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These twelve ideas are key for running effective meetings. Effective
meetings are necessary for healthy organization function.
1. Always distribute an agenda.
An agenda keeps a meeting on the beam. Try to distribute the agenda prior
to meeting to allow others to think about topics or add others.
2. State your meeting’s purpose.
Informing your team of your purpose helps them concentrate on what the meeting
is to accomplish.
3. Keep the meeting moving.
Interest lags when action lags.
4. Speak clearly.
If you can’t be heard, you can’t exercise control.
5. Avoid side conversation.
When nobody can be heard, nothing can be accomplished.
6. Keep the speaker talking clearly and audibly.
Ask speakers to repeat themselves if the entire group did not understand them.
7. Clarify statements.
Sum up what the speaker has said and obtain a decision.
8. Stop aimless discussion.
Submit the matter to further study by a committee, which you appoint.
9. Don’t argue with the speaker.
Ask questions if you disagree. Chairpersons are supposed to be neutral.
10. Don’t squelch a troublemaker.
Let the meeting pass judgment not only on the issue but on the conduct of
individual members.
11. Be aware of the participants’ comfort.
Your meeting can accomplish more if all the members have all their physical
needs attended to.
12. Use parliamentary procedure.
Parliamentary procedure experience is invaluable for professional applications.
It takes some getting used to, but it’s definitely worth the effort!