Want to know how a conference call works? How much a conference call costs? Or even need to know what a conference call actually is? We answer all your most frequently asked questions (FAQs) below ?
What is a conference call?
A conference call is a telephone call in which three or more callers can talk to each other at the same time. A conference call might also involved just a few people on the call speaking while others listen in. To find out more, check out What is a conference call?
How does a conference call work?
A conference call works by allowing multiple people to hold a meeting even when they can’t all be in the same room. Anyone invited to the call people can join by dialing a number which will connect them to the call.
How do I make a conference call?
You can make a conference call in three simple steps:
- Enter your email at conferencecall.co.uk to get your free PIN code
- Email the date and start time of your call to all participants, along with your PIN code
- At the allotted time, all participants dial into the meeting and use your PIN code to enter
Do you need a special type of phone to make a conference call?
Although specially designed conference call telephones are available, you don’t need one to use our service. You can simply use your mobile, smartphone, VoIP, or landline to start or join a teleconference with up to 100 participants.
What are the do’s and don’ts of a conference call?
To make the most of your conference call, keep the following in mind:
- Do arrive on time
- Do come prepared with all supporting notes and any questions
- Do announce yourself before speaking
- Do use the mute button when you’re not speaking
- Don’t forget the login details
- Don’t talk over other people
- Don’t call from a noisy place
- Don’t do other things that could distract you while on the call
For more information, check out Top tips for conference call etiquette
Why is conference call etiquette important?
If you’re distracted on a call, there’s a good chance you’ll miss vital details and need to get them repeated to you at some point. This will interfere with the agenda and the call may overrun or might not cover everything that was intended.
When on a conference call, you don’t have the physical cues of an in-person meeting, so you need to observe proper conference call etiquette to make sure the call goes as planned.
How early should I join a conference call?
Always be dead on time or dial in no more than a minute early. Although you never want to be late to a conference call, turning up early will just be a waste of your time – either the moderator won’t have turned up or you’ll be simply hanging on a quite line or making small talk.
Unlike physical meetings where people need to make sure they are in a certain place at a certain time, conference calls generally start dead on time as they can be made from anywhere.
What do you say at the start of a conference call?
As the conference call organiser, it’s your job to kick the call off. Once you’re sure everyone is on the line and ready, introduce yourself as well as the purpose of the meeting. You should then briefly run through an agenda and make sure everyone has any supporting documents.
What do you say at the end of a conference call?
When the conversation seems to be wrapping up and all agenda points have been covered, let everyone know the call is coming to an end by asking if anyone has anything more to say or ‘any other business’.
If not, simply sign off by saying something like “Thanks for your time, everyone” and remind them that you or a designated minutes taker will circulate notes on the meeting.
If you have any more questions, check out our conference call support page.
