by Donald R. Clark
abstract prepared by Hugh Fisher

Clark offers a set of general suggestions for every aspect of planning and executing a business meeting, from scheduling times and places and choosing who will take the minutes, to laying out a concise agenda (and sticking to it), and, after the meeting, following up on the items discussed.

Clark emphasizes prior planning to make sure that meetings are targeted and effective, with an emphasis on making sure that attendees get the most out of the experience. He stresses the importance of clear communication with participants: give a realistic idea of how long the meeting will last and what topics will be covered; try to hold the meeting in a good atmosphere, with refreshments if possible. Visual aids and clear agendas are very helpful; they will underscore a meeting’s primary points, help keep speakers focused, and may keep people’s attention from wandering. Additionally, he suggests types of questions to focus on in discussion in order to make the most of the gathering.

This page is a good summary reference for managers and approaches the subject of business meetings with a view of how to make them not only informative but enjoyable and fulfilling for those who attend.

http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/leadmet.html