Conference Calls in Skype

A. Summary:

In addition to one-on-one calls, Skype can also be used for conference calls for up to 5 participants. While there are some limitations, with a good Internet connection you should be able to talk with four other people at the same time using Skype.

B. Key Points:

· Skype can be used for conference calling for up to 5 participants

· The person with the most stable and fastest Internet connection should host the call

· The host should be sure all the participants are in their Skype Contacts list

· You can also add SkypeOut numbers to your conference call

· You need to have bought Skype Credits before you can make a SkypeOut call

· See Obtaining Skype Credits to learn how to set up a SkypeOut account

· You can start a conference call by adding more participants to an ongoing Skype call with someone else

· For corrections, updates, or clarifications on this Star Point, Please email Bob “Lem” Leming

C. Details:

In addition to using Skype to call someone using computers or calling their land line, Skype can also be used for conference calls of up to 5 people.

Unlike in a regular conference call, Skype users cannot join a call: they must be invited by the person hosting the call. Once one person invites other people into a call, that person becomes the host. As all the calls are routed through them, the host should be the participant with the strongest Internet connection – the one whose Internet speed is highest and whose connection does not drop out. The host is the only participant who can add more people to a call while the call is in progress. This means that if a person gets dropped, for whatever reason, they cannot join again on their own; they must be re-invited by the host.

Also, keep in mind that the host will need to have all of the Skype participants in an upcoming conference call in their Skype Contacts list before the call begins.

When holding a conference call in Skype, avoid inviting more than four other people. While it is possible to talk with nine other people at the same time, this should only be attempted with a high-end computer with a strong internet connection, as more people require more bandwidth and the audio quality may degrade.

Once a user has been invited, they may decline to participate or they may leave a call, but they cannot be removed by the host. So be careful to invite only those who you really want to participate.

The Direct Method

While looking at your list of contacts in Skype, click the Create Conference button, which can be found in the tabs above the first name, to the right. A new window will open and you will be able to move names from your entire list of contacts on the left, to the list of people to be in this conference call on the right. Either select a name and click the Add button, or double-click on a name. You can also add SkypeOut numbers by entering a phone number in the textbox in the bottom left corner. Remember, you need to have Skype Credits in your account before you can make a SkypeOut call. To learn how to do this, read the Star Point Obtaining Skype Credits.

If you had one of your contacts already highlighted before you opened up the new window, that contact will have been automatically added. However, you can easily remove them by selecting either the name and clicking the Remove button or by double-clicking the name. When you are satisfied with the list of names, click Start and Skype will open a conference call and call each of those you invited. Keep in mind that there may be some confusion at first as people pick up and enter the call, so you should greet newcomers as you hear them arrive

Adding Contacts to a Call

You can start a conference call while already in a Skype call with someone else. While in the call, click the Add Callers button near the top left corner of the call window. In the new window, add names from your list of contacts on the left, to the list of people to be called on the right. Either select a name and click the Add button, or double-click on a name. You can also add SkypeOut numbers by entering a phone number in the textbox in the bottom left corner. Remember, SkypeOut calls require that you have Skype Credits available.

If you need to remove a contact from the invitation list, either select the name and click the Remove button or double-click the name. When you are satisfied with the list, click Start and Skype will call and add those people into the call you were already in.

Dropped Calls

Since Skype conference calls consist of 5 or fewer people, as the host you will probably notice if one of the callers is dropped. As only the host can invite people, they will not be able to rejoin the call until you invite them back. They can be quickly added back in by clicking the Add Callers button, adding the caller back to the list, and then clicking Start.

In meetings where one person will be the primary speaker, it may make sense to have someone else be the host in order to minimize the disruption for the speaker in case a dropped user needs to be re-added to the call.

If you are not the host and you are dropped, you will need to have the host add you again. If they do not automatically invite you back in a short period of time, try sending them a message through a chat window by clicking on Chats in the top menu.

If you, as the host, are dropped or otherwise end your part in the call, everyone is dropped and you will have to reinitiate the conference call