Well, I hope you never have a meeting like that. This was a bit extreme, but I've been on teleconferences with many of these problems, just maybe not all at once. The beginning of a conference call is very challenging. First, it can be difficult to know who is in the meeting. Web-based meetings help a bit because they usually display attendees' names. Technical problems also sometimes occur. For example, Tina was on her cell phone with poor coverage, making her voice unclear and breaking up. Another issue is wasted time waiting for participants to join, and Neil was unaware he needed to log in. Everyone else was looking at a website with slides, but he wasn't prepared. People working simultaneously added to the confusion. Overall, it was a terrible teleconference. Here are some guidelines for organizers and participants, along with useful language to handle teleconference challenges.
One very common problem with teleconferences is starting the meeting on time. Participants often struggle with the call-in procedure or web conference login. If you are organizing the meeting, send clear instructions well in advance, and repeat them in every meeting-related email so everyone can access them. Include the call-in number, access code, or web login, and inform participants of any required documents, software, or devices like cameras or headphones. If you are participating, avoid last-minute logins; dial or log in a few minutes early.
Another challenge, unless it's a video conference, is identifying attendees and speakers. When sending the meeting announcement, list all participants. At the start, announce who is present and expected. In web meetings, indicate when someone joins. Participants should identify themselves. Example language: "Neil has just joined us. Hi, it's Neil. Sorry I'm late." If there are many attendees, go through the list to ensure everyone is present. Always state your name when speaking. Example: "This is Tina," "Neil here," "I'll send the information," "Erk agrees," etc. Using a focus group may help.
Technical problems may also arise. Practice using the conference platform before the meeting and familiarize yourself with its features. Have a backup plan in case of technical failure. Consider your location and devices. Headphones may be needed. If using a phone, consider a landline for a clearer connection. Ensure adequate power and quiet surroundings for video conferences. Useful phrases: "I'm online, but can't log on," "I'm having trouble connecting," "Can everyone see the screen?" "Something happened with the site," "I'm having technical problems," "Did we lose Karen?" "Tina, you're breaking up."
Time management is another challenge. People can lose focus after 15–20 minutes. Preparation and clear time management help. Organizers should send materials early, clarify pre-meeting tasks, assign responsibilities, and specify required review. Example phrases: "Attach the results of our market research survey," "Please review and be ready to discuss," "Tina will summarize, but review before the meeting."
Send a specific agenda so everyone knows the meeting flow. Plan 10–20 minute segments and vary discussion types. Encourage active participation but avoid everyone speaking simultaneously. Assign time for each participant and request input by name. Example: "After Tina's report, I'll ask for input," "We have one minute per person. Karen, you first." For hybrid meetings with some off-site participants, ensure they are fully informed about important points.
verb
1. become a participant
be involved in
e.g. enter a race
enter an agreement
enter a drug treatment program
enter negotiations
Synonym: enter
2. share in something
Synonym: take part
noun
1. a temporally organized plan for matters to be attended to
Synonym: docketschedule
2. a list of matters to be taken up (as at a meeting)
Synonym: agendumorder of business
noun
1. the act of bringing two things into contact (especially for communication)
e.g. the joining of hands around the table
there was a connection via the internet
Synonym: joiningconnexion
2. shifting from one form of transportation to another
e.g. the plane was late and he missed his connection in Atlanta
Synonym: connexion
3. an instrumentality that connects
e.g. he soldered the connection
he didn't have the right connector between the amplifier and the speakers
Synonym: connexionconnectorconnecterconnective
4. the process of bringing ideas or events together in memory or imagination
e.g. conditioning is a form of learning by association
Synonym: associationconnexion
5. a supplier (especially of narcotics)
6. (usually plural) a person who is influential and to whom you are connected in some way (as by family or friendship)
e.g. he has powerful connections
7. a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)
e.g. there was a connection between eating that pickle and having that nightmare
Synonym: connexionconnectedness
8. a connecting shape
Synonym: connexionlink
9. the state of being connected
e.g. the connection between church and state is inescapable
Synonym: linkconnectedness
noun
1. a process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work
e.g. the operations in building a house
certain machine tool operations
Synonym: operation
2. a mode of conducting legal and parliamentary proceedings
3. a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
e.g. the procedure of obtaining a driver's license
it was a process of trial and error
Synonym: process
4. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Synonym: routinesubroutinesubprogramfunction
noun
1. (basketball) a foul that can be assessed on a player or a coach or a team for unsportsmanlike conduct
does not usually involve physical contact during play
Synonym: technical foul
2. a pickup truck with a gun mounted on it