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Audio conferencing supports telephone conversations among three or more participants. This may be
accomplished using a conference feature in a telephone (usually with three participants), or, using a
conference bridge service allowing many more participants. Some conference rooms use a speakerphone
to allow conferencing with both live and remote workers.
Audio conferencing allows teleworkers to work in real time with multiple people, such as a project
team or clients. This readily available technology works whenever there are multiple people that
need to be included in an audio call, either as participants, or, as listeners to a limited number
of presenters. Or, when a video/web conference is hosting a visual presentation, but the hosts
want to use a conference bridge for the audio element.
Teleworkers in the pilot project reported a couple of problems that occurred when audio conferencing
with a project team:
- Poor sound quality/difficult to hear
- Difficulty establishing a connection, resulting in the teleworker missing
the first part of the meeting.
In the long run, these situations may be more costly for the organization than investing in a better
quality system or service.
Service providers include those offering conferences 'on demand' where a host can set up an ad hoc
call (using toll-free number and PIN). Bridge services can offer hosted calls, where participants
use a moderator to include or announce participants or presenters.
Audio conference is quick and easy to set up and use. By using a 3rd party service, no special
equipment is required. Here are a few tips to improve the experience:
- Notify participants well in advance of the call and send a reminder the
day of the call
- The call's host should establish the call a few minutes before the
appointed time to welcome participants as they join.
- Participants should announce themselves prior to making a comment until
all are completely familiar with each voice.
- Conference call participants who are in a meeting room with a speakerphone
should avoid distracting noises (e.g., shuffling papers), speak loudly and clearly, and avoid
side conversations.
- Distribute handouts electronically prior to meeting time.
- Calls with too many participants may become chaotic or confusing, unless
the majority are limited to listen-only mode.
- Quieter participants may less likely to engage, unless prompted specifically.
- Participants should avoid multitasking (such as checking their email) during
conference calls.
- Headsets ensure presenters or participants can engage more easily.
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