by: michael framer
Html View | Print View
Total views: 0
Word Count: 583
Date: Mon, 17 May 2010 Time: 4:17 AM -
0 comments
It wasn’t too long ago when calling into a conference call required paying attention to your phone type. For example, the old rules dictated that only callers using landlines could participate. As a caller, you needed to make sure that you were at a location where you could dial in using a standard landline. If you only had access via a cell phone or a VoIP phone, you were out of luck or in breach of conference call etiquette. These days, anything goes on a conference call.
Article Source: DirectoryArticles.com
Conference Call Etiquette – Phone Types
New phone bridge technologies make it possible for users of all types of phones to host or participate in conference calls including standard phones, mobile phones, satellite phones, and VoIP phones. The old restrictions covering acceptable phone types have largely been removed. Today, it doesn’t matter what type of phone you use. Simply dial in and participate.
However, some telecommunications providers use older bridges, which could cause problems for alternative phone users. If you’re a conference call host, look for a provider that supports all phone types so that your participants can call in using the phone system of their choice.
Conference Call Etiquette – During the Call
While the old restrictions are long gone, you’ll still want to follow basic conference call etiquette such as speaking clearly and being courteous to others. No matter what type of phone you use to access the call, be aware of your surroundings and how ambient noises in your environment may be picked up and broadcast to the group.
• Quiet location – Ideally, you should attend the teleconference from a quiet location. Turn off radios and televisions. If you have dogs or children, make the necessary arrangements to ensure that you’re not interrupted. Keep in mind that the conference call may have dozens of participants, each with potentially disruptive environments. Make sure that your environment is as quiet as possible and encourage others to do the same.
• Headset use – If you have a quality, noise-cancelling telephone headset, consider using it during the conference call. These headsets are designed to filter out background noise.
• Speakerphone use – While speakerphones allow for hands-free calling, their omnidirectional microphones pick up sounds from around the room. If several people in your office must participate in a conference call, using the speakerphone feature is okay as it allows a group to participate. However, if you’re a single caller, use a handset or headset and forgo the speakerphone.
• Phone features – Conference call etiquette requires that you understand how your phone’s features may affect other callers. For example, does your phone system play music when you put a caller on hold? If so, you’ll need to make sure not to put the conference call on hold if you need to step away for a moment. Otherwise, your phone’s music-on-hold feature will interrupt the teleconference for all participants.
Phone bridge technologies have changed, which in turn has affected conference call etiquette. No longer do you need to worry about what type of phone to use to dial into the call. While anything goes phone-wise, conference calls haven’t turned into a free-for-all. Continue following basic conference call etiquette such as keeping ambient noise to a minimum and treating others with respect and your next conference call is bound to be a success, especially if all the other participants follow your lead.
AIT offers conference calling services with the flexibility that you need. Not only does AIT offer several terrific plans such as unlimited conference calls, toll free conference calls, and pay-as-you-go conference calling plans, all plans use the latest phone bridge technologies to ensure that all callers can participate regardless of phone type.
Rating: Not yet rated
Login to vote
