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Speaking up in meetings is difficult enough \u2013 especially when it\u2019s not in your native language, right?<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s even more of a challenge when people are\u00a0in different locations.<\/p>\n
When should you speak? Will others listen? What do they think of you?<\/p>\n
Conference calls: increasingly common for business communication.<\/p>\n
Bringing butterflies to bellies across the globe.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve frequently felt that fluttering and hesitated to speak. Calls would finish before I could summon the courage to say a word.<\/p>\n
But over the two decades of my corporate career, I worked out ways to feel more confident on conference calls. Now I make the most of conference calls to connect and collaborate with colleagues around the world for the betterment of our businesses.<\/p>\n
The first tip that has helped me be more confident? Dialing in early.<\/strong><\/p>\n Ever realized at the last minute that you didn\u2019t have the right phone number or passcode? Ever dialed the wrong number or entered the wrong code and had to start again? Ever found yourself in a location with a weak signal, so that you couldn\u2019t get the call to go through?<\/p>\n All these can cause stress and knock your confidence before you even start the call.<\/p>\n Give yourself time to deal with potential problems by noting the phone number and passcode in your calendar and dialing in early.<\/p>\n Use your time effectively by having something to work on while you wait for others to join.<\/p>\n Important information is often shared at the beginning of the call to set everyone up for success \u2013 especially if you have an effective facilitator. You miss this if you dial in late.<\/p>\n Dial in early to hear the important information. Then you\u2019re better positioned to make relevant and timely comments. You can make a better contribution. That\u2019s a great way to boost your confidence.<\/p>\n Failing to join conference calls on time is disrespectful to your colleagues.<\/p>\n It wastes everyone\u2019s time when the start is delayed or interrupted. Even more so when someone has to repeat what\u2019s already been said solely for your benefit.<\/p>\n And it sends a signal that you consider something else more important than them.<\/p>\n Unfortunately, many business people habitually agree to back-to-back meetings and calls. If you finish one call at 2pm, how can you start the next at 2pm???<\/p>\n Instead of scheduling 30-minute or 1-hour calls, how about 25 or 50 minutes?<\/p>\n That way you can respect your colleagues\u2019 time by being ready to start punctually. Your colleagues will respect you for respecting them. And up goes your confidence. Yay!<\/p>\n *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 *<\/p>\n In the next post, I\u2019ll share two tips to help you speak confidently\u00a0on conference calls<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n Until then, if you\u2019re looking for more tips to help you communicate with clarity and confidence in global business, subscribe to Sasuga! Tips For You<\/em><\/a><\/span>. I\u2019ll email you tried and tested communication tips and resources every Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\nThree Reasons\u00a0to Dial In Early on Conference Calls<\/h2>\n
It allows time for tech trouble<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nYou hear important info<\/b><\/h3>\n
\nIt\u2019s respectful to your colleagues<\/b><\/h3>\n