Full Frontal PR Report
Christy Curran

Conference calls! We all do them; they are a great way to touch base without having to fly anywhere.

Intuitively, you might think that a conference call is more informal or “easier” than a face-to-face meeting. Not so. In fact it’s often harder to get your messages across over the phone. Have you ever had the feeling: “What the heck am I talking about? These people must think I’m nuts!”

With that fear in mind, here is a guide to help you through the calls:

Preview a spell-checked agenda with whoever is on the call (your “side”) to anticipate possible questions from the other “side.” Be prepared!

• Practice can really make the difference (being well prepared and making sure you know your stuff)
• You can prepare and present without worrying—practice gives an aura of confidence

Open calls with a happy greeting to set the tone, but avoid too much chit-chat.

• Be upbeat and physically smile (it actually does translate through the phone); sometimes it helps to stand, too

Speak slowly and deliberately

• People who speak too quickly are not viewed as “in control” or knowledgeable
• Dramatic pauses every once in a while give people time to think
• Using first names gets—and keeps—people’s attention

Focus on what you are saying and how this is ultimately helpful to the person listening

• Don’t let yourself get sidetracked
• Keep your eyes on the ball (use notes). If you are not sure what you want to say, start an outline or start writing and then organize your thoughts after you’ve committed everything to paper
• Questions to ask: Does it make sense? Is it concise? Is it coherent? Do you care?
• Refer to notes, but try not to depend on them word-for-word

Channel someone you have listened to on conference calls and admire; adopt his or her style

• Confidence on a call will extend to those listening, who (1) will be rooting for you—honestly, nobody wants a call to go poorly, and (2) will feel at ease and relaxed

Combat nervousness (conference calls can be nerve-wracking!)

• Visualize yourself doing well
• Think of your “audience” as just plain people —even the most senior folks. Imagine them in their underwear. They have dogs, families, car trouble, and boxers. They want the meeting/presentation to go well—it makes their day better. You can do that for them!

There you have it. Someone has finally made conference calls simple! Print this out, distribute it, hang it on the conference room or refrigerator door.

Christy Curran is an Account Manager at RLM; she participates in good calls.