How to Set Up a Conference Call Operator

Conference calls are a part of nearly every business communication. They allow people from different locations -- whether different offices, different branches or different countries -- to take part in the same meeting. Many companies allow parties to create conference calls without the assistance of an operator. Other companies, like AT&T, can provide an operator to help facilitate the call.

Things You'll Need

• Conference call service account Phone number/contact info for the service's conference call operator

Instructions

1. Find the assigned phone number you were given when you signed up for the conference call service. Send the phone number out to all participants at least a day before the conference begins so all problems or scheduling conflicts can be resolved.

2. Set up any special requests for the call. Many services have online forms to fill out that indicate special requests such as transcription or audio recording of the conference, Q&A sessions or sub-conferences for the host and speakers before and/or after the conference.

3. Dial the assigned phone number about a half hour before the conference. Access a live operator -- usually by pressing *0. If you have not already done so through a form or email, provide the operator with the names of the conference hosts and any speakers that will be given special access to private conversations or "lecture mode." Lecture mode involves giving speaking access to certain people while leaving all other participants muted.

4. All speakers should dial-in 15 minutes before the conference. They will be placed into a sub-conference to go over the agenda or any last-minute details.

5. All participants should dial in to the assigned number when the actual conference call begins. From this point on, the operator will monitor the entire call. Each participant will give the operator her full name. Then she will be given access to the conference.

6. The conference will now go into lecture mode if requested. When the lecture mode is over, the operator will tell the participants how to indicate that they have questions, and they will be taken off mute to ask questions.

7. If there is no lecture mode requested, the conference will simply begin, allowing every party to speak at any time.

8. All parties can simply hang up to disconnect.