With more and more businesses using conference call services (according to the Houston Business Journal, usage is growing at a rate of 60 percent per year), as well as online conferencing, participants need to be briefed in conference call etiquette. Doing so increases productivity, good will and customer service.

The minimum etiquette calling standards

In order for companies to remain competitive, conference call service etiquette should be practiced at all times. Here are a few basic calling guidelines:

• Start the call on time and this pertains most specifically to the moderator who should be connected before the other participants.
   
• Introduce yourself and your organization before speaking to the conference group. The conference leader or moderator can also be responsible for introducing members of the conference call. Smiling while speaking to the other callers promotes enthusiasm and energy.
   
• Minimize noise and interruptions. Place the telephone on mute if office conservations must take place and be aware of extraneous keyboard typing or paper shuffling sounds. Remember, everyone can hear you!
   
• Give your undivided attention for the entire conference call.
   
• Make call connecting as user-friendly as possible so the business at hand can be conducted smoothly while ensuring that the connection is a secure one so that outside participation is eliminated.
   
• Keep the calls short and interactive with the group. Discourage callers who often interrupt other conference participants or who dominate the conversation topic.
   
• Clearly state when the call will end and then confirm all participants have disconnected so that irrelevant or embarrassing conversations will not take place.

Other calling tips

In addition, it is important to have the right teleconferencing equipment.

• Use a handset that is hardwired into the phone lines
   
• Turn off call waiting
   
• Create an agenda and stick to the schedule so that participants' time will not be wasted
   
• Try not to put the conference call on "hold" since the hold music will play and become distracting to the other call participants
   
• And absolutely no cell phones -- they cause static and distraction

Ensuring these simple steps take effect will help lead to more productive and positive teleconferencing experiences.