5 Tips for Effective Conference Calls
5 Tips for Effective Conference Calls
During this time of social distancing, many of us find ourselves working from home and learning new ways to connect with the colleagues we’re used to seeing in the office every day. Instead of swinging by someone’s desk, we’re pinging them on Skype. Instead of meeting in person, we’re setting up Zoom calls. And while conference calls can admittedly be awkward at times — see every meme about them ever — we’ve rounded up some of the best tips to help make your next Zoom meeting ultra-productive.
1 — Start with an agenda.
Getting back to the basics here — a clear agenda sets you up for a more effective meeting. That’s especially true for conference calls that may have a tendency to get a little side-tracked by interruptions and distractions. Sending attendees the agenda in advance also helps ensure everyone is prepared and tracking with the conversation.
2 — Use that mute/unmute button.
Avoid being called out: “Hey, can you mute yourself? We’re getting some feedback from your typing.” Use that mute button when you’re not talking. And don’t forget to unmute when you need to speak up! If you’re not on video, be sure to introduce yourself before speaking — that way people don’t have to guess at whose voice they’re hearing.
3 — Opt for video when necessary.
Even if it’s a bit awkward at first, encourage your teams to use video calls when necessary. Video can be especially useful when you need to review documents together via screen share. It will also help ensure everyone is engaged and can establish a sense of connection while you’re away from your colleagues for an extended period of time.
4 — Get camera-ready, even if you’re just on the phone.
When working from home, it can be tempting to just roll out of bed and immediately open up your laptop. But productivity specialists recommend having a true start to your workday when you’re remote. While you won’t be commuting, you might still want to take a walk around the block to trigger in your mind that the day starts now. And while you should enjoy the opportunity to be a bit more casual and comfy, getting yourself ready for the day can help you feel more like “work” than “weekend.” It also ensures you’re camera-ready for any video conference calls.
5 — Show your real life.
Don’t worry about cordoning yourself off in a perfectly quiet office space. If you need to work from your kitchen or your couch, go for it! Your significant other or roommates may be working from home during this time too, or your kids may be home from school. If they’re being a little rambunctious in the background, that’s perfectly okay. Your colleagues will appreciate having a little window into life outside the office. And just remember, that mute button is your friend.
One final reminder- Your friends at Matthew Fornaro, P.A. are in the same boat and walking through the same season as you. So, from our staff to yours, remain safe and remain positive. We will all get through this time together.
Contact a Florida Business Law Attorney
Florida business law attorney Matthew Fornaro assists businesses and entrepreneurs throughout Broward County, Parkland, and Coral Springs in all business law matters, including but not limited to, business formation, business litigation, tax law matters, employment law, and matters related to compliance. For more information or if you have questions related to business law matters, call 954-324-3651 or contact us online.
