Top Ten Things to Consider on Conference Calls
Avoid seemingly obvious faux pas...Share this list with all your phone buddies.
Use a landline rather than a speaker or cell/mobile phone.- If you must step away from the phone, use the “mute” feature rather than putting your call “on hold”.
- Keep a list of participants in front of you.
- State your name each time you begin to speak.
- Contribute to the conversation in a positive way. Say “Yes and...” rather than “No” or “Yes but...”
- Try to keep any one or two people from dominating the conversation. Encourage questions and comments. Solicit input from everybody.
- Actively participate in the conversation by stating that you agree. This makes others aware of your position and that you are listening.
- Use online polls rather than voice votes to encourage free expression.
- Declare action steps and follow up methods at the conclusion of the call.
- Transmit notes/minutes within 24 hours to each participant.
