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If I could do anything in the world for no pay, I would probably choose brainstorming. Yes, I love brainstorming. And I am always on the lookout for ways to make brainstorming more effective.

As more and more of us are considering or doing brainstorming over the phone, instead of in person, I wanted to share some great telephone brainstorming tips from www.effectivemeetings.com.

This is what the participants on today’s Speed Brainstorming call will use as a guideline for the session.

1. Send all attendees tips on effective listening and communicating skills, including “ask questions,” “don’t interrupt” and “don’t change the subject.”
 
2. Send all attendees a list of participants so they may address one another by name.
 
3. Before the session starts have attendees agree to recognize a sound you make – such as a whistle or knock on a table – as the sign to stop talking and allow you to take over.
 
4. Assign a scribe to record ideas and decisions. After the session send the notes to all attendees.
 
5. Make sure attendees from all locations are involved in the discussion.
 
6. Have all attendees choose a quiet location from which to participate. They shouldn’t meet from their desks unless they have a private office and won’t be disturbed.
 
7. Don’t allow anyone to speak for too long. Attendees will stop paying attention to rambling speakers, especially in a teleconference.
 
8. Attendees won’t see the scribe’s notes, so remind them throughout the session’s focus.
 
9. Take a few minutes halfway through the session to have the scribe read aloud the ideas and decisions recorded to that point. Attendees can then let you know if they agree with the decisions or if something’s been missed.