Tips To Host A Successful Teleconference

The continuous expansion of the telecommunicationsparticipants in the meeting have issues with the
sector all over the world, has led to the developmentagenda, they should contact the moderator and
of some remarkable technologies. One of the morerequests changes. Once the meeting begins however,
economical and therefore, more prevalentthe moderator should strive to always direct the
technologies, is Telephone Conferencing.meeting according to the agenda.
Teleconferencing allows multiple users to connectOn the day of the meeting of the teleconference
through a specific phone number to a commonthere are some additional steps that the moderator
'meeting room.' This meeting room allows thecan take to ensure a successful teleconference
participants to hear and be heard by each member ofmeeting.
the group, without having to leave the comfort of theirThe moderator should arrive at the conference
respective offices.location at least one half hour in advance of the
This inexpensive method of communication hasmeeting. At that time each participant's phone should
reduced office budgets everywhere. Corporatebe dialed to test the connections. If any concerns arise
representatives no longer have to book expensivefrom the tests, they can be dealt with before the
airline tickets and accommodations for a two or threemeeting actually begins.
hour meeting. Factor in the cost of meals andAt the start of the meeting it is usually suggested that
transportation and the bills could sometimes bethe moderator welcome and introduce each participant
astronomical.in turn. This is an especially effective method of
When teleconferencing was an emerging technology itintroducing unknown parties and also an excellent time
was very difficult to effectively participate in theseto review the agenda. Once the group is clear on the
chaotic meetings. People would unintentionally interruptoutlined progression of the meeting, the moderator can
each other, some phone lines had delays and peoplebegin introducing the first participant to speak.
became confused as to when it was their turn toAnother strategy for moderators is to bring a
speak.stopwatch to each meeting. Time each participant to
There are two easy preliminary steps that a facilitatorensure that they are following the agenda, but also try
can take to ensure a successful teleconference.to remain flexible. Some discussions can result in
The first is to select a moderator for theincredibly positive brainstorming sessions and these
teleconference. The moderator is responsible forshould me allowed some leeway. Once you realize the
maintaining clear communication by directing each'flow' is going off on a tangent, redirect the meeting
speaker as to when it is their turn to speak. Theback to the next topic on the agenda.
moderator is typically the person who is delivering theTime and practice are the only true methods of
main point of the meeting and decides on the subject.becoming an excellent moderator and hosting
The date and time of the meeting are usually decidedsuccessful meetings. If you incorporate the tips listed
upon by the moderator as well. It is the responsibility ofabove, you will have a much better outcome to your
the moderator to ensure that all participants can attendteleconference.
the specified time.When all else fails, remember etiquette. One person
The second step is to select a topic and agenda inspeaks at a time with no interruptions. Once each
advance of the meeting and ensure each member ofperson has spoken the moderator can offer a
the teleconference receives a copy. The agenda issummation and close the meeting.
set forth by and adhered to by the moderator. If any