How to Make Conference Call on Skype: A Step-by-Step Guide
Conference calls have become an essential part of modern business communication, and Skype is one of the most popular tools for conducting them. With Skype, you can easily connect with colleagues, clients, and partners from anywhere in the world, making it an ideal platform for remote teams and virtual meetings. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make a conference call on Skype, as well as some best practices for a successful call.
Setting up a Conference Call on Skype
Skype makes it easy to set up a conference call, and the process is straightforward. Here are the steps:
- First, you must have a Skype account. If you don’t have one, go to the Skype website and sign up for a free account.
- Once you have signed in to Skype, click on the “New Chat” icon in the left sidebar.
- Next, click on the “New Group Chat” option and add the participants you want to invite to the call.
- Once you have added all the participants, click on the “Call” button in the top right corner of the screen.
- Skype will then prompt you to choose between a Voice call or Video call. Select “Voice call” for an audio-only call.
- Finally, click on the “Call” button to start the conference call.
One advantage of Skype is that you can invite people who do not have a Skype account to join the call by sending them a link to join via the web browser. You can also add participants to the call during the call by clicking on the “Add people” button.
Best Practices for a Successful Conference Call
To ensure a successful conference call on Skype, it is important to follow some best practices. Here are some tips:
- Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand to ensure everything is working correctly.
- Start the call on time and ensure everyone is ready before beginning.
- Introduce everyone at the beginning of the call, especially if they have never met before.
- Use headphones or a headset to avoid background noise and improve audio quality.
- Speak clearly and avoid talking over each other.
- Assign a moderator to manage the call and ensure everyone has a chance to speak.
- End the call on time and summarize the key points discussed.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a productive and successful conference call on Skype. In the next sections, we will discuss some advanced features of Skype for conference calls and some alternative platforms to consider.
Best Practices for a Successful Conference Call (Continued)
In addition to the tips mentioned earlier, there are some other best practices you should follow to ensure a successful conference call on Skype.
Tips on how to prepare for a conference call
- Set an agenda and distribute it to all participants beforehand.
- Choose a quiet location with minimal background noise and distractions.
- Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and a backup plan in case of technical issues.
- Have all relevant documents, presentations, and materials ready and accessible.
- Practice your presentation or talking points beforehand to ensure you are prepared.
Etiquette and guidelines for participants during the call
- Mute your microphone when you are not speaking to avoid background noise.
- Avoid multitasking during the call, such as checking emails or social media.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace.
- Wait for others to finish speaking before responding.
- Avoid interrupting or talking over others.
- Use visual aids and body language to enhance communication.
Troubleshooting common issues during the call
- If someone’s audio is unclear, suggest they move closer to their microphone or adjust their settings.
- If there is background noise, ask all participants to mute their microphones when not speaking.
- If someone drops off the call, ask them to reconnect or call them back.
- If there are technical issues, try restarting the call or switching to another platform.
By following these best practices, you can ensure a productive and successful conference call on Skype.
Advanced Features for Conference Calls on Skype
Skype offers several advanced features that can enhance your conference call experience. Here are some of the most useful ones:
Screen Sharing
Screen sharing allows you to share your screen with other participants, making it easier to collaborate on documents, presentations, and other materials. To use this feature, click on the “Share screen” button during the call.
Recording
Skype allows you to record your conference call for future reference or sharing with others. To use this feature, click on the “Start recording” button during the call.
Call Scheduling
Skype also allows you to schedule calls in advance, making it easier to coordinate with participants in different time zones or with busy schedules. To schedule a call, click on the “Schedule call” button in the left sidebar and enter the details.
By taking advantage of these advanced features, you can make your conference calls on Skype even more productive and effective. However, it is important to ensure that all participants are aware of these features and know how to use them.
Alternatives to Skype for Conference Calling
While Skype is a popular platform for conference calling, there are several other alternatives that you can consider. Here are some of the most popular ones:
Zoom
Zoom is a cloud-based video conferencing platform that has gained popularity in recent years. It is known for its ease of use, high-quality video and audio, and features like screen sharing and recording. Zoom offers a free plan with unlimited 1-on-1 meetings, but group meetings are limited to 40 minutes. Paid plans start at $14.99/month.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- High-quality video and audio
- Offers a free plan
Cons:
- Security concerns
- Limited features in the free plan
Google Meet
Google Meet is a video conferencing tool that is part of the Google Workspace suite of productivity apps. It offers features like screen sharing, live captions, and real-time collaboration on documents. Google Meet is free to use for anyone with a Google account, and paid plans start at $6/month.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Integrates with other Google apps
- Offers a free plan
Cons:
- Limited features in the free plan
- Requires a Google account to use
Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a collaboration platform that includes video conferencing, chat, and file sharing. It is part of the Microsoft 365 suite of apps and offers features like screen sharing, meeting recording, and live captions. Microsoft Teams offers a free plan, and paid plans start at $5/month.
Pros:
- Integrates with other Microsoft apps
- Offers a free plan
- Robust features for collaboration
Cons:
- Can be overwhelming for new users
- Limited storage in the free plan
Conclusion
In conclusion, conference calling on Skype is a convenient and effective way to connect with others remotely. By following the steps outlined in this article and implementing best practices, you can ensure a successful conference call on Skype. However, it is important to note that there are several other alternatives available, each with its own pros and cons. By considering your specific needs and the features offered by each platform, you can choose the one that best suits your requirements. Regardless of the platform you choose, conference calling remains an essential tool for modern businesses and remote teams, and it is here to stay.
