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What is a teleclass?
A teleclass is a learning opportunity that takes place by phone using a telephone bridge. My bridge allows up to 30 people from anywhere in the world to connect at one time without using a conference operator. All you need to do at class time is dial the bridge number. It is really that simple.
Doesn't a phone call with 30 people on it get chaotic?
Not at all. Think about it: even in a conventional classroom it is rare for everyone to talk at once. Once you try a teleclass or two you will find it a surprisingly natural way to interact
If the class takes place on the phone, how do I get course materials?
If materials are required they will be emailed to you or provided in a special section of my Web site. You'll be advised of how to get materials once you register.
What does it cost?
Teleclass and group coaching fees range from FREE to $200 per month.
The bridge number is in the 308 area code in the US, and each participant will incur his/her routine phone charges for dialing in. Two long distance programs that I recommend (I have no financial interest in either of them) are http://www.excel.com.
What is your privacy policy?
My privacy policy is simple: I do not share, sell, or rent student information to anyone, ever. You will not receive spam as a result of enrolling in any coaching programs.
Do I need to register for another class if I already have your bridge number?
Yes. The bridge number changes often. Popular topics are offered frequently and at various days and hours.
What training do you have as a teleclass leader?
I am a Certified Teleclass Leader and I continue to study with the best teleclass and distance learning providers in the country to hone my skills. In addition to my teleclass training and experience, I've led dozens of workshops around the country since 1993.
What is your teleclass leading style?
As a Teleclass Leader, you can count on me to be organized yet informal, thorough yet spontaneous, eager to learn and to laugh. I'm irreverent, creative, and pragmatic.
Do you give assignments?
Sometimes. I use assignments to build skills and value during my multi-session classes and coaching groups, such as the Authentic Promotion Group I rarely give assignments in the single session classes, though committed students will have opportunities to take authentic action as a result of their learning.
I'm new to teleclasses. What do I need to know before my first class?
Disable call waiting before dialing in to the bridge. For most US phone companies, you disable call-waiting by picking up the phone, waiting for the dial tone, dialing *70 (that's star seven zero), waiting for the dial tone again, and then dialing the bridge number.
To participate in the class, dial the bridge number at the appointed time. You will be connected to the other callers automatically without dialing any further numbers. If you are the first person to call the bridge, the phone will ring until someone else connects.
Those already connected will hear a beep when you join the call. I will usually say something like, "Hi, who joined us?" If you're late, I may not acknowledge you. That doesn't mean you are not welcome. (By the way, when you need to call in late, it is a good idea to listen for awhile before asking questions.)
In general, please say your name before speaking so that other callers can identify you.
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Troubleshooting
I called the bridge, but no one else ever connected.
If the phone rings but won't connect, you may have mis-dialed, or your timing may be off. Double check the number and redial. If still no success, then check the time and the time zone for the class.
I get an "all circuits busy" message.
If the phone rings and you receive a recorded message saying something like "All circuits are busy, please try your call again later," it means that not enough long distance lines are available to connect you. This sometimes happens between the hours of 7PM and 11PM Eastern Time. Keep trying.
I got a busy signal when I called the bridge number.
If you get a busy signal, it means that you either mis-dialed or the bridge is full. Check the number and dial again. If you still get a busy signal, then the bridge is full and is likely to remain full for the duration of the teleclass. Because of the high no-show rate for free classes, I over subscribe these sessions. Therefore it is wise to call in on time to guarantee your "seat."
Tele-Etiquette
Use your telephone's mute button, if there is one. Background noises, such as a barking dog, a radio, or papers rattling, are amplified by your phone and distract other participants. If you don't have a mute button, please call from a quiet location.
Some people breathe more heavily than others. Most of the heavy breathers don't realize it. (Who, me?) What works if for everyone to hold the mouthpiece or telephone headset microphone a bit away from their mouth and nose, unless they are speaking. This sounds pretty silly, but when you're on a call with a heavy breather, you'll understand why it matters!
If you have a two-line phone, please turn the ringer off of the second line. If you don't, and you get a call during the teleclass, it can really be a shrill noise that everyone hears.
Please put pets in another room so that the class will not be interrupted by a barking dog or similar disturbance.
Please don't use a speakerphone unless you use the mute button. Speakerphones are wonderful things, but they amplify ambient sound in the room and the voice quality is poor. Pick up the handset when you share and put the mute button on when you're listening.
Sharing. In larger classes, I will ask for callers to share throughout the call. Please wait to be prompted. When you do share, say something like, "Molly, this is Bob from Tampa." I will say, "Yes, Bob, go ahead." On smaller calls this formality isn't always needed.
Cross Talk. If another caller says something that you want to comment on or ask more information about, please go through the me, rather than speaking to the person directly.
Early/Late. Please don't call the bridge before the scheduled time another conference may be in session. If you're late to the call, no problem, just dial in and be silent until you catch on to what's being discussed. I may or may not officially welcome you. That doesn't mean you're not welcome.
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