Conference calling involves the connection between a calling party and other listeners. With so many conference call services available, it may become tough to make a quick evaluation. In the end, your choice of provider is going to depend on the requirements you need to get out of your conference calls. For some, only price will matter, some may be in need of advanced services like professional support services Below are some things to remember when selecting the conference call service that is most compatible with your needs.

Conferencing for Business

Statistical reporting is one of the main reasons many companies turn to conference calls. This allows them to communicate the company's fiscal fluctuations to interested parties. Top executives, such as the CEO, will often read the company reports. Once this has been completed, the call is then opened up for others to join in, namely interested parties, who come with a slew of questions. Businesses may also use conference calls for product promotion or services. Seminar leaders may open up a conference call to the listeners so they can share their marketing techniques or business strategies perhaps for a prearranged fee.

Entertainment-Based Conference Calls

People who live for the day are looking for more unique ways to make new friends or find the match of their dreams. When old standbys like hitting the clubs get to be too much, the charm of chatting on a "party line" becomes increasingly attractive. Entertainment-based conference calls are used to bring a break from monotony, as well as a way to fraternize with others. Candidates call a phone number prearranged for this reason and are turned onto a brand new world of chatting and flirtatious behavior.

Audio vs. Visual

Audio conferencing is more reasonably priced and requires less equipment than visual conferencing. Web conferencing also opens up a host of potential problems, such as faulty chat, instant message, and web cam support services. Streaming video can also pose problems, mainly buffering. Video conferencing for all its potential may be a bit advanced for the casual user.

Using video conferencing as a business tool, you will have to become proficient with an assortment of software, hardware as well as other Internet options. Learning visual conferencing techniques is an ongoing learning process. i.e., add too many large files and you may have a communication problem.

What are the Limits of conferencing?

Ask yourself what type of call you need? Some services allow the called party to speak during a call, unmute,  while others only allow the called recipients to listen to what is being said, which is muted.

Setting Up Your Conference Call

Do you want to control how conference calls are received and made? Calling parties can place calls to desired participants or participation in a call is arranged via a special phone number.

To Reserve or not Reserve When choosing a service that offers reservation-less conference calls, you will enjoy more flexibility. Your calls can be made any time without the need an operator or an appointment. Reservation services mean you need to schedule your call ahead of time.

Call Commands

What kind of capabilities do the calling parties have when choosing a service? Options to consider include operator assisted calls, muting and unmuting participants, modify ringing tones and electronically logging the conversations.

Planning the Call in Advance

Predeterming the length of your call will allow you to hurry verbose call participants to meet your time frame. As a general rule, a conference call runs for an hour or more. Larger groups require longer time frames, but if you are not using video, it is challenging to keep the attention of everyone involved.

Usually, about 1-3 minutes are given to each participant to voice his or her thoughts. Often, an hour-long conversation handles several subjects. Another important factor applicable to conferencing is to be anticipating last-minute glitches. Be aware of all pertinent time zones and schedule a conference call that will be suitable for everyone concerned. When choosing your service, be sure all customer and technical support is handled properly.

Payment Options

While accepting credit cards is pretty well standard, some services offer per minute pricing plans. When your conferencing is completed, a call summary is emailed to you with all of the call details. All pertinent charges are then placed on your credit card. Other call options include flat rate unlimited and monthly plans. Many companies offer a flat monthly rate of say, $60 for a maximum of five people that allows unlimited usage for the month.

Exclusive Services

Will the calling service you decide on provide you with extra services? Depending on your needs, perhaps you want to have a taped recording of your conference call. Some services offer this luxury for a flat fee (about $25). Some charge an hourly rate if you request to have a transcript of your call. Rebroadcasts are also offered through some services for a cost. For an extra charge, operator assistance might be available, which assists in moderating calls.