If participants in a conference call do not follow a few simple rules of conference call etiquette, the call can quickly degenerate into a confusing experience with very little actually accomplished during the call. Below are some key tips that will help you to make all of your conference calls successful.

• Set the Ground Rules Early - The facilitator or moderator, or even an operator, should advise participants of the basic rules of the call before general interaction begins. This includes both general etiquette and any specific rules the moderator deems necessary.
   

   

• Make Introductions - After all expected participants are on the line, the moderator should introduce each person and provide a short background or description of that person's responsibilities on the call. This is especially true if there are guests or newcomers on the call.
   

   

• No Cell Phones Allowed! - While cell phones can technically be included in conference calls, and may be necessary in some cases, cell phones can also cause static on the lines and may otherwise affect the quality of the connection so that cell phones on conference calls should be avoided whenever possible.
   

   

• Arrive On Time - Getting to meetings on time is often critical and is a sign of professionalism. This is also true of conference calls. It is difficult for participants to make small talk on a conference call while waiting for a latecomer.
   

   

• Never Put a Conference Call on Hold! - If you put a conference call on hold, one of two things will happen. Either the participants will be forced to listen to your on-hold music or they will not know that you have stepped away and may continue to address you while you're gone. Either way, putting a conference call on hold is considered to be rude.
   

   

• Call Waiting No-No - The sound of your call-waiting beep can be disruptive and confusing to conference call participants. Conference call etiquette dictates that you will give the call your undivided attention for the length of the call. Quite often the Call Waiting function can be temporarily suspended by touching *70 prior to the call.
   

   

• Identify Yourself - When you first enter the call and any time you speak, you should identify yourself by name and location or position. If there are a large number of participants on the line, everyone may not know your voice, and your identification will help to keep the call on track and avoid misunderstandings.
   

   

• Mute Speakerphones - If you are using speakerphones at some locations, and if no one at your location needs to answer a particular question or speak on an issue, you should mute the phone. Speakerphones pick up a lot of background noise, and muting whenever possible will enhance the quality of the call.