How Does Conference Calling Work?
Purpose of Conference Calling
Conference calling is an efficient way for a group of people to carry on a phone conversation together. It enables a group of people who are physically separated to come together on a phone line to hold a discussion. The participants agree to call into the conference call at a set time. Everyone dials one phone number, and all the participants are connected together for a conference call.
Mechanics of Conference Calling
All conference call participants are provided a phone number to use to dial into the conference call, as well as a bridge number. A few minutes before the conference call is scheduled to begin, the moderator dials the conference call number, keys in the bridge number, and then keys in the moderator's personal identification number (PIN). After the moderator opens the conference call, then the other participants can join in. Participants dial the conference call number, and then key in the bridge number. As long as the moderator has opened the conference call, then the participants immediately join the conference call. Other conference call participants hear a chime to let them know that another person has joined the conference call.
Cost of Conference Calling
While some conference calling service providers charge a fee, many provide conference calling services free of charge. Conference calling service providers that charge a fee might offer a toll-free number that participants can dial, which results in those joining the conference call incurring no long distance charges. Free conference calling services require conference calling participants to pay for the long distance charges themselves when they dial into the conference call.
Etiquette of Conference Calling
Participants in a conference call should always call into a conference call on time. Being late to a conference call is just as rude as walking into a meeting late. Before beginning a conference call, all participants should introduce or announce themselves so that everyone involved in the conference call knows who else is participating in the conference call. Until participants get to know each other's voices well, anyone who is speaking should first identify himself by name so that the members of the conference call are aware of who is speaking.
Risks of Conference Calling
Because you cannot see the people who are involved in the conference call, it is possible for a person to call into a conference call and eavesdrop. A chime sounds when a new person joins a conference call, but if the person mutes his phone, then the other participants will not be aware that somebody is listening in. Only a person with the bridge number can gain access to a conference call, so eavesdropping can only happen if somebody gets a hold of the bridge number and knows when the conference call is scheduled.
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