Voice

Understand your voice options: integrated audio and dial-in conferencing

You have two options when it comes to using audio with Microsoft Skype for Business: integrated audio or dial-in conferencing.

Using integrated Audio:

Integrated audio uses Voice over IP and your computer's microphone and speakers for the audio portion of a meeting. You can also use a headset or conference speaker/microphone to participate in voice calls and online meetings.

Integrated audio does have its limitations when it comes to scheduling meetings with people outside the University who do not have the Skype for Business client installed. They will have to use the Skype for Business Web App with a computer with a microphone and speaker or use dial-in conferencing.

Using dial-in conferencing:

Dial-in conferencing allows you and other meeting participants to join the audio portion of the meeting using a phone (for example, your desk phone). The meeting organizer must have a dial-in conference number for the meeting participants to use this feature.

Benefits of Dial-in Conferencing:

• It allows meeting participants to join the meeting using a phone rather than a headset and microphone.
• It is a great option for attendees who are traveling and don't have internet or computer access.

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Select and test your audio device

Before using Skype for Business to make a call or join a meeting, select your audio device and check the quality. You can use your computer’s mic and speakers or plug in a headset.

1. Plug in your headset (optional).
2. Click Select Primary Device in the lower-left corner of Skype for Business, then click Audio Device Settings.
   
3. Pick your device from the Audio Device menu, and adjust the speaker and microphone volume, as needed.
   
4. Select Check Call Quality to record a message and hear it played back.

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Call one person

TIP: It’s always best to send an instant message and ask the person if they are available to talk using Skype for Business before initiating a call. They may need a minute to connect their audio device.

1. Initiate an instant message and ask if the person is available to talk. 
2. Add voice by selecting the telephone icon .

Or, to start with a voice call: 

1. Pause on a contact’s presence icon (square with color) anywhere it appears.
2. Select the phone icon from the shortcut menu.
   
    

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Call more than one person

You can start a conference call with multiple contacts who use Skype for Business using two methods:

• If they are in the same group. Right-click on the gray bar with the name of the group and select Start a Conference Call and then select Skype Call.
  
• Hold down the Ctrl key and select multiple contacts or hold down the Shift key and select a series of contacts. Right-click and select Start a Conference Call and then select Skype Call.

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Answer a conference call invitation

When someone calls you, an alert pops up on your screen.

• To answer the call, click anywhere in the blue area.
  
• To reject the call, click Ignore.
• To start an instant messaging (IM) conversation with the caller instead of an audio call, click Options, and then Reply by IM.
• To reject the call and other calls, until you change your status click Options, and then Set to Do not Disturb.

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Invite others to an ongoing call

1. In the conversation window, point to the Invite More People button, and then click the Invite More People. 
    
2. Type the name(s) of the contact(s) you'd like to add or select the contact(s) from the list, and then click OK.

Your new invitees will receive a request to join your call. 

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Add voice to an IM conversation

In the conversation window, select the phone icon .

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Manage call features (mute, call hold, end call)

• To put the call on hold, click the Hold button .
• To mute your audio, click Microphone button or use the mute button on the cord of your headset. It will appear with a line through it when it is muted .
• If call transferring is available for your account, click the Transfer button , and select the number you want.
• To hang up, click the red phone button in the conversation window. This will only hand up the voice and/or video portion of the call.
• To close the conversation completely, close the conversation window by selecting the grey X.

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Request a conference call number

To view the conference call number and meeting URL:

1. Click the additional options button  in the bottom right corner of the meeting window.
2. Select Meeting Entry Info.

You should now see the Conference Number and ID, as well as the Meeting Link and Organizer.