Conference bridge calls are like virtual meeting rooms where people can join discussions remotely from any location. Getting everyone on the call may seem challenging, especially when people are joining using different devices and methods, but we’ll show you two easy ways to do it. We also have tips to ensure you have a smooth, productive conference bridge call once everyone’s on board.
Use a Link to Join a Conference Bridge Call
Joining a conference bridge call using a link couldn’t be easier. Armed with their chosen conference call service, the meeting host sets up a virtual meeting room. With a few clicks, they generate a unique meeting link that acts as a digital key to this virtual room. Attendees can simply click on this link to step into the meeting, whether they are across the city or around the globe.
Below are step-by-step instructions to set up and join a conference bridge call with Zoom, one of the most widely used virtual meeting services.
How to Join a Conference Bridge Call With a Link With Zoom
- Step 1: Sign in to your free Zoom account.
- Step 2: Click Meetings in the sidebar on the left.
- Step 3: Click + Schedule Meeting on the right.
- Step 4: Fill in your meeting details, then click Save.
- Step 5: Click Copy Meeting Invitation, and the details of your meeting will populate. Those details will include a link that attendees will click to join the meeting.
- Step 6: Share the link with attendees via your chosen communication method, typically email or text. You can also copy the meeting invitation link and share it with attendees, as it will have the link to your conference bridge call.
- Step 7: Attendees click the link to join the meeting.
Dial-In to a Conference Bridge Call
The person organizing the meeting uses their preferred conference call service or video conference call service to schedule it, and a unique phone number is generated just for your group’s use. This number is the key to your virtual meeting room.
Whether you’re calling from the office, from home, or on the go, all you need to do is dial this number to join the conversation. We’ll walk you through how to set up a Zoom conference bridge call that supports both computer audio and phone dial-ins.
How to Dial-In to a Conference Bridge Call With Zoom
- Step 1: Sign in to your Zoom account. You must have a paid plan.
- Step 2: Click Meetings in the sidebar on the left
- Step 3: Click + Schedule Meeting on the right
- Step 4: Fill in your meeting details, then click Save. At the bottom, choose Both when selecting whether to support telephone and/or computer audio.
- Step 5: Click Copy Meeting Invitation, and the details of your meeting will populate. There will be phone numbers within those details that attendees can use to dial in to the conference bridge call.
- Step 6: There will be a Dial by Your Location section with a list of phone numbers attendees can use to dial in to your conference call. Once they dial in, they must enter the meeting ID and passcode, so be sure to share these details along with the dial-in numbers. Both are located in the meeting invitation details.
- Step 7: Share the list of phone numbers via your chosen communication method, such as email or text. You can also copy the meeting invitation link and share it with attendees, as it will include the list of phone numbers to dial in to your conference bridge call.
2 Actions to Take for a Smooth Conference Bridge Call
Ensuring a seamless experience during your conference bridge call is crucial, but what happens once everyone is connected matters just as much. Preparing for a smooth call involves more than just getting everyone on the line. It’s also about ensuring quality communication from start to finish.
Action #1: Mock Interview
Conducting a mock conference bridge call a few days before your scheduled meeting can be a game-changer. This rehearsal allows you to anticipate and solve any potential issues, ensuring that the actual call proceeds without a hitch.
Enlist the help of your team to simulate different joining scenarios. Divide them into groups, with some using the meeting link and others dialing in using a phone. Mix up the participation modes—have one turn on their camera, one dial in from a mobile phone, and another use a desktop phone.
This variety will help you assess the call quality across different devices and connections, identifying any delays, sound quality issues, or other technical problems that could disrupt your meeting.
Remember to participate in this mock call yourself. Join using the link on your laptop or desktop computer to check the online interface’s functionality. Then dial in using your cell phone to test the audio quality and the ease of use from a caller’s perspective.
This dual approach gives you a comprehensive understanding of the participant experience, allowing you to fine-tune any settings or provide guidance to attendees to eliminate common issues.
Action #2: Rehearse What You’ll Say
Most people brush this step off, but you shouldn’t. Winging it on a conference call can lead to rambling, which puts you at risk of exceeding the meeting time limit. Free Zoom accounts are only allotted 40 minutes for meetings, and those minutes can pass surprisingly quickly when discussions lack focus. Running overtime can also cause frustration among attendees and may even disrupt their schedules for the day.
Rehearsing what you say does more than just keep your meeting within its time limit. It also sharpens your delivery. A well-rehearsed presentation ensures that your points are clear and concise and that you can fit everything you need to discuss in the available time.
A smooth delivery also increases the likelihood of your audience staying engaged throughout the call. Remember, in a remote setting, you won’t have as many visual cues from your audience to gauge their understanding, so clarity and engagement become even more crucial.
One effective strategy is to practice your part of the conference call with a colleague in person. This dry run can provide valuable feedback on your delivery and content, as observing their reactions can offer insights into how your remote audience might respond.
Practicing with a live audience, even if it’s just one person, allows you to adjust your presentation based on real-time feedback, ensuring you’re still communicating effectively when you can’t see your attendees. This preparation makes your message more impactful and demonstrates respect for your participants’ time and attention, contributing to a successful and productive conference call.
