What is a teleclass?
*What’s a Teleclass?
A teleclass is a class that takes place over the phone. Participants dial a number (currently in the 308 area code in the USA) and enter a PIN code. This connects them instantly to a private conferencing line for up to 30 people. Participants are responsible for long distance charges. There are no special charges related to dialing into the class.

Do I need any special equipment?
All you need to participate is a standard telephone. Cellular phones and cordless handsets often cause interference on the bridge, therefore please call on a landline, that is, a phone set that is physically connected to the phone jack. If you must use a cell phone or cordless handset, please use the mute function. For some reason this reduces the interference.

Doesn't a phone call with 30 people on it get chaotic?
Not really. It is rare for everyone to want to talk, let alone at the same time. I've led hundreds of teleclasses on all sorts of topics with anywhere from six to 90 participants. (Yes. It is possible to convene huge classes using a "superbridge.") The more people participate in a class, the more valuable it is for everyone. So when you join a class, please don't hesitate to make yourself heard.

How do I get course materials?
Materials will be emailed to you or provided in a special section of my Web site. You'll be advised how to get materials once you register.

What if I miss a session?
Teleclasses are ideal for busy people. Many teleclasses are recorded and made available for online listening in the event that you miss a class or simply want to listen again to an especially useful session. Check the description of each class to find out if this option is included.

What is your privacy policy?
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 a class if I already have your bridge number?
Yes. The bridge number and/or PIN numbers change from time to time.

What is your teleclass leading style?
As a Teleclass Leader, I'm irreverent, creative, and pragmatic. I keep things moving and keep people involved. Most classes are highly interactive and include experiential practices like learning, guided visualizations, and even role plays. But don't worry -- no one is ever required to participate in any part of the process unless they wish to.

Do you homework?
I assign homework to build skills and value during multi-session classes.

IWhat do I need to know before my first class?
You'll want to disable call waiting (if you have it) before dialing into the bridge.
For most US phone companies, this involves waiting for the dial tone, dialing *70 (that's star seven zero), waiting for the dial tone again, and then dialing the bridge number.

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.

Please do do not call more than three minutes before the scheduled class time to avoid interrupting other classes that use the bridge.

If you come lateto a call, please listen silently until you can determine what is going on and catch up. It is not necessary to announce yourself if you arrive more than three minutes after the class is scheduled to begin.

Troubleshooting
I called the bridge, but nothing happened.
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. from time to time, for no clear reason, it takes a few attempts before getting a successf connection

I get an "all circuits busy" message.
If receive a recorded message saying something like "All circuits are busy, please try your call again later," it may mean that not enough long distance lines are available to connect you. This sometimes happens between the hours of 7PM and 11PM Eastern Time. This is NOT a function of the bridge, but rather of the telephone system overall. Keep trying.

I got a busy signal when I called the bridge number.
If you get a busy signal, it usually means that you mis-dialed or that the bridge is full. (The bridge may fill up when I offer a free class; however, I am careful to make sure that there are plenty of connections for the paid classes.)

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 the bridge 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?) To avoid disrupting the class with audible breathing, position your mouthpiece or headset microphone a couple of inches away from your mouth and nose. 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 off the ringer for the second line. If you don't and you get a call during the teleclass, other participants will hear a loud, shrill noise. Similarly, if you have "music on hold," please do not place the class on hold.

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 feature. Speakerphones amplify ambient sound in the room and the voice quality is poor. Pick up the handset when you share and keep the mute on when you're listening.

Sharing. In larger classes, I will ask for callers to share throughout the call. If you volunteer, say something like, "Molly, this is Bob from Tampa." I will say, "Yes, Bob, go ahead."

Cross Talk. If another caller says something that you want to comment on or ask about, please go through the me, rather than speaking to the person directly.