This means new ways to interact with one another are always on the horizon, but how can technology be used to your advantage in the office and as you work from home? This article will investigate the ins-and-outs of using an iPhone for work, how you can schedule a conference call directly from your iPhone handset and how to do a three-way call on your phone, whatever the model.
What Is a Conference Call?
You might have heard the term conference call thrown about a lot, especially if you are in the office. But what exactly is a conference call and how do you conduct one when you are working remotely? In a nutshell, a conference call is where three or more people are taking part in the same phone call at the same time. This usually takes place when you need to have a meeting with colleagues or clients that are not office-based. For example, you work for an advertising agency that is based in the US, but your client is in London – a conference call is a great way to stay connected and relay information. Conference calls that use video can also be used to conduct interviews. For instance, if you are applying for a job overseas, you might have to jump on a video conference call to talk with more than one hiring manager. Conference calling goes as far back as 1956 when the initial concept was brought to the table by American company Bell Labs. This was quite a feat, as it was before the arrival of the internet and smartphones. And although large companies like AT&T backed it from the start, the technology was not right and needed more development. Over the years, and with more digital advances, the idea of a call where each member could dial into the same number simultaneously has been ironed out. But how do you dial in on a mobile device, and better yet, ensure things are kept professional? iPhones and other smart devices allow its users to conduct a conference call at any point during the day and wherever you are. That is the main pull of the functionality: it allows people to meet virtually and tap into the same call, regardless of where their location is. This is especially important as more and more employees are working from home nowadays, and it is a positive way to keep everyone in the loop, even when on the move or in a different time zone. On some occasions, you might need to include more people than three in the conference call, which is why some devices enable its users to allow up to five or six callers at the same time. However, if you must utilize this function for even more uses than this, then you can always research a hosting platform – that you must pay for – to accommodate a larger number of users. You will find that bigger, corporate businesses might already have this in play, as you can have up to fifty participants in a call. If this is the case, it does not mean you cannot dial into the conference call using your iPhone. So, how does it work on an iPhone? It is actually pretty easy. You might not realize, but this device actually has two lines, so you are able to join a conference call with up to five people. But that is not all, as it has two lines, you can also host another call using a different line.
How to Use an iPhone for a Conference Call
As mentioned above, it is quite simple to dial into a conference phone from your iPhone. The iPhone keeps developing over time, so this function comes part and parcel with other calling functionalities on a phone, like call waiting or video calls, for instance. As smartphones have opened the ability to call with multiple participants in different locations, they offer a lot more flexibility than some other devices and older phone lines. However, technical things are only easy if you know how to do it. That said, here are some tips to help you make a conference call on your iPhone. Start by making a call and then placing the caller on hold. Tap ‘Add Call’ to make another call and then merge calls to bring everybody together. Repeat this exercise to add the other calls. Here are some tips to get you going:
The best way to start the conference call is to make a simple phone call. Once you have connected to the person on the other line, place the call on hold. Next, tap the ‘Add Call’ button to make another call and then merge the calls together to add the second user into the call. Repeat the step by placing the calls on hold, pressing the ‘Add Call’ function and then clicking on the ‘Merge Call’ button.
Keep going as necessary if you need to add more people to the call – some devices will allow up to five participants. Simply tap ‘Conference’ and then click on the red circle (this icon displays an image of a phone). You can then hit ‘End Call’ for the caller to be removed.
Speaking One-On-One
Want to speak one-on-one? You can make private calls with other participants in the call. All you have to do is tap the ‘Conference’ button, then hit the button that says ‘Private’ next to the name of the person you want to have a private conversation with. If you want to bring the person back into the conference call, press the ‘Merge Calls’ button.
Adding a New Participant
If you want to add a new participant to a call that is already live, hit the ‘Hold Call + Answer’ button followed by the Merge Calls button – you will see both these buttons on the screen of the call, so they are easy to navigate.
Do a Test Run First
If you are confused by the steps mentioned above, it’s worth doing a test conference call before you set up, or join, an existing call – practice makes perfect.
How to Prepare for a Conference Call
You might have an important conference call coming up and might wonder the best way to prepare for the call. Here are a few pointers on how you can prepare for a conference call:
Make sure you have all the phone numbers of the people on the conference call to hand – marked with their names. This will ensure you save time when adding people to the call. Double check with the recipients if need be. Check if any of the participants are international, as you will need to have the dialling codes to hand before the call. There is nothing worse than having technical issues during an important conference call. So, it’s recommended to test out the sound of your phone and ensure you are in a quiet place to take the call. You also do not want any distractions, so try to block out some time at home or book a meeting room in the office, if possible. Sometimes a conference call might need to use a video function. If this is the case, especially if you are viewing a presentation or presenting, then plan ahead. Ensure you know how to use the video function on your phone and double check it works before the call. Mobile phones do not have never-ending batteries – so you will need to make sure that the phone you are using has been fully charged. You are able to charge your phone while you are on the call, If need be. Keep a pen and paper handy. You do not know what information you might need to document and if you need to take notes. Sometimes a call with multiple people can be overwhelming, so maybe plan what you want to say before. Keep a check on the time so you do not miss the call and the call does not over-run; some participants might have their whole day planned out.
Final Thoughts
An iPhone is a great piece of technology to do, well, pretty much everything nowadays. Whether you want to make a conference call or create a chat group, an iPhone allows an array of different ways to communicate with people in and outside of the office. And although the idea of conference calling has been around since the 1950s, it is as savvy as ever – especially with the introduction of video calling and speaking to members privately. So, if you are not sure about conference calling and you have not participated in a conference call in the past, it is worth checking out the functionality on your phone to make sure you are acquainted with all the icons and buttons. For instance, the ‘Merge Calls’ button. You will see this icon on the home screen of your phone when you are on a call. This will be in the same place as the ‘Add Call’ button – you will just need to lift your ear from the receiver to make these edits. Overall, conference calling is a great way to get to grips with today’s technology. You can connect people from all over the world and ensure they are kept in the loop. Do not forget to do your research before the call and follow the tips detailed above to give yourself a head start.
