In all the talk of “lessons from the pandemic” for virtual and hybrid communication, the focus has been on video/web conferencing. But there are takeaways for teleconferencing, too. How about “How to avoid Zoom-bombing” when hosting a teleconference? These simple tactics can get you there when you host a reserved conference – giving you control of who can join and who can speak – in addition to useful and usable information.
By Invitation Only
Have a fixed list of attendees? Issue invitations with unique PINs by email. Not only does this approach give you control over who can attend, automated PIN-based dialing is fast and easy for attendees.
Registration Required
Asking potential attendees to register for call credentials lets you ask for information that can help you judge whether an attendee should be allowed to join – or to speak during – your teleconference. If your call is truly sensitive, you can manually approve each registrant or simply ban any undesired registrant.
Try These Tools
Once you’ve limited your potential attendees, don’t forget the tools still available to you by logging into the visual conference monitor to see who is on the call. Right folks in the room? Consider locking the call. Competitor or media slip past your review? Have him removed from the call. See a high-priority questioner in the queue? Chat to your operator to make sure she is prioritized.
Of course, these tactics also benefit you with useful information. Registration and attendance as indicators of interest in your topic. The identification of questioners. A .csv file of registrants and participants – including email addresses – to facilitate follow-up with callers.
If a teleconference is the right medium for your message, this “lesson from the pandemic” can help you make it a smooth, successful event.
