Conference calls are simple to use, even with all of their features. Sometimes though, you just can't beat having a professional right there with you during a call. For example, if you have a big, important conference call, you want to make sure everything is perfect. You have to take care of your speakers, watch the schedule, handle questions, and moderate. An operator can help you stay on top of everything.
For a typical call with an operator, they will join you in pre-conference to go over any last minute details and answer any questions you may have. An operator can start the call for you, make sure recording and lecture mode is on, and even greet your participants and introduce you. Their helpfulness doesn't stop there; they will sit in the background and monitor your call. They look for lines with background noise and mute them, as well as assess the general sound quality of the call.
When you get towards the end of your call, an operator can really come in handy during the question and answer portion of the conference. All you have to do is announce it is time for Q&A. The operator will give your participants instructions for joining the queue, then mute and unmute each questioner in turn.
A major, intangible benefit to using an operator is the flexibility they can give you. While you can control a conference call using telephone keypad commands, you miss out on many options only available when you are sitting in front of your computer. An operator can do all of that for you, leaving you free to conduct your calls from wherever you like.
