Tips, Tricks and Pitfalls! – For any virtual meeting it's always a great idea to distribute the following beforehand:

• Agenda and goals
• Date
• Time
• Location
• Access details

When you book an Audio Conference call consider the following:

1. Address people by name on the conference so other listeners know who you are talking to 2. Encourage participants to identify themselves by name and location when speaking 3. If it is necessary to use a speakerphone, be sure to use the mute feature when not speaking to avoid background noise.	1. Use a checklists to ensure you schedule everything you need for your meeting 2. Develop an agenda and distribute to your attendees 3. Create a list of speakers who will take part in the call 4. Tell participants to join 5 – 10 minutes before the start of your call to ensure they are all in place when the call begins.	1. Remember people in the same room generally dial in together using a speakerphone so the number of invitations doesn't always equal the number of lines you need. 2. Avoid an overbooking fee by using web RSVP – you can get a more accurate idea of the numbers to expect.

When you are hosting a Net Conference remember the following:

1. Do an on-line tutorial or arrange a one-to-one training 2. Take advantage of a free trial 3. Load your presentation early and do a quick run through 4. Some participants may be unable to attend – set up a Net replay so they can listen at their convenience	1. Create polling slides before the conference begins to save time during the meeting 2. Use annotation tools to highlight important points on your presentation	1. Make sure you have all the plug-ins you need and trial the service before your call

To help you master the art of Video Conferencing here are some things to think about:

1. Large name cards help to identify people. 2. Position Microphones so everyone can be heard clearly 3. If the room has windows point the camera away from the sun	1. Pause after speaking to give participants on the other end a chance to respond 2. Avoid shuffling papers near the microphone – they pick up everything	1. Ensure your equipment is working properly before the meeting 2. Watch the way you sit, speak and act, because you are being watched