Topics Map > Communication and Collaboration > Lync / Skype for Business

Skype for Business, Start an impromptu Skype for Business Meeting

With Skype for Business you can start working with people on a subject that requires immediate attention without having to schedule a meeting in advance. Quickly start an ad hoc meeting by calling, sending an instant message, or sharing your screen, a program, or file with more than one contact.

Start a conference call

Start a Skype for Business conference call to have a quick, impromptu meeting with your co-workers. Make sure your contacts are available by checking their presence status first. Then:

1. In your Contacts list, hold down the Ctrl key, and click the names of your contacts to select them.

2. Right-click the selection, and click Start a Conference Call.

3. Click Skype Call.

Your contacts then receive a notification and can accept or decline your request for the conference call.

Tip    To make it a video call, either select Start a Video Call when starting the call or add video during the meeting by clicking the video icon in the meeting window.

Start a group IM conversation

Start a group instant messaging (IM) conversation by selecting multiple contacts or a contact group from your Contacts list.

1. In your Contacts list, hold down the Ctrl key, and click each contact that you want to invite.

2. Right-click the selection, and then click Send an IM.

3. Type your message, and then press Enter on your keyboard.

Or, turn an IM conversation that you’re having with one person into a group IM conversation, by clicking the Invite More People button at the top right side of the conversation window.

Tip    Add audio, video, or both to an IM conversation by clicking the phone and / or video icon below the text input area.

Add sharing

Quickly start sharing your screen with someone from within a conference call or group IM.

1. In the conversation window, click the Share Content (monitor) button, and then click one of the following:

2. Share your Desktop to show the entire content of your desktop.

3. Share a Window, and then double-click the program you want.

A sharing toolbar appears at the top of the screen and you'll be notified that you’re sharing.

• When you’re done, click Stop Sharing on the toolbar.

Share PowerPoint slides

Mac Users: You can not upload a PowerPoint file into an online meeting using Skype for Business Mac 2016. However, you can share a PowerPoint presentation by sharing your screen; or participate in a PowerPoint Presentation meeting that has been initiated from a Windows-based computer; and, if needed, you can take over as the presenter of the meeting.

1. In the conversation window, point to the present (monitor) button.

2. Click the Share Content button, then click Present PowerPoint Files, and upload the file.

3. To move the slides, click Thumbnails, and click the slide you want to show, or use the arrows at the bottom of the meeting room.

   • You can also do any of the following:

   • To see your presenter notes, click Notes.

   • To use annotations, click the Annotations button on the upper-right side of the slide to open the toolbar, and use highlights, stamps, laser pointer, and so on.

Send a file

Use the file transfer option to send files during a Skype for Business conversation.

• Drag the file from your computer, and drop it onto the conversation window.

  Skype for Business notifies the recipients that a file is being sent, and they can accept or decline. If the transfer is accepted, the file starts downloading on each recipient’s computer.

You can also send a file to contacts you’re not currently in a conversation with.

1. In your Contacts list, use the Ctrl key to select the contacts you want to send the file to.

2. Drag the file onto the selection.

Skype for Business sends a notification to the recipient to accept or decline the file transfer.