| A teleconference is a telephonic conversation | | | | - It would save time and travel cost |
| between two or more individuals at different locations. | | | | - An audio conference can be upgraded to a video |
| Through conference call systems, all the members can | | | | conference by adding desktop video conferencing |
| get involved simultaneously and can have a | | | | systems. |
| conversation with the other members. How does | | | | An individual, who is appointed as the moderator, |
| teleconference work? | | | | handles all the conference call systems in the |
| Conferencing phone, easily available in the market. An | | | | organization. That person makes preparatory phone |
| organization has to carefully analyze the available | | | | calls to all members and informs them of the agenda, |
| teleconference technology to decide on the one that | | | | the time of the teleconference and should ensure that |
| best suits their requirements. If an organization is unable | | | | the conference is going along the lines of the agenda. |
| to buy the costly audio conferencing equipments, they | | | | Proper planning is essential in the successful |
| can subscribe to the teleconference facilities provided | | | | implementation of a teleconference. Every member |
| by various telecom operators. | | | | should be aware of the main agenda and should be |
| Organizations availing teleconference facility are | | | | provided adequate time to put forward their view. |
| provided with a phone number which every person, | | | | Drawbacks of teleconferencing |
| who wants to join the conference, will have to dial | | | | Although it is a very beneficial setup for organizations, |
| from their conferencing phone. They are also provided | | | | yet it is not free from its set of drawbacks. Some of |
| with two unique PIN numbers. One is for the | | | | the major drawbacks are: |
| moderators, organizers, special guests and the other is | | | | - It could get difficult to handle a large group of people, |
| for rest of the participants. | | | | who are trying to speak at the same time. Although a |
| Most teleconference service providers charge by the | | | | moderator is appointed, yet it could get difficult for that |
| minute. Some allow unlimited members to participate | | | | person to handle such a large group |
| while some charge for every extra member. | | | | - If a company is purchasing all the required audio |
| Advantages of teleconference | | | | conferencing equipments, then the total cost of holding |
| Teleconferencing can serve a lot of purpose for an | | | | a teleconference can get a little high |
| organization. Following are some of the main | | | | - Due to the coordination required between all |
| advantages: | | | | members, holding a teleconference can take a lot of |
| - Teleconferencing provides access to far away | | | | time to organize. |
| locations | | | | - Teleconference eliminates the face to face |
| - Greater participation would mean more ideas and | | | | conversation between people, which we know is |
| diverse point of views | | | | essential in conducting business efficiently. |