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A business
conference conducted in person is much different than a presentation
made by teleconference. When you're in front of an audience, you can
implement body language techniques, make eye contact, smile, and you can
react to the emotions of your audience to help you achieve a sucessful
business conference presentation.
Business
conferences done by teleconferencing can be a bit more difficult
because you cannot see your audience...nor can they see you.
So here are a few tips to help you achieve a successful business
conference call:
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Use A Powerful Greeting
Begin your business
conference with a powerful greeting. Remember, you only get one
chance to make a first impression...so use it wisely. The impression you
make in the first few seconds of a business conference can determine
whether or not your audience will be attentive and receptive. |
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Stick To The Agenda
Follow an outline for your business
conference agenda. This keeps the meeting focused and provides
cohesion so your business conference will be more productive. The
easiest way to stick to the agenda when hosting a business conference is
to outline the agenda on index cards. Write down each point you need to
cover on a separate index card and stack them in order. Flip through
each card as the topic of discussion is covered. You can even take notes
that are appropriate to each topic on the the back of the index card.
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Don't Let Anyone Throw
You Off Track
If someone asks a question or brings up a subject that does not pertain
to the topic at hand, suggest to discuss the issue at the end of the business
conference - and make a note on a new index card and put it on the
bottom of the pile. |
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Stick To The Minutes
If a business
conference is scheduled to last 30 minutes ...then make sure it
lasts no more than 30 minutes. Always be considerate of others'
schedules. Format your business conference and allot a specific amount
of time for each topic on the agenda. Have someone help you by timing
the minutes allocated for each topic. They can signal you when the time
has come to move on to the next order of business.
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Group Participation
During a business
conference, occasionally ask participants for their opinion or
concerns about the topic you're covering. Always address someone by name
- they'll pay much closer attention if they think they might be called
upon for their input.
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Ending The Call
When your business conference is over, recap the main points of the
meeting. Go over the outcome of the meeting and stress the goals and the
actions you expect from them. Thank everyone for their participation and
state that the meeting is formally over. |
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Basic Rules - Educate The Participants
Each participant of a business
conference should be aware of some basic rules.
Be Punctual! Again, always be considerate of others'
schedules. Make sure you are ready for the business conference a few
minutes ahead of time.
- Use Your Mute Button! When any participant is not speaking
during the business conference, they should engage the
"Mute" button on their phone and only release it when they
need to speak. Any type of background noise can be disruptive and
can inhibit the clarity of the transmission.
- HOLD on using "hold" If your hold feature plays
music - NEVER put the business conference call on "hold"
to answer another call! Otherwise every participant in the business
conference will be enjoy the beautiful music you've selected
(NOT!).
- WHO is speaking? Every time a participant needs to speak
they should always begin by introducing themselves. Other
participants may not recognize your voice to determine who is
speaking - so always make it clear throughout the duration of the business
conference each time you need to speak.
- Boyscouts Motto: Always Be Prepared. Unless your business
conference is an emergency meeting, there is no excuse for a
lack of preparation from each and every participant. If you are well
aware that a business conference is scheduled - then be prepared
with an outline of the important issues you'd like to discuss.
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