The Conference Coach™

Have you ever put a phone meeting on hold?  It is tempting. And, most people will admit they’ve even done it.  We think that because others can’t see us, it doesn’t make a difference.  But there are many good reasons to not put the call on hold.

Hold music.  When you put a conference call on hold, the sweet sounds of music are heard by everyone else on the call.  Not only does this interrupt the speaker and let everyone know that you tried to step away, but it signals that you’ve disengaged.  Mute if you must, but never hold.

Missed Information and opportunity.  If you step away, meeting participants could direct questions to you. When you aren’t there to answer, you’ve just missed an opportunity and no doubt you’ve missed information. 

Courtesy.  When you run a meeting, you expect participants to pay attention and be engaged.  Return the favor.  If you can’t, then either decline the meeting or designate someone to sit in on your behalf.  Treat phone meetings like in-person meetings.  In a face to face meeting, you wouldn’t put the speaker on hold so you could take a call, check your email, or run to the restroom.

To fully take advantage of phone meetings, engage as if you were in the room with the other attendees.   You’ll get more out of the meeting.  So next time, don’t put the call on hold.