Old Tools, New Rules

My last few posts have been about relatively "old" technology.   Today I add one more -- the telephone, even if we are not using the "phone" in much different way: more teleconferences, iPhone, Bluetooth devices, etc.   

I have had two recent conference calls where it has become painfully obvious that the individuals have forgotten the polite use of the mute function on any device.    While it understandable that a short conference one can be excused for some background noise and a sigh or heavy breathing (yours truly has been guilty while walking up 12 flights of stairs), the most common offense is typing at a keyboard while having the phone close.   I recently attended a meeting where 75 attendees spent 34 minutes trying to get a conference-ed in attendee to mute their phone.  

Here is some simple advice for both Attendees and hosts:

Attendees:

• Desk phone - mute the phone and have visual a indicator of whether or not you are mute.   Better that you have headset.
• Mobile device -- a head set with a speaker is a *must*.   Mute as needed.
• Join the meeting on time, announce yourself.   If you are late, don't announce yourself.

Hosts:

• Start the meeting on time -- announce who is physically present, take a roll call of those conference-ed in.
• Ensure that physically attendees speak so those on the phone can hear.
• Provide a mobile friendly "1 touch dial" i.e. ",,," to pause where a pass code is required.
• If your attendees aren't "mute friendly", make sure you know how to mute them!