#1. One big clunker of a call<\/span><\/h3>\n![\"Conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Too-many-people-269x300.png\")
<\/a>In preparation for a product launch, a large company determined it was necessary to pull everyone involved in the project together – for one call.\u00a0 By the time the conference call started, 130+ people had joined.\u00a0 And it was a mess.<\/p>\nPeople were continuously dropped from the line, only to try to join again minutes later.\u00a0 Every time a person was dropped from or rejoined the call, the conferencing system \u2018dinged.\u2019\u00a0<\/strong> The ‘dinging’ caused such a ruckus they couldn\u2019t even facilitate the call – let alone have a productive\u00a0conversation.<\/p>\nGood talk, everyone.\u00a0 Good talk.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\nEven though we\u2019re making light of the circumstances surrounding some bad calls, there\u2019s no doubt\u00a0mishaps can plague conference calls.<\/strong><\/h4>\nTo help you avoid a number of issues, we have listed the audio conferencing tools AND conference call etiquette tips that can improve interactions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nCurb Call Troubles with Audio Conferencing Tools<\/span><\/h2>\nFrom my experience, there seems to be an attitude that the difficulties surrounding conference calls have no simple resolution<\/strong>.\u00a0 But it all depends upon your approach.\u00a0 The key first step is to employ better technology and resources.<\/p>\n
\nVisual Interface<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen it comes to better managing conference calls, there\u2019s no tool better than a visual interface.<\/strong>\u00a0 A visual interface provides you a virtual display of the goings-on of a conference call. \u00a0You can see participant interactions (represented by avatars), like who is talking versus muted.<\/p>\nVisual interfaces are especially important when it comes to managing participants with the click of a mouse.<\/strong>\u00a0 Here are some examples of a visual interface\u2019s functionality:<\/p>\n![\"icons_click_meet_manage_calls\"](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/icons_click_meet_manage_calls.png\")
\u2022 \u00a0Muting<\/span><\/h4>\nCentral to audio conferencing visual interfaces is the option to mute.\u00a0 A host using the visual interface can individually select the avatars of call attendees and mute them.\u00a0 Alternatively, certain visual interfaces provide icons to simply mute and un-mute all your participants.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0Managing Doorbells<\/span><\/h4>\nTired of chimes going off every time someone enters your room?\u00a0 Turn off your doorbells.<\/strong>\u00a0 But that\u2019s easier said than done if you have to refer to dial-pad key commands.\u00a0 (Was it *479592# that turns the doorbells off, or *4795920#?)<\/p>\nTop-tier visual interfaces like MeetingOne\u2019s Click&Meet<\/a><\/span><\/strong> come with a doorbell icon.\u00a0 Select the icon, turn off your doorbells.\u00a0 Simple.<\/strong><\/p>\n\u2022 \u00a0Utilizing Sub-Conference Rooms<\/span><\/h4>\nSub-conference rooms serve as private spaces just off the main conference line. \u00a0You can discuss everything that\u2019s relevant to the call (or a webinar)\u2014without worrying if someone will hear these talks.<\/strong><\/p>\nVisual interfaces allow users both easy access to sub-conference rooms and the ability to seamlessly move users into sub-conference rooms, either by right clicking on an avatar or dragging and dropping them.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s visual interface, Click&Meet – Watch this short video<\/a><\/span><\/strong> demonstrating Click&Meet\u2019s functionality!<\/h6>\n
\nAutomated Roll Call<\/span><\/h3>\nUsing a Roll Call is a valuable way to ensure your attendees announce themselves as they enter your conference calls.\u00a0<\/strong> The real trick is to have the process automated for your audio room.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to have to set up the roll call for each conference!<\/p>\nFor example, Room Hosts using MeetingOne\u2019s Online Account Management (OAM)<\/a><\/span><\/strong> portal can quickly set up a roll call in the Setting Tab. \u00a0It’s that easy! \u00a0Never worry about attendees not stating their names again!<\/p>\n![\"conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Conference-Call-Etiquette-1-300x59.png\")
\nAs an additional function, make sure your audio conferencing provider offers an option for you to replay the roll call at your discretion\u2014that is, on-demand. Doing so can help you remember who is in attendance.<\/p>\n
\nMeeting\u00a0Producer<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen it comes to managing calls with hundreds of attendees, it\u2019s crucial to have a call producer available.\u00a0<\/strong> Whether you need assistance with technical issues or just want a 3rd<\/sup> party moderator for your calls, meeting producers can help you on many fronts.<\/p>\nMeetingOne\u2019s professionally trained\u00a0<\/strong>conference call producers<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>are here to help!<\/p>\n
\nPersonal Tips for Better Conference Call Etiquette<\/span><\/h2>\nLet\u2019s not just rely on advanced technology for holding effective conference calls.\u00a0 A little bit of personal etiquette goes a long way too!\u00a0 Here are some tips to follow:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nCall in at least 5 mins early<\/span><\/h3>\nConference calls are really no different than meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 They just take place over a phone.\u00a0 Make sure you call in 5-10 minutes early.<\/p>\nWe are all too familiar with annoying audio chimes that blare every time a person joins a call.\u00a0 Arrive late, and that chime may interrupt the conversation.\u00a0 (If you\u2019re the call host, there\u2019s a lot of incentive for you to turn off doorbells.\u00a0 Just keep that in mind.)<\/p>\n
\nUse Inclusive Language<\/span><\/h3>\nUsing the right language during a conference call can make a huge difference in reception of the message.<\/strong>\u00a0 Whether you lead a session or just participate, make sure to use inclusive language.<\/p>\n\u2018We\u2019 and \u2018our,\u2019 for example, serve to invite everyone into the conversation.\u00a0 Furthermore, these pronouns can quite literally provide participants a sense of inclusion.\u00a0 In the long run, the sentiments created through inclusive language can reinforce business goals and vision.<\/p>\n
\n![\"conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/Etiquette-Blog-1-300x265.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nBe Empathetic<\/span><\/h3>\nRegardless of what business you\u2019re in, empathy serves as a simple remedial element for managing workplace problems.<\/strong>\u00a0 Teams that empathize tend to be more loyal, more productive, and have higher morale.\u00a0 And it\u2019s just as valuable during conference calls.<\/p>\nDifferent departments and teams may have varying understandings or expectations of certain topics.\u00a0 Appreciating those different perspectives not only helps you connect with others, it can also be constructive for better planning and discussions.\u00a0\u00a0 And make sure you allow everyone an opportunity to speak during your calls.<\/p>\n
\nLimit Jargon<\/span><\/h3>\nEvery industry and many companies use jargon. \u00a0 \u00a0When you use industry jargon, you can confuse or lose people who are unfamiliar with the terminology.<\/strong> \u00a0Make sure you take the time to be clear about your subject.\u00a0 Use language that will be intelligible across industries.<\/p>\nIf you have to fall back on jargon, make sure you clarify what you mean.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"Fun](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/Death_to_stock_photography_community_premium_2-300x200.jpg\")
Be Constructive
\n<\/span><\/h3>\nEmpty, negative criticism (\u201cI don\u2019t like it,\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s a lame idea\u201d) rarely helps progress a discussion.<\/strong>\u00a0 Being derogatory or overly critical of opinions is one of the best ways to ensure no one stays on the line until the end of the call.<\/p>\nWhen strengthening your conference call etiquette, always make sure to be constructive.\u00a0 Provide constructive feedback and ask productive questions.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe difference can be simple.\u00a0Rather than saying, \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d you could ask a person to clarify their point.\u00a0 Building upon ideas or providing different routes to help reach a goal represents an ideal tactic for being constructive.<\/p>\n
\nLet\u2019s Avoid Future Conference Call Bloopers!<\/span><\/h2>\nConference call etiquette is something we should all work to employ.\u00a0<\/strong> Making use of the right technologies and personally choosing politeness can help us all avoid future conference call etiquette foul-ups!\u00a0 Don\u2019t wind up on our list for 2017!\u00a0![\"AudioOne](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/10\/Audio-One-Logo-300x224.png\")
<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s audio conferencing solutions, dig into AudioOne<\/a><\/span>!\u00a0<\/strong> Secure and customizable, AudioOne is an ideal solution for covering your conference calling needs (even those conference call etiquette needs)!<\/p>\nOh, and you get Click&Meet and OAM included!<\/p>\n
\n
2016’s Top 3\u00a0Conference Call Etiquette\u00a0Bloopers<\/span><\/h2>\n#3. Would you like fries with that conference call?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>Many of us have struggled through calls where it seems like everyone\u2019s forgotten to mute their phones.\u00a0<\/strong> It\u2019s a fairly common occurrence.<\/p>\nBut when a member of a digital marketing team forgot to mute her phone while ordering fast-food, everyone had the pleasure of hearing her order.<\/p>\n
Extra cheese with that burger?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/h3>\n#2. Say it to my face
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>During a pre-webinar conference call, a member of an engineering team\u00a0(let\u2019s call him Joe) was griping about another member of that society (Bill).\u00a0 Bill typically facilitated the society\u2019s calls, just not on that day.\u00a0 Assuming Bill wasn\u2019t present, Joe complained about how little he liked Bill’s hosting.<\/p>\nLo and behold, Bill was on the line the entire time; he\u2019d just been in the background, not speaking.<\/p>\n
I bet we can all guess who\u2019s going to be on mute during the next call.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/h3>\n#1. One big clunker of a call<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>In preparation for a product launch, a large company determined it was necessary to pull everyone involved in the project together – for one call.\u00a0 By the time the conference call started, 130+ people had joined.\u00a0 And it was a mess.<\/p>\nPeople were continuously dropped from the line, only to try to join again minutes later.\u00a0 Every time a person was dropped from or rejoined the call, the conferencing system \u2018dinged.\u2019\u00a0<\/strong> The ‘dinging’ caused such a ruckus they couldn\u2019t even facilitate the call – let alone have a productive\u00a0conversation.<\/p>\nGood talk, everyone.\u00a0 Good talk.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n
\nEven though we\u2019re making light of the circumstances surrounding some bad calls, there\u2019s no doubt\u00a0mishaps can plague conference calls.<\/strong><\/h4>\nTo help you avoid a number of issues, we have listed the audio conferencing tools AND conference call etiquette tips that can improve interactions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\nCurb Call Troubles with Audio Conferencing Tools<\/span><\/h2>\nFrom my experience, there seems to be an attitude that the difficulties surrounding conference calls have no simple resolution<\/strong>.\u00a0 But it all depends upon your approach.\u00a0 The key first step is to employ better technology and resources.<\/p>\n
\nVisual Interface<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen it comes to better managing conference calls, there\u2019s no tool better than a visual interface.<\/strong>\u00a0 A visual interface provides you a virtual display of the goings-on of a conference call. \u00a0You can see participant interactions (represented by avatars), like who is talking versus muted.<\/p>\nVisual interfaces are especially important when it comes to managing participants with the click of a mouse.<\/strong>\u00a0 Here are some examples of a visual interface\u2019s functionality:<\/p>\n\u2022 \u00a0Muting<\/span><\/h4>\nCentral to audio conferencing visual interfaces is the option to mute.\u00a0 A host using the visual interface can individually select the avatars of call attendees and mute them.\u00a0 Alternatively, certain visual interfaces provide icons to simply mute and un-mute all your participants.<\/p>\n
\u2022 \u00a0Managing Doorbells<\/span><\/h4>\nTired of chimes going off every time someone enters your room?\u00a0 Turn off your doorbells.<\/strong>\u00a0 But that\u2019s easier said than done if you have to refer to dial-pad key commands.\u00a0 (Was it *479592# that turns the doorbells off, or *4795920#?)<\/p>\nTop-tier visual interfaces like MeetingOne\u2019s Click&Meet<\/a><\/span><\/strong> come with a doorbell icon.\u00a0 Select the icon, turn off your doorbells.\u00a0 Simple.<\/strong><\/p>\n\u2022 \u00a0Utilizing Sub-Conference Rooms<\/span><\/h4>\nSub-conference rooms serve as private spaces just off the main conference line. \u00a0You can discuss everything that\u2019s relevant to the call (or a webinar)\u2014without worrying if someone will hear these talks.<\/strong><\/p>\nVisual interfaces allow users both easy access to sub-conference rooms and the ability to seamlessly move users into sub-conference rooms, either by right clicking on an avatar or dragging and dropping them.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s visual interface, Click&Meet – Watch this short video<\/a><\/span><\/strong> demonstrating Click&Meet\u2019s functionality!<\/h6>\n
\nAutomated Roll Call<\/span><\/h3>\nUsing a Roll Call is a valuable way to ensure your attendees announce themselves as they enter your conference calls.\u00a0<\/strong> The real trick is to have the process automated for your audio room.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to have to set up the roll call for each conference!<\/p>\nFor example, Room Hosts using MeetingOne\u2019s Online Account Management (OAM)<\/a><\/span><\/strong> portal can quickly set up a roll call in the Setting Tab. \u00a0It’s that easy! \u00a0Never worry about attendees not stating their names again!<\/p>\n
\nAs an additional function, make sure your audio conferencing provider offers an option for you to replay the roll call at your discretion\u2014that is, on-demand. Doing so can help you remember who is in attendance.<\/p>\n
\nMeeting\u00a0Producer<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen it comes to managing calls with hundreds of attendees, it\u2019s crucial to have a call producer available.\u00a0<\/strong> Whether you need assistance with technical issues or just want a 3rd<\/sup> party moderator for your calls, meeting producers can help you on many fronts.<\/p>\nMeetingOne\u2019s professionally trained\u00a0<\/strong>conference call producers<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>are here to help!<\/p>\n
\nPersonal Tips for Better Conference Call Etiquette<\/span><\/h2>\nLet\u2019s not just rely on advanced technology for holding effective conference calls.\u00a0 A little bit of personal etiquette goes a long way too!\u00a0 Here are some tips to follow:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nCall in at least 5 mins early<\/span><\/h3>\nConference calls are really no different than meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 They just take place over a phone.\u00a0 Make sure you call in 5-10 minutes early.<\/p>\nWe are all too familiar with annoying audio chimes that blare every time a person joins a call.\u00a0 Arrive late, and that chime may interrupt the conversation.\u00a0 (If you\u2019re the call host, there\u2019s a lot of incentive for you to turn off doorbells.\u00a0 Just keep that in mind.)<\/p>\n
\nUse Inclusive Language<\/span><\/h3>\nUsing the right language during a conference call can make a huge difference in reception of the message.<\/strong>\u00a0 Whether you lead a session or just participate, make sure to use inclusive language.<\/p>\n\u2018We\u2019 and \u2018our,\u2019 for example, serve to invite everyone into the conversation.\u00a0 Furthermore, these pronouns can quite literally provide participants a sense of inclusion.\u00a0 In the long run, the sentiments created through inclusive language can reinforce business goals and vision.<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
<\/h3>\nBe Empathetic<\/span><\/h3>\nRegardless of what business you\u2019re in, empathy serves as a simple remedial element for managing workplace problems.<\/strong>\u00a0 Teams that empathize tend to be more loyal, more productive, and have higher morale.\u00a0 And it\u2019s just as valuable during conference calls.<\/p>\nDifferent departments and teams may have varying understandings or expectations of certain topics.\u00a0 Appreciating those different perspectives not only helps you connect with others, it can also be constructive for better planning and discussions.\u00a0\u00a0 And make sure you allow everyone an opportunity to speak during your calls.<\/p>\n
\nLimit Jargon<\/span><\/h3>\nEvery industry and many companies use jargon. \u00a0 \u00a0When you use industry jargon, you can confuse or lose people who are unfamiliar with the terminology.<\/strong> \u00a0Make sure you take the time to be clear about your subject.\u00a0 Use language that will be intelligible across industries.<\/p>\nIf you have to fall back on jargon, make sure you clarify what you mean.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n
\nBe Constructive
\n<\/span><\/h3>\nEmpty, negative criticism (\u201cI don\u2019t like it,\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s a lame idea\u201d) rarely helps progress a discussion.<\/strong>\u00a0 Being derogatory or overly critical of opinions is one of the best ways to ensure no one stays on the line until the end of the call.<\/p>\nWhen strengthening your conference call etiquette, always make sure to be constructive.\u00a0 Provide constructive feedback and ask productive questions.<\/strong><\/p>\nThe difference can be simple.\u00a0Rather than saying, \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d you could ask a person to clarify their point.\u00a0 Building upon ideas or providing different routes to help reach a goal represents an ideal tactic for being constructive.<\/p>\n
\nLet\u2019s Avoid Future Conference Call Bloopers!<\/span><\/h2>\nConference call etiquette is something we should all work to employ.\u00a0<\/strong> Making use of the right technologies and personally choosing politeness can help us all avoid future conference call etiquette foul-ups!\u00a0 Don\u2019t wind up on our list for 2017!\u00a0<\/p>\n
\nIf you\u2019d like to learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s audio conferencing solutions, dig into AudioOne<\/a><\/span>!\u00a0<\/strong> Secure and customizable, AudioOne is an ideal solution for covering your conference calling needs (even those conference call etiquette needs)!<\/p>\nOh, and you get Click&Meet and OAM included!<\/p>\n
\n
But when a member of a digital marketing team forgot to mute her phone while ordering fast-food, everyone had the pleasure of hearing her order.<\/p>\n Extra cheese with that burger?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Lo and behold, Bill was on the line the entire time; he\u2019d just been in the background, not speaking.<\/p>\n I bet we can all guess who\u2019s going to be on mute during the next call.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n People were continuously dropped from the line, only to try to join again minutes later.\u00a0 Every time a person was dropped from or rejoined the call, the conferencing system \u2018dinged.\u2019\u00a0<\/strong> The ‘dinging’ caused such a ruckus they couldn\u2019t even facilitate the call – let alone have a productive\u00a0conversation.<\/p>\n Good talk, everyone.\u00a0 Good talk.<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n To help you avoid a number of issues, we have listed the audio conferencing tools AND conference call etiquette tips that can improve interactions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n From my experience, there seems to be an attitude that the difficulties surrounding conference calls have no simple resolution<\/strong>.\u00a0 But it all depends upon your approach.\u00a0 The key first step is to employ better technology and resources.<\/p>\n When it comes to better managing conference calls, there\u2019s no tool better than a visual interface.<\/strong>\u00a0 A visual interface provides you a virtual display of the goings-on of a conference call. \u00a0You can see participant interactions (represented by avatars), like who is talking versus muted.<\/p>\n Visual interfaces are especially important when it comes to managing participants with the click of a mouse.<\/strong>\u00a0 Here are some examples of a visual interface\u2019s functionality:<\/p>\n Central to audio conferencing visual interfaces is the option to mute.\u00a0 A host using the visual interface can individually select the avatars of call attendees and mute them.\u00a0 Alternatively, certain visual interfaces provide icons to simply mute and un-mute all your participants.<\/p>\n Tired of chimes going off every time someone enters your room?\u00a0 Turn off your doorbells.<\/strong>\u00a0 But that\u2019s easier said than done if you have to refer to dial-pad key commands.\u00a0 (Was it *479592# that turns the doorbells off, or *4795920#?)<\/p>\n Top-tier visual interfaces like MeetingOne\u2019s Click&Meet<\/a><\/span><\/strong> come with a doorbell icon.\u00a0 Select the icon, turn off your doorbells.\u00a0 Simple.<\/strong><\/p>\n Sub-conference rooms serve as private spaces just off the main conference line. \u00a0You can discuss everything that\u2019s relevant to the call (or a webinar)\u2014without worrying if someone will hear these talks.<\/strong><\/p>\n Visual interfaces allow users both easy access to sub-conference rooms and the ability to seamlessly move users into sub-conference rooms, either by right clicking on an avatar or dragging and dropping them.<\/p>\n Using a Roll Call is a valuable way to ensure your attendees announce themselves as they enter your conference calls.\u00a0<\/strong> The real trick is to have the process automated for your audio room.\u00a0 You don\u2019t want to have to set up the roll call for each conference!<\/p>\n For example, Room Hosts using MeetingOne\u2019s Online Account Management (OAM)<\/a><\/span><\/strong> portal can quickly set up a roll call in the Setting Tab. \u00a0It’s that easy! \u00a0Never worry about attendees not stating their names again!<\/p>\n When it comes to managing calls with hundreds of attendees, it\u2019s crucial to have a call producer available.\u00a0<\/strong> Whether you need assistance with technical issues or just want a 3rd<\/sup> party moderator for your calls, meeting producers can help you on many fronts.<\/p>\n MeetingOne\u2019s professionally trained\u00a0<\/strong>conference call producers<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>are here to help!<\/p>\n Let\u2019s not just rely on advanced technology for holding effective conference calls.\u00a0 A little bit of personal etiquette goes a long way too!\u00a0 Here are some tips to follow:<\/strong><\/p>\n Conference calls are really no different than meetings.<\/strong>\u00a0 They just take place over a phone.\u00a0 Make sure you call in 5-10 minutes early.<\/p>\n We are all too familiar with annoying audio chimes that blare every time a person joins a call.\u00a0 Arrive late, and that chime may interrupt the conversation.\u00a0 (If you\u2019re the call host, there\u2019s a lot of incentive for you to turn off doorbells.\u00a0 Just keep that in mind.)<\/p>\n Using the right language during a conference call can make a huge difference in reception of the message.<\/strong>\u00a0 Whether you lead a session or just participate, make sure to use inclusive language.<\/p>\n \u2018We\u2019 and \u2018our,\u2019 for example, serve to invite everyone into the conversation.\u00a0 Furthermore, these pronouns can quite literally provide participants a sense of inclusion.\u00a0 In the long run, the sentiments created through inclusive language can reinforce business goals and vision.<\/p>\n Regardless of what business you\u2019re in, empathy serves as a simple remedial element for managing workplace problems.<\/strong>\u00a0 Teams that empathize tend to be more loyal, more productive, and have higher morale.\u00a0 And it\u2019s just as valuable during conference calls.<\/p>\n Different departments and teams may have varying understandings or expectations of certain topics.\u00a0 Appreciating those different perspectives not only helps you connect with others, it can also be constructive for better planning and discussions.\u00a0\u00a0 And make sure you allow everyone an opportunity to speak during your calls.<\/p>\n Every industry and many companies use jargon. \u00a0 \u00a0When you use industry jargon, you can confuse or lose people who are unfamiliar with the terminology.<\/strong> \u00a0Make sure you take the time to be clear about your subject.\u00a0 Use language that will be intelligible across industries.<\/p>\n If you have to fall back on jargon, make sure you clarify what you mean.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Empty, negative criticism (\u201cI don\u2019t like it,\u201d \u201cThat\u2019s a lame idea\u201d) rarely helps progress a discussion.<\/strong>\u00a0 Being derogatory or overly critical of opinions is one of the best ways to ensure no one stays on the line until the end of the call.<\/p>\n When strengthening your conference call etiquette, always make sure to be constructive.\u00a0 Provide constructive feedback and ask productive questions.<\/strong><\/p>\n The difference can be simple.\u00a0Rather than saying, \u201cThat doesn\u2019t make sense,\u201d you could ask a person to clarify their point.\u00a0 Building upon ideas or providing different routes to help reach a goal represents an ideal tactic for being constructive.<\/p>\n Conference call etiquette is something we should all work to employ.\u00a0<\/strong> Making use of the right technologies and personally choosing politeness can help us all avoid future conference call etiquette foul-ups!\u00a0 Don\u2019t wind up on our list for 2017!\u00a0 If you\u2019d like to learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s audio conferencing solutions, dig into AudioOne<\/a><\/span>!\u00a0<\/strong> Secure and customizable, AudioOne is an ideal solution for covering your conference calling needs (even those conference call etiquette needs)!<\/p>\n Oh, and you get Click&Meet and OAM included!<\/p>\n![\"Conference](\"https:\/\/www.meetingone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/Fries-with-that.png\")
<\/a>Many of us have struggled through calls where it seems like everyone\u2019s forgotten to mute their phones.\u00a0<\/strong> It\u2019s a fairly common occurrence.<\/p>\n
\n<\/h3>\n
#2. Say it to my face
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/a>During a pre-webinar conference call, a member of an engineering team\u00a0(let\u2019s call him Joe) was griping about another member of that society (Bill).\u00a0 Bill typically facilitated the society\u2019s calls, just not on that day.\u00a0 Assuming Bill wasn\u2019t present, Joe complained about how little he liked Bill’s hosting.<\/p>\n
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#1. One big clunker of a call<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>In preparation for a product launch, a large company determined it was necessary to pull everyone involved in the project together – for one call.\u00a0 By the time the conference call started, 130+ people had joined.\u00a0 And it was a mess.<\/p>\n
\nEven though we\u2019re making light of the circumstances surrounding some bad calls, there\u2019s no doubt\u00a0mishaps can plague conference calls.<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Curb Call Troubles with Audio Conferencing Tools<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nVisual Interface<\/span><\/h3>\n\u2022 \u00a0Muting<\/span><\/h4>\n\u2022 \u00a0Managing Doorbells<\/span><\/h4>\n
\u2022 \u00a0Utilizing Sub-Conference Rooms<\/span><\/h4>\n
\n<\/strong>Learn more about MeetingOne\u2019s visual interface, Click&Meet – Watch this short video<\/a><\/span><\/strong> demonstrating Click&Meet\u2019s functionality!<\/h6>\n
\nAutomated Roll Call<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nAs an additional function, make sure your audio conferencing provider offers an option for you to replay the roll call at your discretion\u2014that is, on-demand. Doing so can help you remember who is in attendance.<\/p>\n
\nMeeting\u00a0Producer<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nPersonal Tips for Better Conference Call Etiquette<\/span><\/h2>\n
\nCall in at least 5 mins early<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nUse Inclusive Language<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n
Be Empathetic<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nLimit Jargon<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nBe Constructive
\n<\/span><\/h3>\n
\nLet\u2019s Avoid Future Conference Call Bloopers!<\/span><\/h2>\n
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