Conference Calling

A conference call is a telephone call in which the calling party wishes to have more than one called party listen in to the audio portion of the call. The conference calls may be designed to allow the called party to participate during the call, or the call may be set up so that the called party merely listens into the call and cannot speak. It is often referred to as an ATC (Audio Tele-Conference).

Conference calls can be designed so that the calling party calls the other participants and adds them to the call - however, participants are usually able to call into the conference call themselves, by dialing into a special telephone number that connects to a "conference bridge" (a specialized type of equipment that links telephone lines).

Companies commonly use a specialized service provider who maintains the conference bridge, or who provides the phone numbers and PIN codes that participants dial to access the meeting or conference call.

Make Free Phone Calls to Land Lines Over the Internet

VoIP (voice over IP) calling technology exploded in the early 2000s. It basically allows you to make a phone call using your Internet connection. Because it is so easy to set up and doesn't require many resources or the expensive infrastructure that regular phone companies need to provide services, there are many companies that offer low cost VoIP phone calls using the Internet. There is one service, called iCall, that offers free calling from your computer to cell and landlines in the U.S. and Canada.Visit iCall.com. This is a fairly new online phone calling service that allows you to call people from the comfort of your laptop for free using VoIP technology. There are limitations, the biggest one being that you can only talk for 3 minutes for free.

low cost call conferencing

Whether you’re a company or an individual working from home, you may be looking to obtain low cost call conferencing for your business or organization. There are many different companies offering low cost call conferencing, and depending upon your needs and personal taste – you should be able to find a company that fits you.

Video Conference Call

A video conference CALLING (also known as a videoteleconference) is a set of interactive telecommunication technologies which allow two or more locations to interact via two-way video and audio transmissions simultaneously. It has also been called visual collaboration and is a type of groupware. It differs from videophone in that it is designed to serve a conference rather than individuals.

Conference Call for Prepaid

Prepaid conference call services allow businesses and individuals to purchase conferencing services online, and conduct conference calls on a pay-as-you-go basis. Typically, a conference call PIN and its associated calling instructions are displayed immediately online after being purchased and/or sent via email. Generally, prepaid conference call services are used with a landline telephone, mobile phone, or computer, and there is no need to buy additional expensive telecommunications hardware or add/switch long distance service. Some services allow you to start or join a conference call from virtually any country worldwide--with appropriate telephone access.

Large telecommunications providers such as AT&T, Embarq (formerly Sprint), Verizon and other large to medium conferencing service providers maintain a dominant position in the conferencing niche; servicing many of the World's biggest brands. However, the Internet and improved global VoIP networks have helped to significantly reduce the barrier of entry into this niche.

Conference Call usage

Businesses use conference calls daily to meet with remote parties, both internally and outside of their company. Common applications are client meetings or sales presentations, project meetings and updates, regular team meetings, training classes and communication to employees who work in different locations. Conference calling is viewed as a primary means of cutting travel costs and allowing workers to be more productive by not having to go out-of-office for meetings.

Conference calls are used by nearly all United States public corporations to report their quarterly results. These calls usually allow for questions from stock analysts and are called earnings calls. A standard conference call begins with a disclaimer stating that anything said in the duration of the call may be a forward looking statement, and that results may vary significantly. The CEO, CFO, or Investor Relations officer then will read the company's quarterly report. Lastly, the call is opened for questions from analysts.

Conference calls are increasingly used in conjunction with web conferences, where presentations or documents are shared via the internet. This allows people on the call to view content such as corporate reports, sales figures and company data presented by one of the participants. The main benefit is that the presenter of the document can give clear explanations about details within the document, while others simultaneously view the presentation.

Have a need to conference in someone on the fly - but not sure how to do it? Here's how, in easy-to-follow steps.

1. First, start your first call - it doesn't matter whether they called you or you called them, it's still a call!
   

2. Next, click the 'mouse' - either your pearl or clicking the trackwheel on the side - and scroll to 'add participant'. Click again.
   

3. Enter the phone number (or name of person you are trying to contact, depending on the Blackberry model), and either hit the 'talk' button, or click again and select 'call xxx-xxx-xxxx'.
   

4. Now you are connected to both parties, one on hold, and the one you have just called. Next, click (pearl or trackwheel) and choose 'join conference'.
   
   Now you've successfully conferenced in your two participants!

Drawbacks of Conference Calls

When many individuals are on conference calls, there might be a lot of background noise. The background noise can make it difficult for participants to hear what is being said. Another drawback is you are not in the same room with the individual. Depending upon the type of conference call you are doing, individuals might be connected to the call but not really listening to what is being said because of distractions that are around them.

Set Up a Webex Conference Call

Webex is a meeting program that allows users to give presentations online with audio-conferencing tools. Users can easily schedule meetings and invite attendees to join through email using Microsoft Outlook. Webex provides the option of making meetings more efficient in a completely secure and private environment. But many users aren't sure how to set up a Webex meeting the first time.

1. Reserve your Webex conference call date on the Public Webex calendar, located in Microsoft Outlook. Open Outlook from your computer and double-click on the "Folders" button. Select the Webex folder and enter the password you would like to use into the password field. Choose the date and time for which you would like to schedule the conference call.

2. Set up your Webex meeting in Outlook. Click on the "Schedule Meeting" button. This will launch a pop-up in which you will fill out the details of the meeting.

3. In the Microsoft appointment field, add the name of your meeting--for example, "WebEx Meeting on Grand Opening Event."

4. Enter the meeting password. When you reserve the conference call, you set up a password. In the notes section of the Outlook meeting, include the password callers will need to attend the conference call.

5. Click on the "Invite Attendees" field. Select the email addresses for the attendees from your Global Address book or by entering their email addresses manually.

6. Send the Outlook Webex conference-call meeting invitation. Once you have entered all of the details, use your cursor to push the "Send" button. This will send out meeting invitations.

Conference Call With SaskTel

SaskTel, short for Saskatchewan Telecommunications, is a full-service telecommunications company based in Canada. It offers several options to do teleconferencing. These options are both budget friendly and operationally efficient. SaskTel also provides teleconferencing operators to help determine the best option for your call needs. The most common option used is the Customer Handled On Demand feature.

1. Call the teleconference operator to begin the process of using the On Demand service. You will need to create an On Demand profile that teleconference operators can look up in the future.
   

2. Receive your pass codes from the teleconference operator. These pass codes can be used for all future On Demand conference calls.

3. Notify the participants of the date and time for the meeting. You will also need to give them the bridge access phone number and security pass code, which you will have received from the teleconference operator.

4. Instruct meeting participants to dial the bridge access number at the date and time of the meeting. They will then be instructed to enter the security pass code followed by the # key.

5. Wait for the chairperson. The chairperson has a special dial-in code. When they enter the call, the background music on the call will stop. The call ends when the chairperson disconnects.

Make a Conference Call With Verizon

Whether you need to discuss a project with a designer and vendor simultaneously, or coordinate lunch plans with your two best friends, it's easy to set up a three-way conference call using your Verizon cell phone. With just a few simple steps, you can get all the parties on the same line, at the same time, even if they are not Verizon customers.

1. First make sure that you have three-way calling enabled on your account.

2. Dial the first participant in your three-way conference call. When the person answers, let him or her know you are setting up a conference call.

3. Dial the 10-digit telephone number of the second participant and press "Send." The first person you dialed is put on hold automatically when you dial your second contact.

4. When the second call connects, simply press "Send" again, and you will both be connected with the first participant. If the second participant is not available for the call, just press "Send" twice to disconnect and return to your first contact.

5. If one participant wants to leave the call, he or she can hang up and you can continue your call with the other party.

6. When your call is complete, hang up.

Make a Conference Call in Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo! Messenger has a free built-in conference call feature. You can easily setup a conference call to communicate simultaneously with up to 500 people in different geographic locations. If the participating computers are equipped with webcams, you can view the other participants while chatting using a microphone or a headset.

1. When scheduling the conference call, insure that all participants have downloaded and installed Yahoo! Messenger, preferably the latest version. Check the Additional Resources box at the conclusion of this article to get the download link. After downloading the appropriate version of Yahoo! Messenger, follow the step-by-step installation instructions. The installation process takes only minutes.

2. Adjust the volume of your computer speakers to insure that you can hear the other call participants. Because of differences in microphone sensitivity and internet connection speeds, its often necessary to increase the speaker volume. To do this in Windows, double-click on the volume icon, usually located in the lower right corner of the Windows taskbar. Or click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and click on the Sounds and Audio Devices icon.

3. While your are within Sounds and Audio Devices panel, you can also check your microphone volume by clicking on the Audio tab and clicking the Volume button. Increase the volume if necessary. If you haven’t setup the microphone previously, click the Advanced button, and you can fine-tune your microphone settings by reading the text passage and observing and adjusting the microphone sensitivity.

4. If you decide to consistently use Yahoo! Messenger to make computer to computer conference calls, consider purchasing a headset designed for computer conference calls. These headsets are less cumbersome than built-in microphones and some provide background noise cancellation for higher voice quality during the conference call.

5. Before connecting to the call, check that Yahoo! Messenger is setup correctly with your installed microphone (and webcam, if you are using one). To do this. click on the Yahoo! Messenger icon, and then the Messenger tab (in the upper left corner) and then choose the Preferences tab. Under the Calling & Devices tab, you can confirm the microphone and speaker setup. The System Default setting means that Yahoo! Messenger will use the same microphone and speaker settings as Windows, generally the best choice. Under the Calling & Devices tab of Yahoo! Messenger, you can also test your microphone audio settings, but generally, the default microphone and speaker settings in Windows will work well.

Make a Conference Call on a BlackBerry Curve

BlackBerry Curves are capable of connecting to multiple cellular devices at once. Not only can each BlackBerry device hold two different conversations on different lines, but all three devices may partake in the same conversation as well. The more BlackBerry Curves involved, the more people can participate.

1. You, as Person A, will be the conversation initiator. Decide who you want to call first in the conference - this person is Person B. The particular calling order is irrelevant; however, if this is a business call, the client (Person C) should be called last so that she will not have to wait on hold.

2. Once Person B is on the line, you should tell him that he will need to wait on Hold for 30 seconds to one minute (this process does not take long) while you connect the third party.

3. You will need to take the phone away from your ear for this step. Locate the Menu button (to the left of the Trackball) and press it so that its options appear on the screen. The phone call is still continuing in the background. Scroll down until "View Address Book" is highlighted in blue. Press the Trackball in to select this button.

4. Scroll through your address book until you find Person C. Once her name is highlighted in blue, press the green Talk button (to the left of the Menu button on the keyboard). This will start a separate call with Person C; Person B is still on hold.

5. Wait for Person C to answer her phone, and then tell her to wait for one moment.

Make a Conference Call Over a PC

Making multiple calls throughout the day can be a time-consuming task. If you're repeating the same information to each person, you may want to reduce the amount of time you're spending on the phone. To increase your productivity level, learn how to make a conference call over a PC.

1. Sign up for a Skype account with a valid email address. (Follow the link in Resources.) Select the "Download" tab and click the green "Download Skype" button. You'll be immediately directed to a web page to begin the download process.
   

2. Choose the correct version of Skype to be downloaded onto your computer system. There are versions available for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Windows Mobile and a few other operating systems. After selecting the correct version of Skype, click the corresponding link.

3. Read the information presented on the download page to learn more about Skype and how it will function on your computer. Once you're ready to start the process, click the "Download" link. A pop-up window will appear for you to save the file. Install and then run the application on your computer system. Doing this will successfully place the Skype application on your current computer.

4. Click the "Don't Have a Skype Name" link on the Skype "Welcome" screen. You'll be prompted to enter necessary details, such as your full name, a new Skype name and a password. Read the terms and conditions check the box. Select the "Next" button to move through the rest of the registration process and completely fill out the requested details.

5. Sign into your newly created Skype account to start making conference calls on your PC. Click the "Call Phones" tab in the Skype application and begin entering the first phone number you'd like to call. Once someone has answered the call, start connecting other parties to this initial call. You can do this by clicking the "Add People" button listed at the top of the page. It will open a pop-up box containing existing contacts. If you don't have contacts already listed, you're able to manually insert the number you'd like to conference

Making a Conference call on Qwest

Using Qwest to make a conference call requires a reservation and all parties calling a toll-free number to be connected to the other callers. Minor planning and communication with the other parties is needed to carry out this service.

1. Call (800) 860-8000 and select option one to make a reservation. You will need to give Qwest your name and phone number and payment information. This will most likely be an account number to bill to your place of work or your individual account information to receive the bill.

2. Write down the toll-free number and password given to you by Qwest. These numbers will need to be distributed to the other callers. This number will be used for all of the other callers and will connect each one to the bridge to make the conference call.

3. Schedule a time for all parties to make the conference call. At that time, call the toll free number and enter the password. Each caller will be linked up and the conference can begin.

Make a Conference Call in W200i

The Sony Ericsson W200i Walkman is a cell phone known mainly for its music and audio features. It supports up to 2 GB of memory for music and other content like games and pictures, along with enhanced bass for higher-quality sound and a built-in multimedia store. But it also offers a variety of calling features to make it a well-rounded phone, including support for conference calling.

1. Call the first person you want to add to the call.

2. Select "Options" > "Contact" during the call.

3. Scroll down with the down key to highlight the name of the next participant.

4. Press the "Call" button.

5. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 to call each additional participant.

6. Select "Options" > "Join Calls" to merge all the calls into one conference call.

Make a Conference Call From Home

If you work from home and need to make a conference call, consider buying a speakerphone so your hands can be free to write or thumb through reports as applicable. It also allows you the freedom to move around and prevents accidental hang ups. Some people use their cell phone for conference calls. I don’t use mine because if the signal drops and I’m on an international call, I would be totally upset, so I opt for the landline. Follow these steps for a professional, business-like persona when you work at home and need to make a conference call.

1. Tell the family about the scheduled conference call. Conference calls are usually scheduled because they involve other people. Let the family know in advance that you will be using the phone for business for a certain period of time. They should instruct their friends to call them on their cell phones or to wait until after the conference call before calling for their chat.

2. Deactivate call waiting. Just before you make your call, deactivate call waiting by pressing *70 (check with your provider to make sure this is the appropriate code for you). Call waiting is such a common feature until most telephone providers include it in your plan for “free”. You can deactivate this feature to make sure your phone does not beep with incoming calls while you are on your conference call. Once the call is complete and you hang the phone up, call waiting typically resumes automatically.

3. Activate call forwarding. If you have another number (such as a cell phone), forward all of your calls to that number while you are on your conference call.

4. Use your telephone provider’s answering system. Some people uses their providers answering service so they can easily retrieve messages while traveling. Use this feature to pick up messages that might come in while you are on your call.

5. Disconnect extensions. Just in case somebody forgets you are using the phone, disconnect the phone line on the other extensions. If they pick up the phone unintentionally, they won’t interrupt you. The dead line will remind them about your conference call.

Make a Conference Call From Home

If you work from home and need to make a conference call, consider buying a speakerphone so your hands can be free to write or thumb through reports as applicable. It also allows you the freedom to move around and prevents accidental hang ups. Some people use their cell phone for conference calls. I don’t use mine because if the signal drops and I’m on an international call, I would be totally upset, so I opt for the landline. Follow these steps for a professional, business-like persona when you work at home and need to make a conference call.

1. Tell the family about the scheduled conference call. Conference calls are usually scheduled because they involve other people. Let the family know in advance that you will be using the phone for business for a certain period of time. They should instruct their friends to call them on their cell phones or to wait until after the conference call before calling for their chat.

2. Deactivate call waiting. Just before you make your call, deactivate call waiting by pressing *70 (check with your provider to make sure this is the appropriate code for you). Call waiting is such a common feature until most telephone providers include it in your plan for “free”. You can deactivate this feature to make sure your phone does not beep with incoming calls while you are on your conference call. Once the call is complete and you hang the phone up, call waiting typically resumes automatically.

3. Activate call forwarding. If you have another number (such as a cell phone), forward all of your calls to that number while you are on your conference call.

4. Use your telephone provider’s answering system. Some people uses their providers answering service so they can easily retrieve messages while traveling. Use this feature to pick up messages that might come in while you are on your call.

5. Disconnect extensions. Just in case somebody forgets you are using the phone, disconnect the phone line on the other extensions. If they pick up the phone unintentionally, they won’t interrupt you. The dead line will remind them about your conference call.

Make a Conference Call Using Talktalk

TalkTalk is a UK based consumer telephone communications provider. Among other services, they provide conference calling for up to 20 participants per call, known as Talk Together. Participants may call from any mobile or land line in the UK. International calls are not available. The service is simple to use and costs 5p per minute from a land line. Mobile fees will be determined by your own calling plan. There is no set up fee for the service.

1. Visit the Talk Together website and click the "Set Up a Talk Together Call" button.

2. TalkTalk will assign you a PIN. Use the form to email the PIN to the other call participants and add a personal message to let them know when the call is scheduled.

3. Call 0844 477 7777 at the specified time.

4. Enter the TalkTalk PIN to join the call. The first person to call starts the call and the last person to hang up ends the call.

5. Listen for a beep, which indicates that a new caller has joined the call.

Make a Conference Call on a Panasonic Phone

If you have an important conference call coming up but aren't sure how to make it happen on your Panasonic phone, the good news is that conference calling with Panasonic is quick and easy. Whether your Panasonic phone is a single-line or multiline phone you'll be ready and connected in no time by following a few simple steps.

1. Make a regular two-party call on your Panasonic phone and ask the person on the other line to wait for a moment.

2. Check to see if your Panasonic phone has a flash key feature. If it does, press the flash key down and wait until you hear the confirmation tone. If the Panasonic phone you're using does not have a flash key, hold down the the hook switch for half a second, then release.

3. Dial the number of the third person in your conference call. If you're inviting someone in-house to be a part of your conference call, dial their extension number instead. If you're dialing an outside line you may need to dial 9 before dialing the number.

4. Wait for the new addition to the conference call to answer and then press the Flash key again. Wait an additional two or three seconds before pressing the number three on your telephone keypad.

5. Start your conference call. Once you've pressed the flash key followed by the number 3, as in Step 4, your conference call is established. If you wish to add additional participants simply repeat Steps 3 and 4

Do a Conference Call on a Razr Phone

Sometimes, it's not enough to talk to only one person at a time on the phone. Whether for business or pleasure, there are times when you need to talk to multiple people. That's where a simple, yet handy, feature like conference calling comes into play. The Motorola RAZR cell phone makes adding another person to your conversation just as easy as making the first call.

1. Make your first call by dialing the number and pressing the send key. The send key is located at the bottom left of the center keypad, directly above the number one.

2. During the initial call, dial the second number that you want to add to the conversation.

3. After dialing the number, press the send key.

4. Press the second key again and wait for the second person to answer.

Find Reputable Conference Calling Companies

Many companies utilize conference calling to get their business done, accomplish tasks much faster and stay in communication with clients, partners or employees. If you have need of a great conference calling company, it can be difficult to decide which one to choose. It can also be difficult to find reputable conference calling companies to choose from. Follow the steps below for help in finding the best company to fit your needs.

1. Try to get a recommendation. If you know other individuals or companies which use conference calling services, don’t be shy to ask about them. Find out if they are satisfied with the conference calling company they are using and what the benefits are. See if they will give you the name of a company that is reputable. This can be a great way of finding a company that you will be pleased with and most people are willing to tell you if they’ve found a great company.

2. Obtain names of reputable conference calling companies. If you’re unable to get a recommendation or you simply want to check out your options, you may want to get more names of conference calling companies. Perform a search online and write down some of the company names you see. Don’t worry if you don’t know much about them because you can do a bit of research to find out about them.

3. Read online reviews. Another option is to look for online reviews of conference calling companies. Many individuals write down their opinions of a service such as conference calling providers – especially if their experience has been particularly bad or good. Search online for the keywords ‘reviews of conference calling companies’ and read some of the available reviews. If any companies stand out as being particularly good, you can check that company out or add it to your list.

4. Do some investigating. Now that you have a list of fairly good conference calling companies, you can do a bit of investigation to ensure that you will choose the one that is right for you. Visit the websites of each company and compare available packages, features, options and cost – along with anything else that is important. After you’ve done the comparisons, you should be able to select a company that you feel would suit your needs best.

5. Selecting a conference calling company. When you’ve found a company you think would suit your needs best, you can call a representative of the company through the customer service number available on the website. Some companies will let you register and pay via their website. You should be all set with your conference call needs.

Charge for Conference Calling

Conference calling is a necessary expense for many businesses, but the service can get expensive. Many conference calling services charge per minute and may include surcharges based on the number of people on the call. Passing this cost to clients can be tricky, but when handled well, companies can charge for conference calling tactfully.

1. Create an easy-to-understand way of charging for conference calling. Some businesses charge a fee, such as $25 for a conference call, while others charge per minute. This per minute charge should be overall with no add-on charges. Make the system to charge for conference calling as simple as possible to help clients understand it.

2. Give clients a heads-up before a call is made. Don't throw this charge in at the last minute. When a client requests a conference call, let her know there is a charge and include a quality estimate of the cost. Include this information in an email or letter whenever possible.

3. Allow the client to control the costs. If the client can afford only $20 per conference call, respect that wish. Let the client dictate how much the calls will cost. Work around the client's needs to make the calls affordable.

4. Bill the client for the calls with other expenses. The conference calling charge should be a separate charge on the monthly invoice. Make sure the call is marked clearly and adheres to the billing procedure you explained to your client.

Effective Conference Calling

Conference calling is an amazing way to talk with a lot of people at the same time, no matter where they are in the world. While it is easy to have a decent conference call, with just a little more effort you can have a great conference call.

1. The first thing to do is to make sure that only the right sounds are heard. Encourage your speakers, participants, and yourself to pick a quiet place in which to participate in the call. Ideal locations are ones that have a door to ensure privacy and quiet. Turn off or silence cell phones and anything else that might suddenly cause noise during the call. You could even go as far as to use a different chair than that creaky, overstuffed leather one that you normally sit in.

2. At the beginning of a call, you should make sure you can hear everyone all right. More importantly, your voice should be coming in loud and clear. This can be accomplished by a simple, “Does everyone hear me okay?” When they say yes, you can hear how good they sound and know that they can hear you too.

3. Sound quality is more than what you can hear; it is also about blocking unwanted sound. Find and be familiar with your mute button and encourage your participants to do the same. Ask that anyone not speaking at the moment to mute their own line. This way, all background noise, including breathing, coughing, creaky chairs, and sudden dog barks are kept from interrupting the conference call.
   

4. Since you cannot see your participants, identification can be a problem. Don’t assume that everyone recognizes your voice. Say your name when you ask a question or begin speaking. Encourage your participants to do the same. Unless you are asking a generic – and rhetorical – question, use the name of the person to whom the question is directed to. For example, “How was last month’s sales?” is not as effective as “John, how was last month’s sales?”

5. Sound quality and control could be even easier. Check with your conference call service provider. A good one will have many conferencing features. One such feature is called “lecture mode.” Lecture mode mutes everyone in the call except for the hosts and the speakers. Participants cannot unmute themselves, but they can use telephone keypad commands to let the moderator know they have a question or comment. This feature is invaluable for quiet, well ordered calls.

Using Audio Conference Calling Service

Audio conferencing allows participants to call into a conference or bridge number and be part of a group call usually controlled by the moderator. The features that come with audio conferencing vary from simple and free to very sophisticated and cost hundreds of dollars per month. Audio conferencing also allows for recording of the call for replay at a later time.

1. Search for the audio conferencing service that suits your particular needs. Audio conferencing services range from free to a few dollars to tens of dollars per month (see Resources below).

2. Sign up for the service. Some free services will need just a name and an email address and will allow up to 100 people on the call. Having more than that will require that you get one of the paid services. With a paid service, Free Audio Conferencing, for example, you can have as many as 350 participants for about $300 per month. Also while the free service is great, the greeting when people call in would indicate that you have a free service. The paid service, which can be as low as about $10 per month, does not indicate that the service is free. For about $100 per month, you can personalize your greeting and have up to 250 participants.

3. Reserve a conference time. If you are using a system that comes with full service, you may be required to reserve a specific time for your conference. Plan ahead to make sure you have enough time allocated for your conference call

4. Get your number. Once you reserve your conference call or sign up for the service, depending on the provider, you will be provided a conference number.
   

5. Conduct your conference call. Give your conference number and appointment time to your conferees and enjoy your call. Remember to get familiar with the moderator functions that allow you to put the call on lecture or interactive mode. At the beginning of a call, depending on what kind of conference it is, the moderator will typically leave it in interactive mode so people can check in. While the moderator is talking, use the lecture mode to prevent interruptions and static from those calling on cell phones. At the end the moderator can switch back to interactive mode to allow participants ask questions.

CONFERENCE CALLING Risk Factors

Because you cannot see the people who are involved in the conference call, a person could call into a conference call and eavesdrop. Although a chime sounds when a new person joins a conference call, an eavesdropper could mute his phone, causing the conference call participants to believe that the chime was a mistake. Only a person with the bridge number and knowledge of when the conference call is scheduled can gain access to a conference call.

CONFERENCE CALLING BENEFITS

Conference calling enables a group of people who are physically separated to hold a meeting by telephone. Conference calling services are offered for free by some conference calling providers, with participants only paying for any long-distance charges incurred by placing a long-distance phone call. Other conference calling services are available for a low fee that provide a toll-free number, which makes participation in the conference call free for participants. The main benefit is the savings realized from not having to incur travel expenses to conduct a meeting.

CONFERENCE CALLING FEATURES

Conference calling services involve three elements: the dial-in number, the bridge number, and the moderator personal identification number (PIN). Participants (including the moderator) call the dial-in number and then key in the bridge number to gain access to the conference call. The moderator, who must call in first, also keys in the moderator PIN, which opens the conference call. Conference call participants hear a chime to let them know when another person has joined the conference call.

TYPES OF CONFERENCE CALLING

Two types of conference calling services are available: those that are free and those with a fee. Free conference calling services require participants to pay any long-distance charges associated with dialing in to the call. Conference calling services that charge a fee generally provide a toll-free number for conference call participants to use. This prevents participants in the conference call from having to pay long-distance charges to participate in the call.

Risks of Conference Calling

Because you cannot see the people who are involved in the conference call, it is possible for a person to call into a conference call and eavesdrop. A chime sounds when a new person joins a conference call, but if the person mutes his phone, then the other participants will not be aware that somebody is listening in. Only a person with the bridge number can gain access to a conference call, so eavesdropping can only happen if somebody gets a hold of the bridge number and knows when the conference call is scheduled.

Etiquette of Conference Calling

Participants in a conference call should always call into a conference call on time. Being late to a conference call is just as rude as walking into a meeting late. Before beginning a conference call, all participants should introduce or announce themselves so that everyone involved in the conference call knows who else is participating in the conference call. Until participants get to know each other's voices well, anyone who is speaking should first identify himself by name so that the members of the conference call are aware of who is speaking.

Mechanics of Conference Calling

All conference call participants are provided a phone number to use to dial into the conference call, as well as a bridge number. A few minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin, the moderator dials the conference call number, keys in the bridge number, and then keys in the moderator's personal identification number (PIN). After the moderator opens the conference call, then the other participants can join in. Participants dial the conference call number, and then key in the bridge number. As long as the moderator has opened the conference call, then the participants immediately join the conference call. Other conference call participants hear a chime to let them know that another person has joined the conference call.

CONFERENCE CALLING purpose

Conference calling is an efficient way for a group of people to carry on a phone conversation together. It enables a group of people who are physically separated to come together on a phone line to hold a discussion. The participants agree to call into the conference call at a set time. Everyone dials one phone number, and all the participants are connected together for a conference call

Use iPhone for Conference Calls

The iPhone is a cell phone created by the Apple Corporation. Making a conference call with an iPhone is easy once you have the right information and a little practice. Use the iPhone to merge up to five different phone calls into one for your teleconference.

1. Turn on your iPhone and make the first call.

2. Hit the "Add Call" button on your phone's screen. The first call is put on hold temporarily. This allows you to speak with the second line privately before the calls are merged into a conference call.

3. Call the other conference call participants using the same process. If other participants are calling you, put the other calls on hold. Choose "Answer" and then select the "Merge" option.

4. Merge all of the calls into one conference call. To do this, select "Merge Calls." At this point, you may start the conference call.

5. Drop a call from the conference. Tap the "Conference" button and then select the red phone symbol next to the person you want to drop from the call. Choose "End Call" to drop them from the conference.
   

6. Talk one-on-one with someone in the conference. Select the "Conference" button and hit "Private" next to the person you want to talk with. Press the "Merge Call" button to return to the conference.

Display Good Video Conferencing Etiquette

Videoconferencing makes it easier to hold joint meetings with others who share the same technology. A whole new set of rules and etiquette need to be learned for a good video conference.

1. Prepare for the meeting with an agenda, set times and designated monitors. Make sure all the participants have received the agenda in advance, not just those in the room with you, but everyone who will be participating in the videoconference.

2. Arrive early to orient yourself with the equipment and the room to be used. Ask the moderator about any of the buttons or where the audio and video are pointed so that you can participate fully without having to interrupt the meeting for instructions.

3. Dress for the camera. Wear clothes that are easy on the eyes and that do not reflect glare so the people on the other side of the camera can follow the meeting with ease. Pastels and neutral colors are best.

4. Speak clearly and a tad slower than usual at a videoconference. Leave time at the end of each statement for the complete audio to be transmitted. Remember that there is a one second audio delay.

5. Move sparingly and do not fidget. During a videoconference, every movement is heightened by the camera and can be distracting to the participants in the other room

Share Data in a Video Conference

Preparations for your next video conference may take place at the last minute. Your presentation may require forms, reports and other documents that were not distributed to meeting participants before they signed on. You need to learn to share data in a video conference to keep your meetings flexible and inform everyone of the latest developments.

1. Create a connection between your computer and video-conferencing equipment using an Ethernet cable. This cable allows you to use the speed of your office network to provide simultaneous audio, video and data streams. Check with the IT teams at remote offices to match Ethernet settings and security measures to your system.

2. Contact video-conference participants ahead of time to ask them to clear sufficient space for data sharing. You may need to submit a large PDF, presentation file or photo that takes up a significant amount of room on an office's network. This is usually an issue for contractors or small offices without large IT infrastructures.
   

3. Set up an electronic white-board in your conference room to transmit data to every computer without excessive file size. You will share white-board materials with each conference participant via video. You can also save notes and diagrams from the electronic white-board to send to participants as a review packet.
   

4. Ask each participant in your video conference to run virus checks before sharing files. Your office network may have a sound security system, but it is possible that an unchecked virus will sneak in and shut down your conference.

5. Connect a double-screen system to your conference station to keep your face on the monitor while presenting important data. Most double-video systems allow you to place an image from your video camera on one screen while presentations are displayed on the other screen. These products are expensive, but allow you to create cutting-edge video conferences.

6. Plan to share data before and after video conferences to avoid system slow downs and crashes. You can create outlines of your presentations to send via email before the meeting, and boil down conference details in your meeting minutes the next day.

Use a Whiteboard With a Video Conference

Your use of a whiteboard during a video conference may cause more confusion than understanding. Staff members and clients may not be able to read your handwriting or understand symbols and pictures you have drawn due to a light marker color. You can solve many of these problems when you use an electronic whiteboard with your video conference.

1. Step 1

   Use bold lettering and dark colors when using a traditional whiteboard during a video conference. You should use black, blue or dark-green markers to write out big letters and symbols during your presentation.

2. Step 2

   Perform a tutorial with your electronic whiteboard's software to get used to the sensitivity of this product. These tutorials will let you develop a comfort level with the infrared sensors involved in translating whiteboard writing into data.

3. Step 3

   Purchase an electronic whiteboard that allows you to connect to a projector if you have a large audience in your office as well as in remote offices. Large lecture halls or corporate theaters make regular whiteboards too small for comfortable viewing. You can magnify your notes and drawings several times over using a video projector.

4. Step 4

   Connect your whiteboard to your computer using a USB connection. Most electronic whiteboards on the market today allow you to use a small device that you affix to a USB port to provide a wireless connection over a large area.

5. Step 5

   Save money on presentation materials by purchasing an infrared device to attach to your traditional whiteboard. Electronic whiteboards that include state-of-the-art boards can cost thousands of dollars. These portable devices need to be set up to provide full coverage of your whiteboard to make the whole board useful during your presentation.

6. Step 6

   Combine everything written on your whiteboard during a presentation on your computer to provide colleagues with accurate minutes. You should save each board full of material, before you erase it, as a Portable Document Format (PDF). Colleagues can follow up on specific points or distribute abridged notes to clients.

Ace a Conference Call

Conference calls are becoming standard practice for some businesses because of telecommuting and having partners who may live in other areas of the country. These circumstances make it logistically impossible for everyone to meet in person for meetings, so conference calling is the best way for all parties to connect.

1. Step 1

   Make sure that you are well-organized. This is essential if you are putting together a conference call, where people are participating from various places. Sending out your agenda well ahead of time will help things get started more smoothly. Your agenda should include the date and time of the conference call, step-by-step directions on how to gain access to the conference call, the purpose of the meeting, topics to be discussed, rules and information that will be require. This will help all participants be better prepared.

2. Step 2

   If you are working with more than one group and each has a totally different focus or function, it is probably best to hold an individual conference call for each group. This way, everybody can stay on track and your meeting time will be more brief, because there are less people involved at one time.

3. Step 3

   Always provide your direct contact telephone number or business email address for any questions anyone may have, regarding an upcoming conference call. It may be wise to have all parties email you to confirm receipt of the agenda.

4. Step 4

   Make it your goal to keep the conference call no longer than an hour. If you have a large number of topics to discuss, consider having two short conference calls, instead of just one, so that participants will not lose concentration.

5. Step 5

   At the start of your conference call, greet everyone and have all participants who are present introduce themselves. If there are individuals who are not there at the beginning of the conference, give them about five minutes and then move on, if they fail to check in. You may want to think about closing access to the conference call to anyone who is over 10 minutes late and contacting them later to find out their reason for being unavailable at the required time.

6. Step 6

   Make sure that your conference call isn't boring. Adding an element of humor can help enliven things and keep everyone involved alert and interested in what you have to say. While you certainly don't want to get "off point" from your agenda, an occasional light-hearted remark or funny story related to the topics at hand can help make everyone feel less stressed out.

7. Step 7

   To get input, relevant information and reports from each participant, the best thing to do is to name the individual person you need to hear from. Having people just jump into the conversation can get confusing, so having a kind of "round table" discussion is a lot more organized. Give them each an allotted amount of time to get to the point and should they exceed that time, tell them to contact you later for further discussion.

8. Step 8

   Be sure to ask each participant if they have any questions, before you close your conference call.

9. Step 9

   Take notes of the most important points that were addressed during the call, including decisions made, clarifications, work orders and reports that were presente. Send out a copy of the meeting notes within a 24-hour period to all parties.

Use Paltalk for Free Video Conferences

Whether you are a novice or a computer expert, Paltalk makes holding a virtual meeting simple. Start your own community chat room--with video and voice for free--or obtain a video conference room to hold business meetings. Just follow these steps.

1. Step 1

   Visit the Paltalk home page to download and install the Paltalk program for free.

2. Step 2

   Sign up for a Paltalk account and activate your account.

3. Step 3

   Decide whether you want a free account or a paid account. Keep in mind that free accounts contain many ads and cause a lag on voice chat. Free accounts also have a limited video viewing time. Follow the prompts for the type of account you opt for.

4. Step 4

   Sign out of Paltalk first in order to start your own voice and video chat room.

5. Step 5

   Go to the Paltalk Home Page and choose the ¨My Paltalk¨ option from the top main menu. Log in as instructed. Now, select the ¨Create My Group¨ option from the menu.

6. Step 6

   Create your own chat room by filling in chat room name, description, category, sub-category, language, rating, room code and keywords. Select the option to allow video and voice. Press ¨Save My Changes.¨ A green check will appear if done correctly.

7. Step 7

   Select ¨Picture¨ from the menu bar if you want to upload a picture for your chat room subject, and follow the upload prompts. Log off and close your browser.

8. Step 8

   Start your Paltalk program and sign in.

9. Step 9

   Select the ¨Actions¨ option from the top menu. Scroll down to ¨Join Chat Room as Admin¨ option. Select your Paltalk nickname from the list and enter the ¨Admin¨ code you elected for your room.

10. Step 10

    Start inviting friends to join you on Paltalk from Yahoo!, ICQ and AOL.

Video Chat Using AIM

As technology has progressed and high-speed Internet connections have become readily available,video conferencing is becoming an increasingly popular form of communication. It is not uncommon for a laptop to come with a built-in camera for this purpose. One of the more popular platforms used for video conferencing is AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). The software is intuitive and user friendly, allowing even those who aren't computer savvy to become proficient at video conferencing.

1. Step 1

   Set up the video camera and install the software that came with it. The camera should be placed in front of you so the camera captures your entire face. In the event that you have a video camera already built into your laptop you will just need to adjust the angle of the monitor to receive an ideal image.

2. Step 2

   Go to the AOL website and install the latest version of AIM. The download and installation is self-explanatory and, when the process is complete, an AIM icon will appear on your desktop.

3. Step 3

   Turn the video camera on and initiate the software. Usually this will result in a small video box appearing that displays whatever is in view of the camera. Adjust the camera so that your face is positioned correctly in the video box. Some programs will allow you to activate AIM through their software. If this is possible, activate AIM; otherwise see below.

4. Step 4

   Click on the AIM icon to open the platform. Click on the “IM” icon half way down on the AIM screen. Send an instant message to your buddy and wait for their response. Once the person has replied and a connection has been established, the video conference can begin.

5. Step 5

   Click on the icon that says “Video.” Your buddy’s computer will display a dialogue box asking if he or she wants to engage in a video conference. After acceptance the offer, a second video box will appear. The smaller box will show your image, while the larger box will display your buddy's.

6. Step 6

   You should now be able to participate in a video conference. Make any necessary adjustments, such as volume control or camera alignment. With finished conferencing with your buddy simply exit AIM.

Use VoIP for Video Conferencing

VoIP is an amazing technology that lets you use your broadband Internet connection to stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues. Because VoIP runs through the Internet, you can even use it to have video conferences without the headache or expense of buying and setting up a videophone. Best of all, setting up your VoIP for video conferencing is quick and simple.

1. Step 1

   Connect all the necessary hardware to your computer, including a webcam, headset, speakers and microphone or telephone. You may need to install additional drivers to run some of this hardware.

2. Step 2

   Log into your VoIP provider and make sure you have all of the software necessary to make your video conference call.

3. Step 3

   Get the username or contact number for the person you want to call and add it to your contact list. The person you call must also have the appropriate equipment to make and receive VoIP video conference calls.

4. Step 4

   Begin the call by either clicking on your contact’s name and pressing the call button, or just double-clicking on your contact’s name. To start your video conference, activate the video function of the conference call once your contact accepts the call.

Get Free Conference Call Services

If you need to set up a conference call, you can get free conference call services online. Free conference call services are particularly handy if you need to schedule conference calls on a regular basis. Using free conference calls services is generally easy, and you can find services that are not gimmicks. Here is how to get free conference call services.

1. Step 1

   Define what your conference call needs are. Will all participants in the free conference call be telephoning from a continental United States number? How much advance notice do you need to set up a conference call? Do you want a free conference call service that enables you to begin a conference call on short notice?

2. Step 2

   Explore your free conference call services options. One of the best ways to do this quickly is to type “free conference call setup” into a search engine and review several of the options that appear. Some of the descriptions included in the search engine descriptors will tell you if a particular free conference calling service is the right match for you.

3. Step 3

   Check up on the free conference call service. Type the name of the free conference call service that you are considering into a search engine and read over what information is returned. If you see a lot of people writing about being displeased with that particular service, then you might want to consider using another free conference call service.

4. Step 4

   Ask which free conference call service your peers recommend. My partners and I have been very pleased with Basement Ventures. (The link is provided in the resources section.) We have been using it for a long time, and we have never had to pay any type of hidden fee.

5. Step 5

   Follow the directions provided on the free conference call service’s website. Once you select a free conference call service, you need to set up your account. Most free conference call services will let you do this from the website.

6. Step 6

   Save the information that the free conference call service provides. You will be given a dial-in number, which is the phone number that all participants will dial. All participants will also need the bridge number, which tells the free conference call service which people are calling for which particular conference. You will also need the moderator number, which is the number you will punch in to begin the conference call.

7. Step 7

   Hold a conference call. As the moderator, you should sign in about 10 minutes early. You will dial the dial-in number. When the phone connects, enter the bridge number and then the moderator number. As each participant arrives, you will hear a chime letting you know that somebody has joined the conference call.

Conference Call on Skype

The most popular feature of the Web-based Skype is the ability to make phone calls, including conference calls, from the convenience of your own computer. Here’s how to make a conference call on Skype:

1. Step 1

   Open Skype and log in with your user name and password.

2. Step 2

   Click the Contacts tab in the main section of your Skype window.

3. Step 3

   Find your friend’s contact information and double-click the name.

4. Step 4

   Find another friend from your contacts list whom you’d like to invite to your conference call. Right-click his or her name and select "Invite to Conference" from the menu that appears.

5. Step 5

   Alternatively, invite multiple contacts to a conference call at the same time by clicking each contact name as you hold down the Ctrl (control) key. Once you have selected the contacts you’d like to invite, click the "Invite Selected Contacts to Conference Call" button.

6. Step 6

   Another way to create a conference call on Skype is to select the contacts you’d like to talk with. Hold down the Ctrl key as you click on multiple names.

7. Step 7

   Click "Tools" on the horizontal menu along the top of the application window.

8. Step 8

   Select "Create a Conference Call." Choose any additional contacts you’d like to invite via the menu that appears.

Find Free Conference Call Services

Conference calling services can be used to talk to people who are spread out all over the country or even around the world. Many conference calling services will allow you to have 30, 100, 250 or more people on the line at the same time.You might want to hold a business meeting, get together with family members or host a teleseminar.

Some telephone conferencing services have per-minute or monthly charges, but there are many quality services that are totally free. There are dozens of free conference calling services available, so how do you choose one that is right for you? Just follow these simple steps.

1. Step 1

   Determine what services you need. How many people will be on the call? How long will the conference be? Do you need to record the teleconference? How will you manage callers?

2. Step 2

   Evaluate free conference call services to find the one that meets your requirements. You can find an annotated list of 30 free providers at the link in the Resources below.

3. Step 3

   Choose a few service providers that meet your needs. Sign up for free accounts. Be sure to keep a record of the call-in numbers and PIN codes that you will need to use when you call in.

4. Step 4

   Test, test, test. Always test a service before using it for an important meeting or a teleseminar. And have a backup service available in case you need it.

5. Step 5

   Invite participants and hold your conference call. If you recorded the call, download the audio file right away. It may only be available for a week or two.

CONFERENCE CALLING ON AN IPHONE

The iPhone has greatly impacted the mobile and computing industries with its unique touch screen design and a powerful portability that combines a cell phone with convenient media and communication technologies. Besides the ability to handle your email, calendar, news information and media play lists, you can also use the iPhone to manage a business or personal conference call between several different people.

1. Step 1

   Call the first person for your conference call.

2. Step 2

   Add other calls. After you have connected and spoken to the first person, tap "Add Call" on the iPhone screen. Enter the phone number of the second person for your conference call. The first call is put on hold as you dial and connect to the second person. After you connect to the second person, you can continue to speak privately to him before connecting him to the first caller.

3. Step 3

   Merge the calls. When you are ready to connect everyone in your conference call, tap "Merge calls" on your iPhone screen.

4. Step 4

   Repeat steps two and three for every new person you wish to add to your conference call.

5. Step 5

   Add an imcoming call. If you receive an incoming call and would like to add that person to your conference call, click "Hold call + Answer" and then tap "Merge Calls."

Selecting a Conference Call Provider

If you've decided to move into large audio, video or VoIP conference calls, your current system may not be able to handle the extra lines or bandwidth. Unless your company is large enough to invest in an in-house system, you will probably need to choose a conference call provider to filter the call through a central number.

1. Step 1

   Document your current conference call needs and project future use. Have each person or department keep a basic log of how many minutes are spent in conference calls, keeping track of the type of call (video, audio, VoIP or data). When you select a provider, you must make sure you choose a plan that includes enough minutes or bandwidth, so you don't pay overage charges.

2. Step 2

   Look for providers that provide personal customer service and use the latest technology. Since you will be signing a contract with this company, you want to make sure that the quality of your conference calls remains clear and without problems.

3. Step 3

   Ask potential providers to allow you to hold a conference call using the service. While many will offer a demo, those circumstances are always ideal, so you want to see a real-life sample of the service before you agree to anything.

4. Step 4

   Research different plans, keeping an eye out for hidden charges and ease in upgrading (or downgrading) your service. The best plans have flat monthly charges for a set number of users and unlimited minutes. This keeps your employees from having to count minutes when on the phone.

5. Step 5

   Select a provider with a global reach. While many providers say they are international, make sure they actually provide phone numbers and long distance service in the countries you actually work with.

6. Step 6

   Choose one of the larger telephone companies to provide your conference calling for reliable service. Verizon and Sprint both offer conferencing solutions for business customers (see Resources below).

7. Step 7

   Select Bell for a wide variety of plans with or without operator assistance (see Resources below). With 70 years of experience, Bell works with small businesses and corporations to provide clear, easy-to-use service.

8. Step 8

   Check out VoIP Conference Live for inexpensive voice over IP conference calls with unlimited users and minutes (see Resources below). This is a great choice for small businesses and home offices working on a budget.

HOST A FREE CONFERENCE CALL

Running a small business can become expensive very quickly if you don’t find shortcuts. Conference calls can be an important part of doing business, but they can be pricey. One way to cut down on costs is to host a free conference call.

1. step 1

   Determine what features you need in order to properly host a conference call. You should do this at least two weeks prior to the actual conference call happening. This will mean planning ahead to give yourself time to figure out exactly what you need.

2. Step 2

   Do some research. It’s fairly easy to go online and do a basic web search for “free conference calls.” You will find quite a few websites of companies that offer free conference calling services. Visit some of the sites to get an idea of the different requirements and features included.

3. Step 3

   Be thorough and read the fine print. Make sure you are fully aware of what is required to use the different services available and what you will get from your call. Many free conference call services require you to sign up for a number that may expire after a certain amount of time. They also tend to choose your conference call phone number for you. If you want to have a conference call number with your local area code, there may be a small fee for it. Read everything on the site before you commit.

4. Step 4

   Do a test run. Once you’ve chosen your conference call company and set things up, take the time to do a test run with another co-worker or friend. Figure out how to do the things you will need to do before the call. You don’t want to be conducting a conference call and accidentally disconnect everyone because you mistakenly hit a number or a button on your phone.

Take Control of a Conference Call

A conference call lets you remain at your desk rather than trek off
down the hall--or across the country--to a meeting. It also provides a
great opportunity to get the opinions and concerns of the entire team
heard as long as it doesn't disintegrate into a wasteland of wandering
discourse. Investing some time and effort up front will ensure that the
call works for everyone.

1. step 1

   Volunteer to set up the call so you can assume the role of moderator. Confirm that everyone has both the dial-in and conferencecode numbers, as well as the correct time for their zone.

2. Step 2

   Poll the other participants in advance as to the items they want covered in the call. Develop a written agenda with a specific time allotment for each agenda item. Better yet, e-mail the agenda to all parties before the call.

3. Step 3

   Take charge of gathering and disseminating the printed background material, numbering pages clearly and prominently. Nothing creates conference-call chaos faster than a chorus of "Where are we?" or "I don't seem to have that chart."

4. Step 4

   Refuse to discuss major agenda items until everyone is on the line. Bringing latecomers up to speed on important issues wastes time and irritates those who were prompt.

5. Step 5

   Monitor the clock closely. Be prepared to intervene with "Excuse me, we have to move on--we've run out of time for this topic" or "Let's discuss this topic at another time and report back to the group." Stay polite but firm throughout.

6. Step 6

   End the call with a synopsis of conclusions reached and future actions required. Send out a written summary of these conclusions and action items to all participants promptly.

AT&T Conference Calling

conference calls can be immensely useful to your business, allowing different offices or different project teams to all participate in the same conversation. AT&T offers 3 different options for how you can use their conference calling service, and all of the options are designed to be as convenient as possible for you. Here is how to get the most out of AT&T conference calling.

1. Step 1

   Decide which AT&T conference calling option you wish to use. You can choose automatic dial-in (in which each member of the call dials a special number and they are all automatically connected), operator-assisted dialing (in which you call each member of the call with the assistance of an AT&T operator) or operator-dialed connection (in which you supply the numbers of each member to an AT&T operator and they call and connect them for you).

2. Step 2

   If you choose automatic dial-in, then you simply need to get each member of the conference call to dial the conference call number at the appointed time.

3. Step 3

   Should you choose operator-assisted dialing or operator-dialed connection, then you will need to have each member by their phone at the appointed time so that they can receive the call.

4. Step 4

   When the conference call has ended (or when the participation of certain members has ended) then each member can simply hang up the phone and be disconnected.

5. Step 5

   Should you need to add additional members or reconnect members that accidentally disconnected from the conference call, you can have them dial in (if using the automatic dial-in option) or call them and they will be added to the conference call just as the original members were at the beginning.