A TeleClass or TeleConference is an event held over a conference call or "bridgeline." Each participant calls into the bridgeline at
the scheduled time (the phone number is announced before the class or gathering by e-mail), and is connected to the conference "room." Although
the format may seem somewhat unusual at first, once a group gets the "hang of it" there is a good flow
and interaction that can be much like meeting in person. And
this format has the added advantages of convenience and inclusiveness! I
love to have the flexibility of participating with individuals from
all over
the country (and world!).
If you have concerns about long distance charges, see the notes below.
I request that all participants in my TeleEvents be willing to honor basic Bridgeline Etiquette and the Standards of Presence, which are the agreements we will be honoring in our time together on the call. If you are unwilling to honor these guidelines, please do not attend.
Here are the basics about TeleEvent etiquette:
State your name when you speak so that people know
who's talking. For example, say, "Hi,
this is Jenna, ..." followed by your sharing.
When you first arrive,
say "Hello" and state your name at the
earliest point you can after listening to hear if anyone is speaking. It is customary to include where you are
calling from - for example, you might say, "This is Jenna from Berkeley,
California."
Mute your phone if you have background noise. Jenna will announce how to mute and cancel mute using the keys on your telephone key pad for the specific bridgeline we are using that day.
Be in a quiet, interruption- and distraction-free environment, for your own sake and for the benefit of the others on the call.
Disable your call waiting by dialing *70 before dialing in for the TeleClass call. Note that it will
be reactivated when you hang up (you don't need to do anything to turn
it back on).
Avoid using a cell or speaker phone. They sometimes
interfere with the quality of the call. If
one of
these is your only option, you are still welcome to attend, but plan to mute yourself for the duration of the call if the call quality is disrupted.
Having a headset can be very supportive on these types of calls,
so it is highly recommended - though not required.
In our time together, I ask that we…
Honor confidentiality – what is specific or personal to another person is not shared.
Come with beginner's minds and be open to the material as if we are hearing it for the first time.
Practice a positive focus in our learning and sharing.
Release evaluation and judgment, and be willing to "get out of our limiting minds."
Share from own our personal experience by speaking in "I" statements and honor this space as a "should-free" and "advice-free" zone. Refrain from using "you" statements. Be respectful of allowing others an opportunity to share.
Listen with positive regard and complete focus on whoever is speaking.
Acknowledge each other only with positive, authentic feedback.
Receive any acknowledgement fully with a “Thank you."
Practice self-care and self-responsibility and allow others to do the same.
About Long Distance Costs and Bridgeline Access: On some bridgelines, some individuals may have trouble getting on because of their long distance service. A way to get around this is to use a pre-paid phone card, such as one you can buy at Target or Costco or online at www.onesuite.com (2.9 cents per minute). Another option is to use 10-10-987 (www.10-10-987.com), which costs 3 cents per minute with a 46 cent connection fee. Please verify these costs directly yourself; they can vary at times.
