Traditional teleconference meetings included a multi-person phone conference calls where the people involved with the teleconference meeting would join a conference call by dialing a phone number on their phone, inputting a secret pass-code, and then entering the actual conference “room.” The only teleconferencing equipment involved is the teleconference conference line and your phone. However, with the internet the process is all automated and guests of the teleconference meeting are able to enter the virtual conference room of the meeting in one quick and simple step. There is actually less teleconferencing equipment involved, but more features for your conference.

For hosts of teleconference meetings, the internet and teleconference equipment or software makes the whole thing a lot easier and takes much less time than actually setting up a meeting on their phone line. That would actually be a lengthy process and the host of the teleconference call would normally need to get on the call well in advance so that the participants of the meeting wouldn’t think that the host just wasn’t going to show up. On the other hand, with internet video teleconference meetings there is no need to dial any phone numbers at all. Additionally, hosts can have their settings of the teleconference meeting so that the virtual conference room will be unlocked at the specified time. Unlocking the virtual conference room allows easy access for  everyone attending the meeting, and the host of the conference meeting can even use his or her settings to allow a “no password” option for members of the teleconference.

For participants of teleconference meetings the same principle is true as with the hosts. Instead of taking a very long time to actually dial in to a phone teleconference meeting the internet has made the process simpler. The only thing that is required of participants of internet teleconference meetings is that they need to download a certain software in order to be let into the meeting. The only teleconferencing equipment you will need is this software. It is usually no more than 10 or 20 megabytes, which really won’t take up that much space on their computer anyway! After the participants have downloaded this software then they just need to sign on to the virtual conference room, with or without a password.

Using the internet for teleconference meetings also makes introductions a whole lot easier. Participants usually have the option of typing or voicing what they want to say with voice capabilities of the teleconference software. But everyone’s name will be able to be seen since usernames are usually required.

All in all, video teleconference meetings on the internet are a smart way to conduct business and have just been made into a complete system on the internet. Even though millions still have yet to tap into this type of software and internet capability, the tools are there to have successful video teleconference meetings!

Audio Teleconference Tip #1: Don’t Assume.

You may know everything there is to know about the topic your audio teleconference is based on, however that doesn’t mean your guests on the call do.  It is very easy to assume that the participants already know some of what you are talking about, but it is extremely important to clarify yourself anyway. Even if there are some people on the teleconference who do know what you are talking about it is certainly okay for the host to explain in case there are participants who are not familiar with the topic you are discussing.

Another thing that you don’t want to assume is that certain people have already signed onto the teleconference meeting. This is especially important on regular audio teleconference meetings. Because the sound that you hear may only be a small buzz when someone enters and exits the conference call there may be some people who do not introduce themselves as soon as they enter. So if you are counting on a specific person to be there the best thing to do would be to wait for introductions in order to find out if he or she was able to make it to the teleconference.

Audio Teleconference Tip #2: Time Management

People come to audio teleconference calls to get information. Many times your conference call will be building your brand as well as your reputation. Make sure you stay on topic and keep the unrelated, anecdotes to yourself. People are very busy and you want to make sure you give them what they came for, which is information.
Audio Teleconference Tip #3: Leave Time for Questions

IF you let people know there will be time for questions at the end of the call you will keep interruptions of your presentation to a minimum. You will also give people a chance to clarify any points they may have missed or find out more information they wanted. Questions are a great way to build your reputation as an expert in your field, as well as build your reputation as a helpful person. This can go a long way for any online or offline business.

These tips will help you host a successful audio teleconference. If you can get a successful call under your belt you will find you have more and more people showing up for your next call. In fact, word may get out and people will begin to watch for calls you are hosting so they can attend.