Teleconferencing

Carefully prepare for your business teleconferences.
Prepare in advance a list of key expressions that you may need at teleconferences.

Think over the key points you want to make and the questions you want to ask
in advance and write them down or type on the computer, and rehearse saying it aloud.

Prepare a couple of small talk topics to maintain a conversation
in case you have to while away a few minutes at the beginning.

Rehearse pronouncing the most important, key phrases.
Unprepared speeches are usually too wordy and full of mistakes.
With practice over a few weeks you will need less preparation.

Schedule your teleconferences taking into account the difference in time zones.
Make sure you have all the necessary information and numbers on hand.
Have a pen and notepaper ready for taking notes.

Consider recording the teleconference to review it or listen to it later.
This can be an effective tool for number of purposes.


The Teleconference

Come into the teleconference room at least 10 minutes before the beginning.
Remember to turn off your mobile phone and do not chew anything during the teleconference.
Your posture matters during the teleconference.
Sit upright during the teleconference to avoid constricting your voice.

Listen carefully what other people say and demonstrate that you are listening.
Glance at the camera once in a while.
This creates an impression of eye-contact for the other party.
Don’t be shy about asking people to speak up or repeat if it is appropriate.
Observe the participants’ facial expressions.

Keep notes during the teleconference, including important numbers, dates, useful
English expressions and who said what. This can be a valuable tool for a number of reasons.
Keeping notes is an excellent way to stay attentive and focused during a long conference call.
You may want to refer to some of the previous speakers in the future,
or use at the next teleconference some expressions used by other participants.

Don’t interrupt anyone. Address people by name when you speak to them.
Make sure you pronounce the other people’s names correctly.
(People hate it when their names are mispronounced.)

Give a 1-2 sentence preview of what you are going to say.
Make your suggestions in a constructive way.
Use plain English. Speak distinctly and keep your tone of voice natural.
Maintain your enthusiasm when you speak.
Mind your language. Avoid slang, unnecessary technical jargon and abbreviations.
Keep you business conversations brief and to the point.
Be polite and make an effort to leave your contact with a good impression
Check that the other party understands you.
Be careful what you say even when using the mute button.

During the discussion of ideas, people will probably have different opinions.
This is where a teleconference can become emotional.
It’s important that you keep your own emotions under control,
especially if others are failing to do so themselves. Remain calm and professional.
Show respect for other people’s points of view and concerns.
It’s important to recognize that if you show irritation or anger,
it will make it difficult for the teleconference to proceed effectively.

Consider clarifying the details with the other parties by e-mail after the meeting.

What tips would you add to this list for successfully taking part in teleconferences?


Vocabulary

effective  -  эффективный
in advance  -  заблаговременно
expression  -  выражение
key  -  ключевой
point  -  мысль
to make a point  -  выражать свое мнение
to rehearse  -  репетировать
aloud  -  вслух
to maintain  -  поддерживать
conversation  -  разговор
in case  -  в случае
to while (a few minutes)  -  коротать (несколько минут)
a few  -  несколько
to pronounce  -  произносить
phrase  -  фраза
wordy  -  многословный
to schedule  -  запланировать
to take into account  -  принимать во внимание
to make sure  -  убеждаться
number  -  цифра
notepaper  -  бумага для заметок
to take notes  -  делать заметки
to consider  -  рассматривать возможность
to record  -  записывать
to review  -  просматривать
tool  -  средство
number  -  ряд
to turn off  -  выключать
to chew  -  жевать
posture  -  поза
to matter  -   играть роль
upright  -  прямо
to constrict  -  затруднять
to glance  -  бросать быстрый взгляд
to speak up  -  говорить громче
appropriate  -  приемлемый
to observe  -  наблюдать
to keep notes  -  вести записи
including  -  включая
valuable  -  ценный
to refer  -  ссылаться
previous  -  предыдущий
to interrupt  -  перебивать
to mispronounce  -  неверно произносить
preview  -  краткая обобщающая информация
suggestion  -  предложение
to make a suggestion  -  вносить предложение
way  -  образ, способ
plain  -  simple
distinctly  -  отчетливо
natural  -  естественный
enthusiasm  -  энтузиазм
to mind  -  обращать внимание
slang  -  сленг
jargon  -  жаргон
brief  -  краткий
to the point  -  по делу
to make an effort  -  делать усилие
to check  -  проверять
especially  -  в особенности
to fail  -  не справляться
to remain  -  оставаться
respect  -  уважение
to show respect  -  демонстрировать уважение
concern  -  обеспокоенность
to recognize  -  понимать
irritation  -  раздражение
to proceed  -  продолжать
effectively  -  эффективно
to clarify  -  прояснять
detail  -  деталь
tip  -  совет
to take part  -  принимать участие

Alex Kritskiy, a private English teacher, Ph.D., 38-067-391-76-62