1 Prepare your goals and arguments

Before you join a conference call, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you will support your points. Think about the needs, interests, and concerns of your audience and how you can address them. Write down your main messages and key facts or examples that back them up. You can also anticipate some possible objections or questions and prepare your responses. Having a well-structured and evidence-based argument will help you sound confident and convincing on the call.

2 Use a friendly and professional tone

The way you speak on a conference call can have a big impact on how others perceive you and your message. You want to use a friendly and professional tone that shows respect, enthusiasm, and sincerity. Avoid using slang, jargon, or filler words that might confuse or distract your listeners. Speak clearly, loudly, and slowly enough for everyone to understand you. Use positive and polite language and avoid interrupting, criticizing, or blaming others. You can also use vocal variety, such as changing your pitch, volume, and pace, to emphasize important points and keep your audience engaged.

3 Ask questions and listen actively

One of the best ways to be persuasive on a conference call is to ask questions and listen actively to your audience. Asking questions shows that you are interested in their opinions, feedback, or suggestions. It also helps you clarify any doubts, misunderstandings, or objections that might arise. Listening actively means that you pay attention to what others are saying, acknowledge their points, and reflect back what you heard. This shows that you respect and value their input and that you are willing to consider different perspectives. By asking questions and listening actively, you can build rapport, trust, and credibility with your audience.

4 Use stories and examples

Another effective way to be persuasive on a conference call is to use stories and examples to illustrate your points. Stories and examples can make your message more memorable, relatable, and emotional. They can also help you demonstrate your expertise, experience, or success. When you use stories and examples, make sure they are relevant, concise, and specific. You can also use vivid language, such as metaphors, analogies, or sensory details, to create a vivid picture in your audience's mind. By using stories and examples, you can appeal to your audience's logic and emotions and make them more receptive to your message.

5 Summarize and follow up

The last step to be persuasive on a conference call is to summarize and follow up. At the end of the call, you should briefly recap the main points, outcomes, or actions that were agreed upon. You should also thank your audience for their time, attention, and participation. This helps you reinforce your message, confirm the next steps, and show appreciation. After the call, you should also follow up with an email or a message that summarizes the key points and actions and provides any additional information or resources that were requested or promised. This helps you maintain the momentum, accountability, and communication with your audience.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?