Toll-Free Conference Calling Key Terms

Get your message across with toll-free conference calling terms

Whether you need to make an announcement that's heard simultaneously by employees across the state or conduct a training session or sales meeting for employees across the country, toll-free conference calling -- also called teleconferencing -- is a simple, fast and efficient way to get the word out.

Toll-free conference calling involves designated participants calling into a given 800 number at a specific time. The call organizer takes it from there and is able to speak to the group, allow others to speak to the group and record the call for future reference, among other things. With such technology comes new terminology, and there are a few basic terms that are good to know.

 

Passcode or access code

Once participants dial into the toll-free number they've been provided for the call, an automated voice asks for a passcode, also called an access code. The passcode is usually a five- or six-digit number, and it's the only way to be directed into the right conference call. The conference call organizer is given this code when he or she schedules the call and should pass it along to each participant, letting them know they'll need to enter the passcode once they dial the main 800 number.
Try: A handy list of tips at All Conferencing includes a note on the reasons for and the importance of passcodes.

Line muting

Background noise can be a major distraction on conference calls, and line muting provides the ability to block some or all of the audio coming from participants. With most conference calling services, the call organizer can choose to line mute specific individuals or everyone on the call. Participants have the ability to mute and un-mute themselves as well, enabling them to continue listening in on the call without others being subjected to distracting background noise such as a TV, a snoring dog or other people talking in the background.
Try: Entry #7 at Passion for Business addresses the usefulness of line muting.

Dial out

Rather than having your participants dial in to join the conference call, many services now offer a dial out service where operators or an automated system calls participants and invites them to join.
Try: Take a look at the detailed dial out explanation offered at Greymouse Teleconference.

Teleconference bridge

A teleconference bridge is a combination of hardware and software that funnels many digital voice lines into a server, mixes them, and then sends them back out over those multiple lines.
Try: Tech-FAQ offers a comprehensive definition and explanation of the term teleconference bridge.

Moderator

The moderator, also referred to as the call organizer or leader, is in charge of the majority of functions during the conference call. Responsibilities can include informing call participants about the call and call-in instructions, starting the call, doing roll call, keeping the call on track and ending the call. A different call-in number often differentiates the moderator from the participants.
Try: It's a good idea to review the reasons for and role of the moderator at Telebridge, a site that also lists teleconference etiquette that moderators can share with call participants, especially newcomers.

Web conferencing

Web conferencing, or web-based conferencing, is a relatively new technology spun from traditional conference calling. Web conferencing allows a visual aspect to be added to the conference call when it's important or beneficial for participants "see" rather than just "hear" the presentation. Rather than dialing into a phone number, participants are instructed to click on a link to join the call.
Try: WebEx offers web conferencing services and a nicely detailed explanation of how it works.

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