Articles and Newsletters

How to Stand Out and Have Impact on a Conference Call

By Paula Lyons

The ability to speak up and make substantive contributions in meetings is a measure of your value to any organization and a great way to boost your career. When you do this well, you increase your visibility and showcase your knowledge and expertise. What's more, as language expert and author James Humes says: "Every time you speak, you are auditioning for leadership."

Still, speaking up in face-to-face meetings is one thing. But how do you stand out on a conference call? How do you enhance your presence and reputation when no one can see you and all you have--- to sell yourself and your idea--- is your choice of words and your voice?

Well, first you have to demonstrate that you understand and regularly practice respectful, conference call etiquette:

  • Show up on time (that means a few minutes early!)
  • Be prepared to contribute.
  • Take the call in a quiet, distraction free location. No cell phones.
  • Understand how and when to use the mute button (especially if you're taking notes on a keyboard).
  • Ask to be recognized and wait to be called on before you speak.
  • Always say your name each time you speak.
  • Make your contributions concise and clear.
  • Listen and pay attention to others' ideas and input.
  • Don't interrupt. Ever!
  • Wait until others have weighed in before speaking a second time on the same topic.

But how you speak---the words you choose and the way you say them--- is truly the only way to stand out from others who also follow the rules of etiquette.

  • Write out what you know you want to say. Revise it for power, brevity and clarity. Eliminate unnecessary words.
  • Speak up, speak clearly, and at a pace others can't help but understand. Be especially sensitive if the call is global or includes any participants whose first language is NOT English.
  • Remember, your voice is the whole thing on a conference call, your only personal signature. Use all of it! It can help you convey all that you intend: precise meaning, level of confidence, and conviction.
  • If you're normally soft-spoken, raise your volume a notch. Vary your pace and tone so that you will sound as interested in the subject matter as you actually are.
  • We also advise our clients to stand up, if possible, during the call, even walk around, because it will increase the energy in your voice.

So how do you know if your words and your voice are sending all the signals you intend?

  • Tape record your end of the call. (No one will know.) Listen and evaluate your persuasiveness, conviction, and word choices yourself.
  • Ask for feedback, on both content and style, from trusted friends and advisors also on the call.

Keep working on improving the way you use language and your voice. Practice makes perfect! Soon you will stand out as the go-to expert in your area of expertise.