How to Setup a Conference Call in Skype?

Skype has been one of the most popular communication applications for both personal and professional use. Skype not only provides instant messaging services, but it also enables users to make voice and video calls. One of the most significant features of Skype is the ability to conduct conference calls. Conference calls are useful for businesses, remote teams, and even for personal use. In this article, we will discuss how to set up a conference call in Skype, step-by-step.

Preparing for the Conference Call

Before setting up a conference call, it is essential to prepare your system to ensure that the call goes smoothly. Here are the steps to follow:

Downloading and Installing Skype

The first step is to download and install Skype on your system. You can download the latest version of Skype from the official website. Once downloaded, install Skype by following the on-screen instructions.

Creating a Skype Account

If you do not have a Skype account, you will need to create one. Creating a Skype account is easy and involves providing some basic information like your name, email address, and a password. Once you have created your account, log in to Skype using your credentials.

Adding Contacts to Your Skype Account

To conduct a conference call, you will need to add contacts to your Skype account. To add contacts, click on the “Contacts” tab and then select “Add Contact.” You can add contacts by searching for their name or Skype ID.

Testing Your Audio and Video Settings

Before starting the conference call, it is crucial to test your audio and video settings to ensure that they are working correctly. To test your settings, open Skype and go to “Settings” and then select “Audio & Video.” You can test your audio and video settings by following the on-screen instructions.

Scheduling the Conference Call

Once you have prepared your system, the next step is to schedule the conference call. Follow these steps to schedule a conference call in Skype:

Creating a Group Chat

To schedule a conference call, you will need to create a group chat. To create a group chat, click on the “New Chat” button and then select “New Group Chat.” Give your group chat a name and add the participants.

Scheduling the Call Through the Group Chat

Once you have created the group chat, you can schedule the call by clicking on the “Calendar” icon. Select the date and time for the call and click on “Schedule Call.”

Adding Participants to the Group Chat

To add participants to the group chat, click on the “Add Participants” button and then select the participants you want to add. You can also copy the link to the group chat and share it with the participants to join the call.

By following these simple steps, you can set up a conference call in Skype and start communicating with your team or colleagues. In the next sections, we will discuss how to start and conduct the conference call.

Starting the Conference Call

After scheduling the conference call, it’s time to start the call. Here are the steps to follow:

Joining the Call from the Group Chat

To join the call, go to the group chat and click on the “Join Call” button. You will be redirected to the call screen, where you can see the participants who have joined the call.

Inviting Participants to the Call

If any participants have not joined the call, you can invite them by clicking on the “Invite More People” button. You can invite participants by sending them the link to the call or by searching for their Skype ID.

Adjusting Call Settings as Necessary

During the call, you can adjust the call settings as necessary. To access the call settings, click on the “Settings” button and then select “Call Settings.” You can adjust the call volume, microphone, and camera settings as necessary.

Conducting the Conference Call

Now that you have started the conference call, it’s time to conduct the call. Here are some tips to ensure that the call goes smoothly:

Setting Ground Rules for the Call

To ensure that the call is productive, it’s important to set ground rules for the call. These ground rules can include things like keeping the conversation on topic, avoiding interruptions, and giving each participant an opportunity to speak.

Assigning Roles for the Participants

Assigning roles for the participants can also help to ensure that the call runs smoothly. For example, you can assign a moderator to keep the conversation on track, a note-taker to document the key points discussed, and a timekeeper to ensure that the call stays on schedule.

Keeping the Conversation on Track

During the call, it’s important to keep the conversation on track. If the conversation veers off-topic, gently steer it back to the main topic. You can also use visual aids like screen sharing to help keep the conversation focused.

By following these tips, you can conduct a productive conference call in Skype. Don’t forget to wrap up the call, save the chat history for future reference, and provide feedback and follow-up actions. With Skype, you can easily connect with your team or colleagues and collaborate from anywhere in the world.

Conducting the Conference Call

After scheduling the conference call, it is essential to conduct it effectively. Here are some steps to follow:

Setting Ground Rules for the Call

Before starting the conference call, it is crucial to set some ground rules to ensure that the call is productive and efficient. The ground rules can include things like speaking time limits, interruptions, and respecting each other’s opinions. Setting ground rules can help to keep the conversation on track and prevent any unnecessary conflicts.

Assigning Roles for the Participants

Assigning roles to the participants can help to ensure that the conference call runs smoothly. For example, you can assign someone to take notes, someone to keep track of time, and someone to lead the conversation. Assigning roles can also help to ensure that everyone participates equally in the call.

Keeping the Conversation on Track

During the conference call, it is crucial to keep the conversation on track to ensure that the call is productive. You can achieve this by creating an agenda before the call and sticking to it. If the conversation starts to go off-topic, gently guide it back to the agenda items.

Ending the Conference Call

Once the conference call is over, there are a few things you need to do to wrap things up:

Wrapping Up the Call

Before ending the call, take a few minutes to summarize the key points discussed during the call. This can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and understands what was discussed during the call. You can also use this time to answer any final questions or concerns.

Saving the Chat History for Future Reference

Skype allows you to save the chat history of your conference call. Saving the chat history can be useful for future reference or if someone missed the call and needs to catch up on what was discussed.

Providing Feedback and Follow-up Actions

After the conference call, it is essential to provide feedback to the participants. You can ask for feedback on how the call went and what could be improved for future calls. You can also assign follow-up actions to ensure that the participants are clear on what they need to do next.

In conclusion, Skype is an excellent platform for conducting conference calls. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up, start, conduct, and end a conference call effectively. With Skype’s many features and tools, you can make your conference calls productive and efficient. Try setting up your next conference call in Skype and see how it can benefit your team or business.