Conference Call Conundrums

    Although conference call technology has improved dramatically, and everyone wants to eliminate unnecessary travel, it's still tricky unless you follow a few basics.   

     Assuming you choose a decent conference call technology, have a flexible agenda, and use a process for finding out who is on the call, here are three simple tips to improve the quality of conference calls and minimize disengagement.

1. The moderator must remind the person speaking to identify himself-especially at the beginning of the call. Some people have voices that are so similar, unless you know them well, differentiating can be difficult and confusing. 

         2.  The moderator must stop the flow of the conversation

              periodically to ask for comments and questions. Nothing  is

              more frustrating than wanting to make a point or ask a

              question, when you can't get a word in edgewise.

         3. Both moderator and the group must be comfortable with

             moments of silence while people release their mute buttons

             and collect their thoughts. I suggest 5 seconds. Too often,

             "Any questions?" is only followed by a pause just long enough 

             for the moderator to catch his breath....Oh, and remind

             people to use the mute button when they are not talking? 

P.S.  If so inspired, please pass this along to others. You never know how it might make a difference to someone!