Diversity Woman Magazine

WIN 2016

Leadership and Executive Development for women of all races, cultures and backgrounds

Issue link: https://diversitywoman.epubxp.com/i/632328

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Upfront > d i v e r s i t y w o m a n . c o m W i n t e r 2 0 1 6 D I V E R S I T Y W O M A N 17 Anatomy of a … Conference Call Oops! I Thought I Was on Mute M ysterious beeps, sudden silences, a voice chiming in out of nowhere—conference calls can be maddening. (Just ask the makers of that YouTube video, A Conference Call in Real Life, which has been viewed more than 10 million times.) These tips will make your next call more productive, whether you're leading it or just taking part. Take charge. Speak assertively, state the purpose of the meeting up front, and ask everyone to introduce themselves. Encourage people to speak up. If there's someone who hasn't said anything, ask him or her to comment. You don't want anyone to feel left out, and you don't want participants to tune out. Keep the conversation on track. Don't let someone who is long-winded take over. Interrupt politely but frmly to redirect by saying something like, "Those are good points, but we need to move onto the next item." Arrive on time. It annoys the other partici- pants to have to acknowledge latecomers. Master the mute button. Mute yourself when you're not speaking, so others don't have to hear you rustling papers or typing. Play it straight. It's easy for subtleties to get lost because listeners can't see your facial expression or body language. Save the jokes for when you meet in person. Don't just vanish. If you have to leave the call before it is over, speak up to say you're signing off. That saves everyone else the distraction of trying to fgure out if someone has left and who it was. Speak to be heard. If someone is talking over you, break in— nicely—by saying, "I'm sorry to interrupt—this is Mary—I'd like to add something." If you are a participant: If you are a moderator: Identify yourself. Besides introducing yourself up front, it's a good idea to say who you are when you comment, espe- cially on a call with lots of people.

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