Limitations to conference calls include incompatible phones, background noise and long agendas.
Conference calls bridge the communication gaps across the miles. But at the same time, even modern technologies stumble over the limitations for setting up conference calls. These glitches include incompatible telephones and different levels of technical expertise among your audience members. Human ignorance also can impede the process of doing business via the telephone.
Equipment
Telephones that work best for conference calls are units with handsets that are hard-wired into the phone line, according to the Conference Call website. Mobile and cordless phones generate static and may also intercept noise from the communications airways. If you use a speaker phone, select a model that is full digital duplex, the Conference Call website advises. This style minimizes the clipping noises that sometimes are heard with speaker phones. It also allows multiple guests to speak at the same time. Conference calling gets kicked up a few notches when users introduce video and web-based features to enhance their meetings; however, this means additional technologies---such as shared software for uploading files---that can lead to additional stumbling blocks, according to the Bizcovering website.
Savvy
Another limitation to setting up conference calls is a lack of experience with the telephone equipment. For instance, always test your audio and visual equipment before every call. Otherwise, you will be troubleshooting while an impatient audience is waiting. Turn off your call waiting feature by dialing "70#" or contacting your service provider for instructions, according to the Conference Call website. The beeps that signify call waiting are similar to the tone that announces a new caller joining the conference. Remind your guests to use the "mute" button on their phone to prevent listeners from hearing background noises. Advise your audience not to use the "hold" function because the music is intended to notify a telephone caller that he has not been disconnected; however, that same music is audible to everyone on a conference call.
Etiquette
Etiquette is as important to the success of a conference call as having the right equipment and technological know-how. Join the call early and introduce yourself because guests may not recognize your voice, according to the Conference Call website. Another limitation to conference calls is that your guests may begin discussing your agenda topics before the entire group joins the call, which is another reason for you to dial in early. Leave ample time for your agenda and participants' comments. But remember that listeners become bored after more than one hour of conversation, according to the Bizcovering website. Also, conference call etiquette means factoring in time zone differences for your listeners. Conduct your call in a quiet area that is free from disruptions and background sounds.
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