Managing Meetings
Duration
1 day
Course Introduction
The running of successful meetings is a vital business activity however all too often meetings are poorly structured and have no clear purpose or outcome in mind. All too often meetings can drift and end up with no action taken as a result of the meeting.
The aim of this highly intensive one day training course is designed to address all aspects which may inhibit the successful running of meetings, both informal and formal, internal and external. Delegates will learn how to plan, structure and run effective meetings including ensuring everyone involved in the meeting is properly prepared.
This course will ensure that a common standard is agreed for running meetings and that this best practice approach is adhered to. Delegates will have lots of opportunities to practise leading and participating in effective meetings.
Who is this course for?
Anyone who wants to get the most out of their meetings and ensure time is used appropriately.
Outcomes
Delegates attending this course will:
- Be able to plan for and structure any meeting
- Make know how to make the best possible use of the time available for the meeting
- Understand how to prepare every participants in advance of the meeting
- Be able to use a wide range of communication skills within a meeting
- Understand non-verbal communication in meetings
- Ensure that agendas are kept to at all times
- Be able to identify what can go wrong in meetings and what to do about it
Programme Outline
1. The purpose of meetings
- Why do we hold meetings?
- The one overriding reason for all meetings
- Understanding the exact purpose of the meeting before it is called
2. Preparing for the meeting
- Setting objectives and desired outcomes for every meeting
- Preparing yourself and preparing participants
- Preparing and circulating the agenda prior to the meeting
- What else might we need to prepare?
- Collecting all relevant information prior to the meeting
3. Handling Different types of meeting
- Internal and external meetings
- Formal and Informal
- Structuring the impromptu meetings
- Face-to-face meeting or remote meetings
4. Leading Meetings
- The responsibilities of a meeting leader
- Setting the tone and creating the right atmosphere for the meeting
- Controlling the participants
- Involving everyone in the meeting
- Working with the minute taker
5. Communication within meetings
- Presentation essentials
- Making sure that attention is kept at all times
- Understanding non-verbal communication
- Using key interpersonal skills throughout
6. Handling the participants
- Involving every participant where appropriate
- Intervening to quell side conversations or irrelevant discussion
- Maintaining control of the meeting at all times
- Dealing with challenging participants and situations
7. Closing the meeting effectively
- Making decisions
- Summarising the meeting
- Preventing the meeting from carrying on longer than necessary
- Focus on the future
- Effective meeting follow-up – commitment to action and circulation of minutes