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.