Here are my top 11 conference call tips to ensure you get the most out of your conference calls:

1. Use a good phone with a good quality microphone and speaker, and use it in a quiet room.
2. Ensure the dial-in number, conference IDs and date/time of the call are distributed well in advance of the call.  Our Conference Call Toolbar can help with this.
3. Utilise the mute function on your phone or press *1 to mute yourself when you are not particpating.  This will cut down on any background noise in the call.
   • Have people give a brief introduction about them selves at the start of the call.  It's a good way to get even the quietest of people to be comfortable in contributing.
   • Ask for input directly using a persons name.  People will pay more attention if you mention their name first.
   • Avoid shuffling papers, tapping pencils, typing or any other noisy activities.
   • Do not assume everybody will recognise your voice when you speak, introduce yourself when intejecting into a conversation.
   • Turn off your mobile phone.  Completely off, rather than just on silent as receiving a call or text will interfere with the speaker on the phone.
   • Take care when multi-tasking, it is easy to lose concentration and lose track of the direction of the call.
   • Announce if you are leaving or returning to the call.
   • Be aware of the impact of accents and slow down and speak accordingly.