Teleclass Etiquette Guidelines

Using an automated teleconference line may be a new experience for some people. Don't worry! It's easy! It helps to have some established guidelines for proper behavior on a teleclass. We've found that the following instructions and tips work well.

How to Call into the Teleconference Line

• Write down your teleconference number in a convenient place so you can find it on the day of your call.
• If you have call-waiting, please disable it first by dialing *70 and waiting for the dial tone. Then dial the teleconference number.
• Be prompt — dial the assigned teleconference number at the scheduled time.
• Do not call early; you may call a few (1-2) minutes late.
• Please don’t join the call and immediately burst into the conversation. Listen first to get into the context and flow of the discussion. Be aware of your impact.
• Please don't call the teleconference number you've been given at any other time than during your scheduled time. There is no one "there" at the teleconference number.
• The system is totally automatic—there is no Operator. If you're the first person to call in, the line will ring and ring until the 2nd person calls in and you two will be immediately "connected."

Tips for Callers

Your Environment

• Try to call from a quiet location. When there is background noise, please use your mute button. Background noise, the dog barking, radio, etc., could be a problem if 50 callers aren't using their mute buttons.
• Turn off cell phones, fax machines, beepers, pagers, second phone lines, other phones nearby, etc. that might ring during the call. If they do ring during the class, please put your mute on.

Your Phone Equipment

• Use a land-based line—the teleconference lines have problems when someone makes a computer/Internet based call (eg echoes, static, poor reception).
• Please, we prefer no portable phones. Portable phones, even the 2.4 or 5.8 GHz phones, can bring static and interference on the teleconference lines. If you have no other option, make sure to stay right next to the portable phone base.
• No speaker phones or conference phones. The sound quality, echoes, and poor reception is annoying and disruptive on the call.
• No cell phones because of the static and potential for "cross talk."
• Use a headset or high quality phone with a mute button. Portable phones often cause static heard by all callers. If you're using a headset, make sure it's close to your mouth so everyone can hear you.
• Do not use 3-way calling. Each person should call in separately to maintain the high quality of the teleconference line.

Your Behavior

• If you know that you'll be arriving or leaving early, please let the leader know this as early as possible. Sending this notice to the leader by email before the class is highly recommended.
• Do not put us on hold. Many offices have music on hold and the call is "interrupted" by the music. If you have to leave the call, hang up and call back as soon as you can rejoin.
• Avoid breathing into the mouthpiece, eating food, or putting your hand over the mouthpiece during teleconference call. All of these are disruptive on the call.
• You may not audiotape the call without express permission from the teleclass leader and participants. First, it's illegal unless everyone has given permission. Secondly, there is intellectual property involved. If the call is being taped you will be notified as the call begins.
• Please note of the time, length and day when you called the teleconference line. This will show up as a regular, long distances charge on your telephone bill for approximately 60 minutes (longer or shorter depending on your call).