Are you a conference call moderator? These simple tips will allow you to ensure a successful and productive conference call.
Privacy: Make sure that your conference call attendees are focused and able to dedicate their time, attention and energy to a conference call. A closed door room keeps attendees away from outside distractions such as their computer, as well as external noises.
Tone: Help your attendees understand that speaking in a slow and clear voice will enable others to understand them better and reduce the need for repetition. Remind people to speak normally and not use monotone. With the lack of body language, tone of voice is the only way that people can judge a person's intent, enthusiasm or other emotion.
Materials: Provide an agenda, all relevant dial in information, and a mobile phone number for attendees to call you should they not be able make the call. Also provide the accepted etiquette for your call should someone need to leave, return or drop off the call to take another call.
During the call: Have people introduce themselves, take notes if there will not be a transcript available for the conference call, moderate and allow opportunities for Q&A or free discussion if applicable. Make sure that each participant has equal talk time. At the end of the call review action items, so that everyone knows what they need to do.
