Each month you participate in numerous conference calls with other Health and Wellness Managers and Job Corps colleagues. These calls are important to share new information and to ensure that all participants communicate with each other. Whether a rookie or a seasoned professional, everyone can benefit from this exchange of ideas. The following suggestions will help you to get the most out of conference calls:

• Prior to the call, share topics for discussion.  The call leader will appreciate the input. If your center has an issue, chances are that other centers have dealt with (or are currently dealing with) similar issues.
• Take a few minutes to prepare for the call. Think of questions that you may want answered prior to the call. If possible, e-mail these questions to the call leader or guest speaker before the call to ensure that they are prepared to discuss the topic.
• Show up for the call on time. As soon as a call is announced, put it on a wall calendar or an electronic calendar.
• State your name and your center before you speak. When there are 20 or more people on a call, it is often hard to differentiate speakers based on voice recognition alone.
• Avoid the speakerphone if possible. Even if there is limited noise in your office, a speakerphone can still distort the sound quality on a call.
• Be respectful of others on the call. Do not speak over other participants—neither of you will be heard.
• Share your expertise. If you have been in your position for a long period of time, share your experiences with the newer participants. Think of what you can offer to others on the call in addition to what you can gain.
• Speak up! Even if you think of yourself as more of the shy, quiet type, try to talk at least twice during a conference call. The more you speak in this situation, the easier it will become.