8 Winning Tips for Telephone Meetings: Telephone meetings have increased in popularity. More people work from home. Face-to-face communication over the Internet is easier.
Before the telephone meeting, prepare as though someone is coming to meet you in your office.
Have these things on your desk:
- A statement of the purpose of the meeting
- Any correspondence or research you have that relates to the meeting
- A list of key points you wish to make
- A list of questions
Select your interview place carefully.
- Pick a quiet room.
- Have a glass of water immediately handy.
- Pick a comfortable chair.
Even though you are on the phone, let your personality shine, especially if you are on a facetime call.
- Smile. You will project warmth whether the other people can see you or not.
- Listen to the questions. Make sure you understand the question before you answer it. Answer the questions people ask. Do not just respond with subjects that relate to the question.
- Remember to take a quiet deep breath from time to time.
- Say positive things about yourself and about the other people.
Remember to focus.
- Check you notes as you go along.
- Make notes about the things other people say during the call.
- Don’t bring up new subjects until you have finished discussing the purpose of the call.
Ask questions to keep others involved.
- If you are seeking a commitment, ask trial close questions: for example, ask the other people when the company will make a decision.
- Emphasize that you are definitely interested in going forward with the opportunity.
Do not allow interruptions.
- If you get another call, ignore it.
- Make sure that people around you know not to disturb you.
- Certainly do not multi-task.
- Do not talk over other people.
- Do not try to tell a joke.
- Do not fake your answers. If you do not know that answer to a question, just say so.
Remember to close on an upbeat.
Thank the others for taking time to speak with you. Emphasize that you hope to have a chance to speak again.