How to Make Conference Calls Fun: Tips and Tricks

Conference calls have become an essential part of modern-day business communication. They make it possible for teams to collaborate and communicate with one another, regardless of their location. However, let’s be honest, conference calls can be boring, monotonous, and unproductive. The good news is that there are ways to make conference calls fun and engaging. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks that will help you liven up your conference calls and keep your team members engaged.

Choose the Right Platform

Choosing the right platform is the first step in making your conference calls fun. There are several conference call platforms available, each with its own unique features. Some of the most popular platforms include Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. When choosing a platform, consider the size of your team, your budget, and the features you need.

For example, Zoom has a virtual background feature that allows participants to change their background, making the call more interesting. Google Meet, on the other hand, has a breakout room feature that allows you to split your team into smaller groups for more in-depth discussions.

Another important consideration is the quality of the audio and video. Poor audio and video quality can make it difficult for team members to hear and see each other, leading to frustration and disengagement. Choose a platform that provides clear audio and high-quality video.

Once you have selected your platform, take some time to familiarize yourself with its features. This will help you to make the most of the platform and ensure that your conference calls are fun and engaging for everyone involved.

Set the Tone

The tone of your conference call can make a big difference in how engaged your team members are. If your conference call is dull and monotone, your team members will quickly lose interest. On the other hand, if you set the right tone, you can create a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages participation.

Start by greeting everyone on the call and introducing yourself. This will help to break the ice and create a more relaxed atmosphere. You can also use icebreakers and fun activities to start the call. For example, you could ask each team member to share one thing that they are looking forward to this week or ask a fun trivia question related to your industry.

Another way to set the tone is to be enthusiastic and energetic. Your team members will feed off your energy, so if you are excited and engaged, they will be too. Use a friendly and conversational tone when speaking, and avoid using technical jargon or complex language.

By setting the right tone, you can create a positive and engaging atmosphere that encourages participation and makes your conference calls more fun.

Set the Tone (contd.)

Creating a positive atmosphere is crucial to making conference calls fun and engaging. Here are some additional tips for creating a positive tone:

• Use positive language: Use positive language and avoid negative or critical language. For example, instead of saying “We can’t do that,” say “Let’s explore some other options.”

• Be inclusive: Make sure that everyone feels included in the conversation. Use inclusive language and avoid making assumptions about people’s backgrounds or experiences.

• Show appreciation: Take the time to show appreciation for your team members and their contributions. For example, you could start the call by thanking everyone for their hard work or acknowledging a team member who recently achieved a milestone.

• Use humor: A little bit of humor can go a long way in making conference calls more fun. Use humor to lighten the mood and make everyone feel more comfortable.

• Be flexible: Be open to changing the agenda or adding new items to the call if someone has a suggestion. This will make everyone feel like their input is valued and encourage participation.

Engage Everyone

Keeping everyone engaged is essential to making conference calls fun and productive. Here are some strategies for keeping everyone involved:

• Assign roles: Assign specific roles to team members, such as note-taker or timekeeper. This will give everyone a sense of ownership and responsibility for the call.

• Encourage participation: Encourage everyone to participate by asking open-ended questions and soliciting feedback. Avoid putting people on the spot or asking yes/no questions.

• Use visuals: Use visuals, such as graphs or charts, to illustrate your points and keep everyone engaged. This will help to break up the monotony of the call.

• Take breaks: Take breaks periodically to give everyone a chance to stretch their legs and refresh their minds. This will help to keep everyone focused and engaged.

• Follow up: After the call, follow up with everyone to ensure that they understand what was discussed and what their next steps are. This will help to keep everyone accountable and ensure that the call was productive.

By using these strategies, you can keep everyone engaged and make your conference calls more fun and productive.

Add Some Fun

Adding some fun elements to your conference call can make it more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some creative ways to inject humor and fun into the call:

Use Visual Aids

Visual aids can help to break up the monotony of a conference call and make it more engaging. You can use memes, GIFs, and other visual aids to add some humor to the call. For example, you could use a funny meme to illustrate a point or a GIF to express an emotion.

Play Games

Playing games during your conference call can be a great way to break up the monotony and keep your team members engaged. Trivia games, word games, and other interactive games can be a fun way to get everyone involved. You could also have a virtual scavenger hunt or a team-building game to encourage collaboration and teamwork.

Have a Theme

Having a theme for your conference call can make it more interesting and fun. You could have a dress-up theme, where everyone dresses up as their favorite movie character or wear a funny hat. You could also have a food theme, where everyone brings their favorite snack or drink to the call.

Conclusion

In conclusion, conference calls don’t have to be boring. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can make your conference calls more fun and engaging for everyone involved. Choosing the right platform, setting the right tone, engaging everyone, and adding some fun elements can all contribute to a more enjoyable conference call.

Having enjoyable conference calls is essential for productivity and team morale, especially in a remote work environment. By making your conference calls fun, you can keep your team members engaged and motivated, leading to better collaboration and productivity. So, next time you have a conference call, remember to have fun and enjoy the experience!