What Is The Point Of That Meeting? 5 Tricks To Leading Meetings That Matter

The blowhards choose to talk on and on and zip really is completed. Does this refer to your meetings? Yikes!

You will get a little bit of training and turn into a great Professional Facilitator for your meetings, but in the mean time, here are some tips to help your team become more energetic, creative and fruitful.

Five Secrets and techniques To Change A Meeting From Dreary To Dynamic

1. Make Individuals Truly feel Welcome And Required

Does everybody in the room know each other's name and job? Does everyone know why he or she is present? With a sense of purpose and a knowledge of expectations the meeting participation will improve. Yet another thing, let some individuals leave if they are only needed for part of the meeting! (They will appreciate you)!

2. The Meetings Purpose And Process Should be Clear

Ask yourself, "What is the point of this meeting?" and be specific in your answer. Are you holding this meeting to get feedback? Or do you need to generate new ideas? Are you evaluating options? Making recommendations? Reaching a decision? If all you want to do is give out information, don't have a meeting - send a memo.

3. Remain Agenda Focused (And Have An Agenda)

Be clear about the agenda items for the meeting in advance. Be realistic about the time it takes to discuss and decide on key issues. Don't put all the "heavy" issues at the end and don't rush through important conversations. No "chasing rabbits" and getting off-topic; table incidental issues for another time.

4. Ask A Participant To Be Note Taker

Meeting records are extremely important. Otherwise, be ready to repeat most everything at next week's meeting! Distribute the minutes within 24-hours. Always include an evaluation in the agenda. The evaluation is critical agenda component and usually completely absent. Also, document who attended, what was discussed and decisions made. Make certain absent people receive and review a copy, too.

5. Prior To Close, Review Decisions And Commitments

Do not leave the meeting without restating all commitments - time, money and resources. Clarify those commitments. Refer to the meeting notes #4 later if disputes come up. Do not assume everyone is on board without confirming.

Continue your education beyond these guidelines with formal training such as the 3-day intensive workshop, Leading Effective Meetings. Gain a certificate in Professional Meeting Facilitation. Most importantly, become (more of) an instrument of positive change in your workplace and in your life.

Leading Effective Meetings is a revolutionary 3-day certificate program in Professional Meeting Facilitation. The workshop is led by Beatrice Briggs, director of the International Institute for Facilitation and change. (Workshop requires no previous facilitation experience)

Tags: public speaking and listening, importance of public speaking, public speaking debate activity, public speaking examples, public speaking tips, public speaking videos