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Conference call services vs Skype

Admin 30th June 2014

In today’s world there is an ever increasing demand for fast and efficient communication. Conference calls are a cost-effective way to communicate long distances, arrange meetings, present seminars and even train an apprentice. Dissolving the concerns of prohibitive travel and airfare costs, a conference call can provide an opportunity for multiple callers to be hooked onto the same terminal. Offering comprehensive services like international call conferencing and web-seminars, teleconference services and their providers have won over a sizeable portion of the economy which includes large and small businesses and even individual users, using the service for their personal needs. This article takes a look at these efficient communication tools.

Skype

Skype is an internet-facilitated service connection that enables users to make video and audio calls over long distances with the transmission being sent from one module to another. Preferred for its efficiency, a high speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth is all you need. Skype has grown tremendously in the half decade since its inception to replace home-phones in some houses. Recording transfers and voice messages, texting and a variety of internet-related functions are provided by this VoIP, making it an extremely popular tool to hold long-distance communications.

Criticised for its inconsistency however, Skype has tried to compete with the teleconferencing services, quite unsuccessfully. An advantage that Skype apparently holds over the teleconference industry is its low price, and Skype calls can be longer without bearing the brunt of extra cost. But critics have pointed out the frequent poor audio quality of Skype calls as a major drawback. Ideally, both communicating parties must have a fast internet-connection to use Skype. This is often not the case, and a Skype call over a low-speed web connection can be a frustrating experience.

Advantages of teleconferencing

A significant advantage that the some voice conference service providers hold is the reliability and dependability of their services, especially suited for business meetings. Indeed with the functions and features of a voice-conference service provider, a face-to-face meeting can be avoided. Incorporating web-browsing, PowerPoint, data transferring, file download and graph analogy, a phone conference can be productive as well as efficient, but all of this requires good audio quality to ensure productivity and preservation of a business’s reputation. Secondly, many teleconferencing service providers supply their services over a VoIP network like Skype, but do not require the set up of any kind of account or billing plan. In fact some teleconference providers are totally FREE to use for teleconferencing, and operate at the users personal line rate for normal 01/02/03 numbers.

Should you hold conference calls or a video calls?

Admin 12th March 2021

A lot of us often wonder about whether to choose conference calls or video calls. There are big benefits on both sides, and some shared across the two. After all, there’s no doubt that advancements in call technology have paved the way for new communication methods at work. They allow us to host keynote presentations from across the world, offering inclusivity to those with accessibility needs. Any type of group phone call also provides a sense of connection when teammates are working apart – something particularly valuable through COVID-related lockdowns and social distancing.

But while jumping on a video call has become a knee-jerk reaction for many, it’s not without its drawbacks. Video brings some complications that traditional conference calls simply don’t have. If you’re wondering whether to organise a conference call or video call, don’t forget that sometimes just picking up the phone is the better option.

Business Conference Calls, Remote Working

How do you make a conference call more fun?

Admin 11th February 2021

It’s Tuesday afternoon and you’re already four conference calls into the week. Of course, conference calls are important for so many businesses. But making conference calls more fun should be a bigger priority. Otherwise, they can become tedious and repetitive, and morale and productivity will drop.

Whether you’re working from home and need to catch up with colleagues, or you’re calling clients, these tips will help to make your next conference call more fun.

Conference Call Tips, Remote Working

How to improve unspoken communication on a conference call

Admin 3rd February 2021

Verbal signals are an important part of all communication. But conference call communication depends on verbal and non-verbal signalling. In the age of teleconferencing (and seemingly its glory year!), they’re vital signs into how successful an interaction is. You may be pitching to a prospective client, it may be your weekly team catch up, or you may be a director presenting to an entire department. No matter the purpose of the call, if you are trying to deliver an engaging conference call, getting clued up on non-verbal and verbal signals is crucial. They can indicate that somebody is losing interest. Picking up on these feelings gives you the chance to try and improve things.

Read through our guide about some of the ways to improve communication on a conference call, by reading signals that call participants aren’t invested. We’ll also advise on what to do to turn things around.

Business Conference Calls, Business Tips and Advice, Conference Call Tips