By Bert Zethof

In a teleconference where most of the participants are present in person while others are on the phone, it’s easy to forget the needs of those on the phone.

They don’t have the advantage of seeing the meeting dynamics, of reading body language, or possibly even being able to attach names to faces. It’s even harder if they aren’t given any context for the meeting in advance.

Remember to:

- distribute an agenda stating purpose of meeting in advance
- have introductions including name, position and organization
- have every speaker state his or her name
- speak loud enough to be heard over the phone
- describe visuals and handouts
- avoid continuing the meeting after the phone participants have hung up

Practice these techniques and the participants in your teleconferences will be happier and more effective and therefore the conferences will be more productive.