Your conference call is on the right track. Everyone has made their introductions and the meeting is going splendidly.  Suddenly a very large sounding barking dog decides to join the meeting.  Ok. This can be overlooked.  The dog owners ensuing tirade to shush the dog, eh, not so much.

Even though you may be sitting there in your den still wearing your pajamas at three in the afternoon, you must still simulate a professional environment as if you were sitting at a board room table in a smart business suit.

Find a quiet area and use a phone that does not pick up background noise. You don’t want the other participants to think you are attending the meeting from a dark corner in a dance club. If a quiet area is not an option, or your phone picks up every little sound within a 10 mile radius, use the mute button on your end until you need to speak.

If you do use the mute button, be sure any hold music is turned off. The smooth stylings of Barry Manilow are not always a welcome addition at conference calls.

Be familiar with all the buttons and features of the call. Especially if you have muted yourself.  You don’t want to miss the opportunity to share your brilliant contributions to the conversation because you can’t figure out how to be heard.

When you do speak, unless you have already been announced, introduce yourself so everyone knows who is speaking.  This is very helpful to the person that might be taking notes of the call.

Don’t fidget. Don’t rustle through your paperwork. It’s very distracting for other attendees.  If you must cough, sneeze, snap, crackle, or pop- do your absolute best to prevent your ‘functions’ from being blasted over the sound waves.

So just remember, even though you’re wearing your super soft Star Wars Jammies, make sure everyone thinks you’re dressed to the nines.

photo credit: web_ape