How to organize a conference call by phone in WhatsApp - briefly?
To organize a conference call by phone on WhatsApp, first create or join an existing group chat. Then, tap the camera icon at the top right corner of the screen and select all participants you wish to include in the call.
How to organize a conference call by phone in WhatsApp - in detail?
Organizing a conference call via WhatsApp is an increasingly popular method for communication, especially among groups that are geographically dispersed. While WhatsApp does not have a built-in feature specifically designed for large-scale conference calls, it is still possible to facilitate a group conversation using the app's existing features. Below is a detailed guide on how to organize such a call:
- Create a Group: The first step is to create a WhatsApp group that will serve as the hub for your conference call. To do this, open WhatsApp and go to the "Chats" tab. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner and select "New Group." Add all the participants you want to include in the call.
- Invite Participants: Ensure that everyone who needs to be part of the conference call is added to the group. You can do this by tapping on the group name at the top, selecting "Group Info," and then tapping "Add Participant" to invite more people.
- Set Up a Time: Communicate with all participants to agree on a suitable time for the conference call. It’s important to consider different time zones if your group is international. Once a time is agreed upon, send a reminder message in the group chat so everyone is aware of the scheduled call.
- Use Voice Messages: Since WhatsApp does not support traditional voice or video calls for large groups, you can use voice messages as an alternative. Each participant can record and send a voice message to the group, creating a sequential conversation that mimics a conference call. To do this, tap and hold the microphone icon in the chat box and start recording your message.
- Maintain Order: To ensure that the "call" runs smoothly, it’s helpful to establish some ground rules. For example, participants can take turns speaking by responding to the previous voice message. This helps maintain order and prevents multiple people from trying to speak at once.
- Use Text for Quick Updates: While voice messages are the primary method of communication during the call, text messages can be used for quick updates or clarifications. This can help keep the conversation flowing without interruptions.
- Save Important Messages: If there are key points discussed during the call that need to be referenced later, participants can save these messages by long-pressing on the message and selecting "Star." Starred messages can be found in the group's info section under "Starred Messages."
- Follow Up: After the conference call is over, it’s a good practice to send a summary or follow-up message to all participants. This ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding the decisions made and the action items discussed during the call.
By following these steps, you can effectively organize and conduct a conference call using WhatsApp, despite its limitations for large group calls.