Conference call etiquette

There are a number of things to keep in mind when on a conference call, and how to conduct yourself while on the call. If you're a corporate fat cat, you know that you represent your company and your peers. This is why it's important to be on your best behaviour during the call. We call this set of behaviour while on the conference call conference call etiquette.

Here are some general things to keep in mind when on that conference call:

1. Be wary of using speakerphones during the conference call. If you do use them, it's preferable to mute the speakerphone while on the call. This is because sometimes the speakerphone echoes so it leads to confusion and other parties on the call are unable to hear.

2. Wait until other parties are done speaking before you speak. Generally, if the conference call is a recurring one, (and most of them are), members of the conference call will know going into the call when and where during the call it is their turn to speak. Try not to interrupt other members while they are speaking as this is their time to shine - you will have yours soon enough.

 

3. Don't shoot down or refer to others comments negatively - even if they are bad ideas. Treat all ideas equally with positive enthusiasm - this way, your team members will give you ideas more often. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad idea. All ideas should be treated with respect - and then the right people decide what to do with them. The right person could be you.