Be Heard on Your Next Conference Call.

Phone usage and length of calls have surged. Conference calls are now a staple of almost every professional day. To ensure you make the most of your time on these calls, follow these key tips:

• Before the call, prepare your opening remarks and/or have some casual conversation ideas in mind.
• If you have a specific point you want to make, practice it aloud.
• Remind yourself to speak slowly and clearly. 
• Depending on the length of the call, consider standing. This will reduce nervous energy and help you speak with more power.
• Consider recording your end of the phone call. You can evaluate it afterward and spot areas for improvement.
• Once on the call, introduce yourself as soon as you join.
• If you direct a question at one person, preface the question with their name.
• Avoid interrupting, but you can show agreement by giving “verbal nods;” okay, I see, good, etc.
• Raise the volume at which you normally speak.
• If the phone connection is poor, focus on enunciating your words. Avoid mumbling.
• If you are struggling to concentrate, close your eyes. It will help you focus on the speaker.