Teleconference Etiquette

Host location:

1. Any movement of people or items near the speakerphone will create irritating noise for remote receivers, and may drown out the message entirely.
2. Identify yourself when you speak.
3. Depending on the size of the audience, you may need to stand when you speak so that your voice will project to the speakerphone clearly.
4. When responding, address speakers in other locations by name, identifying yourself each time. Otherwise, remote listeners have no way to know who is speaking, or if others have joined the discussion after your remarks.

Remotes:

1. Request the floor by identifying yourself and your location when you speak, e.g., This is Joe Smith in Washington. This alerts others of your intent to speak so they can relinquish the floor. Other locations can't see you, so they have no other way of knowing who is speaking.
2. Don't shout, but speak slightly louder than conversational volume.
3. If you have trouble hearing clearly, interrupt and say so.

These basic courtesies will help you avoid being a disembodied voice to your clients, and make the teleconference more enjoyable for all.