2. As you enter the class, if it has not yet begun, say, "This is ______ (your name) from _______ (your location).
There are no special conference call charges.
Additional Suggestions:
1. Mute Button.
We use a bridge line that allows each caller to mute themselves out, which eliminates background noises. Once you enter the class and introduce yourself, press the 5 button on your phone. To speak, at an appropriate time, press the 4 button on your phone. This will unmute you. When finished speaking, press the 5 button again.
2. Speakerphones.
Please don't use them, period, unless you use the mute button. Speakerphones are wonderful things, but we ask that you not speak into them when sharing. The clarity/quality simply isn't good enough. Pick up the handset when you share and put the mute button on when you're just listening.
3. Sharing.
The Instructor will usually ask for callers to share or respond, throughout the call. However, please wait to be prompted -- don't just speak up, unless invited. If/when you do share, say something like, "Joan (or the instructor's name), this is Bob from Tampa." The Instructor will say, "Yes, Bob, go ahead." Then you can say whatever you'd like to. Always use the Instructors name and wait until they respond, indicating that you can proceed. Note, however, that on smaller calls this formality isn't usually needed and there is a natural flow to people sharing and discussing.
4. Commenting.
If you want to comment on something that another caller has said, please keep your comments extremely positive. Don't say things like: "I disagree with Bob." or "I take exception to that...." or "That's incorrect." Even if all of these are true! Just say what you want to say and if you want to relate it to another caller's comment, make it positive!
5. CrossTalk.
If another caller says something that you want to comment on or ask more information about, go through the Instructor, don't speak to the person directly, at least at first. Let the Instructor play traffic cop. You could say something like, "Joan, can I ask that Marlene rephrase the point she just made?" Again, on smaller calls, this isn't as necessary, but on the large calls, it really is.
6. Early/Late
Please don't call the bridge before the scheduled time -- another class may be being conducted. And, don't call the bridge number when the bridges aren't being used for TeleClasses, there really isn't anyone there. It's just a bridge system, not a phone system. If you're late to the call, no problem, just dial in and be silent until you catch on to what's being discussed. The Instructor may or may not officially welcome you -- but probably won't so as not to disturb the flow of the call. That doesn't mean you're not welcome! And, finally, if you're more than 10 minutes late, be really careful about asking questions, as they may well have been asked earlier.
7. Audiotaping.
You may not audiotape the TeleClass. First, it's illegal unless everyone has given permission. Secondly, there is intellectual property involved. If Joan is taping a call, she will let everyone know at the beginning of the call.