Make sure you are in a quiet location where you will not be disturbed.

Be on time or early!

It is especially helpful for the host or chairperson of the call to arrive a few minutes early to greet each of the participants, and let them know whether everyone is ready to start yet. Your presence in these opening minutes will also help you head off any premature discussions the participants might begin before you're ready!

Introduce yourself when you begin speaking.

Others may not know your voice!

Don't put your phone on HOLD to do something else.

Your hold music will play into the conference call, and make it impossible for the other participants to continue the meeting in your absence!

If you are using Ready-Call®, you may use the *6 function to mute your individual line, and ONLY that way can you avoid playing your hold music into the conference. (Remember to un-mute yourself when you come back!)

Try to stay on schedule.

Stick to the minutes per topic laid out in your agenda, and be respectful of others' time!

End the call clearly.

Make sure all the participants know that that meeting is formally over, and stay on the line to ensure that everyone hangs up. If they stay on the call, it will show up on your bill!