Before the Teleconference

Consider these areas before your teleconference begins

Schedule

  • Scheduling – Time zones – there are not many different time zones in Europe but check this when you schedule the meeting. Double check that you have the time zone right in the invitation.
  • Agenda – it is more important to share your agenda for teleconferences than for in-person meetings. Allow plenty of time for participants to respond if they wish to change any agenda items.
  • Make sure that your on-line invite contains all the essential details (time zones, participants).

Technical issues

  • Technical directions – Clearly communicate to all participants how to access the teleconference. Also, set up and test equipment well in advance.
  • Back up plan – make sure that you have a list of all the participants’ emails and mobile numbers in case you lose the teleconference connection.
  • Establish a rule for reconnecting in case participants lose connectivity. For example: “If we experience any technical problems we will call you or send you an SMS.”