Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Video Conference - A Means of Modern Communication

A video conference is an interactive set of programs that allow people from different locations to interact with each other through audio and video in real time. It cannot be used interchangeably with video phone calls, as it is supposed to be a group conference not among individuals alone.

The purpose of a video conference is usually to connect a group of people together in a meeting via audio and video technologies that allow them to talk and see each other as if they were in one room, except they are actually in different locations.

Videoconferencing is also used for announcements, sharing documents and displaying information on each other's screens. This is useful for people who are working together as it makes communicating with each other so much easier.

Video Conference - A Means of Modern Communication

The rapid technological advancement in the whole world has led to these kinds of methods of communication. Although simple video conferencing has been established since the television was invented, it was usually only available to those who had access to it. An example of an earlier version of a video conference is the use of two radio frequency links by NASA to communicate with each other during space flights.

Globalization has led to more technological advancements in the field of communication, allowing even just small companies or people at home to have access to video conferencing technologies. Now, all you need to conduct a video conference is a computer, a headset with a microphone, a web cam and, of course, the Internet. The Internet has become a major venue for people in different cities, countries and continents to connect with each other without having to make a phone call or send letters through mail.

More and more people have access to high speed Internet because it doesn't cost as much as it used to. As a result of this, people are able to communicate with each other through different means, using the Internet as a venue for communication.

It has also become easier for large multinational companies to function because of this technology. They can use video conferencing to conduct meetings, give instructions to employees, as well as share and receive information with just a click of a button and only a few minutes, depending on how big the file is.

Even families and friends who are far apart from each other can use video conference as a tool to get in touch with each other without having to spend so much money on international and long distance phone calls.

There are several programs in the Internet that allow people to conduct a video conference for free. Perhaps the most popular of all is Skype, as it gives users the chance to talk to each other for free, provided that it is limited to Internet calls.

Even programs like Yahoo Messenger and websites like Google give Internet users the chance to talk to each other with the use of web cams. Video calls and video conference are increasing in popularity as more and more people are now able to access the Internet.

Video Conference - A Means of Modern Communication
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Video calls and video conference are increasing in popularity as more and more people are now able to access the Internet. Visit http://www.ivci.com for more information on video conference technology.

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Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Evolution of Telephone - The Journey From the First Telephone to VoIP Phone

Nobody is ignorant from the fact that the first telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in March 1876. That is where the telecommunications field of modern times takes its roots from.

This invention would perhaps not have gathered much attention, which Bell's weak expectations said, but it was the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, where Brazil's Emperor Dom Pedro de Alcantara took notice of this rather interesting manmade invention. He could not help but be amazed by bell's profound creativity, which reflected in his creation the telephone.

In the early days, telephone was only seen as a luxury of life rather than a commodity. It only gained more popularity as an essential medium of communication at the time when many corporate and government offices began to use it.

Evolution of Telephone - The Journey From the First Telephone to VoIP Phone

During the 1880's, when metallic circuits were introduced, they took over long distance communications. However, for a decade, its usage remained restricted to a certain class who could afford paying for the heavy calling expenses. Until in the 1890's, with the emergence of party line, it became convenient for people living in rural areas in particular to divide the cost of the line used by many.

Prior to 1891, calls were made by exchange operators, but until a new system for direct dialing system. Then there it was putting telephone to its best use in 1927, when the first transatlantic phone call was made with the help of radio waves. It was the throughout the time of First and Second World War, when telephone went through a major developmental period, all thanks to the huge expenditures made by the Defense Department for ensuring safer communication across. These series of advancements also led to the creation of the first mobile telephone system, which easily connected mobile vehicles to phones using radio waves.

In 60's era, the transatlantic cables were introduced to facilitate for dialing international calls.

Nevertheless, the biggest shifts seen in the history of telephones was in 1962, when the first telephone satellite TelStar was launched. Telstar was a joint business venture between Bell and NASA for brining in a more advanced form of communication. This paved way for satellites revolving within the geosynchronous orbit to be used for making long distance calls directly without relying on the cable lines, not to mention suffering because of the repeated cable damage and repair pain.

Fiber optic cables were first introduced in 1977. By mid 80's, fiber optic cable took precedence over other modes of telephone transmission, because it could facilitate higher number of calls with lesser interference, compared to its predecessor methods. It could transmit information more quickly to farther areas and strongly resisted any mishaps particularly lightning strikes. In short, it offered a number of advantages and safer than other modes. Owing to the benefits, these fiber optic cables also began to be used for computers too.

After the US government relaxed the regulations on telephone service, AT&T met up to face a tough competition from MCI, Sprint and many other local companies. This paved way for fiber optic lines to be used vastly in every industry, even began to be used for natural gas pipelines and railroad tracks.

It was in 1973 when Dr. Martin Cooper belonging to Motorola Corporation created the first cellular telephone call using a portable handset, namely the Dyna-Tac. After it accomplished a successful test run, it was introduced in New York Public. It was in 1977 when the cell phone became popular among the people. Initially introduced models seemed slightly bigger and commonly used by those who were used to stay in touch by two-way radio communication mode. At that time, one could not imagine that it was going to be used by everyone. Cellular phones functioned with small "cells" for service range, to increase the facility of handling more calls. Cell phones made it possible to attend an increased number of calls at a time in one area.

However, initially, the primary cellular services rather used analog system of technology, which functioned at 800 Megahertz incessantly. As the time went on, the industry increased the standard to 1850 MHz with PCS. In 1988, a committee, namely Cellular Technology Industry Association, was formed to formulate guidelines and put on regulations for the cellular service providers and functioned for development and growth of the cell phone industry. Today, we have approximately over 60 million cellular telephone customers, an overwhelming huge number for a service that only started working commercially merely thirty years back.

Today, we use digital cell/mobile phones, in place of analogue phones. The digital technology transfers data in form of "pulses". The benefit of digital signals is that they are rather more securely transmitted compared to its analog contenders, and it gives more efficient bandwidth and a higher quality of sound. You can even share videos and photos while surfing the internet. All at the same time integrated within your phones.

However, in digital technology there is a slight problem with coverage. For example, owing to three different technologies a cellular phone uses, in case you are using a TDMA (time-division multiple access) system but you move in an area, which caters to CDMA (code-division multiple access) digital coverage, then you might have to face technology problems.

There is a perfect solution for it and the united analog-digital technology that the cell phone providers are shifting to. This way you can get excellent great coverage for all types of communication, with high speed and uncompromising quality.

To talk about the first "audio conferencing" to be ever used could be the time when part lines had been introduced for the first time back in telephone's early days. Although, at that time, the only benefit people could seek from the part lines was the economical factor but there was a problem that a number of people in dissimilar locations could pick up and talk on the same simultaneously, leading to an eavesdropping situation and zero privacy element.

The idea of calling a number of people, which was initially derived from part lines, was revived again but this time in a better and more private package. It had time limitations and only to be accessed in times of need.

Following this notion, companies all over the world began to offer services, which coordinated a facility for conference calling for companies, giving them fixed rates, monthly fees or based on the number of calls made. This served fruitful as it saved traveling expenses and other calling expenditures. They provided a trained operator to enable connections between every participant onto a dedicated line. This way, a group of people could easily communicate with one another all at one time. The service providers offered affordable rates to their customers.

Sooner, many telephone-manufacturing companies namely Polycom, AT&T and Panasonic developed office telephone systems that allowed office users to invite a client, put them on hold and then dial up another party. This helped in building a multiple-connection set up for callers to communicate easily with more than two people at a time to discuss significant business deals.

Along came internet, which happens to be the best communication medium ever created throughout the history of mankind. The Internet paced up the competition between phone service providers, particularly challenging the audio conferencing facility and the long distance calling cost. Nevertheless, they have lowered their calling costs to a greater extent, yet the unbeatable broadband phone or internet phone is becoming everyone's favorite, beating its contender - the traditional telephone, because it is much cheaper and affordable.

Voip, which stands for "Voice Over Internet Protocol" is now the most popular mean of communication because it charges only for call, no regulatory taxes or hidden charges, like the charges put up by traditional phone companies. Voip phones or broadband phone use high-speed internet to function and let you enjoy the same quality of service offered by traditional phones. You can not only make calls with your voip phone but also the high-speed internet phone lets you enjoy services of high-speed data transfer services like data sharing, audio conferencing and video conferencing. With voip, you are guaranteed to save a lot on your calling and communication needs.

VoIP offers you audio conferencing facility to network with multiple groups or parties no matter what their geographical locations are. This enables the customers to connect with their clients spread worldwide and arrange for a virtual meeting online. Today, Voip calling solutions are being provided by Axvoice, Vonage, 8x8, Voxwire, Packet 8, TTCGlobalTalk and VoiceCafe among many others, giving an excellent quality of service.

Evolution of Telephone - The Journey From the First Telephone to VoIP Phone
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Aziz is the Online Marketing Manager of Axvoice, USA. If you are still confused and can't decide who to choose from the huge list of VoIP service providers, then I have the answer for you. Axvoice is among the leading VoIP service providers, offering a remarkable high quality service to their customers worldwide.

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Wednesday, February 6, 2013

How To Open a Speech or Presentation

At a recent corporate storytelling workshop for Microsoft, I was asked a question that I hear frequently: "How do I open my speech?" Several others in the room agreed that the first two or three minutes of a speech are often the most awkward.

Is it that way for you, as well? Do you have a hard time getting started, but once you get going, you're all right? If so - welcome to the club.

In this article, I'm going to share what has worked for me and helped me build a lucrative speaking business. I'll also share the results of my research into what transforms a good speech into a Dynamite Speech.

How To Open a Speech or Presentation

I used to have a lot of anxiety before I gave a speech. I knew most of what I was going to say - not word for word - but in general. I knew what stories I was going to tell and what quotes I was going to use, and the overall sequence of things. What freaked me out was what I was going to say first.

I knew that telling a joke was out of the question because I can't remember jokes. Plus, any rule that is supposed to work for everyone - such as "always open with a joke" - is obviously a stupid rule! If there is one thing that I've learned from my own experience as well as from other speakers, it's that there is no ONE single way that works for everyone.

One day I was at the theater, sitting in the audience waiting for the curtain to go, and I had a revelation. I remembered all of the plays I had acted in and how the first line of each play was specifically chosen to set the stage for everything that came after it.

That got me thinking about the most powerful speeches I'd ever heard. They all started out with something meaningful. They didn't start with the speaker thanking anybody or talking about how wonderful it was to be in Buffalo, New York in January (because it's cold as heck). The first words out of their mouths were meaningful. They said something provocative or asked a provocative question.

I also realized that while I'd seen people start out with loud rock or disco music as they ran up the aisle from the back, for me, the most powerful openings were simple and direct.

Here are a few options for opening your speech, taken from my Dynamite Speech System.

Opening #1 - The Provocative Statement or Question Opening

Walk out to the center of the stage or room. Stand still and get centered. Let the silence sit there for a few seconds to build anticipation. Then, make a provocative statement such as: If you want your content to stick, emotion is the fast lane to the brain.

Another option is to ask a provocative question such as: When you give a speech, do you talk too much?

Notice how each of those statements is a bit contrarian. I love to combine two elements that are logical opposites. They make you think. The idea that you will get content to stick to the brain with emotion is illogical. The idea that you can talk too much while giving a speech is provocative.

What can you ask or say as your opening that will set up one of the main points of your speech? After you say it, pause. Let the statement or question hang there in space. Then move on.

Opening #2 - The Quote Opening

Find a provocative quote that seamlessly introduces your main point or premise.

Opening #3 - The Story Opening

Start by telling a story. Stories are an immediate attention grabber and activate your listeners' imagination. Make sure you choose the right story to open with. It can't be too dramatic or hilarious. Your Crucible and Imbroglio stories need to go in the middle of your speech. Choose a story that makes one of your main or the main point of your speech. You may begin the story up front, take it through to Step 4 - Encounter the Obstacle, and then stop. You can then close your speech with the resolution of the story, beginning with Step 5 - Overcome the Obstacle. Another option is to tell the entire story, make the point and then move on.

Opening #4 - The Rapport Builder Opening

If you've done your homework and used a pre-program questionnaire to discover the issues your audience is facing, you can open with a few statements that let them know that you understand their pain. Three or four sentences that address their current situation are all that you need to create a bond and let them know you're not going to give a generic rah-rah speech. Perhaps you can mention the name of someone in the audience who you spoke to on the phone before the meeting or conference. Then, give a speech that customizes your concepts and solutions to their needs and issues.

The main thing I want you to consider for your opening is to start strong. Know exactly what you're going to say. Don't waste time with chitchat about the weather or the city you're in. Get right to it. Surprise them. Shock them. Make them think.

I also don't believe that it's necessary or effective to thank the meeting planner up front. If you're going to do that at all, do it at the end.

What has worked for me is to memorize the first three or four sentences of my speech and to use the same opening over and over. Knowing exactly what I'm going to say and precisely how I'm going to deliver those lines, gives me confidence.

It helps that the words I say are part of my branding. If you've ever heard me speak, you know that there are a number of power phrases - provocative statements if you will - that are consistent from speech to speech and audience to audience. I don't make up something new every time and I don't mess with what works.

If you've been asked to deliver a sixty-minute keynote speech, every minute counts. The first sixty seconds is critical to how your audience perceives you. My advice is to write and memorize your opening. Deliver it the same way time after time. Tweak it when necessary until you have it down to the precise statement that creates the effect you're looking for.

Open strong and close with confidence.

How To Open a Speech or Presentation
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Doug Stevenson, president of Story Theater International, is the creator of The Story Theater Method and the author of the book, Never Be Boring Again. He provides keynotes speeches, corporate training and individual speech and story coaching.

His 10 CD - How to Write and Deliver a Dynamite Speech audio learning system, is a workshop in a box. It contains an 80-page follow along workbook. Learn more at: Dynamite Speech Home Study Course

Some of his clients include: Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Century 21, Volkswagen, Oracle, The Department of Defense, GlaxoSmithKline, The American Medical Association, The Irish Management Institute, Amgen, The Denmark Ministry of Finance, UPS, The Internal Revenue Service, The National Education Association and many more.

Doug can be reached at 1-800-573-6196 or 1-719-573-6195 or at: http://www.storytheater.net

Subscribe to his RSS feed on his blog at http://www.dougstevenson.com

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Monday, February 4, 2013

Free Conference Call Reviews and FAQs

Free conference call services on the web may sound tempting for your business, but let us look at the pros and cons of these services. The fundamentals of these services create certain limitations that can make your business suffer.

The Basics of Free Conference Calls

Free conference call services are funded primarily through advertising. In some cases, conference calls are free only for a trial period and then must be paid for. Truly free conference call providers cannot pay for proper customer service through advertising revenue alone. This is why free conferencing is usually just a hook to get customers to sign up for a paid service.

Free Conference Call Reviews and FAQs

Free Conference Call Customer Service

Consider yourself in a conferencing situation with an international client. You may experience problems with static or line noise making communication awkward. If you cannot resolve the problem quickly through customer service, only the most understanding potential clients would consider giving you a second chance later. Rescheduling because of technical issues is simply unprofessional, unacceptable and likely to cost you a client.

Unfortunately, such line noise problems are common to free conference call services. They often run on public VoIP lines that are affected by innumerable factors, in the same way that Internet transfers and cell phone calls are easily disrupted. Paid services can offer dedicated and stable lines that you can depend on to provide clear call quality at every meeting.

The Problem with Most VoIP Conference Calling Services

In traditional telephone networks, connections have a dedicated line, preventing interruptions in the line of communication. Public IP networks work differently. Information travels wherever links are available. A large file transfer can take up the bandwidth resulting in choppy signals or broken communications.

IP networks are designed with software in mind, not voice. This is why streaming content is buffered before it begins playing on your computer. The buffering allows the program to compensate for disruptions, giving a steady clear stream. This is not possible in real-time, live communications. While buffering could prevent disruption, there will always be a delay as the signal is buffered. This hampers and inhibits rapport building with the client, making it more like using a push to talk system than a two-way interface.

The Solution

Paid services can offer private, dedicated IP networks that eliminate the possibility of file transfer disruptions and other problems. The advertising revenue that free services earn is simply not enough to pay for such an infrastructure.

Free Conference Call Reviews and FAQs
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Brad Percival is a consultant, author and conference call expert. For more information on conference calling services check out http://www.FlyConferencing.com.

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