Conference calls are an occupational hazard for me. Probably you. too.
Sometimes a conference call helps avoid long distance travel, bad weather and bad coffee. Other times conference calls lead to communication HELL.
Here are some suggestions for making a conference call a productive, painless event.
Teleconference rules:
- No dogs – Put them in another room or give them a rawhide bone large enough to keep them occupied.
- No babies – See above. Just kidding. Perhaps a babysitter or even naptime would work.
- No FedEx delivery guys – Anticipate this potential interruption. Leave a note on the door. Fight the urge to inconvenience the rest of us.
- No hair band rockers – No serenade is necessary. Please turn off all music.
- No off-color jokes – Really? First, we’ve all heard that bad joke. Second, let’s be adults and keep this meeting moving.
- No tropical ocean breeze – If you must walk out onto the deck, patio or bow, please make sure the wind doesn’t constantly sweep across the microphone.
- No over talking or talking over – Let’s let everyone finish their thoughts. Don’t make us try to sort out who is saying what.
- No soft talking – On the other hand, speak up! All we have is the sound of your voice. This is the wrong time to be shy.
- No late to the party summaries – Dial in on time and ready to go. Don’t wander in and expect Cliff Notes.
I’ve just scratched the surface of teleconference faux pas that push me over the edge. How about you? What teleconference behavior makes you want to hang up? Ring us up or send along an email to share your favorite teleconference complaint.
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