Teleconferencing.

Teleconferencing :

Teleconferencing also called "video conferencing"is the mode of communication where two or more people can see and here each other without being physically present at one place. The participants could be separated by thousands of kilometers.

Thus, through videoconferencing the virtual meetings are held and voice, data and video are combined and transmitted in a satellites or phone lines. Thus, we find that people sitting in different countries can actually exchange information without bearing the traveling cost or wasting the precious time in traveling across continents.

In this era of globalisation and free markets when multinationals are operating simultaneously in several countries separated from one another by thousands of kilometers, teleconferencing can prove to a very effective me of mutual consultation.

The basic hardware used for teleconferencing is speaker telephones, video cameras and computer modems. A two way radio system can also be used with satellite enhancement of connections. 

Teleconferencing no doubt broadens the communication with its wide geographical coverage. People living in remote areas can join in conversation but the teleconferencing needs planning of the event.

All the participants should be present at the scheduled time at their divergent locations.Participants should be briefed, so that they understand the basic process and maximize the use of time for their participation. For Example, speaking clearly and waiting to speak in turn are the basic requirements of a successful teleconferencing.

Types of Teleconferencing :

There are three types of Teleconferencing :

1. Video Conferencing : In this type of teleconferencing the person is usually seen on television augmented with the sound.

2. Computer Conferencing : Printed Communication is done through keyboard terminal from the Computer.

3. Audio Conferencing: Verbal communication through the telephone with optional capacity for tele-writing or tele-copying.

Uses of Teleconferencing :

1. One of the major advantages of

teleconferencing is its potential to reduce cost of group meetings.

2. Saving is done by reducing travel cost,

arrangement cost etc.

3. People (including outside guest speakers) who wouldn't normally attend a distant FTF meetings can participate.

4. Follow up to earlier meetings can be done with relative ease and little expense.

5. Socializing is minimal compared to an FTF meeting; therefore meetings are shorter and more oriented to the primary purpose of the meeting.

6. Some routine meetings are more effective since one can audio conference from any location equipped with a telephone.

7. Communication between the home office and field staffs is maximized.

8. Severe climate and/or unreliable transportation may necessitate teleconferencing.

9. Participants are generally better prepared than for FTF meetings.

10. Group members participate more equally in well-moderated teleconferences than in an FTF meetings.

11. It's particularly satisfactory for simple problem solving, information exchange and procedural tasks.

Advantages of Teleconferencing :

• Attend a business meeting hundreds of miles

away without leaving workplace/office.

• Reduce travel expenses.

• Reduce travel time requirements.

• Schedule meetings minutes ahead of time instead of days or weeks.

• Keep in touch with other branches of business house.

Disadvantages of Teleconferencing :

• Technical failures with equipment, including connections that aren't made.
• Unsatisfactory for complex interpersonal communication, such as negotiation or bargaining,
•    Impersonal, less easy to create an           atmosphere of group rapport.
•    Lack of participant familiarity with     equipment,the medium itself, and meeting skills
•    Acoustical problems within the teleconferencing rooms
•   Difficulty in determining participant speaking order, frequently one person monopolizes the meeting.