Conferencing for a Happy Work/World Cup Balance
We know – it’s nowhere near the same experience if you record it and watch after you have already heard the outcome of the game. So, conferencing may be the next best thing to taking off work to watch. Just remember to utilize the mute button on your remote and monitor your excitement to avoid sudden outbursts.
Here are some other suggestions for effective conferencing over the phone:
Be prepared. If you are hosting the conference, aim to dial in at least five minutes before the scheduled start time. Remember the other participants can’t talk to each other if you are not there. Ensure everyone knows that you are hosting the call and has the correct dial in numbers and passcodes. Like any other meeting issue an agenda prior to the call and advise participants of the estimated start and finish times.
Be organized. Get the name of each person on the call so that everyone is aware of who has been able to join the call. Use the handset when possible and mute the line when not speaking or if you really need to get out a verbal response to the game. Activating broadcast mode will ensure that the meeting is not disturbed and locking the conference call will not only avoid interruptions from latecomers but will also enhance the security of the call. If you are hosting and need to leave the call early, activate conference continuation. This will allow participants to continue speaking. A recording of the conference is a useful resource - especially when distractions may be involved.
Be polite. Avoid making side noise or walking around the room as voices can fade in and out. Be aware that when you use talk mode, all the participants can hear you. Switch it off if you are not speaking or don’t want your comments heard. Definitely mute the game.
Be Enthusiastic. Remember your voice accounts for 78% of your effectiveness on the telephone. Speak clearly. When asking questions, direct each question to a specific participant whenever possible as open discussions can be confusing when several people are participating. Channel some of that positive futbol enthusiasm!