Life Cycle of a Conference Call

Please wait while we connect you to the bridge.

Sounds familiar? Then you know what I am talking about. Conference calls are almost a routine in most organizations to connect and engage and make meaningful decisions. A great tool that has shrunk the workplace and enabled you to work from anywhere in the world. The below narrative is imaginary and has no resemblance to any conference call I have been a part of or heard.

<<Just to set context, we have 6 speakers in this conference call>>
<< Do note that this life cycle can last for 15 mins to 60 mins typically>>
<<*: Is the conference call operator automated voice talking>>

Speaker 1: Hello. This is..
Speaker 2: Hi. Oh Sorry go on while you hear *Speaker3 has joined in*
Speaker 1: Hello again this is. *Speaker 4 has joined in*

*Speaker 2 has left the conference.*

Speaker 1: Hello this is Speaker 1 and the host for today's meeting. Let me go on mute and check on speaker 5 and 6 and if they are joining in.

<<Everyone waits for a minute>>

Speaker 1: <<With mute button on>> Considering that 5 mins has already elapsed ...
Speaker 1: <<Without the mute button>> Considering that 5 mins has already elapsed ...* speaker 5 has logged in* let us get started . 
Speaker 6 has sent in his apologies and I will update him *Speaker 2 again has joined the conference*later.

<< Loud honking in the background>>

Speaker 3: Sorry, I will go on mute.
Speaker 1: Request all of you to go on mute please. I had circulated the presentation for our discussion and please open the same?
Speaker 5: I did not get the same. Could you please forward it?
Speaker 1: Re-sending the same. Let me know once you get it...

<<Since e-mail takes a while to get delivered everyone waits for 2 mins>>

Speaker 1: So to continue......I will outline what we discussed in the last call and continue with our agenda for this one.

<< Recaps for 5 mins and moves on to agenda for the current meeting>>

I  would request speaker 4 to present his findings based on last call inputs,

<<Dogs barking loudly. Barking stops>>

Speaker 4: I couldn't quite hear that can you repeat?
Speaker 1: Could Speaker 4 share the market insights and findings that will help us take this discussion forward?
Speaker 4: Sorry, I was on vacation and couldn't prepare for this meeting or send the data in advance and apologies. I will share it before the next call. Since our review is in 2 weeks time, we can wrap this up by next week?

<<Rest of the speakers mentally make a note to switch off as this was the agenda for the meeting>>

Speaker 1: No worries, totally understand. Considering we have just 5 mins left, if no one has any questions, let us discuss in the next meeting.

*Speaker 2 has left the meeting*

Speaker 1: Ok,as there are no further questions, we will connect same time next week. Please ensure you acknowledge the minutes of meeting circulated

*Speaker 5, 4,3 and 1 has left the meeting*

Speaker 1 to his team mates: Phew that was stressful, does anyone need a coffee? I have 10 mins before my next call.

conference call cartoons के लिए इमेज परिणाम




conference call cartoons के लिए इमेज परिणाम
Image courtesy: Readers digest on " Behind the scenes of a conference call"


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