Conference Call Etiquette

There are certain things that people need to keep in mind when they are on a conference call.  Please keep in mind that you are on a conference call with a group of people.

• Keep the background noise to a minimum.  Shuffling papers, barking dogs, yelling kids, typing on your laptop, etc.  All of these things can be heard by everyone else on the call.

• Using a cell phone?... If you are in your car, be aware of the background noise.  A window that is down or even “cracked” to let some air in is amplified in your phone.  Even if your car is noisy (muffler, engine, etc) this can also cause background noise which can disrupt the call.

• Don’t have a one-on-one conversation with someone.  If you need more information about the subject, call them when the conference call is over.  This is not the time for you to discuss particulars with another associate.

• Please be on time.  When you sign into the call late it disrupts the conversation that is already in progress.  Most conference call programs will announce who you are and this disrupts the conversation in progress.

• Be conscious of your “HOLD” button.  If you put the call on hold make sure that music doesn’t play.  Some office phone systems play music.  If you need to “MUTE” the call be sure to use the systems “MUTE” feature that comes with the service.

• Be cautious with cordless phones.  If you are joining a conference call from a cordless phone make sure the phone does not have a lot of static background noise. Usually static background noise starts when you are about to get out of range of the phone base or if you get near another device that interferes with cordless phones such as some small electric appliances and answering machines

• Eating - Never eat while you are on a conference call, who wants to hear chewing in their ear? If you must get a drink of water, put the call on mute so no one will have to hear the emitted sounds. This includes chewing gum.

• Use Common sense...

Feel free to add any other things that might have disrupted a conference call that you were on.