To ensure that your next conference call isn'ta complete disaster, check out these three

things you (and your colleagues) should neverdo on a conference call.

Etiquette is crucial in all aspects of life,but it's especially important on

conference calls. From airport departurecalls to ruffling chip bags, the slightest

distraction can derail a meeting.

D O N ' T : M U L T I T A S K I T L E A D S T O A

(Bergman, 2010)

dropin productivity

& drop IQin&

If you’re in a meeting, be in the meeting mentally. Put away the social

media, quit browsing on Amazon and get focused.

Your colleagues – and your sense of professional pride –

will thank you.

D O N ' T :F O R G E T

A B O U T M U T E

We've all been on a conference call thatwas interrupted by a barking dog, an

ambulance wailing or someone chowingdown on a bag of chips. Not only is it

totally unprofessional to interrupt ameeting, but it can also absolutely be

avoided. Far too often people forgetabout the mute button. Remember thistrusty feature the next time you're on a

conference call.

D O N ' T : C O M EU N P R E P A R E DIt really should go without saying--don't

come to ANY meeting unprepared. But

what makes a conference call different?

When on an audio-only call, you have the

disadvantage of not being able to see

cues on when it's okay to jump in and ask

questions about what's going on. To

avoid falling behind and risking awkward

interruptions, come prepared so you can

positively contribute to your meeting.

For tips about how to take make your next

conference call a success, visit our blog:

blog.pgi.com.