- One of the benefits of video conferencing is that you are able to see who you are talking to and the person can see you. It is the closest you can get to being together without actually being together. To do video conferencing, you will need a web camera that is connected to a computer. The individuals you are communicating with will also need web cameras, unless you don't really want to see them. One of the popular video conferencing programs is Skype. See "Resources" for the Skype website.
- Teleconferencing allows you to connect with conference participants via telephone. To use teleconference, you simply sign up for a scheduled time to place your telephone conference call. Some of the websites that allow you to sign up for free conference calls are Free Conference and Instant Conference. You will be provided a telephone number and pin number for you and others to dial in and join the conference call. You can also contact your telephone company to see if it provides teleconferencing packages.
- Three-way conferencing is a type of conferencing that has been around for years. In order to make three-way conference calls, you must have a telephone plan that allows for three-way calling. All you have to do is call someone. Place that person on hold. Dial another individual. Then conference all three of you in on the same line. Three-way conferencing is great if there are only a few people that need to be on the call. Each individual who is on the three-way conference call can also connect others to the line by using his own three-way feature.
- Conference calls are relatively inexpensive and in some cases free. With a physical conference, you will have to pay for lighting, room rentals and PA equipment, as well as transportation costs to get to and from the conference meeting.
- When many individuals are on conference calls, there might be a lot of background noise. The background noise can make it difficult for participants to hear what is being said. Another drawback is you are not in the same room with the individual. Depending upon the type of conference call you are doing, individuals might be connected to the call but not really listening to what is being said because of distractions that are around them.
