We’ve all been there – waiting on conference calls for everyone to get on the call. And someone shares something inappropriate thinking just his or her friends are listening.

And then a voice comes over the speaker “I’m here.” And the “I can hear crickets” silence while everyone gulps.

The conference call is the not the time or place to share the wild details of your bachelor party in Vegas from last weekend or your escapades on Bourbon Street. You never know who is just “lurking” silently waiting for the meeting to start.

As soon as you dial into the conference line, assume the call is live and that everyone who has the passcode can hear you.

Because they can.