Conference Call Etiquette 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: You need to step away from a conference call for two minutes. What is the best practice?
- Mute your line and avoid using hold so the hold music doesn't interrupt everyone (Correct answer)
- Put the call on hold so others know you're gone
- Keep your mic open in case someone asks you a question
- Hang up and call back in
Correct answer: Mute your line and avoid using hold so the hold music doesn't interrupt everyone
Muting prevents your background noise, while hold often plays music that disrupts the whole call.
Question 2: When is it appropriate to use the chat function during a conference call?
- To share links, ask brief questions, or note action items without interrupting the speaker (Correct answer)
- To have private side conversations unrelated to the meeting
- Only the host should ever type in chat
- Never, because chat distracts everyone
Correct answer: To share links, ask brief questions, or note action items without interrupting the speaker
Chat is ideal for non-disruptive sharing of links and quick questions during a call.
Question 3: A colleague keeps talking over others on the call. As the host, what is the most professional response?
- Gently establish a speaking order or use the raise-hand feature to manage turns (Correct answer)
- Mute them permanently without explanation
- Ignore it and let the strongest voice win
- End the call early to avoid conflict
Correct answer: Gently establish a speaking order or use the raise-hand feature to manage turns
Structuring turns or using raise-hand keeps the discussion orderly and respectful.
Question 4: Why should you announce yourself before speaking on an audio-only conference call?
- Participants can't see who is talking, so stating your name avoids confusion (Correct answer)
- It's required by law in most countries
- It makes the recording shorter
- It prevents the call from disconnecting
Correct answer: Participants can't see who is talking, so stating your name avoids confusion
Without video, naming yourself helps everyone track who is contributing.
Question 5: What is the etiquette around eating during a conference call?
- Avoid eating, as chewing sounds and movement are distracting and appear unprofessional (Correct answer)
- Eat freely as long as your video is off
- Only eat if the call is over an hour long
- Eat but keep your mic unmuted to seem natural
Correct answer: Avoid eating, as chewing sounds and movement are distracting and appear unprofessional
Eating on a call is distracting and reads as inattentive, so it's best avoided.
Question 6: You realize you joined the wrong conference call. What should you do?
- Quietly leave the call without disrupting the participants (Correct answer)
- Stay and listen since you're already there
- Announce loudly that you're in the wrong meeting
- Mute everyone before leaving
Correct answer: Quietly leave the call without disrupting the participants
Exiting discreetly avoids interrupting a meeting you weren't meant to attend.
Question 7: What is good etiquette regarding your camera background on a video conference call?
- Keep it tidy and neutral, or use a professional virtual background if your space is cluttered (Correct answer)
- Show as much of your home as possible to seem transparent
- Always keep the camera off to avoid the issue
- Use distracting animated backgrounds to stand out
Correct answer: Keep it tidy and neutral, or use a professional virtual background if your space is cluttered
A clean or neutral background keeps focus on the discussion and looks professional.
Conference Call Etiquette 2
You need to step away from a conference call for two minutes.
What is the best practice?